Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is tragically responsible for suicides.
Depression is a treatable psychological disorder. Depression can affect anyone – children, adults and the elderly in both men and women.
About Depression:
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is tragically responsible for suicides.
Depression is a treatable psychological disorder. Depression can affect anyone – children, adults and the elderly in both men and women.
Cause:
The causes of depression include biological factors such as abnormalities in neurotransmitters in the brain and personality factors such as chronic low self-esteem and negative thinking habits.
Stressful life events such as a relationship break-up and loss of job can also trigger depression.
Symptoms
Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms including extreme and prolonged sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, low energy and self worth, feelings of guilt, disturbed sleep or appetite and poor concentration.
Though many of these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows, depression is more than just sadness. It can have lingering effect interfering with the ability to work, sleep, study and relationship. The feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, worthlessness can be intense and unrelenting.
The more symptoms one has, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is that they are dealing with depression.
When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that’s when it’s time to seek help.
Treatment:
People with depression cannot ‘just snap out of it’. A combination of medication and psychological treatments is most effective to treat depression.
Our psychologist will evaluate symptoms of depression and provide psychotherapy to mitigate low mood and help change negative thinking patterns.
We use an integrative approach and facilitate behaviour change through a combination of styles including CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy), behaviour modification and psychodynamic therapy.
Other Help:
If you have suicidal thoughts or an urge to act on them, please talk to your medical practitioner or mental health professional immediately.
You can call the local suicide hotline at anytime of the day or night at Samaritans of Singapore, 1800 221 4444.
Remember that these feelings will pass and help is available.