Depression is a common and treatable illness.
Feeling depressed is not the same as feeling sad. Depression disrupts a person’s ability to function as they would normally. Someone who feels depressed may feel as though it takes a super-human effort to perform normal tasks, or that things that used to give them joy are no longer enjoyable.
To understand how it can feel to live with depression watch this video ‘I Had a Black Dog’.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?
- a low or negative mood, ranging from sadness to feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- low energy / feeling exhausted / low motivation
- loss of pleasure, being unable to enjoy usual activities
- problems with decision-making, memory, or concentration
- being easily irritated
- withdrawal from social situations, or from people close to you
- bouts of crying or wanting to cry but not being able to
- sleep disturbance; insomnia, broken sleep or sleeping longer
- loss of appetite or eating more [weight loss or gain]
- pain, nausea / physical symptoms without a medical cause
- agitation (restlessness)
- slow or faltering speech / slow deliberate movement
- thoughts of death or suicide
WHEN TO SEEK HELP FROM YOUR DOCTOR
Please see your doctor if you feel depressed and have previously been diagnosed with a mental health issue, or if you experience:
- 3 or more symptoms of depression at the same time, for more than 2 weeks
- visual/auditory hallucinations, or memory loss
- feelings of depression during pregnancy, after the birth of a child, or associated with menstruation
- a feeling of extreme happiness / high energy after a period of feeling very low
Please also see your doctor if you want to discuss whether medication can help your depression, if you are on medication for depression and you experience side-effects, or if want to stop taking medication for depression.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF DEPRESSION?
Most depressive episodes are preceded by stressful life events, trauma, or a loss such as:
- the ending of an important relationship
- abuse (sexual, physical or emotional, past or present)
- traumatic or difficult experiences in childhood
- a major illness / caring for someone who is very ill
- losing a job
- the death of a loved one
Other possible causes or contributing factors include:
- hormonal imbalances (due to menopause or illness)
- a drop in natural levels of dopamine/serotonin/norepinephrine
- the use of drugs or alcohol
- a change in seasons (winter)
You may be more vulnerable to depressive episodes if you have family members who suffer from depression.
If you would like more about the biology of depression and the brain watch this:
HOW CAN DEPRESSION BE ADDRESSED IN COUNSELLING?
Counselling can help you recover from a depressive episode and reduce the likelihood of a future recurrence of depression. If you are suffering from depression a counsellor can help you:
- alleviate the feelings of depression
- recognize, evaluate and respond to negative thoughts
- feel more positive
- regain areas of daily functioning that you may feel you have lost
- build healthy coping strategies
- develop problem-solving skills
Here is a great video in which Lucy describes her experience with counselling, and how it helped her with depression.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING RECURRING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE
Please call the Samaritans of Singapore for support: