By Carol Goh
What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that affects emotions, thinking, and daily functioning. People often feel persistent unhappiness, loss of interest, guilt, sadness, and hopelessness that interfere with work, school, and relationships.
A common misconception is that “depression is the cause.” In practice, depression is a label for a cluster of symptoms with multiple contributors—such as abuse, family conflict, bullying/ostracism, unmet or unrealistic expectations, and past traumas.
Grief can also lead to depression. In many grief models, depression follows denial, anger, and bargaining—often the lowest point as loss settles in. Grief or depression counselling can help you move through this safely and meaningfully.
Many people with depression struggle with self-criticism and self-blame, sometimes to the point of self-disgust. Therapy helps loosen these patterns and rebuild a kinder inner voice. See our overview: Psychotherapy in Singapore.
Symptoms of depression
Common signs include:
- A sense of helplessness you can’t shake
- Feeling like a burden to friends
- Struggling to perform at work or school
- Sleep and appetite changes
- Risk of failing in studies or losing a job
- Relationship strain from unstable emotions
- Exhaustion with self-criticism and self-condemnation
- Suicidal thoughts
If you’re in immediate danger, please seek emergency help right away.
Causes of depression
Life challenges frequently play a role—fear of not meeting expectations (parents, spouse, employers), relationship breakups, poor results at school, job loss, or bereavement. These experiences can combine with deep beliefs like “I’m not good enough” to drive the cycle. Schema-level patterns are addressed in Schema Therapy.
Common types of depression
No matter the type, counselling and psychotherapy are effective pathways to recovery.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Also called clinical depression, MDD involves near-daily symptoms such as:
- Low energy, fatigue, sleep disturbance
- Loss of interest/pleasure (anhedonia)
- Appetite/weight changes
- Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Also known as dysthymia or chronic depression, typically lasting 2–3+ years (mild to severe). Symptoms may be less intense than MDD but are long-lasting and impairing.
Common features:
- Irritability/anger, low self-esteem
- Concentration or memory difficulties
- Social withdrawal, low energy
- Some experience “double depression” (MDD episodes on top of PDD)
When irritability or anger is prominent, see: Anger Management Counselling.
Bipolar Disorder
A mood disorder with episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression.
Mania/hypomania may involve: elevated/irritable mood, grandiosity, reduced sleep need, hyperactivity, racing thoughts; in severe mania, delusions or hallucinations can occur. Depressive episodes bring overwhelming sadness and hopelessness before/after mania.
Situational Depression
Also called reactive depression, this is a short-term depression that develops after a major stressor or trauma (bereavement, divorce, job loss/financial strain, abuse, bullying). Symptoms typically begin within 2–3 months:
- Frequent crying, anxiety, social withdrawal
- Appetite/sleep changes
- Difficulty concentrating, low energy
Depression counselling and therapy
If these symptoms resonate, professional help can make the difference. You can
WhatsApp us for urgent scheduling, contact us with questions, or book an appointment.
At Emotional Wellness Counselling, our certified psychotherapist (18+ years’ experience) tailors treatment to your history and goals. We focus on uncovering root causes and changing the patterns that keep you stuck, using evidence-based methods such as:
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) — reprocesses disturbing memories and reduces trigger reactivity. Learn more: EMDR.
- Schema Therapy — shifts deep-seated “I’m not good enough” beliefs through experiential work. See: Schema Therapy.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) — targets thinking–behaviour loops to relieve symptoms (overview: Psychotherapy).
- Gestalt Therapy (e.g., empty-chair dialogues) — helps resolve unfinished emotional business (overview: Psychotherapy).
- Adjuncts like Bibliotherapy can reinforce insights between sessions: Bibliotherapy.
For whole-person change, clients may also benefit from our five-stage self-mastery pathway: The RENEW Program.
Related reading
- Psychotherapy in Singapore: Approaches, Benefits, and How It Works
- EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
- Schema Therapy: Healing Deep, Long-Standing Patterns
- Youth Counselling in Singapore for Teens
- Anger Management Counselling & Therapy
- Bibliotherapy: How Reading Supports Healing and Growth
The information in this article is for educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
