Depression Counselling and Psychotherapy In Singapore

By Carol Goh | Last updated on 23 March, 2023

Depression is a mood disorder that affects an individual’s emotions and thoughts. It can result in long-term persistent unhappiness or lack of interest in life. Those who suffer from depressive disorders are often overwhelmed with feelings of guilt, sadness and hopelessness, which may affect their day-to-day lives.

A common misconception is that depression is a cause. In actuality, “depression” is a label used to describe a group of symptoms. Some common causes include abuse, family issues (divorce, parents fighting etc), having been bullied or ostracised, failure to meet expectations (that are often unrealistic), and other past traumas.
 
Additionally, grief can also lead to depression – in fact, it is the fourth stage of grief, after denial, anger and bargaining. This is characterised by the lowest point in the grief process as the reality of loss sinks in. Often likened to the start of an endless tunnel, it is recommended that one seeks the help of grief counselling or depression counselling in Singapore.
 
It is also worth noting that depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Rather, it is a response to abnormal life experiences. The idea that it is an expression of anger that is internalised or directed on oneself has been a cornerstone of our understanding of depression since the Freudian era. Studies have found that individuals who are depressed often engage in self-criticism and blame to the point of self-hatred and disgust.

Symptoms of depression

Below is a list of common symptoms experienced by a person suffering from depression:

• Can’t seem to get out of helplessness
• Feel like being a burden to friends who can’t help
• Cannot perform well in work or studies
• Frequent loss of sleep and appetite
• At risk of failing in studies
• At risk of breaking up in relationships due to unstable emotions
• At risk of being fired at work
• Tired of self-criticism and self-condemnation
• Having constant suicidal thoughts

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like to seek professional help for your condition, you can booking a consultation with us at Emotional Wellness Counselling Singapore.

Make an appointment now with our counsellor

For urgent assistance, please WhatsApp our counsellor and therapist, Ms Carol Goh, at +65 98324947 for an appointment in Singapore. 

Causes of depression

The main causes of depression are often related to the challenges in life that you are likely to face. They could include the fear of not meeting targets and expectations of parents, spouse, or employers. Experiencing failures in life due to relationship breakups, poor academic results, loss of loved one, or job can also make you feel depressed.

Common types of depression

There are a few common types of depression that can affect an individual in various ways. No matter what type of depression you may be suffering from, counselling and therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat depression.

Major depressive disorder

Often referred to as clinical depression, this type of disorder is a common condition characterised by an all-consuming negative mood and a loss of interest in activities, even those that were usually enjoyable.

Those suffering from major depressive disorders typically experience symptoms almost daily. Some of these symptoms can include:

• Lack of energy
• Fatigue and issues with sleep (difficult sleeping or sleeping excessively)
• Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Persistent depressive disorder

This type of disorder is usually referred to as dysthymia or chronic depression. It typically lasts for at least two to three years, and it can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Individuals with persistent depressive disorder might experience brief periods of feeling a relief of symptoms. While these symptoms may not feel as intense as those who suffer from major depressive disorders, they are prevalent and long-lasting. They can still strain relationships and make daily tasks challenging for an individual. Some may also suffer from double depression, which is experiencing episodes of major depressive disorders before or whilst suffering from persistent depressive disorders.

Common symptoms of persistent depressive disorder are:

• Anger and irritability
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Social withdrawal
• Lack of energy

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression is a mood disorder characterised by moments of unusually heightened moods known as mania. Grandiose ideas, excessively high levels of euphoria, hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep are all symptoms of mania. Mania episodes can be mild, known as hypomania, or so extreme that they can cause delusions and even hallucinations. Delusions are mistaken beliefs that typically does not make sense. An example of hallucinations are hearing voices or seeing things that are not present. To someone experiencing mania, all these can feel very realistic.

Mania is often accompanied by major depressive episodes. Individuals suffering from bipolar disorders may experience feelings of overwhelming sadness and hopelessness before or after the manic episode. 

Situational depression

Unlike major depressive disorders and persistent depressive disorders, situational depression is a short-term type of depression. Also known as reactive depression, it often develops when an individual experiences a traumatic or stressful event which makes it difficult for them to adjust their daily lives following the event.

Situational depression can be triggered by traumatic events such as:

• The loss of a loved one
• Going through a divorce
• Facing unemployment or financial difficulties
• Being in abusive (physical or emotional) relationships
• Bullying in schools

It is natural to feel negative emotions during such occurrences. Situation depression, on the other hand, occurs when these feelings begin to feel out of proportion and affects your day-to-day life. Symptoms typically tend to start within 2 to 3 months of the event, and these symptoms can include:

• Frequent crying
• Anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue and issues with sleep (difficult sleeping or sleeping excessively)
• Difficulty concentrating

Depression Counselling and Therapy

Here at Emotional Wellness, we offer counselling services in Singapore to help individuals in their battle against depression. Finding out the root cause of your depression through consultation is an essential first step in treatment. Getting help from a professional psychotherapist in Singapore allows you to voice out your struggles and concerns in a safe and comfortable environment.

Through specialised psychotherapy techniques, you would be able to discover, address and resolve past hurts that you might not have been aware of.

As part of your treatment for depression, we will utilise a range of counselling and psychotherapy techniques, depending on your specific issues. Some of these techniques used include:

• Gestalt
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Schema therapy
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

It is never too late to obtain help for your depression. Our certified psychotherapist has over 18 years of experience under her belt, and can help you overcome your condition, no matter what type of depression you are struggling with. Book a consultation with us and begin your recovery journey today. 

Our clients’ healing journeys

Below are some of our clients’ personal experiences on how Emotional Wellness' depression counselling and therapy sessions have helped with their various types of depression.

“I first started having panic attacks at ten years old, I would just be running or looking for something and have a panic attack. Having lost a close friend during the holiday, I was having really bad panic attacks and insomnia. I could not sleep and I did not have any appetite. When it was looking like I was going downhill because of my friend's passing, I decided to go for therapy to seek help. That is when I met Ms Carol. From weekly sessions of one hour, Ms Carol has encouraged as well as tried different methods of overcoming my panic attacks such as visualisation. Because of therapy, the different methods used during therapy, the encouragements and the support, I have not had a panic attack in a long while. Thank you for all the visualising methods! I went for 4 interviews and did not blank out or stutter or have a panic attack! Thank you!”

Female young adult, 20s

“My first concern when I started counselling was that I had to admit I had a real problem which I couldn’t solve myself. I needed real help. I knew since a young age I had suffered from panic attacks and anxiety. But it had boiled out of control and I ended up almost having a panic attack on the MRT and then couldn’t bring myself to go back on it again. I was not able to cope with living by myself and was miserable with the way I was living. So I had to go to therapy as this is a big problem which I couldn’t fix myself. During my first session I was nervous and cried as I had a lot to share and was desperate for change. It wasn’t a quick fix but every session I felt better and better learning techniques to get through panic attacks. I then practised going on the train for one or two stops and eventually I did it. I was able to take the train! I was also able to be alone at home with my parents away for periods of times overseas. I wouldn’t be able to do it without the support and guidance of therapy using EMDR and Schema therapy to provide therapeutic solutions to my problems!”

Female teenager in tertiary education

“I used to get anxious very easily. Through therapy I got to feel my emotions that were blocked off, which was relieving. I've now understood that negative beliefs from past experiences aren't true and hence, felt more confident in life.”

Male teenager in tertiary education

“Previously, when I first met you (Carol), I was not feeling very confident as I was always scared of failure. Now, I have accepted that failure is part of learning, and that I have to fail sometimes in order to move forward stronger. I used to be very anxious and stressed out about my grades. However, after we met, I realised that it didn’t really matter. What matters is that I have put in my best effort that I can, and that I cannot control the final result. It is important that I did my best, and that I cannot control external factors as we had discussed. I have thus been more carefree during lessons and more confident of my own abilities.

Male teenager in tertiary education

“I always knew the unresolved issues from my past hadn’t been addressed properly and I didn’t heal well. The effect of some incidents changes you and the memories continue to linger even as you grow up, something stopping you from growing into a stronger and mentally healthy individual. I was suffering from an unstable emotional state, before I met Ms Carol. Seeking therapy was the only help I could get, over the course of time the exercises and weekly sessions progressed. I couldn’t feel the positive impact immediately, but over time it did make me reach a better rather healthy emotional state of being. I could be more in control of my feelings and thoughts and had a deeper connection with my abused emotions that I now respect greatly. Over the course of time you realise talking to a professional to seek help on understanding some issues will change your negative perspective and bring you to a better place of understanding for the future events to come. I was overwhelmed easily by little things to the point of having anxiety. I can deal with it better now and has the mental strength to face it. I can come to terms with my feelings and at peace internally to grow.”

Female young adult

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