Understanding Depression
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental disorder characterised by prolonged periods of sadness or a marked disinterest in daily activities. Unlike ordinary mood fluctuations, depression deeply impacts social relationships and professional life, often stemming from significant stress like relationship difficulties, financial strain, occupational issues, or trauma. Approximately 5.8% of the population in Singapore suffers from depression, according to research published by Singapore General Hospital in 2023. Additionally, about 15% of Singapore youth exhibited symptoms of depression, highlighted by The Straits Times in 2024. Individuals of all ages, genders, social, economic, or cultural backgrounds can be affected, highlighting its far-reaching impact across all walks of life.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
If you consistently encounter the following symptoms throughout most days, you may have depression:
• Constant feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
• Extreme tiredness and low energy levels
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Reckless behaviour
• Isolating from family and friends
• Increased irritability and agitation
• Appetite or weight changes
• Irregular sleep, with patterns of either prolonged or reduced sleep.
• A pervasive sense of despair or negative outlook
• Frequent thoughts of death or self-harm
• Persistent feelings of guilt, helplessness, or worthlessness
• Challenges with focus and decision-making
• Persistent physical aches without clear causes
Do note that depression manifests differently in each person. Not everyone will show all the symptoms, and their severity can vary widely. If you notice any persistent symptoms, embracing therapy or counselling for depression can be a courageous step towards regaining your balance and well-being.
Types of Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
MDD is a form of depression marked by persistent symptoms, such as sleep issues, appetite changes, and sadness, that lasts for at least two weeks. Depression counselling can help manage these challenges, offering guidance to improve daily life and support a path toward emotional well-being.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, is a long-term form of depression where symptoms last for at least two years. Though symptoms are less severe, they can still influence one’s mood, outlook, and daily functionality.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder occurs at specific times each year, beginning and ending around the same periods annually. It is influenced by changes in environmental factors, such as reduced natural light exposure, which can disrupt sleep patterns, mood, and energy levels.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
This type of depression can arise within the first year after childbirth, affecting a parent’s ability to care for themselves and their baby. This may occur due to hormonal changes and the social and psychological adjustments of parenthood. Counselling can offer valuable support, helping parents manage these challenges and regain emotional balance during this journey.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic Depression is a severe type of depression that involves episodes of psychosis, such as false beliefs or hearing and seeing things that others do not. The exact causes of Psychotic Depression are not fully understood, but factors may include a combination of genetic predisposition, biochemical imbalances, and significant life stressors or trauma.
Some individuals with PTSD are also diagnosed with psychotic depression, making therapy for PTSD and trauma another beneficial option to help address underlying issues.
What is Depression Therapy?
Depression therapy encompasses a range of psychological strategies aimed at understanding and managing the symptoms of depression. This form of therapy not only addresses the immediate challenges associated with mood disorders but also equips you with enduring strategies to handle life's adversities. By engaging in depression therapy, you learn to identify and modify troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviour patterns, fostering lasting personal growth and resilience. Our therapists employ various modalities, each tailored to your individual requirements, helping you navigate your path to recovery and prevent future episodes.
How Depression Therapy Works
Depression therapy is a structured process designed to help you understand and manage your emotional experiences. An initial consultation is usually the first step, where we listen to understand your needs and concerns. From there, we move forward with a series of steps tailored to foster recovery and growth:
Initial Consultation
During your first visit, we focus on understanding your unique experiences and feelings. This session is about building trust and setting the foundation for our work together. It's a time for you to share your story in a safe and supportive environment.
Goal Setting
We'll collaborate to establish clear and attainable goals.This step involves collaborating to identify what you hope to accomplish through our sessions, ensuring that the therapy aligns with your personal aspirations and leads to meaningful changes in your life.
Ongoing Sessions
As we proceed, each session builds on the last, using various therapeutic techniques to help you develop healthier thought patterns and coping strategies. These sessions are crucial for making sustained progress and are adapted continuously to reflect your growth and changing needs.
Follow-Up
Consistent follow-up appointments are designed to support you as you apply new skills in everyday life. These check-ins help reinforce your learning and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
Seeking Help to Manage Depression
Identifying signs of depression, such as ongoing sadness, loss of interest, or energy, is a pivotal first step toward self-awareness and recovery. If these symptoms persist, it's crucial to seek professional help through therapy or counselling. These interventions offer more than just relief; they provide a pathway to understand the underlying causes of your feelings and learn coping mechanisms that strengthen your mental resilience.
Depression Therapy
Depression therapy involves a deep exploration of the emotional and cognitive factors contributing to depression. It aims for long-term changes by addressing the underlying causes and manifestations of your emotional distress. Through this process, therapists guide you in developing insights and strategies that foster personal transformation, enhancing your mental health and overall life quality.
Depression Counselling
Depression counselling offers immediate support to manage specific issues and life stresses that contribute to your depressive state. It focuses on equipping you with practical skills and strategies for problem-solving and coping. Typically shorter in duration, counselling sessions aim to stabilise your emotions and provide you with tools to handle life transitions and daily stress more effectively, promoting quicker adjustments and recovery.
Our Therapists & Counsellors
At Care Alliance Counselling, we help clients navigate the complexities of depression using evidence-based psychotherapies and counselling approaches. Our team of certified trauma psychotherapists, adept in trauma-informed care, tailors each intervention plan to the individual’s needs, addressing the root causes of depression. This personalised approach helps clients dismantle negative thought patterns and better manage their emotions, paving the way for sustainable emotional health.
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What Our Clients Say
I have been consulting with Grace from Care Alliance for a few months now. I have seen a huge improvement in my ability to handle difficult situations. What I really like about Grace is that she does not give textbook solutions and explains each strategy that she teaches me including how it is going to help me. She listens to me and gives me tailored methods to deal with my issues. I am now in a very positive situation and able to analyze my issues and deal with it in very specific ways that are very effective. The one thing that she told me resonates with me, she said that I should learn to have empathy for myself, which I did not even think about or know about.
Thank you Grace
Lily is by far one the better counsellors I have met so far. She’s empathetic, listens actively and shows understanding in the issues I’m facing. It can be hard to counsel me, or even try different modalities on me, but Lily takes time to explain to me the different modalities used and challenge some of my fixated ideas. I’m very glad to have her as my therapist 🫶🏽 I’m making progress good progress so far, so yeah highly recommend her service. Thank you Lily!
Grace has been a joy to work with. I used to think that therapy would be daunting, but with Grace's expertise and guidance, the healing journey has rewarding one.
Thank you for helping me learn more about myself in the process while undoing my past baggages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for Depression
How long will therapy take?
The duration of therapy for depression varies significantly among individuals, as it depends on the specific needs and progress of each person. Our approach is to tailor the therapy length to best support your unique journey towards emotional well-being.
What should I expect during my first session?
Your first therapy session is an opportunity for you and your therapist to establish a connection. It's a time to discuss your current challenges and goals for therapy. The session will be guided by empathy and respect, focusing on creating a safe and supportive space where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. You’ll be encouraged to speak openly, and together, we’ll begin to map out your path forward.
Is therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage for therapy sessions varies by insurance provider and plan. While outpatient therapy, including counselling and psychotherapy, may not be universally covered, many insurance plans do include mental health benefits. These often cover a portion of the cost of therapy sessions. Additionally, employers may offer plans that support mental health as part of employee wellness initiatives.
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Related Counselling Services
Anxiety Therapy
& Counselling
We provide thoughtful and supportive counselling and psychotherapy for anxiety. Our counsellors use a compassionate approach to help you understand your anxiety, offering strategies to manage it effectively, fostering confidence and calm in your daily life.
Stress Management Counselling
Manage stress with our targeted stress management counselling. Learn effective stress management techniques in a supportive environment. Our counsellors work with you to develop personalised strategies that enhance your ability to manage stress healthily and productively.
Therapy & Counselling for PTSD
Address and work through traumatic experiences with our PTSD counselling sessions. We focus on providing a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, fostering resilience and a sense of stability.