Negative emotions, such as sadness, disappointment and despair, are not unfamiliar feelings to most people. These feelings are unpleasant when we are experiencing them, but usually do not last long. When people face painful, but common life events such as grief and loss, it is normal and even natural for one to feel sad.
However, depression is more than just feeling sad. It is characterised by a pervasive low mood that lasts for a long time, which is not influenced by external events. Some people describe depression as a suffocating grey cloud that follows wherever one goes.
Depression can have a debilitating effect on those who experience it. Individuals lose interest in their lives and find it hard to engage in activities that they previously enjoyed. This has negative consequences on work or school, marriage and family, and also social relationships. In severe cases, individuals may also harbor suicidal thoughts, and may sometimes act on it.
According to the World Health Organisation, 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In Singapore, depression is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder, and affects 6.9% of the adult population in their lifetime.
If you’re struggling with depression, you’re not alone. At Sofia Wellness Clinic, we’re committed to helping you regain control and improve your emotional well-being. Take the first step toward healing and begin your journey to a brighter, healthier future.
Signs of Clinical Depression in Singapore
Individuals who have clinical depression experience depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities every day for more than two weeks.
In addition, they also experience at least 5 out of these 9 specific depression symptoms nearly every day
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Decreased interest or pleasure in most activities, most of the day
- Difficulty in thinking, concentrating, and making decisions
- Fatigue, or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt
- Changes in sleeping patterns: Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Changes in activity levels
- Significant weight change, or changes in appetite
- Thoughts of death or suicide
*Children and adolescents may exhibit irritability instead of a low mood.
Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe, and recognising them is the first step toward healing. If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms, you can take our Depression Severity Measure below to help determine if you could benefit from treatment. Taking action and seeking the right support is key to breaking free from the cycle of negative emotions.
Our Approach to Depression Counselling in Singapore
We take a compassionate and personalised approach to treating depression. We understand that depression affects each person differently, which is why we tailor our therapy to meet your specific needs. Our goal is to help you understand the underlying causes of your depression, shift negative thought patterns, and develop practical tools for long-term emotional well-being.
01 | Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a key therapeutic approach we use to treat depression. CBT is based on the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. Our therapists will work with you to identify and challenge these unhelpful thoughts, helping you recognise how they contribute to your emotional state. By changing the way you think, CBT empowers you to shift how you feel and respond to situations, helping break the cycle of depression and improve your overall well-being.
02 | Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you navigate the difficult emotions and challenges that come with life’s adversities. Rather than focusing on eliminating negative thoughts, ACT encourages you to accept what you can’t control and commit to actions that lead to positive change. Through mindfulness and acceptance techniques, you will learn to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement, gaining clarity and psychological flexibility.
03 | Emotionally Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can help individuals with depression by addressing the emotional patterns that contribute to feelings of isolation and disconnection. Depression often involves suppressed or unexpressed emotions and EFT helps you identify and process these feelings. Through this approach, you can learn to connect with their emotions more openly, fostering self-compassion and building healthier emotional connections with others. By shifting negative emotional patterns, EFT helps break the cycle of emotional withdrawal, leading to greater resilience, improved relationships and a more positive outlook on life.
04 | Stress Inoculation Training
Stress Inoculation Training (SIT) is a valuable therapeutic approach that helps you build resilience to stress. By preparing you for challenging situations, SIT equips you with coping strategies to manage stress more effectively. This structured therapy empowers you to handle life’s difficulties with greater ease and confidence, making it a powerful complement to depression treatment.
05 | Relaxation Techniques
Practicing relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and guided imagery can be a powerful tool in reducing stress and managing symptoms of depression. These techniques help to calm the mind and body, promote emotional balance, and increase self-awareness. By incorporating mindfulness and meditation, you can create a sense of inner peace and break the cycle of negative thoughts that often accompany depression.
Our Therapists That Can Help With Depression Counselling
Our counsellors hold Master’s degrees in counselling and are trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Learn more about our team and how they can support your healing journey.
Our Depression Counselling Fees
Our individual counselling sessions can be held in person at our office or online for your convenience. Our fees for online counselling are the same as in-person sessions.
| Consultation | Duration | Senior Counsellor | Counsellor | Practicum Counsellor* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Session | 75 min | $250 | $220 | $80 |
| Subsequent Session | 75 min | $250 | $220 | $80 |
| Subsequent Session | 50 min | $200 | $170 | $50 |
| Extension of Session | Per 10 min block | $40 | $35 | -- |
| Out-of-Session Phone Call / Email | Per 10 min block | $40 | $35 | -- |
Tips for Depression Treatment in Singapore
01 | Seek treatment early
Clinical depression is diagnosed when symptoms persist over two weeks. However, most people only seek help after months, or even years of struggling with depression.
Our metabolic system gradually slows down with the lack of activity, which occurs when individuals experience a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and withdrawal from social life. It then becomes even more difficult for an individual to take action after some time.
Seeking treatment early also helps to mitigate the impact that depression has on the different life domains, such as school, work, family, and social relationships.
02 | Do not rely on medication alone
Anti-depressants are useful in delivering time-efficient relief of symptoms by altering chemical imbalances in the brain. This is often useful for individuals with moderate to severe depression, as the relief of symptoms help them function better in their everyday lives. However, medication should not be perceived as a long-term treatment plan.
Medication works best when accompanied by psychotherapy, which involves making lifestyle changes to prevent depression from coming back.
03 | Treatment takes time
Finding the right treatment takes time. As one client aptly describes, the process of recovery is similar to the process of trying to lose weight. Seeking recovery in the shortest time possible is like going on a crash diet, and that often does not have a positive impact in the long run.
As different people experience depression in different ways, there is no ‘one size fits all’ treatment. Depending on individual needs, treatment may entail medication, psychotherapy, a combination of both, or participation in a support group.
04 | Treatment also takes commitment
Likewise, treatment also entails commitment. It takes effort and commitment to make the necessary lifestyle changes, such as engaging in regular exercise, making new friends, and learning to manage stress. Some of these changes may seem overwhelming at first, but working with a doctor or a therapist will help you make these changes more manageable.
Why Choose Sofia Wellness Clinic for Depression Counselling?
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
We use scientifically proven therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help you understand and manage your depression. Our treatments are rooted in research, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Safe and Supportive Environment
We offer a warm, welcoming space where you can feel comfortable and understood. Our therapists provide a non-judgmental, confidential setting to explore your feelings and work toward healing.
FAQs about Depression Counselling
What are some common triggers of depression?
Depression can be triggered by a variety of life events and circumstances. Some of the most common triggers include:
- Work stress (e.g. heavy workload, tight deadlines, retrenchment)
- Health concerns
- Relationship issues (with a partner or spouse)
- Long term caregiving
- Death of a loved one
- Financial concerns
- Bullying, emotional abuse, sexual assault
These triggers can impact mental health in different ways, making it important to address and manage them with the right support.
What are some main causes of depression?
Depression can be triggered by various factors, including stressful life events, trauma, or significant changes. While sometimes linked to specific situations, it can also arise without an obvious cause. A major factor is brain chemistry—imbalances in chemicals like dopamine and serotonin can impact mood and well-being, contributing to depression. Life events can also affect brain chemistry, making you more susceptible to depressive symptoms. Depression can affect anyone, and seeking professional support is key to understanding and addressing its root causes.
Can a counsellor diagnose you with depression?
Counsellors are trained to identify the signs and symptoms of depression and can offer effective treatment to help manage it. However, only a psychiatrist or a medical doctor can provide an official diagnosis of depression. A formal diagnosis requires a medical evaluation to rule out other potential causes and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Can counselling help with depression?
Yes, research has shown that counselling can help to treat depression. For instance, a study conducted in 2016 found that individuals who had depression and received Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) showed signs of improvements as compared to those who did not receive any treatment at all.
Through counselling, you can express your feelings openly with a trained psychotherapist, gain a deeper understanding of your challenges and learn how to cope with future relapses.
If you have any queries regarding depression counselling and its effectiveness, speak to our counsellors today.
Is there medication for depression?
Yes, medication can be an effective part of treatment for depression, particularly for individuals with moderate to severe symptoms or when depression has been persistent. Antidepressants work by adjusting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps alleviate symptoms of depression.
Is counselling or medication better for treating depression?
It depends on the severity of your symptoms. Counselling is sufficient for mild cases of depression. However, more severe symptoms may require a combination of therapy and medication.
For children or teenagers (under the age of 18), counselling may be recommended over medication.
Our counsellors and professional therapists will recommend the best course of action based on your condition. Get in touch with us today.
What is the fastest way to treat depression?
While there is no quick fix for depression, the most effective way to begin recovery is by working with a qualified mental health professional. Depression is a serious condition that requires ongoing care and treatment. While therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can take time to show results, early intervention and learning coping strategies can help manage symptoms more quickly. Consistent support, along with developing healthy coping mechanisms, is key to improving long-term well-being.
Can my depression get better without counselling?
It is possible to recover from depression without therapy if your symptoms are mild. However, seeking professional help from a counsellor allows you to better understand your difficulties and build skills to cope with your condition.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required will differ according to each individual and their condition. Those with mild symptoms of depression may require 6 – 12 sessions, whereas those with more severe symptoms may need several years for recovery.
It is recommended to seek professional help as soon as possible as early intervention is the key to recovery.
