Depression

We all experience sadness from time to time—whether it’s from a job loss or the end of an important relationship. But when that sadness sticks around without a clear reason, affecting your day-to-day life or bringing about feelings of hopelessness, it might be a sign of depression. Recognising this shift is the first step toward getting the support you need.

What is depression?

Depression comes in different forms, from Seasonal Affective Disorder to Postpartum Depression. In this article, we’re focusing on Clinical Depression, or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). 

MDD causes persistent feelings of sadness, a lack of interest in things you once enjoyed, and a significant decline in your ability to function day-to-day. For example, someone who once enjoyed socialising might suddenly withdraw, feeling exhausted or uninterested in spending time with friends. Or, someone who thrived in their career might struggle to get out of bed in the morning, unable to find motivation to go to work. 

It’s not just “feeling down” for a few days—it can persist for weeks and disrupt everything from work to personal relationships, making it hard to feel like yourself.

Am I depressed? Do I have depression? 

Depression symptoms

An MDD diagnosis is typically made when those feelings of low mood, loss of interest in usual activities, and impaired functioning are accompanied by at least 5 other common symptoms of depression. (If these feelings are less severe, or if only 2-4 symptoms, a diagnosis of mild depression may be made.)

1. Change in appetite, losing or gaining weight
2. Sleeping too much or not sleeping well (insomnia)
3. Fatigue and low energy most days
4. Feeling worthless, guilty, and hopeless
5. An inability to focus and concentrate that may interfere with daily tasks at home, work, or school
6. Movements that are unusually slow or agitated (a change which is often noticeable to others)
7. Thinking about death and dying; suicidal ideation or suicide attempts

These symptoms must cause the individual clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. In other words, it’s impacting your life significantly, making it difficult to maintain relationships, show up for work, or even take care of yourself.

How may I receive a diagnosis for depression?

When you’re seeking a depression diagnosis, your clinician will start with a thorough clinical assessment; a deep dive into how your mood is affecting your life—whether that’s at work, in your relationships, or in everyday tasks. They might also use tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which asks nine targeted questions to assess your mood and daily activities. Below are some other assessment and screening tools for depression:

Tests for depression

• Beck Depression Inventory
• Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression
• EQ-5D
• Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
• Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale
• Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised
• Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC)
• Child Behavior Checklist
• Children’s Depression Inventory 
• Children’s Depression Rating Scale
• Adolescent PHQ-9
• Beck Hopelessness Scale
• Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-Report (QIDS-SR)
• Reminiscence Functions Scale
• Short Form Health Survey
• Social Adjustment Scale-Self Report
• Social Functioning Questionnaire
• Geriatric Depression Scale
• Life Satisfaction Index

While it’s tempting to use self-report questionnaires for a quick check, they’re only part of the bigger picture—and they’re no substitute for professional guidance. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, your clinician has to rule out other potential causes, such as substance abuse, medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, or other mental health disorders that can mimic depression. 

This thorough process helps create the most accurate diagnosis, paving the way for the right treatment plan tailored just for you.

Are depression and anxiety related? 

Depression and anxiety are two distinct mood-related conditions, each with its own set of symptoms and challenges. Depression typically involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Anxiety, on the other hand, is characterised by excessive worry, nervousness, or fear. It can manifest in several forms, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

Although they are separate conditions, depression and anxiety often occur together. This overlap is known as comorbidity. In fact, research shows that approximately 45.7% of people with lifetime Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) also experience one or more anxiety disorders at some point in their lives.

To help identify if anxiety is contributing to your depression, clinicians often use tools like the GAD-7, a questionnaire that helps pinpoint symptoms of anxiety and its relationship to depression. Understanding both conditions is crucial for finding an effective treatment plan.

Can depression be cured?

While depression may not have a one-size-fits-all “cure,” treatment can lead to significant improvement. A 2017 study found that 70.6% of patients with MDD no longer experienced depression symptoms (clinical remission), and 56.1% were able to resume their normal daily routines (functional remission) after six months of treatment.

Early intervention is key to better outcomes. At Intellect Clinic, after a thorough clinical assessment by our psychologists, you’ll be referred to tailored psychological interventions, such as therapy or counseling. If needed, we may also recommend a consultation with a medical doctor within our network.

Evidence-based treatments for depression

According to the American Psychiatric Association, evidence-based depression treatments include:

Non-pharmacological

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT treats depression by introducing skills to modify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that maintain a depressed mood. You might be asked to use a “mood log” to monitor, identify, and challenge negative thoughts, or engage in behavioral experiments, like re-engaging in activities you once enjoyed.

• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): IPT treats depression by addressing how interpersonal difficulties, particularly within key relationships, can contribute to feelings of sadness. In therapy, you’ll focus on improving communication, problem solving, and navigating challenging life transitions and social interactions., This helps to address conflict and strengthen relationships, while developing coping tools to manage difficult changes in life.

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness to develop greater awareness and non-judgmental responses to difficult thoughts and feelings. It may involve mindfulness practices like body scanning and mindful eating. These techniques help individuals stay present, reduce rumination, and respond more constructively to difficult situations, thoughts or feelings.

• Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts and early experiences, including those related to loss and abandonment. The therapeutic relationship provides a space for clients to revisit and process past emotional wounds, offering a chance to experience healthier interactions. This helps clients separate old emotional patterns from present situations, fostering greater self-awareness and improved relational dynamics.

• Supportive Therapy: Supportive therapy treats depression by creating a compassionate, non-judgmental relationship where the therapist offers empathy and unconditional acceptance. This supportive space helps clients explore their current challenges, develop mental flexibility, and view problems from new perspectives. Over time, this approach strengthens their ability to cope with stress and enhances their self-esteem.

Pharmacological

Medication can be helpful in the treatment of depression, acting as a stabilising force that helps improve mood, energy, and focus. Antidepressants, like SSRIs and SNRIs, support the brain’s chemical balance, making it easier to engage in therapy and develop coping skills. These medications are not addictive or habit-forming, and while they may take a few weeks to show results, they can provide the foundation needed for lasting recovery. 

Intellect Clinic: Depression treatment in Singapore

Depression can feel like you’re carrying a heavy weight that never lets up. The days can feel long, and it might seem like nothing will ever get better. But please know—you don’t have to face this alone.

At Intellect Clinic, our clinicians are here to listen, support, and guide you with evidence-based approaches that are tailored to your unique needs. Taking the first step to reach out can be difficult, but it’s also the start of healing.

Reach out to us today for an appointment in the same week.