THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION
“Depression is like a heavy blanket that I can’t shake off. It makes it hard to get out of bed, to do things I used to enjoy, and to see the beauty in the world.” – Unknown
We understand how incredibly difficult and isolating living with depression can be. At PULSE+ , we provide evidence-based therapy for depression led by an experienced clinical psychologist. Through individual sessions in a safe and understanding space, you’ll gain valuable insights into your condition, develop effective coping mechanisms, and rediscover yourself on the path to recovery.
What is Depression?
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. It can negatively impact individuals’ thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and physical health. People with depression will be generally more negative in the way they think and feel. They also tend to become less active and withdraw more from activities and social interaction.
Emotional
- Persistent, pervasive low or depressed mood
- Reduced or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
- Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
Cognitive
- Poorer concentration or judgement
- Slowing down of mental processes
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
Physical
- Significant change in weight or appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue or loss of energy
Behavioural
- Restlessness or slowing down of physical movements
- Withdrawal from activities & social interaction
- Difficulties carrying out daily responsibilities
Functional
- Impaired daily, social or occupational functioning
- Difficulties fulfilling responsibilities
- However, “high functioning depression” is also common
What is the difference between feeling depressed vs having clinical depression?
Just experiencing some depressed symptoms does not necessarily mean that someone has depression. Read on to differentiate when depressed feelings are ‘normal’ and when further help may be required.
| Feeling Depressed | Clinical Depression | |
| Duration / Persistence of sadness | Temporary | Lasts two weeks or longer |
| Severity of Symptoms | Mild; still able to experience positive emotions | Moderate to severe; unable to experience positive emotions |
| Triggers | Specific stressful situations (e.g. breakups, loss of jobs, health issues) | Can occur without any obvious trigger or symptoms continue long after situation is resolved. |
| Impact on Daily Functioning | Minimal. Able to function and carry out responsibilities as per normal. | Significant challenges or impairment. |
Note: This guide is not meant for self-diagnosis. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified professional is required for a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is often triggered by a stressful life event (or possibly without this in some cases) combined with factors that make one more vulnerable to developing the condition.
Biological factors
- Hormonal imbalances in the neurotransmitter systems that affect mood and energy, such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline.
- Having a family history of depression
Psychological factors
- Negative thinking styles
- Poor coping responses
- Having personality traits that makes one more susceptible to depression, such as neuroticism
Environmental & life stressors
- Undergoing stressful life events (e.g. marital issues, unemployment)
- Poor social support
How Can Therapy Help with Depression?
Psychoeducation
Following the initial assessment, our psychologist will help you to have a better understanding of your condition. This may include:
- How your depression was triggered and how the symptoms may affect you
- Treatment options
- Explanation of how CBT or other therapies works in overcoming depression
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a therapy approach with the strongest research support of effectiveness in treating depression. The premise of CBT is that the way we think has a direct impact on how we feel and behave, and vice versa.
Depression generally makes people think and react more negatively, which contributes to the depressed mood. Specifically, they tend to have negative perceptions towards the self, others and the future.
CBT helps individuals to identify their unhelpful thoughts and behaviours; as well as to challenge and reframe them to more realistic, helpful thoughts.
For example, instead of telling yourself “I’m a failure” when you do not perform well, you may say “I am a work in progress, and that’s okay.” or “I have learned something from this and I will do better next time.” Changing thinking patterns usually leads to improved mood and coping behaviours.
Clients are taught CBT skills during sessions and are encouraged to practice them in between sessions. Accompanied by regular guidance and review with the therapist, clients can often see improvements in their symptoms within a relatively brief period.
Behavioural Activation
When experiencing the symptoms of depression; such as low mood, lack of energy and motivation; a natural tendency for individuals is to become less active. They may neglect their daily responsibilities, and reduce going out or engaging in their usual activities (e.g. exercising).
However, when their activity level decreases, individuals usually find themselves even less motivated and more lethargic. Guilt also accumulates from the missed responsibilities. By withdrawing from social interaction and their favourite activities, they may miss out on positive feelings and experiences. All these often lead to the worsening of depressive symptoms.
Behavioural activation is a therapeutic approach often used to help reverse this vicious cycle of depression by encouraging individuals to engage more in rewarding and meaningful activities.
This can help to improve their mood as well as reduce the emotional and practical consequences of withdrawing from daily responsibilities and activities. Your psychologist will work with you on scheduling activities that you can engage in so you can put “Do first, feel good later” into practice.
Lifestyle & Social Changes
To complement therapy, your therapist may recommend making lifestyle changes or incorporating activities that can help to improve your condition. This can include practicing relaxation strategies to maintaining regular exercise, a balanced diet or sufficient sleep.
Meet our Psychologist
Lead Clinical Psychologist
Dr Jaswyn Chin
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), James Cook University Singapore
Bachelors of Art in Psychology, Murdoch University Australia
Registered Psychologist with Singapore Psychological Society (SPS)
Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese