Depression can affect how you feel, think and move through everyday life. Counselling offers a supportive space to understand what you are experiencing, work through what may be contributing to it, and gradually reconnect with meaning, hope and yourself.
Feeling sad from time to time is part of being human — but when the heaviness doesn’t lift, motivation fades and even simple tasks feel overwhelming, it may be more than just “feeling sad”. Depression does not always look like constant sadness. It may feel like emptiness, numbness, exhaustion or a gradual loss of interest in life. Some people continue working and meeting their responsibilities while struggling internally.
You may be experiencing depression if:
Experiencing some of these signs does not necessarily mean that you have depression. However, if they persist or begin affecting your work, relationships or daily functioning, speaking with a counsellor or another mental health professional may help. You do not need to know exactly what is wrong or what to say before reaching out.
If you are in immediate danger or feel that you may harm yourself, call 995 or go to the nearest hospital A&E.
When you are experiencing depression, even reaching out or making small changes can feel difficult. Counselling provides a supportive space to explore what you are going through without pressure or judgement.
With appropriate strategies and support, it is possible to build resilience against depression.
Explore how life experiences, relationships, stress, loss and recurring patterns of thought or behaviour may be affecting your mood. Greater understanding can help you respond to yourself with more clarity and care.
Develop practical ways to cope with low energy, reduced motivation, difficult emotions and overwhelming thoughts. Counselling may include identifying small, realistic steps that help you gradually re-engage with daily life.
Counselling helps you to notice harsh self-judgements, and beliefs about yourself that may deepen feelings of shame, guilt, inadequacy or hopelessness. Therapy work to soften harsh self-criticisms and challenge such internalised beliefs to help you develop a more compassionate and balanced relationship with yourself.
Depression can leave you feeling detached from yourself, other people and the things that once mattered. Counselling can support you in gradually rebuilding connection, purpose and a sense of possibility.
With appropriate strategies and support, it is possible to build resilience against depression.
Depression is more than a temporary period of sadness. It can affect your emotions, thoughts, energy, relationships and ability to manage everyday life.
Depression often arises through a combination of psychological, social, developmental and biological factors.It may develop following experiences such as loss, prolonged stress, relationship difficulties, health problems or major life changes. For some people, there may be no single or obvious reason, the person just loses the capacity to experience pleasure.Â
The experience can also vary considerably. Some people struggle to carry out basic daily activities, while others continue functioning outwardly but feel depleted, detached or hopeless inside.
While depression can be a normal, natural reaction to negative life events, it can be truly debilitating when it affects daily functions such as keeping a job or maintaining social contact.
For a broader look at common misconceptions, symptoms and recovery, read Understanding Depression: Myths, Symptoms, and Pathways to Recovery
Depression can make it hard to reach out — but seeking support is a powerful act of courage
Depression is a common mental health difficulty that can affect people from all backgrounds and at different stages of life. Experiencing depression does not mean that you are weak, failing or not trying hard enough.Â
Although depression is common, you don’t have to dismiss it as something you simply have to endure. Support is available, and you do not need to wait until things become severe before reaching out.
Consider seeking support when low mood, numbness, loss of interest or other difficulties persist, feel hard to manage, or begin affecting your work, studies, relationships, self-care or daily life.
You do not need to wait until your symptoms become severe or receive a formal diagnosis before speaking with a counsellor. If you are unsure whether counselling is appropriate, a free 20-minute consultation can help you discuss your concerns and available options
Yes. Depression is treatable, although recovery can look different for each person. Depending on your symptoms, circumstances and level of support needed, treatment may involve counselling or psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, additional social support, or a combination of these.
Depression is usually a combination of factors instead of one identifiable cause. Common contributors includes biological, environmental & social, psychological and developmental:
Understanding what may be contributing to your depression can be part of counselling, but you do not need to know the cause before seeking support. If your symptoms may be related to a physical condition or medication, it is also advisable to consult a doctor.
No. You do not need to wait until depression becomes severe or receive a formal diagnosis before seeking counselling.
Counselling may be helpful when you notice persistent low mood, emotional numbness, reduced motivation, withdrawal, self-criticism or difficulty managing everyday life. Seeking support earlier may help you understand what is happening and respond before these difficulties become more disruptive.
The number of sessions varies according to your needs, circumstances and goals. Some people find several focused sessions helpful, while others benefit from longer-term support, particularly when depression is longstanding or connected to complex life experiences.Â
You and your counsellor will assess your situation and discuss a recommended duration. There is no obligation to commit to a fixed number of sessions, and you are welcome to discuss any concerns about the pace or direction of counselling with your counsellor.
Sessions are often scheduled regularly at the beginning to provide continuity and allow time to build trust and therapeutic rapport. You and your counsellor can review your progress from time to time and adjust the focus, frequency or number of sessions where appropriate.
It is worth noting that it may take a few sessions to build up the rapport and trust necessary for therapy to work.
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If you are unsure whether counselling or a particular counsellor is right for you, request a free 20-min consultation to ask questions and discuss what you are looking for.
This tool can help individuals gauge their depressive symptoms, providing a foundation for seeking further support or professional help if needed.
The self-assessment tool provided for evaluating depression symptoms can offer insights into your experiences and symptoms, but they are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you are experiencing significant distress, mental health challenges, or have concerns about your well-being, please seek guidance from a qualified mental health professional.
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Your mental health is important.
Use the form below to book a counselling session or request a free 20-minute consultation. If you are unsure which option is right for you, you are welcome to choose the consultation.
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If you or anyone you know are in need of immediate help, or facing a life-threatening situation, call 995 or go to the nearest hospital A&E.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or need immediate emotional support, contact Samaritans of Singapore (SOS):
24-hour hotline: 1767
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