From young students to new parents, CEOs at the height of their careers or the elderly, mental health issues do not discriminate, and anybody can be vulnerable. This is especially true in Singapore, where it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the fast-paced environment and the high-stress levels that are being increasingly normalised. According to the Singapore Youth Epidemiology and Resilience Study, over 33% of the youth respondees admitted to internalising mental health symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, and loneliness.
While depression may not look the same for everyone, we are highlighting three of the more common warning signs of depression.
Signs and symptoms of depression
1. Persistent feeling of sadness or emptiness
If you or your loved one are experiencing prolonged periods of sadness or emptiness, it could be a sign of depression. It is important to note that feeling sad from time to time is perfectly normal. However, if this sadness lasts for more than two weeks and it begins to interfere with your daily life, it could be a sign that you are suffering from depression. For people going through depressive episodes, everyday tasks like getting up, washing, working, and eating may feel meaningless and unnecessary. These feelings are often accompanied by feelings of tiredness and a loss of energy.
2. Loss of interest – Anhedonia
If you no longer want to participate in activities that used to bring joy, it may indicate that something is wrong. The medical name of this is ‘anhedonia’.
Anhedonia is a distinct withdrawal or disconnect from the world around you and a loss of interest in life’s potential. Common indicators of depression are social withdrawal and refusal to partake in activities that used to provide enjoyment.
3. Difficulty thinking, concentrating or remembering
Depression can affect your cognitive abilities. From decreasing concentration to causing the incapacity to make decisions or remember simple instructions, depression negatively impacts regular brain functions that make everyday tasks seem insurmountable. If you find yourself or your loved ones suddenly struggling to focus on work or school, or if they are having trouble making easy calculations, it may indicate that they may suffer from depression.
What to do if you think you’re depressed
It is vital to seek help from a mental health professional as soon as possible. The doctors at Osler Health have years of experience in supporting patients with mental health concerns, such as depression. With professional support, recovery is possible.
How Osler Health can assist you
At Osler Health, we have a keen awareness of how difficult it can be to seek help for depression. Therefore, we aim to offer a safe and supportive environment where our patients can feel comfortable sharing their experiences with our family physicians. Osler Health provides comprehensive mental health services at our private clinics in Singapore. Our team of doctors offer individualised care and treatment plans for our patients to manage their depression symptoms.
Please remember that you are not alone. Make an appointment at one of our two clinics based here in Singapore. For more helpful insight into specific mental health issues, please read more on postnatal depression or panic attacks, visit Osler Health International’s news.
