Depression, The Unnoticed Ailment

Depression is a mental health disease with a mood disorder characterised by a prolonged feeling of sadness and loss of interest¹.

Most individuals coping with depression exhibit symptms such as:^1,3,4

Individuals with depression need not shy away from seeking help. It is of utmost importance for these individuals to break their silence and social stigma to step forward and receive appropriate therapies to overcome depression⁵.

Understanding Depression: The First Step Toward Hope and Healing

Depression is a multifactorial disease caused by the following factors:^1,3

Depression can be classified into several types, owing to specific circumstances:^4,6

Coping Strategies for Depression: Re-Live to Relieve Yourself

Depression is a treatable disease, irrespective of its severity. The earlier the treatment, the more effective the outcome is⁶.

Given below are several treatment strategies to overcome depression:^2,7-11

Do Not Hesitate to Reach Out for Assistance: Support and Resources

The global increase in depression cases has led to the emergence of various resources and support services.

Below are several ways how individuals can seek assistance in coping with depression¹².

References

1. Chand SP, Arif H. Depression. StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430847/. Accessed on: 1 March 2023.

2. MOH Clinical Practice Guidelines: Depression 2012. Available at: https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider4/guidelines/depression-cpg_r14_final.pdf. Accessed on: 1 March 2023.

3. Depression. Agency for Integrated Care. Agency for Integrated Care. Available at: https://www.aic.sg:443/body-mind/depression. Accessed on: 3 April 2023.

4. MindSG. HealthHub. Available at: https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/186/mindsg/caring-for-ourselves/understanding-depression-adults?utm_source=google&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=fy23mh_ao&utm_content=understanding_depression_adgroup. Accessed on: 3 April 2023.

5. Blumenthal R, Endicott J. Barriers to seeking treatment for major depression. Depress Anxiety. 1996;4:273–278.

6. Depression. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression. Accessed on: 2 March 2023.

7. Correll CU, Detraux J, De Lepeleire J, et al. Effects of antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers on risk for physical diseases in people with schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. World Psychiatry. 2015;14:119–136.

8. Sarris J, O’Neil A, Coulson CE, et al. Lifestyle medicine for depression. BMC Psychiatry. 2014;14:107.

9. What Is Sleep Hygiene? Sleep Foundation. Available at: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene. Accessed on: 2 March 2023.

10. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Available at: https://www.apa.org, https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral. Accessed on: 2 March 2023.

11. Interpersonal Psychotherapy IPT. CAMH. Available at: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/interpersonal-psychotherapy. Accessed on: 2 March 2023.

12. Smit D, Vrijsen JN, Groeneweg B, et al. A Newly Developed Online Peer Support Community for Depression (Depression Connect): Qualitative Study. J Med Internet Res. 2021;23:e25917.

About Frontier Healthcare

Frontier Healthcare (as part of the Qualitas Primary Care Division) runs 18 GP clinics, 2 Family Medicine Clinics (Clementi and MacPherson) and has 37 affiliated GP clinics under its Frontier Primary Care Network Program. Frontier Healthcare supports national schemes such as the Community Health Assist Scheme (Pioneer, Merdeka, CHAS Green, CHAS Orange, CHAS Blue), Baby Bonus, Healthier SG, MBS@Gov etc, as well as partnerships with major Insurers, Corporates and TPA partners to bring quality and affordable healthcare closer to the community.