Identify early signs of hopelessness and depression so you know when to seek help

Spot the symptoms of depression, the feelings of hopelessness and know when to get support and manage your mental health

Text: Kritika S

According to studies by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), the effects of Covid-19 are continuing to take an exacting toll on our mental health thanks to the uncertainty, social isolation and economic instability we are now living with. Therefore, if you or someone you know is feeling out of sorts, hopeless and in a low mood, it’s wise to know how to identify the early signs of depression and to know when to seek help.

Depression — also called “clinical depression” or “depressive disorder” — is a mood disorder that causes distressing symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle life on the daily. During the circuit breaker period last year, calls to Singapore’s SOS hotline for mental health rose from 3,826 in March to 4,265 in May. According to The Straits Times, these figures are about 35% higher than a year ago. And that was last year, we are now into another lockdown in Singapore and mental health is taking a huge toll across the city. Mental exhaustion is setting in for many and feeling like we are back to square one, staying hopeful is starting to become a real chore.

With the number of people seeking help on how to identify the early signs of depression, an open conversation about depression, along with actionable recourse, feels essential. According to the Harvard Medical School, as far as causes go, the factors contributing to depression can be a combination of genetic, biological, medical and psychological conditions as opposed to just a simple chemical imbalance.

How to tell if you or someone around you is depressed

Contrary to popular belief, clinical depression is not just a state of mind or a temporary feeling you can endure on your own or talk your way out of. Just like any other physical ailment, depression requires specific treatment, professional help, and kind comfort and support. The most crucial question to ask while inspecting your inner psychological state is: how do you know when your mood is not just a passing bout of sadness, or something far more serious? 

Depression develops when your moods vary and become more severe with accompanying symptoms. If you’re feeling significantly low and experiencing symptoms for a prolonged period of time, it might be that you need to seek help from a professional. Symptoms can last up to two weeks but can go on for months or even years, so it’s wise to take action and to learn how to identify the early signs of depression sooner rather than later. According to the Institute of Mental Health Singapore, below are the key symptoms to look for when feeling dispirited:

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and favourite activities

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and excessive guilt

• Difficulty with sleep, which can surface in the form of insomnia, oversleeping, or disturbed sleep

• Having feelings of agitation, irritability, restlessness, or social isolation/withdrawal

• Increased fatigue, low energy, aches or pains without a clear physical cause

• Difficulty in concentrating on basic tasks

• Loss of or increased appetite 

• Frequent thoughts of death and/or suicide

How to know if it’s time to seek help

Remember that while you can diagnose these basic physical and psychological symptoms of depression, it’s imperative to seek out relevant professional help beyond this point. This can often feel like the hardest step, so what might help is speaking to someone in your family or circle of friends to begin with.

Whether you have someone close who you can confide in or not, it’s critical for you to consult a medical professional at this point. They’ll be able to diagnose the severity of your depression and advise on the different types of assistance out there (of which there are many, and they can be tailored to best suit your needs). Thankfully, any stigma around depression and mental health issues is gradually abating in Singapore, and talking about your circumstances and seeking help is a sign of strength and not weakness. 

There are many options of friendly and professional psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors here in Singapore who can provide answers and a subsequent course of action. Taking the step to own your mental health and to recognise the signs of depression is the best way forward to restore balance for a happier and healthier 2021 and beyond.

You are not alone. 

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 

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