Do I Have Depression? Symptoms, Treatment Options, and How to Get Help at a Glance

Xiao-Wu, 30, is a graphic designer.

Over the past few months, his mood has been consistently low, and he can't muster energy for anything—even the design work he once loved is losing its appeal. He struggles to concentrate at work, constantly feels tired, and just wants to lie at home on his days off.

Although he can still maintain his daily routine, there's an inexplicable heaviness in his heart, and no amount of rest truly relaxes him.

Xiao-Wu began suspecting he might have depression and searched for related information online.
 

How Do I Know If I Have Depression?

Situations like Xiao-Wu's are quite common clinically and reflect some typical signs of depression.

The Two Core Symptoms of Depression Include:

• Persistent low mood
• Loss of interest and motivation in previously enjoyed activities

Other Common Manifestations of Depression Include:

• Poor appetite or suddenly eating much more, with significant weight changes
• Constantly feeling tired and lacking energy, no strength for anything
• Difficulty concentrating, easily distracted at work or while studying
• Declining memory, frequently forgetting things
• Poor sleep (insomnia) or wanting to sleep all the time (hypersomnia)

• Thoughts of self-harm or ending one's life

   

It's important to note that depression cannot be diagnosed solely through online tests or self-assessment. If these uncomfortable symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks and are affecting your life, work, or relationships, please seek help from a psychiatric Psychiatrist.

👉 Schedule an online psychiatric consultation

What Treatment Options Are Available for Depression?

Clinically, treatment can be divided into three main approaches:
Medication treatment, psychotherapy, and non-invasive brain stimulation therapy.

How Do Antidepressants Work?

Depression may be related to imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. Antidepressant medications help restore balance among these substances, thereby improving mood, motivation, and concentration.

Medication use varies by individual. We recommend discussing appropriate treatment plans with a Psychiatrist through online consultation.

👉 I want to understand my situation—schedule an online psychiatric consultation

What Psychotherapy Options Are Available for Depression？

Depression mostly involves a combination of physiological and psychological factors and is difficult to improve through willpower alone—professional help is needed.

Counseling, what most people understand as psychotherapy, is one effective approach.

Treatment methods come in many forms:
One method involves talking with a professional who knows how to listen. They'll guide you to see thoughts that repeatedly make you sad and teach you how to face difficulties from different perspectives. This method is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
 

Another method helps you better coexist with your emotions. Even when you still feel sad or anxious, you'll learn to catch yourself first rather than being led by emotions. This approach often uses meditation and breathing exercises, called Mindfulness-Based Therapy. Research has found this can help reduce repetitive rumination and significantly lower relapse rates [1].

There's also a deeper approach that involves looking back at past experiences—perhaps how childhood, family, or old wounds have influenced your current emotional responses. This is called Psychodynamic Therapy or Psychoanalysis.

What these methods have in common is: helping you better know yourself, learning to care for your own mind, and gradually emerging from low periods in a safe environment. Everyone's situation differs, so suitable treatment methods vary—professional evaluation and recommendations are usually needed.

👉 I want to talk with a psychologist

What Is rTMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

A commonly used clinical treatment for depression is Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). It uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the cerebral cortex, helping regulate imbalanced neural activity and thereby improve mood. Usually requires a fixed number of treatment sessions and still needs to be combined with medication or psychotherapy to maintain long-term effects.

According to internal statistics from Chen Chi Medical, after patients completed 24 rTMS treatments, overall about half showed significant response to treatment, with average depression and anxiety scores decreasing, and about 30% achieving symptom remission [2].

👉 Schedule an online rTMS consultation meeting
 

Conclusion

Depression is a mental and physical illness that can be treated. The earlier you seek professional help, the sooner you have the opportunity to restore psychological and life balance. During treatment, Psychiatrists will help plan the most appropriate treatment methods based on each person's situation, possibly including medication, psychotherapy, or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.

If you want further consultation on depression-related information, you can schedule an online psychiatric consultation here. Through assistance and recommendations from professionals, help yourself gradually emerge from the shadows of depression.

Author: Dr. Ching-Lun Hung

Treatment Areas:

Depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia/bulimia/binge eating disorder, addiction disorders

👉 I want to learn about online mental health consultation with Dr. Ching-Lun Hung
 

References

Van der Velden, A. M., Kuyken, W., Wattar, U., Crane, C., Pallesen, K. J., Dahlgaard, J., Fjorback, L. O., & Piet, J. (2015). A systematic review of mechanisms of change in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in the treatment of recurrent major depressive disorder. Clinical Psychology Review, 37, 26–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2015.02.001

Hong, J. L. (January 23, 2025). Numbers Tell the Story: Complete Analysis of 448 rTMS Cases at Chen Chi Woburn. Chen Chi Psychosomatic Clinic