Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad or low for a few days — it is a persistent emotional state that can affect the way you think, feel, and live your daily life. People experiencing depression may feel stuck in negative thoughts, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, or struggle with energy, sleep, and motivation.

Unlike ordinary mood swings, depression often lingers for weeks, months, or even longer, making it hard to function at work, maintain relationships, or take care of personal well-being. While it can feel isolating, depression is one of the most common mental health concerns worldwide, and the good news is, “with the right support, people can and do recover”

While each person’s experience of depression is unique, common symptoms may include:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness
• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
• Sleep difficulties (too little or too much)
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Withdrawal from friends or family
• Self-doubt, guilt, or feelings of worthlessness
• Unexplained physical aches and pains

Depression can appear in different forms, and understanding these variations can help you recognise your experience better.

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Also known as clinical depression, this is the most common form. It involves intense sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in daily life lasting at least two weeks or more. Symptoms may include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of worthlessness or guilt.

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

It is marked by ongoing sadness and low mood lasting at least two years. While the symptoms may be less severe than major depression, they are chronic and long-lasting, making everyday functioning difficult. People may describe it as “living under a constant cloud.”

3. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

It typically surfaces during winter, triggered by a lack of adequate sunlight. Symptoms include low energy, excessive sleep, overeating (especially cravings for carbohydrates), and withdrawal from social activities. Mood generally improves when the season changes.

4. Postpartum Depression

A serious emotional health condition affecting some mothers post-childbirth. Unlike the “baby blues” (temporary mood swings after delivery), postpartum depression involves intense sadness, anxiety, or exhaustion that interferes with caring for the baby and oneself. In some cases, it may also affect fathers (paternal postpartum depression).

5. Bipolar Depression

Part of Bipolar Disorder, this type alternates between episodes of mania (extreme highs, energy, impulsivity) and depression (lows with sadness, fatigue, hopelessness). During the depressive phase, symptoms resemble major depression but are part of a larger cycle.

6. Psychotic Depression

This severe form of depression combines depressive symptoms with psychotic features such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) or delusions (false beliefs). It requires immediate professional attention.

7. Atypical Depression

In contrast to what its name implies, this type of depression is fairly widespread. Symptoms include mood that temporarily improves after positive events (mood reactivity), increased appetite, excessive sleep, heaviness in the limbs, and sensitivity to rejection.

At CuraMind LifeCare Centre, we combine evidence-based coaching techniques with Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) tools to help you shift limiting beliefs, reframe thought patterns, and rebuild emotional strength.

1. NLP-Based Coaching Techniques

NLP focuses on the connection between language, thought, and behaviour. With NLP, we help you:

• Reframe negative thoughts into empowering perspectives.
• Break patterns of rumination and self-doubt.
• Anchor positive emotional states to replace sadness or hopelessness.
• Visualise future success so you feel motivated to take action.

2. CBT & REBT-Inspired Coaching

We guide you to challenge irrational or negative thoughts and replace them with healthier, rational ones—helping reduce the intensity of depressive feelings.

3. ACT & Mindfulness Coaching

We teach you how to accept emotions without judgment, stay present in the moment, and align daily choices with your values to create lasting change.

4. Lifestyle & Routine Guidance

We work with you to build healthier routines, manage stress, improve sleep, and set practical goals for daily living.

5. Strength & Confidence Building

Through NLP exercises and coaching tools, we help you rebuild self-esteem, discover inner resilience, and create empowering self-beliefs.