Your doctor

Your doctor should be your first to be consultated if you think you may be suffering from depression. Your doctor will be able to give sound advise on your condition. You can receive the appropriate treatment or be refer to a practising psychiatrist. In the severe cases, admission to hospital may the best for you.

About 50% of people suffering from depression did not seek treatment and out of those who do seek consultation from their doctor, 25-30% had previously been diagnosed with depression.

Therefore, it is important for us to recognise the symptoms of depression and seek treatment as early as possible. 

Physical symptoms can deceive

Unfortunately, not everyone suffering from depression who seek consultation from their doctor will be diagnosed with depression. Various surveys show that 10-20% of patients who seek consultation are diagnosed with a physical illness due to their physical symptoms. This is because many people who are suffering from depression describe physical symptoms, and these symptoms can lead to doctors failing to diagnose their depression.

On the other hand, there are also physical disorders which can give depression-like symptoms, such as metabolic disorders and low haemoglobin level.

Many patients who go to their doctor do not go on their own free will. They are often urged to go to the doctor by people around them (their spouse or partner, children, friends, work colleagues or employer).

Few people who suffer from depression need hospital treatment. Sufferers who are admitted are often at risk of committing suicide or have not accepted the seriousness of their illness.