Depression
Depression is more than just feeling "blue" or having a bad day. It is a persistent weight that can make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. If you find yourself withdrawing from friends, losing interest in things you once loved, or feeling a constant sense of hopelessness, you don’t have to carry that burden alone.
At Peninsula Psychology, our licensed professionals can provide therapy designed to help you rediscover your vitality and reclaim your life.
What is Depression?
Typically, when we refer to Depression, we are talking about Major Depressive Disorder, as defined in the DSM-5[1].
Let’s start from the beginning.
A Disorder is a syndrome - a group of symptoms and signs that usually cluster together and create an identifiable pattern.
In the DSM-5, a Major Depressive Disorder is classified as a Mood Disorder - a syndrome whose main characteristics are long periods of extreme sadness, irritability, or loss of interest and pleasure where this interest or pleasure existed before.
Very importantly, a Major Depressive Disorder can be diagnosed after a person has these symptoms for two weeks. You should not wait for months of suffering before seeking help.
Main Symptoms of Depression
Anhedonia
Anhedonia, from the Greek an- (without) and hēdonē (pleasure), is the inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable activities.
It’s one of the two core symptoms for Depression. It often manifests as a “loss of interest” in hobbies, social interactions, or daily tasks that you have previously enjoyed.
Sleep Disturbance
Sleep changes in depression typically involve insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) or hypersomnia, (excessive sleeping). These disruptions prevent restorative rest, often leaving you feeling exhausted regardless of how many hours you spent in bed.
Recurrent Thoughts of Death
How Therapy can Help with Depression
Given the symptoms listed, it’s easy to see how Depression can create a vicious cycle that makes it impossible to get better alone.
The gold standard of treatment is Individual Therapy combined with medication. Your therapist will assess and guide you - medication is not always needed, but in many cases is required as a “jump start” to leave this cycle. Please note that Psychotherapists do not prescribe medication - Psychiatrists do. At Peninsula we currently don’t offer Psychiatry, but can refer you to recommended Psychiatrists for medication prescription if required.
The earlier you seek treatment for Depression, the faster you will notice a difference. The treatment for depression is done globally, in your entire system. The priority is to stabilize the body, and then intervene in the thoughts associated with Depression.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is the most common approach for treating Depression, as it combines the interaction between thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Investigation shows that after 12 sessions, clear results and a better mood is noticeable in patients[1].
This includes frequent thoughts about death or suicidal ideation, ranging from passive wishes to not wake up to specific plans.
It is a serious clinical marker that reflects the depth of emotional pain and the need for immediate professional support.
Please note that Peninsula does not provide emergency services. If you are in a life-threatening situation or require immediate psychiatric care, please:
Call 998 for an ambulance.
Adults: Go to Rashid Hospital ER (Open 24/7).
Children/Teens: Go to Al Jalila Hospital (800 25 24).
Weight/Appetite Change
This involves a significant increase or decrease in appetite, often leading to noticeable weight changes.
It may manifest as a total loss of interest in food or, conversely, as emotional overeating and intense cravings that feel difficult to regulate.
Worthlessness/Guilt
This symptom involves intense feelings of inadequacy or excessive, inappropriate guilt about past events.
It often manifests as harsh self-criticism or a distorted sense of being a burden to others, even when there is no objective reason for such feelings.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a persistent loss of energy that makes even the smallest tasks, like showering or dressing, feel physically draining.
It differs from “being tired”. Constant fatigue does not improve significantly with rest or sleep.
Depressed Mood
Depressed mood is a core symptom characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
It often manifests as a heavy emotional weight or a frequent "low" state that lasts most of the day, significantly impacting your daily outlook.
Diminished Concentration
This symptom involves a reduced ability to think clearly, focus on tasks, or make even simple decisions.
It often manifests as "brain fog," where you might find yourself staring at a screen or a page for long periods without processing information.
Therapists in Peninsula Specializing in Depression
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Rita Figueiredo
CDA LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
“Think of us as partners in discovery - using science and heart to understand your story and create lasting change.”
Portuguese, English,Family Therapy,Individual Therapy,Couples Counseling,Adults (18+),In-Person,Online,Motivational Interviewing (MI),Constructivist Therapy,Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT),Narrative Therapy,Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT),Systemic Therapy,Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),Anxiety,Panic Attacks,Depression,Burnout,Chronic Stress,Physical Intimacy Issues, Communication ISsues,Infidelity and Betrayal,Relationship Issues,Divorce and Separation,Post-Partum Depression,Perinatal Mental Health,Infertility,Phobias,Addictions,Sleep Problems,Perfectionism,Conflict in Relationships,Family Conflict,Identity Concerns,Life Transitions,Personality Disorders,Expat Adjustment and Relocation Stress
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Ailien Sy
CDA LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
“I believe that each person’s story is unique, and therapy should reflect that.”
English,Filipino,Individual Therapy,Adolescents (13-17),Adults (18+),In-Person,Online,Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT),Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT),Anxiety,Depression,Burnout,Communication Issues,Infidelity and Betrayal,Relationship Issues,Attachment Difficulties,Divorce and Separation,Childhood Trauma,Low Self-Esteem,Trauma,Grief and Loss,Emotional Regulation Difficulties,Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth,Conflict in Relationships,ADHD/Neurodiversity,Identity Concerns,Life Transitions,Career Dissatisfaction,Personality Disorders
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Lauren Rozario
CDA LICENSED COUNSELLOR
“Together, we will work toward a space where you feel confident and ready to step into your power.”
English,Couples Counseling,Adults(18+),In-Person,Online,Systemic Therapy,Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT),Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT),Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT),Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS),Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT),Communication Issues,Infidelity and Betrayal,Relationship Issues,Divorce and Separation,Grief and Loss,ADHD/Neurodiversity,Post-Partum Depression,Eating Disorders,Substance Abuse,Perinatal Mental Health,Emotional Regulation Difficulties,Conflict in Relationships,Parenting Challenges,Identity Concerns,Life Transitions,Expat Adjustment and Relocation Stress
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Shrav Shankar
CDA LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
“It's important for me to offer you a supportive space, where you can bring anything you'd like to, so that we can figure it out together.”
English,Individual Therapy,Couples Counseling,Adults (18+),In-Person,Online,Psychodynamic Therapy,Neuropsychology,Person-Centered Therapy,Art Therapy,Anxiety,Depression,Chronic Stress,Communication Issues,Relationship Issues,Attachment Difficulties,Childhood Trauma,ADHD/Neurodiversity,Trauma,Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth,Conflict in Relationships,Identity Concerns,Life Transitions,Expat Adjustment and Relocation Stress
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Rebecca Cobb
CDA LICENSED COUNSELLOR
“Together we can rebuild a genuine connection with yourself and rediscover your sense of fulfilment and joy.”
English,Individual Therapy,Adolescents (13-17),Adults(18+),Anxiety,Panic Attacks,Depression,Burnout,Chronic Stress,Communication Issues,Infidelity and Betrayal,Pre-Marital Counseling,Relationship Issues,Attachment Difficulties,Divorce and Separation,Childhood Trauma,Grief and Loss,ADHD/Neurodiversity,School Refusal,Bullying,Behavioral Issues,Post-Partum Depression,Eating Disorders,Addictions,Substance Abuse,Perinatal Mental Health,Infertility,Trauma,Emotional Regulation Difficulties,Anger Difficulties,Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth,Perfectionism,Conflict in Relationships,Parenting Challenges,Family Conflict,Body Image Concerns,Identity Concerns,Life Transitions,Career Dissatisfaction,Expat Adjustment and Relocation Stress,Personality Disorders,Systemic Therapy,Psychodynamic Therapy,Somatic Experiencing (SE),Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT),Person-Centered Therapy,Schema Therapy,Interpersonal Therapy (IPT),Art Therapy
