Depressive Disorder is not simply “feeling a bit down.” It is a condition where sadness and low mood go beyond a passing emotional state and affect your body and thoughts in ways that make daily life and social functioning genuinely difficult. When you are adapting to a new country and a new environment, these feelings can sometimes find you. You do not have to face them alone.
Just like Anxiety Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression is a condition that can improve with professional treatment.
”Feeling Depressed” and “Depressive Disorder” Are Different
Everyone has difficult days when they feel low. However, depression lasts longer, tends to return, and comes with a range of symptoms described below.
Key Symptoms of Depression
If the following symptoms persist for two weeks or more, depression may be worth considering.
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Guilt, helplessness, or loss of motivation
- Loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities
- Noticeable weight loss or gain
- Too little sleep (insomnia) or too much sleep (hypersomnia)
- Waking too early in the morning, or being unable to get up until very late
- Severe fatigue and lack of energy
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Recurring thoughts of death, or thoughts or plans of suicide
Sleep problems often appear alongside depression. Reading about causes and prevention of sleep disorders may also be helpful.
A Self-Check Tool: PHQ-9
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a nine-item tool you can use to check your own symptoms. It asks how often you have experienced nine symptoms — such as sadness, loss of enjoyment, sleep problems, reduced appetite, and difficulty concentrating — over the past two weeks.
If you would like to take the PHQ-9 or speak with someone about depression, please contact MAP (Migration to Asia Peace) using the details below.
Lifestyle Habits That Help Prevent Depression
There are everyday habits that can help protect against depression. Try starting with just one small change at a time.
- Get enough sleep: It is best to avoid excessive caffeine (coffee, energy drinks) and alcohol.
- Rest properly: Give your body and mind space to recover.
- Eat well and stay hydrated: Try to eat regular meals and drink enough water throughout the day.
- Talk to someone: Do not keep difficult feelings bottled up — share them with family, friends, or colleagues.
- Exercise regularly: Even a short, gentle walk can make a real difference.
- Get morning sunlight: Around 30 minutes of sunlight each morning has been shown to help improve mood.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can children get depression?
Yes, they can. However, depression in children can look a little different from depression in adults. Children are more likely to show irritability, anger outbursts, or physical complaints, and the condition may be masked by behaviour such as truancy, running away from home, or declining school performance. If your child seems different from usual, it is worth paying close attention.
Q2. Can lack of sleep cause depression?
Poor sleep alone does not cause depression. However, if someone already has depression, not sleeping well can make their symptoms worse. Conversely, good sleep habits can help prevent depression from developing.
Q3. Is it safe to take sleeping pills on my own for a long time?
It is completely understandable to want relief. However, taking sleeping pills without proper guidance over a long period can easily lead to dependence. For someone who also has depression, taking sleeping pills incorrectly can actually make symptoms worse. Treating the underlying cause — the depression itself — is more effective. Please always consult a doctor first.
Q4. Can depression be fully treated?
Fortunately, most cases of depression can be treated. Without treatment, an episode of depression can last around 6 to 13 months, but with treatment this can be reduced to around 2 months. Leaving depression untreated also makes relapse more frequent and allows it to have a deeper impact on daily life over time, so seeking treatment is strongly recommended.
Q5. Is it possible to treat depression without medication?
There are many approaches available, including medication, psychotherapy (counselling), group therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and light therapy. The right approach depends on the severity of the depression and the individual’s circumstances, so personalised treatment is important. In cases of severe depression, medication may be essential, but medication alone is usually not enough. Regular consultation with your doctor is key.
Where to Get Help
Do you need support? You do not have to cope alone. Please feel free to reach out using any of the contacts below.
Mental Health Counselling Lines in Korea
Free counselling is available at any time.
| Organisation | Phone Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suicide Prevention Counselling Line | 109 | 24 hours |
| Mental Health Crisis Counselling Line | 1577-0199 | 24 hours |
Contact details and operating hours may change. Please check with the relevant organisation for the most up-to-date information before reaching out.
Reference Links
- Ministry of Health and Welfare — Mental Health Policy Information
- Suicide Prevention Line 109 Information (Bok지상담센터)
This article was produced by MAP, based on health information provided by Samsung Seoul Hospital.