Depression Treatment in Dubai
Depression Treatment in Dubai – Key Takeaways
Looking for depression treatment in Dubai that goes beyond medication and surface-level relief? Dr. Millia Begum, UK-trained psychiatrist and certified IFS therapist, offers a trauma-informed and holistic approach, combining Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR therapy to address the root causes of depression. Whether linked to stress, grief, expat transitions, or unresolved childhood trauma, her integrative method helps you heal deeply—not just manage symptoms.
If traditional depression treatments haven’t brought lasting relief, it’s time to explore a more nuanced approach. Explore alternative depression therapies in Dubai that work from the root cause rather than just symptoms.
What is depression?
Depression isn’t just sadness; it’s a persistent, clinically significant emotional state that affects daily functioning. If you’re persistently feeling low, unmoved by things that once brought joy, and unable to see a way forward, you may be experiencing clinical depression.
How do I know if I’m depressed?
Experiencing depression as a state is common. However, when feelings of depression persist without relief, they can diminish your motivation and reduce overall energy levels.
A few of the symptoms of depression are:
- Persistent low mood
- Feeling unmotivated
- Feeling exhausted
- Feeling as if a dark cloud hangs over you
- Feeling as if there is no hope or future ahead, even moment by moment
- No enjoyment or interest in activities you previously enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or weight
- 🔗 NIH on Depression and Brain Chemistry
For any suicidal thoughts, please get in touch with your local emergency services immediately.
For more information, visit the NIMH Depression Ove
What triggers depression?
Depression can be reactive to one’s current circumstances, but often it is an accumulation of stressors that makes it more severe and persistent. This also includes our past unresolved life experiences.
Few (but not all) of the reasons are listed below-
-Neurochemical imbalances in the brain
-Chronic stress and emotional exhaustion.
-Unfulfillment in relationships and careers
–Loss and grief-related depression
-Empty nest syndrome—children leaving home or partners growing distant—can evoke loneliness.
– Trauma and unresolved childhood experiences
-Transitioning as an expat often involves identity confusion, emotional and cultural isolation.
How can I manage my depression?
Some of the ways to manage depression are to begin understanding the triggers that resulted in this episode of depression.
- Has there been a recent stress? Are you living in an unhappy relationship or feeling bullied at work? Is your outer environment demanding or unsupportive?
- Is there an internal pressure that you are putting on yourself, like overstriving, overgiving, overresponsibility, and less receiving and less care from others?
- Are there stories of the past that feel unresolved or are repeating again? Trauma, attachment stories, relationship breakdowns, and disappointments.
To begin managing depression, awareness is the key. From this place, you can begin to know if changes have to be made; perhaps other people got to know your needs, or maybe you got to work on yourself if your needs are not heard from others. IFS therapy is a great way to learn about aspects within yourself that lead to depression. Any unresolved beliefs that are depressive, like “I am not lovable, likeable, or acceptable,” and self-hating and self-critical beliefs can be worked with.
What therapies work for depression?
Beyond CBT: Alternative Therapies for Depression
While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and supportive therapy can help and are widely used in treating depression, alternative modalities can be powerful when conventional methods fall short.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment-resistant depression may benefit from alternative or integrative approaches. Learn more about evidence-based strategies in this PubMed clinical review.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy for depression
Internal Family Systems Therapy views the mind as composed of multiple parts—some protective, some wounded—and helps clients compassionately heal and integrate these internal aspects, leading to lasting inner harmony. Powerful way to access parts of oneself that remain stuck in a depressed state and hopelessness carried from pressures and traumas.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR enables clients to reprocess traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation. It’s increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in alleviating depressive and trauma symptoms.
Combining IFS and EMDR
Integrating IFS with EMDR deepens therapeutic impact. IFS helps establish internal safety and identify trauma-holding parts, while EMDR supports targeted processing. Together, they create an empathetic, cohesive path toward emotional integration and healing.
Click to Read more about IFS Therapy in Dubai
About Dr. Millia
Dr. Millia Begum
is a trained trauma specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience in psychiatry and therapy. She trained in the UK’s NHS system and served the NHS in various senior roles.
She is a former EMDR Europe Approved Consultant, EMDR researcher, and board member of the EMDR Association UK. She is now a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
Dr. Millia is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, bringing a compassionate, parts-informed approach to her work with clients in Dubai.