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Serious severity
· Psychiatry
Depression
Persistent low mood · Major depressive disorder
More than sadness — a persistent low mood with loss of interest, energy and hope. Treatment works for 80% of people; reach out early.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 1 in 7 Indians
- Typical age
- Any age, peaks 20–40
- Outlook
- Highly treatable
- System
- Mind
Reviewed by a verified Psychiatry doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Genetics + life stressors
- Thyroid, B12 deficiency
- Chronic illness or pain
- Substance use
- Postpartum hormonal shift
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Low mood most of the day
- Loss of interest in things you loved
- Fatigue, sleep changes
- Appetite or weight change
- Hopeless thoughts, suicidal ideas
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- CBT, IPT, behavioural activation
- SSRIs / SNRIs / atypicals
- Lithium augmentation if needed
- ECT for severe cases
- Treat underlying medical causes
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Sleep, exercise, sun
- Limit alcohol and cannabis
- Connect socially
- Treat thyroid and anemia
Do’s
- Reach out — call 9152987821 (iCall) if low
- Stick with therapy / meds for 6 weeks
- Move daily even briefly
- Build a small daily routine
Don’ts
- Self-medicate with alcohol
- Quit antidepressants in week 1
- Compare yourself on social media
- Ignore suicidal thoughts — call helpline
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all psychiatry doctors Top 4 doctors for Depression
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.