Depression treatment in Surat & online

Depression — also called clinical depression or major depressive disorder — is much more than feeling sad for a day or two. It is a health condition that changes how you feel, think, sleep, eat and function. Doctors diagnose it when low mood or a loss of interest in things you normally enjoy is present for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

It is one of the most common health problems in the world. The World Health Organization estimates that about 5% of adults live with depression, and that women are affected about 1.5 times more often than men. India’s National Mental Health Survey (2015–16) found that roughly 1 in 20 people had experienced depression at some point in life — and that most people with common mental disorders were not getting any treatment.

Symptoms vary from person to person. A psychiatrist looks for persistent low mood or loss of interest, together with several of the following:

How depression can look different

• Women may notice symptoms around periods, during pregnancy, after childbirth (postpartum depression) or around menopause.
• Men more often show irritability, anger, overwork, risk-taking or increased alcohol use — and are less likely to ask for help.
• Teenagers may seem irritable rather than sad, withdraw into their phones, lose interest in studies or see their marks drop.
• Older adults may complain mainly of poor sleep, low appetite, body pain or forgetfulness, which is easily mistaken for “just ageing”.

In India, many people first visit a doctor for headaches, body ache, weakness, acidity or sleep problems. When tests keep coming back normal, depression is worth considering.

There is rarely a single cause. Depression usually develops from a combination of factors, and it can start after a stressful event or appear without any obvious reason.

• Biology and genes — a family history of depression, changes in the brain’s mood and stress systems, thyroid problems, anaemia or vitamin deficiencies, chronic illnesses and some medicines.
• Stress and life events — bereavement, relationship or marital conflict, job loss, financial pressure, exam stress or caring for an ill family member.
• Psychological patterns — perfectionism, constant self-criticism, low self-esteem or long-standing negative thinking.
• Early experiences — childhood adversity, abuse, bullying or trauma.
• Alcohol and drugs — alcohol, cannabis and other substances can trigger or worsen depression.
• Life stages — pregnancy and the year after childbirth, menopause, retirement and older age.

Book a consultation if low mood or loss of interest has lasted more than two weeks — or sooner if any of these apply:

• It is affecting your work, studies or relationships
• Your sleep or appetite has changed a lot
• You are using alcohol, sleeping pills or other substances to cope
• You have had depression before, or it runs in your family
• Symptoms began during pregnancy or after childbirth
• Self-help has not worked after a few weeks

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. They can diagnose depression, check for physical causes, prescribe medicines when needed and provide or guide psychotherapy. Not sure who to see? Read psychiatrist vs psychologist and signs it’s time to see a psychiatrist.

There is no single blood test or brain scan for depression. The diagnosis is made in a careful clinical consultation, which usually includes:

1. 1

   A detailed conversation

   Your symptoms and how long they have lasted, sleep, appetite, energy, stress, life events, alcohol or substance use, medical history and family history.

2. 2

   Rating scales

   Short questionnaires such as the PHQ-9 help measure how severe the depression is and track progress over time.

3. 3

   Ruling out physical causes

   Where needed, blood tests for thyroid function, haemoglobin, vitamin B12 or vitamin D — conditions that can mimic or worsen depression.

4. 4

   Checking related conditions

   Anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, substance use and suicide risk are assessed, because they change the treatment plan.

5. 5

   A plan made together

   You leave with a clear explanation and a treatment plan that fits your situation and preferences.

Wondering what the first appointment is like? Read what to expect at your first psychiatrist visit.

Treatment depends on how severe the depression is and what you prefer. Mild depression often improves with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes alone. For moderate to severe depression, a combination of medicine and psychotherapy works best.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy)

Structured therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), behavioural activation and interpersonal therapy help you change unhelpful thinking patterns, rebuild routine and handle relationships and stress. Dr. Ajmera also uses integrative, emotion-focused techniques. Learn more about psychotherapy at the clinic.

Antidepressant medicines

Commonly used antidepressants include SSRIs (such as escitalopram, sertraline and fluoxetine) and other groups such as SNRIs, mirtazapine and bupropion. The choice depends on your symptoms, other health conditions and possible side effects. Benefits usually begin within 2–4 weeks and build up over 6–8 weeks. To prevent relapse, medicines are usually continued for 6 to 12 months after you feel well.

Severe or difficult-to-treat depression

If depression does not improve after adequate trials of treatment, options include changing or combining medicines, adding augmenting medicines, intensive psychotherapy and — in selected cases — hospital-based treatments such as ECT or rTMS, for which you would be referred.

How long does recovery take?

Many people notice better sleep and energy within a few weeks of starting treatment, with mood improving over the following weeks. Full recovery from an episode usually takes a few months. Regular follow-ups help adjust the plan and catch early warning signs.

Self-care does not replace treatment for moderate or severe depression, but it makes treatment work better:

• Keep a fixed wake-up time and a simple daily routine
• Move your body for 20–30 minutes on most days
• Break tasks into small, doable steps
• Tell one trusted person how you are really feeling
• Cut down alcohol and avoid cannabis and other drugs
• Eat regular meals and get some daylight every morning
• Keep screens out of bed and limit late-night scrolling
• Take medicines as prescribed and keep follow-ups

• Listen without judging. Avoid advice like “just think positive” or “everyone has problems”.
• Encourage professional help and offer to make the appointment or come along.
• Help with small practical tasks — meals, errands, getting outside for a walk.
• Take any talk of suicide seriously. Stay with the person and call Tele-MANAS (14416) or 112.
• Look after yourself too. Supporting someone with depression can be exhausting.

More ideas in our guide on how to help a loved one get mental health care.