Depression affects how you feel, think, sleep and get through the day. It can make ordinary tasks feel exhausting and can slowly pull you away from people and things you care about. It is not a weakness or something you can simply “snap out of” — it involves real changes in the brain and body, and it responds well to treatment.
What causes depression?
There is rarely a single cause. Depression usually develops from a mix of factors: genetics and family history, prolonged stress, loss or relationship difficulties, medical illnesses such as thyroid problems, certain medicines, alcohol or substance use, and changes after childbirth. Sometimes it appears without any obvious trigger.
How is depression diagnosed?
Dr. Sneha Sharma makes the diagnosis through a detailed clinical interview, guided by internationally accepted criteria (ICD-11 and DSM-5). Rating scales are used to measure severity, and simple blood tests may be advised to rule out physical causes such as anaemia, thyroid or vitamin deficiencies.
Our approach
Treatment is planned around you — your symptoms, your daily life and your preferences. Mild depression may be treated with therapy and lifestyle changes alone. For moderate or severe depression, a carefully chosen antidepressant combined with psychotherapy works best. Progress is reviewed at every follow-up, and doses are kept as low as needed.
Common signs & symptoms
- Low or sad mood most of the day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Tiredness and low energy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness
- Withdrawing from family and friends
How depression is treated
Antidepressant medicines
Modern, non-addictive medicines chosen for your symptoms and reviewed regularly.
Psychotherapy (CBT)
Changes the thinking and behaviour patterns that keep depression going.
Lifestyle & sleep
Practical routines for sleep, activity and nutrition that support recovery.
Family guidance
Helping loved ones understand depression and support you.
When should you see a psychiatrist?
See a psychiatrist if low mood has lasted more than two weeks, is affecting work, studies or relationships, or if you have stopped enjoying things. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or that life is not worth living, please seek help today — call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to take medicines for life? Are they addictive?
Not necessarily. Many conditions are treated for a defined period and then medicines are slowly reduced under supervision. Commonly used medicines such as antidepressants are not addictive. Some conditions do need longer treatment; this is always discussed openly, with regular reviews of the dose and any side effects.
How long does depression treatment take?
Many people start to feel better within a few weeks of starting treatment. To prevent relapse, treatment usually continues for several months after you feel well, and is then tapered gradually under supervision.
Can depression be treated without medicines?
Mild depression often responds well to psychotherapy such as CBT, along with sleep, exercise and routine changes. Moderate to severe depression usually improves faster and more reliably with a combination of medicine and therapy.
Related conditions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Sharma, MBBS, MD Psychiatry · Last updated 3 November 2026. This page is for information and does not replace a consultation.