Depression is one of the most commonly known as well as occurring mood disorders. The World Health Organisation submitted a report claiming that over 50 million Indians suffer from depression. It is an increasingly-growing concern as more and more people continue to be diagnosed with it every year. The key defining features of depression include a low mood accompanied with loss of interest in activities that were previously liked.
Nowadays, it has become usual to say “I’m depressed” when feeling a bit under the weather. However, depression is a serious mental disorder that can severely impair one’s life if not addressed and lasts much longer than a slight dip in spirits. It is thus important to have awareness about what depression is and where to find the best doctor for depression in India.
What are the symptoms of Depression?
Mental health professionals outline the following symptoms that characterise depression:
- No interest in activities that were once liked
- Low mood most of the time
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of energy
- Alterations in food habits like eating a lot or nothing
- Insomnia or hypersomnia complaints
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Finding it hard to do daily chores
- Difficulty maintaining attention and concentration
- Persistent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
- Withdrawing from social connections
- Poor performance at work/school
- Being irritable or anxious a lot
- Talking too little
- Declining quality of relationships
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Reduced self-esteem and self-confidence
- Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
- Increased substance abuse such as alcohol, cigarette, and drugs
Depression can be low-grade, mild, or severe. Treatment for all such levels is available and hence it is crucial to know where you can find the best doctor for depression in India.
What causes Depression?
There is no lone factor behind depression. Multiple factors contribute to its development. These factors can be categorised into:
- Genetic Factors
Genes play a role in this disorder. Depression is not a purely genetic disorder, so there is no single gene that causes rather a combination of multiple genes. Individuals with a family history of depression are more likely to be affected by it themselves.
- Biological Factors
Neurotransmitter imbalances such as reduced levels of serotonin and norepinephrine can lead to depression. Furthermore, hormonal imbalances as well as brain structural and functional abnormalities may contribute to it. Some medicinal drugs ensue depression as a side effect.
- Environmental Factors
Adverse childhood experiences, job loss, loss of loved ones, traumatic events like war or abuse of any kind, financial difficulties, lack of social support, having chronic illnesses, all fall in the category of environmental factors.
When to see a doctor?
Depression can occur at any age– from childhood to old age. It can often go unnoticed and be dismissed for a long time under the pretext of simply feeling low and tired. But it is crucial to address the symptoms of depression if identified so that it can be managed effectively. If these symptoms are interfering with day-to-day functioning of an individual, professional help should be sought as soon as possible.
The best doctor for depression in India will be the one who is able to customise their approach according to the individual’s needs and preferences.
What does treatment for depression in India look like?
Treatment plans for depression generally involve two main approaches that include psychotherapy and medications.
Medications are prescribed by psychiatrists and are often used in severe cases when therapy alone does not suffice. SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are used to increase the level of serotonin neurotransmitter in the brain. Another common class of drugs are antidepressants which generally include doses of Zoloft or Prozac among others.
Multiple therapeutic approaches are involved in depression treatment which are outlined as follows:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps people identify and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. This therapy focuses on changing the client’s thinking, behaviors, and emotional responses to stressors.
- Behavioral Activation Therapy (BAT): BAT helps the client increase their engagement in pleasurable or meaningful activities, reducing feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. The client learns to identify and decrease avoidance of activities that were previously enjoyed.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: This therapy focuses on exploring the client’s past experiences, emotions, and interpersonal relationships to gain insight into how these factors may be contributing to their depression.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on helping the client learn to accept negative thoughts and emotions, rather than struggling against them.
Interventions made by medical professionals can aid in managing the symptoms of depression and lead to a full recovery. The best doctor for depression in India can guide the client towards a journey with hopeful outcomes.
Conclusion
With a worldwide deterioration in mental well-being, there is a rising need for better awareness and subsequent actionable strategies for the general masses. Depression is highly common and very serious. More women are affected by it than men. Many people suffer silently and in extreme cases, take their own lives.
Professional treatment is available. People who will listen and care to enhance the quality of your life so that you do not feel alone in your battle. Reach out to your doctor and know that even though taking the first step may seem scary, it will point you towards the right direction.
How can CoachForMind help?
- Licensed Psychologists: We are a team of licensed RCI-registered clinical psychologists. Our team has the best doctor for depression in India.
- Tailored Solutions: We at CoachForMind understand individual differences which is why we offer client-centric therapy that takes into account your needs.
- Scientific Techniques: Our approach to therapy is grounded in scientific methods such as Cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is highly effective in treating clients with depression and helping them lead fulfilling lives.
- Quality Professionals: We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service and continuously improving our offerings based on feedback and emerging trends. Our therapists regularly upskill themselves as per the new advances in research and technology.
For more information, please visit our website or contact us directly at coachformind@gmail.com
