Depression: Understanding, Symptoms and Finding Support
Depression is a serious but treatable medical condition that affects how you feel, think and handle daily activities. In India, the World Health Organization estimates that 56 million people suffer from depression — yet fewer than 10% receive treatment, largely due to stigma and lack of accessible care.
What Is Depression?
Clinical depression (major depressive disorder) is characterised by a persistently low mood or loss of interest in activities, lasting at least two weeks. It is not simply sadness or "feeling blue" — it is a biological condition involving changes in brain chemistry, hormone levels and neural circuitry.
Symptoms of Depression
Emotional: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, loss of interest (anhedonia), feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of death or suicide.
Physical: Fatigue, changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping), appetite changes (weight loss or gain), difficulty concentrating, slowed movement or speech.
Depression in India: A Hidden Crisis
In India, depression is often under-recognised because it manifests differently — more commonly as physical symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue and digestive problems rather than the emotional symptoms more recognised in Western contexts. Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed, though men are less likely to seek help. Academic pressure, family conflict, unemployment and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic have all contributed to rising depression rates.
Treatment Options
- CBT — Highly effective for depression, focusing on behavioural activation and challenging negative thinking patterns
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) — Addresses relationship problems that contribute to depression
- Medication — Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) prescribed by a psychiatrist
- Combination treatment — Therapy plus medication is most effective for moderate-severe depression
⚠️ If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call iCall India immediately: 9152987821.
How Mentis Supports Depression Management
Mentis incorporates the most important CBT technique for depression — behavioural activation. When depression causes withdrawal and inactivity, the daily activities feature gently schedules meaningful actions to break the cycle. The chatbot guides you through thought records to challenge hopelessness and low self-worth. The mood tracker provides objective evidence of progress on days when it does not feel like you are improving.