Depression is one of India’s most misunderstood mental health conditions. Even in a metro city like Delhi where people are becoming increasingly aware about mental health, there are many who still can’t identify depression as a condition that needs proper attention and treatment.
One of the biggest problems I have seen in my psychiatric practice is that people often do not take depression seriously until something major happens.
Rather than trying to understand what they are going through, people may ridicule someone who starts to become quiet, avoids social gatherings, stops communicating with family members or seems emotionally disturbed.
When you say things like “Yaar, tu toh aise hi kar raha hai, ye koi baat thodi hai” it can make someone feel like their emotional struggles don’t matter.
Unfortunately, it’s not an attitude unique to Delhi. Mental health awareness is still in its nascent stages in India and many don’t seek psychiatric help until their symptoms really start to affect their day to day lives.
I’m a psychiatrist and I think depression is never something to be taken lightly. You don’t have to wait until there is a major problem or behaviour crisis to seek professional help.
Why people often ignore depression?
From my experience many families do not identify depression in its early stages.
They may not take things seriously until they start to see major changes in behaviour such as:
- Leaving the house again and again without telling why.
- Being unusually hostile or verbally abusive.
- Often talking to themselves.
- Complete withdrawal from family and social activities.
- Showing big changes in their day-to-day behaviour.
But depression doesn’t always look like that. Depression doesn’t mean you can’t go to work, go to school, go to meetings, and manage your regular responsibilities.
Some people may not even realise that their emotional and physical symptoms mean that they need psychiatric care.
“Be aware. That’s why it’s important. We should not wait until someone is critically ill to offer our support.
How Do People Know When They May Need Depression Treatment?
Not all people with depression identify it immediately as a mental health problem.
I have all sorts of patients in my practice.
Some patients are brought in by family members who have observed changes in their behaviour. The family may know that something is wrong, even if the patient cannot understand what is going on.
In contrast, there are some patients who come to me by themselves.
For instance, individuals who are experiencing relationship breakups, anxiety, sleep disturbances, headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and unexplained physical complaints may begin to seek professional help.
Many people google for terms like Dr Tejal Kothari or Best Female Psychiatrist in Delhi. They find my profile, contact me directly on WhatsApp, and make an appointment.
These varied patient journeys tell us one crucial thing: people react differently to emotional distress and need assessment, not assumptions.
When Should You See Psychiatrist for Depression?
You don’t have to wait for depression to begin taking over your life.
Usually I recommend people to see a psychiatrist when they realise that their overthinking is increasing, sleep disturbances are frequent or their daily routine is affected.
Some signs that are worth noting include:
- Constant rumination or negative thinking.
- Frequent sleep disturbances.
- Feeling bored with the things you used to like.
- Trouble focusing on work or studies.
- I feel emotionally drained.
- Avoiding friends, family and social events.
- Changes in appetite or daily routines.
- Feeling helpless or disconnected emotionally.
If any of these symptoms are persistent, severe or interfere with daily functioning, it is important to seek professional assessment. Don’t wait to help because you think the problem will go away.
Getting a psychiatrist early can help identify what is going on and the correct treatment.
How Does Treating Depression Work?
One thing I firmly believe is that depression treatment shouldn’t be the same for every patient.
I try to understand the person and the circumstances before I decide what to do about the treatment.
This means knowing:
1. Background Personal History
Each patient is unique. Different backgrounds. It is important to know their personal experiences, their medical history and emotional circumstances to properly assess their condition.
2. Family Environment:
“One’s mental health can be affected by family relationships and the environment around them. Grasping these factors assists in determining possible causes of stress.
3. Problems in Relationships
Psychological distress can be caused by breakups and problems in marriage, emotional trauma, and personal conflicts.
4. Pressure at Work
Work pressure, financial concerns, career expectations and professional responsibilities can also affect mental health.
5. Symptoms and day to day routine
Important areas to assess:
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Concentration
- Mood
- Daily functioning
This general understanding guides treatment decisions. Two people with the same symptoms may need different strategies for treatment.
Does every person with depression need medicine?
This is one of the common questions that people have prior to visiting a psychiatrist.
A lot of people are scared that if they go to a psychiatrist, then they are going to be put on psychiatric medication or tablets for the rest of their lives.
But treatment doesn’t work the same for everyone.
In my practice, consultation and therapy are important components of managing depression. With the right therapeutic attitude and professional help, many patients can get better.
If indicated clinically, medications may be recommended based on the patient’s symptoms, severity, medical history and overall assessment.
The assumption that all patients need medication or that psychiatric medication must be taken for life is wrong.
Treatment regimens must be individualised and patients should never start or stop medication prescribed to them without consulting their psychiatrist.
How to Help Family Members with Depression
Family support is an important aspect of a patient’s recovery.
Unfortunately, family members can sometimes unknowingly add more pressure to a person already struggling with emotional difficulties.
If a family member is dealing with depression, here are some things you should remember.
1. Do not Criticise the Patient
Do not laugh at their feelings or compare their problems with someone else’s problems.
Saying something like “Itna kya sochna hai?”, “Sabke saath problems hoti hain” can make them feel misunderstood.
2. Have Patience
Healing takes time. Don’t expect someone to be perfectly normal immediately.
Give them space and understand their emotional struggles are not necessarily something they have control over.
3. Use a Quiet Voice
Do not shout, argue, or overwhelm the patient with too much conversation.
Use a calm voice and help them feel comfortable enough to share their fears with you.
4. Support Their Normal Schedule
Help them by supporting them with everyday activities such as regular meals, sleep schedules and controllable daily tasks.
5. Encourage Counselling Sessions
Help them attend therapy sessions and adhere to the treatment plan recommended by their psychiatrist.
Remember, helping someone with depression isn’t about making them happy. It’s about creating an environment where they feel understood, supported and comfortable reaching out for professional help.
If someone says they want to kill themselves or do something serious to themselves, get them urgent professional help, not just waiting for the next routine appointment.
Searching for Treatment for Depression in Delhi?
“Getting the right psychiatric support is an important step in learning about and coping with depression.
Dr. Tejal Kothari is a General Psychiatrist offering professional psychiatric consultation. She begins by finding out about the patient’s personal situation, symptoms, emotional challenges and treatment needs, and then decides what to do.
Requirements:
- MRCPsych (UK)
- DPM –
- DNB Psychiatry
- 10+ years experience
“Patients can come for depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disturbance, relationship problems and other mental health problems.
If you have persistent emotional issues or observe changes in your sleep, thoughts or daily routine, consider seeking a psychiatric assessment from a professional.
For any queries or to book an appointment, please WhatsApp Dr Tejal Kothari.
Don’t wait until your depression becomes a crisis to start taking your mental health seriously.
Your mental health is as important as your physical health.
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