Depression: Symptoms, Causes, Types, and Treatment

Depression is common, but it can be difficult to recognise. You may think you are simply sad, tired or unable to cope. Depression can affect how you feel, think and manage daily life, but it can improve with suitable treatment and support.

What Is Depression?

Depression is more than feeling sad for a few days. It can make you feel low, empty, numb or unusually tired. You may lose interest in things you normally enjoy, and simple tasks such as getting out of bed or replying to a message may feel difficult. When these symptoms last for at least two weeks and affect daily life, they may be signs of depression [1]. 

Depression can be mild, moderate or severe. You do not need to wait until life feels impossible before seeking help.

India’s National Mental Health Survey found that around one in twenty Indians experience a depressive disorder during their lifetime. However, many people who need mental healthcare do not receive it [5].

Depression vs Sadness: What’s The Difference

Sadness usually becomes easier with time. Depression lasts longer and has a greater effect on daily life [2].

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

Depression can affect your emotions, body and behaviour.

Emotional and Mental Symptoms

• Feeling low, empty, numb or unusually irritable
• Losing interest in activities you normally enjoy
• Feeling hopeless, guilty or worthless
• Finding it difficult to concentrate or make decisions
• Thinking about death or suicide

Physical and Behavioural Symptoms

• Feeling tired even after resting
• Sleeping or eating more or less than usual
• Losing or gaining weight
• Experiencing unexplained aches or pains
• Avoiding people and activities
• Struggling with work, studies or everyday tasks
• Moving or speaking more slowly than usual

Depression may look different at different ages. Teenagers may become irritable, withdraw from others or struggle at school. Older adults may notice tiredness, body pain, memory problems or loss of interest rather than obvious sadness.

In India, some people first seek help for tiredness, headaches, body pain, weakness or stomach problems [6]. These symptoms can have several causes, so a doctor may check both your physical and mental health.

What Are the Types of Depression?

Common types include:

• Major depressive disorder: Symptoms affect daily life for at least two weeks.
• Persistent depressive disorder: Depression continues for two years or longer [3].
• Seasonal affective disorder: Depression returns during a particular season.
• Depression during or after pregnancy: Symptoms begin during pregnancy or after childbirth. Read about pregnancy and post-delivery mental health.
• Bipolar depression: Depressive episodes occur as part of bipolar disorder.

“High-functioning depression” is not an official diagnosis. The phrase describes someone who continues working, studying or caring for others while struggling privately.

What Causes Depression?

Depression usually develops through a combination of factors, including:

• Family history
• Trauma, grief or difficult experiences
• Long-term stress
• Loneliness or lack of support
• Family or relationship problems
• Financial or workplace pressure
• Caregiving responsibilities
• Physical illness or ongoing pain
• Alcohol, drugs or certain medicines

Sometimes there is no obvious cause. You do not need to understand exactly why it started before seeking help.

Depression is sometimes described as a “chemical imbalance,” but this is too simple. Your biology, health, experiences, relationships and surroundings can all play a part.

So many patients tell me they thought they were just tired, or just going through a phase. Depression doesn't always look dramatic, sometimes it looks like everything feeling a little heavier than it should. If that's been going on for weeks, it's worth naming it.

How Is Depression Diagnosed?

There is no single test for depression. A qualified professional will ask about your symptoms, how long they have lasted and how they affect your life.

A doctor may also check for conditions such as anaemia or thyroid problems, which can cause similar symptoms. Online depression tests may help you notice possible signs, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis.

Tell the professional if you have experienced unusually high energy, needed very little sleep or acted impulsively. These may be signs of bipolar disorder, which needs a different treatment approach.

How Is Depression Treated?

Treatment depends on your symptoms, health and preferences. Milder depression may be treated with therapy and guided self-help. Moderate or severe depression may require therapy, medication or both.

Talking Therapy

Therapy can help you understand and manage the thoughts, feelings and behaviours linked to depression.

Common approaches include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Helps you recognise unhelpful patterns and respond differently.
• Behavioural activation: Helps you gradually return to meaningful activities when motivation is low [4].

Learn what to expect in psychotherapy or read about the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist and therapist.

Medication

A doctor may recommend antidepressants, especially for moderate or severe depression.

Antidepressants can take time to work and may cause side effects. Do not start, stop or change your medicine without medical advice.

Everyday Support

Small actions can support recovery, although they do not replace professional care:

• Follow a simple routine
• Eat and sleep at regular times
• Stay connected with someone you trust
• Take a short walk or do another manageable activity
• Reduce or avoid alcohol

Start with what feels possible today. Taking a shower, sitting outside briefly or messaging someone can be a useful first step.

If treatment is not helping enough, tell your clinician. The plan may need more time, an adjustment or a different approach.

Common Myths About Depression

When Should You Seek Help?

Speak to a mental health professional if your symptoms:

• Have lasted for at least two weeks
• Affect your work, studies, relationships or self-care
• Make everyday activities difficult
• Continue to become worse

Fear of judgement or being called “weak” or “pagal” can stop people from seeking care. You do not need to wait for a crisis.

Depression may occur alongside anxiety. It may also be difficult to distinguish from grief after a loss. A professional can help you understand what you are experiencing.

When to Get Urgent Help

If you are thinking about suicide, may harm yourself or cannot stay safe:

• Tell someone you trust and ask them to stay with you.
• Call 112, India’s emergency number.
• Call Tele-MANAS at 14416 or 1-800-89-14416 for free, 24-hour mental health support.
• Go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
• Do not remain alone.

See our crisis support and helplines page for more options. If you are worried about someone else, read our guide to supporting a loved one.

Can Depression Get Better?

Yes. Depression is treatable, although recovery can take time. If the first approach does not help enough, another treatment or combination may work better.

If you feel ready, you can book a confidential consultation with a mental health professional at Allo Health.