What is Depression
Depression, or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide — affecting over 56 million people in India alone. It is characterised by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue and a range of emotional, cognitive and physical symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning. Depression is not weakness — it is a medical condition with a strong neurobiological basis, highly responsive to evidence-based treatment including antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.
Symptoms of Depression
Recognising the signs early leads to better outcomes. Common indicators include:
Persistent low mood, sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
Significant fatigue and loss of energy
Sleep disturbances — insomnia or excessive sleeping
Appetite changes — significant weight loss or gain
Difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt or hopelessness
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
When to seek depression treatment
Depression is highly treatable but rarely resolves fully without professional support. Seek specialist help if:
- Low mood has persisted for more than two weeks
- You have lost interest in activities you previously enjoyed
- Depression is affecting work, relationships or daily life
- You are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Previous antidepressants or therapy have not provided relief
Treatment approach at Athena
All treatment programs are personalised, evidence-based and delivered with complete confidentiality.
Psychiatric assessment & diagnosis
Detailed evaluation using PHQ-9, ICD-11 criteria and comprehensive medical screening.
Antidepressant medication
Personalised selection of SSRIs, SNRIs or other antidepressants with regular psychiatric review and monitoring.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Individual therapy addressing depressive thought patterns, emotional regulation and behavioural withdrawal.
Behavioural activation
Structured activity scheduling to break the depression-withdrawal cycle and restore daily functioning.
Relapse prevention & maintenance
Ongoing psychiatric support, coping strategies and long-term maintenance planning to prevent future depressive episodes.
Doctors treating Depression at Athena
Dr. Supriya Mathur
MBBS, MD Psychiatry · 15+ years
Addiction Specialist, Gurgaon
Dr. Tanul Jain
MBBS, MD Psychiatry · 15+ years
De-addiction Specialist, GurgaonKomal Sharma
RCI-Licensed- Clinical Psychologist · 8+ years
De-addiction Specialist, GurgaonDepression treatment centers
Gurgaon Center
Haryana
Noida Center
Uttar Pradesh
Delhi Center
Delhi NCR
Guwahati Center
Assam
Frequently asked questions
How long does depression treatment take?
Mild depression may improve within 6–8 weeks of treatment. Moderate to severe depression typically requires 3–6 months. Long-term maintenance treatment is recommended for recurrent depression.
Do antidepressants cause dependency?
No. Antidepressants are not addictive in the traditional sense — they do not cause craving or compulsive use. They should be tapered gradually under medical guidance when stopping to avoid discontinuation symptoms.
Can depression be treated without medication?
Mild depression can often be treated with psychotherapy alone. Moderate to severe depression typically requires a combination of medication and therapy for the best outcomes.
What is the difference between sadness and depression?
Sadness is a normal emotional response to difficult events and resolves naturally. Depression is a clinical disorder — persistent, pervasive, significantly impairing functioning and not attributable to a specific life event.
Is postpartum depression treatable?
Yes, highly treatable. Postpartum depression responds well to a combination of antidepressant medication (safe while breastfeeding under guidance) and psychotherapy. Early treatment is critical for both mother and infant wellbeing.