Indore, MP
Many people in Indore live with depression for years, mistaking it for stress, weakness, or a personal failing. It is none of those things. Depression is a medical condition, and with proper treatment, recovery is possible.
Recognising the Signs
If you experience any of the following, talk to a professional.
Immediate support
Understanding the difference
| Feature | Normal Sadness | Clinical Depression |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Temporary, passing in days | Persists for weeks or months |
| Triggers | Usually tied to a specific event | Can occur without a clear reason |
| Self-esteem | Usually remains intact | Feelings of worthlessness or guilt |
| Enjoyment | Can still enjoy certain activities | Loss of interest in almost all activities |
| Functioning | Daily functioning is largely maintained | Significant interference with daily life |
About this Condition
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is one of the most common reasons people seek psychiatric help in Indore. It is widely misunderstood. Most people who come to my clinic have already been told, by themselves or others, that they are just stressed or not trying hard enough. That framing delays treatment. Depression is a medical condition. If you think you might be affected, you can start with the PHQ-9 screening.
In India alone, an estimated 56 million people live with depression (NIMHANS Mental Health Survey, 2015 to 2016). In Madhya Pradesh, the treatment gap is stark. Many patients in Indore go years without professional help, held back by stigma or the belief that their symptoms are 'just stress'.
Depression manifests differently in everyone. Beyond persistent sadness, it can show up as loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, unexplained fatigue, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and a pervasive sense of worthlessness. Some people experience irritability or severe anxiety rather than sadness. Others carry physical symptoms, including headaches, back pain, and digestive issues, that don't respond to conventional treatment. In severe cases, depression can make it difficult to get out of bed, hold a conversation, or see a reason to continue.
There are several types of depression, and accurate diagnosis matters.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) involves episodes of severe symptoms lasting at least two weeks, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD, formerly dysthymia) is a chronic form where symptoms last for two years or more, often milder but relentless. Bipolar depression occurs as part of Bipolar Disorder and requires a different treatment approach than unipolar depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) follows a seasonal pattern, typically worsening during darker months. Postpartum depression affects new mothers and goes well beyond 'baby blues'.
I treat depression with medication, therapy, or both, depending on what fits the person sitting in front of me. Finding the right approach can take time. I would rather adjust the plan than leave you stuck on something that isn't working. My clinic serves patients from Vijay Nagar, Scheme 54, Nipania, Mahalaxmi Nagar, and across Madhya Pradesh, providing a confidential, non-judgemental space where you can speak openly about what you are experiencing.
Understanding the roots
Neurotransmitter imbalances and structural differences in the brain are directly involved in how depression develops and persists.
A family history of depression or mood disorders raises the risk. Depression is not a character flaw. It runs in families the way other medical conditions do.
Trauma, prolonged stress, major life changes, or chronic physical illness can all trigger or worsen depression, even in people with no prior history.
Clinical Profile
These are the most commonly reported signs.
By the numbers
Affected in India
~56M
Indians live with depression
Source: NIMHANS Mental Health Survey, 2015 to 2016
Treatment Response
60 to 80%
of patients improve with proper treatment
Source: American Psychiatric Association guidelines
Treatment Gap
~85%
of people with depression in India receive no treatment
Source: Lancet Psychiatry, 2019
Outcomes
Before Your Visit
Knowing what to expect can ease the anxiety of your first appointment.
The Process
A clear path from your first visit to feeling better.
A thorough 45 to 60 minute consultation covering your symptoms, history, sleep, appetite, daily functioning, and any contributing factors. I will review your history without rushing.
Based on your evaluation, a tailored plan is created. This may include medication, therapy, or both, depending on severity, your preferences, and what the evidence suggests will work best for you.
Most patients begin noticing improvement within 2 to 4 weeks. Regular check-ins (every 2 to 4 weeks) ensure your treatment is on track, side effects are managed, and adjustments are made as needed.
Once symptoms improve, the focus shifts to maintaining gains, building coping skills, and planning for the long term, including a gradual, well-planned approach to medication tapering when appropriate.
Our Method
Your first appointment is a 45 to 60 minute evaluation. I will ask about your symptoms and how long you have had them, your sleep, appetite, daily routine, and anything that may have contributed, whether something medical, something that happened, or chronic stress.
Based on this evaluation, we will put together a treatment plan. For mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy alone can be sufficient. For moderate to severe cases, combining antidepressant medication with therapy produces better outcomes than either alone.
I consider medication selection carefully. I typically start with SSRIs because of their effectiveness and tolerability. If the first medication does not produce adequate results within 6 to 8 weeks, we will explore alternatives. You are never left without options.
Regular follow-ups, initially every 2 to 4 weeks, ensure the plan is adjusted as you improve. For treatment-resistant cases, advanced options including combination pharmacotherapy and specialised protocols are available.
Throughout treatment, I will explain what is happening and why. By the time you are ready to stop, you will understand your condition well enough to catch the early signs yourself.
Questions
Your Doctor
I have treated depression at every level of severity, from patients experiencing their first episode to those who have not responded to previous treatment. I prescribe and provide therapy, and adjust the plan as often as needed. My clinic is based in Indore and sees patients from across Madhya Pradesh.
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