Depression (major depressive disorder)

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026

Depression is a medical condition that causes lasting low mood, loss of interest and tiredness for at least two weeks, and it affects daily life. It is treatable, and a psychiatrist can assess which care is right for you. You do not have to be in crisis to ask for help.

About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.

Care in the language you think in

At a glance

Common signs

Persistent sadness or empty mood
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Fatigue and low energy
Sleep disturbances

How it is usually treated

Antidepressant medication
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Where to start

A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.

Book your free pre-consultation call

Registered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.

Signs

Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.

Persistent sadness or an empty feeling
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Tiredness and low energy
Sleeping too little or too much
Changes in appetite or weight
Trouble concentrating or deciding
Feeling worthless or guilty

How people often describe it

“I feel empty and nothing makes me happy”
“I have no energy to do anything”
“I cry for no reason”
“I do not enjoy what I used to love”

People who live with depression may also notice generalised anxiety, sleep problems or substance use. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.

When to get help soon

Get help soon if you have thoughts of death or of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 now, or go to the nearest hospital.

How it is diagnosed

A psychiatrist asks about your mood, sleep, appetite, energy and daily life over the past weeks, and about any history of depression, other illness or substance use. There is no blood test for depression. A doctor may suggest tests to rule out other causes, such as thyroid problems.

Treatment and support

Talk therapy: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy all have evidence for depression
Support from family, and steady routines for sleep and activity
A plan agreed with your psychiatrist and reviewed as you go

How Mindly helps

Your first consultation is a video call with a psychiatrist in your language, covering your history and a diagnosis if there is one. Your psychiatrist then agrees a plan with you and when to review it. All care is online, by video.

You can talk to a psychiatrist online, read what a first online consultation involves and see how pricing works before you book. Related reading: depression treatment online, when to see a psychiatrist, common myths about psychiatric medicines and how common mental health problems are in India.

Looking for depression treatment in India? See how depression treatment works online.

This page is also available in 10 Indian languages: हिन्दी (Hindi), தமிழ் (Tamil), ಕನ್ನಡ (Kannada), తెలుగు (Telugu), മലയാളം (Malayalam), मराठी (Marathi), বাংলা (Bengali), ଓଡ଼ିଆ (Odia), অসমীয়া (Assamese), ತುಳು (Tulu).

Your first appointment

A psychiatrist listens to your mood, sleep, appetite, energy and daily life over the past weeks, and asks about earlier episodes, other illness and family history.

Who is involved

A psychiatrist leads your care. A clinical psychologist can join for talk therapy, and the two share one plan.

Between sessions

Regular reviews check how you are feeling and sleeping, and your plan is adjusted as you improve.

What to expect

Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.

Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works

Book your free pre-consultation call

Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.

Common questions

Is depression treatable?

Yes. Depression responds well to care, and starting early helps. A psychiatrist can tell you which approach suits your symptoms.

How long does depression treatment take?

It varies from person to person. Your psychiatrist will review progress with you and adjust the plan.

Can I get depression care in my own language?

Yes. Mindly offers consultations in 11 languages: English, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tulu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, Assamese, Bengali and Odia.

Is depression the same as feeling sad?

No. Sadness passes. Depression lasts two weeks or more, affects sleep, energy and concentration, and makes daily tasks hard.

How do I know if I need help?

If low mood, loss of interest or tiredness has lasted two weeks or more and affects daily life, book a consultation.

What should I do if I have thoughts of harming myself?

Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 now, or go to the nearest hospital, and tell someone you trust. These thoughts are a sign of illness that can be treated.

If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.