Understanding Depression: Signs, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
By Dr. D. H. Agarwal
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between feeling sad and being depressed? Many people think that depression is just about being sad, but the truth is – it’s much more serious than that.
In this blog, let’s clear this confusion and understand what depression really is, what its symptoms are, why it happens, how it’s diagnosed, and most importantly – how it can be treated.
If you or someone you care about is struggling emotionally, reading this could truly make a difference.
What is Depression?
Depression is not just a passing mood. It is a real medical illness – a mood disorder that affects the way you think, feel, and live your daily life.
It’s more common than you might think. The good news? Depression is treatable. With the right help and support, people do recover and lead happy lives.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
Not everyone shows the same signs of depression, but here are some common symptoms you should be aware of:
Feeling sad or low all the time
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Changes in sleep – either sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping
Constant tiredness and low energy
Feeling worthless or guilty
Eating too much or too little
Thoughts of suicide or feeling like life has no meaning
If you or someone close to you is showing these signs, don’t ignore them. Depression can affect anyone, at any age.
What Causes Depression?
There isn’t just one cause of depression. It often happens due to a mix of reasons, such as:
Biological factors – Imbalance of brain chemicals or hormones
Family history – If depression runs in your family, your chances can be higher
Stressful life events – Like job loss, a breakup, or trauma
Unhealthy lifestyle – Poor diet, no exercise, and bad sleep habits
Most importantly – remember that depression is not anyone’s fault. It is a health condition, just like diabetes or blood pressure.
How is Depression Diagnosed?
If you think you or someone you know may have depression, it’s important to talk to a mental health professional.
At Nirvan Hospital in Lucknow, our expert psychiatrists like Dr. D. H. Agarwal can evaluate your symptoms and help you understand what’s really going on. Sometimes, blood tests are also done to rule out other medical issues.
Treatment for Depression
The best part? Depression is treatable.
Here are some effective treatment options we use at Nirvan Hospital:
Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common method where patients learn to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Medicines: Antidepressants help balance brain chemicals, but must always be taken under a doctor’s supervision.
Lifestyle changes:Regular physical activity, eating a nutritious diet, and getting enough sleep can make a big difference.
Support: Talking to friends, family, or joining support groups can help you feel less alone.
You are not alone – and help is always available.
Management
The two main types of treatments are:
Behavioral and communication therapy to help with structure and organization. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of these treatments; it promotes positive behavior and discourages negative behavior. Occupational therapy can help with life skills like dressing, eating, and relating to people. Sensory integration therapy might help someone who has problems with being touched or with sights or sounds. Speech therapy improves communication skills.
Medications to help with symptoms of ASD, like attention problems, hyperactivity, or anxiety. Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists at Nirvan Hospital have managed numerous cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
