Heaviness is not your character. It is treatable.
Depression takes the colour out of things you used to enjoy. Therapy can help — even when reaching out feels like one more thing you don’t have energy for.
WHO estimates over 56 million Indians live with depression at any given time.
Does this sound like you?
The everyday voice of depression.
Read these slowly. If two or more land, you are not alone — and you are not broken.
“Everything feels like it’s underwater.”
“I don’t enjoy things that used to feel good.”
“I’m tired in a way sleep doesn’t fix.”
“I’m going through motions, not living them.”
“I feel guilty for not being happier.”
“Reaching out feels harder than just bearing it.”
A clearer picture
What depression actually is
Depression isn’t sadness. Sadness is a response to a specific loss and lifts. Depression is a sustained dimming — of energy, interest, sleep, appetite, and self-worth — that lasts two weeks or longer and tends to settle in regardless of what is happening externally.
Mild depression often responds to therapy alone. Moderate to severe depression may benefit from therapy plus medication; the combination outperforms either on its own. Recovery is rarely linear, but it is real, and it is achievable.
Clinical reference
Maps to Major Depressive Disorder (DSM-5 296.x) and Persistent Depressive Disorder. A clinician will assess severity and rule out medical causes.
The shape of the work
Specific sub-areas we work with
Depression shows up in a number of recognisable patterns. Therapists who work with this concern are familiar with each of these.
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
- General Distress
- Seasonal Affective
The work itself
How therapy actually helps
A trained therapist works at the energy level you actually have — not the one you wish you had. The first sessions often focus on stabilising sleep, food, and tiny moments of agency, before deeper work starts.
Approaches that work
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Most-studied therapy for depression. Targets the patterns of thinking and behaviour that keep you stuck.
Behavioural Activation
A protocol that helps you re-engage with rewarding activity at a pace that fits low energy. Often the first thing to lift mood.
ACT and IFS
For meaning-related depression and the parts of you that have given up — useful when CBT alone feels mechanical.
What changes
- Sleep stabilises within 2 to 4 weeks
- Small moments of relief return — the colour starts coming back
- You stop punishing yourself for being depressed
- You re-engage with one or two things that matter
- You build a relapse plan for the next dip
Outcomes are typical, not guaranteed. Your therapist will set honest expectations in your first session.
Matched for you
Therapists who specialise in depression
Dr. Aman Khan
11+ years · Delhi
ACT and CBT for depression, low motivation, and the stuck years
Dr. Jane Doe
8+ years · Mumbai
CBT-led therapist for anxiety, panic and high-functioning stress
Dr. Sneha Bose
11+ years · Kolkata
Grief specialist — bereavement, miscarriage, suicide loss
While you wait
Two things you can start in the next 10 minutes
Therapy isn’t the only way in. These work alongside it — or before you’re ready for it.
Common questions
Things people ask about therapy for depression
Sadness is a response to a specific event and lifts. Depression is a persistent low mood lasting two weeks or more, with reduced interest, energy, sleep, and appetite. If you can’t shake the heaviness, please reach out.
You might also be looking at
Related concerns
Talk to someone about depression today.
The 20-minute vibe-check is free. Meet a therapist before you commit to anything.