Chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness on one side, a fit or heavy bleeding needs help now, not an appointment.

112Any emergency108Ambulance102Pregnancy and newborn
Check a symptomManage a conditionHealth calculatorsUnderstand a lab reportFirst aid
Mind and wellbeing

Depression

Also called depression, low mood, sadness, feeling low, udaasi

What it isSignsWhat to doWhat to avoidFeel betterCall a doctor

What this condition is

Depression is a real health condition, not a sign of weakness or something a person can simply snap out of. It involves a low mood or loss of interest that lasts for weeks and affects sleep, appetite, energy and the ability to enjoy life. It can happen to anyone. If you are feeling this way, please know that you matter, that your feelings are valid, and that help is available and effective. With support, talking therapy and sometimes medicine, people do recover and feel like themselves again.

Signs to watch for

  • Feeling sad, low or empty for most of the day
  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Changes in sleep, either too little or too much
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Tiredness and low energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

What to do

  • Reach out and talk to someone you trust
  • Speak to a doctor or counsellor, as help truly works
  • Keep a gentle daily routine, even small steps count
  • Stay connected with family and friends
  • Try to be active, as movement can lift mood over time

What to avoid

  • Do not face it alone or feel you must hide it
  • Avoid alcohol or substances to cope, as they make it worse
  • Do not be hard on yourself for how you feel
  • Do not stop prescribed medicine suddenly without advice

Ways to feel better day to day

  • Set one small, achievable goal each day
  • Spend a little time outdoors or in natural light
  • Keep regular sleep and meal times
  • Do small things that once brought you comfort or joy
  • Practice gentle breathing, prayer or relaxation

Speak to a doctor if

  • Low mood lasting more than two weeks
  • Symptoms affecting your work, studies or relationships
  • Trouble managing daily activities
  • Any thoughts of harming yourself or that life is not worth living, which need urgent help
  • Symptoms not improving with the support you have tried

Your next step

Turn this into a plan that is yours

Everything above is general. Your dose, your targets and your test schedule depend on your age, your reports and the other conditions you live with.

Consult a doctorCheck my numbers

Get care for this

Doctors and care for depression

Verified Teleprac doctors you can see online or in a clinic, lab tests with home sample collection, and genuine medicines delivered to your door.

See all conditions

How to use this page. It explains conditions in plain language so that you can take part in your own care and know when to call. It is not a diagnosis and it does not know your age, your pregnancy, your kidney or liver function, or the other medicines you take. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own.

Consult a doctorPsychiatry

More free tools in the Health Hub

Open Health Hub
Check a symptomSomething feels wrong and you want to know what it could be and who to seeHealth calculatorsYou have a number, such as weight, waist or blood pressure, and want to know what it meansUnderstand a lab reportYou have a lab report with sugar, thyroid, cholesterol or blood counts and want to know what it meansFirst aidSomething has just happened to someone and you need to know what to do right now

Emergency numbers in India

Save these in your phone now, not when you need them. Tap any number to call it.

112Any emergencyOne number for police, fire and ambulance across India108AmbulanceFree emergency ambulance in most states and union territories102Pregnancy and newbornAmbulance for mothers and babies in most states14416Mental health supportTele MANAS, free counselling every hour of the day, many languages1800 116 117Poisoning or overdoseNational Poisons Information Centre, AIIMS New Delhi1098Child in distressChildline India, free and confidential

Where to read more

Public health sources written for patients rather than for doctors, and kept up to date.

Ministry of Health and Family WelfareOfficial Indian health programmes, advisories and public guidanceWorld Health Organization health topicsGlobal fact sheets written for the public, on hundreds of topicsNHS health A to ZPlain language pages on symptoms, conditions, tests and treatmentsMedlinePlusPatient information from the United States National Library of MedicineTele MANASIndia's national mental health support service, free and available all day

Important: Everything in Teleprac patient resources is general health education. It does not give you a diagnosis and it cannot replace examination by a qualified doctor, because it does not know your age, your reports, your pregnancy or the other medicines you take. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own. Teleprac Healthcare is not liable for decisions made on the basis of this information. In an emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital immediately.