Overview of Depression Therapy

What Is Depression?

When you think of a person with Depression, what comes to mind? Someone moping around all day, walking around with sadness written all over their face, visible tiredness, crying, or sleeping all the time? While these symptoms might be common in a few people, Depression is more than just a feeling of sadness or having a bad day. It’s a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities.

Depression might not be so obvious and outwardly seen—you might think Depression is easy to spot, that it can be seen and diagnosed within minutes, but that is far from the reality. According to a survey by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1 in 20 Indians suffer from Depression. This means you might know or meet these people regularly without ever knowing about their struggles against Depression. Some common symptoms of Depression that you can look out for include persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep or appetite.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Depression is often caused by a mix of various factors such as genetics, biology, environment, or psychology. You might have a genetic predisposition to Depression if you have a family history of mental disorders or Depression. Personal experiences such as the loss of a loved one, trauma, abuse, or financial challenges can also trigger Depression. Another factor that contributes to Depression is your brain chemistry—an imbalance of hormones and neurotransmitters in your brain can make you more susceptible to Depression.

Types of Depression Therapies

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) : Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the “here and now”. Instead of delving into your past and childhood experiences, CBT focuses on your current thoughts, emotions, and feelings, and how you can improve them. It teaches you to challenge your maladaptive or unhelpful thoughts and apply healthier coping strategies to develop positive thinking patterns. It helps you identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to Depression. The structured Depression therapy sessions often include homework like journalling or practising new behaviours to change your negative patterns.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) : Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on fostering positive relationships through effective communication. It assesses how your relationships and communication styles influence your feelings and helps you address interpersonal conflicts, improve communication, and build healthier connections. IPT is typically short-term and goal-oriented, and often useful in situations where interpersonal conflicts may be a contributing factor to your Depression.

Behavioural Activation : Depression often causes negative symptoms such as Anhedonia—loss of motivation and pleasure in activities you once enjoyed. Behavioural activation helps counteract these symptoms by motivating you to actively engage in positive activities that bring meaning and joy to your life.

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Pharmacotherapy (Medication)

In severe cases, psychotherapy alone cannot treat Depression. In such cases, it is paired with medication, which helps balance your brain chemistry. These chemical imbalances can cause all kinds of symptoms that need to be addressed along with therapy.

A few examples of types of medication include:

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

In most cases these medications do not cause side effects, however, sometimes anti-depressants can cause side effects such as nausea, stomach or gut issues, tiredness, drowsiness, weight change, or sleep issues. It is important to communicate with your doctor and inform them if you experience any side effects. They will adjust your medication and the dose accordingly.

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Brain Stimulation Therapies

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) : Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure that uses small and controlled electrical currents to treat Depression. It is often used when conventional treatment methods such as psychotherapy and medication have not shown results.
In a controlled environment, electrodes are placed on your head, and you are given a brief electrical stimulus that causes a seizure. These seizures last less than 2 minutes and help reset brain activity.

Due to its nature, ECT is often misunderstood but it can be highly effective for severe Depression. It has a high success rate, though it’s typically reserved for specific cases.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) : Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses strong magnetic pulses to inhibit or stimulate brain activity. To achieve this, specific areas of the brain are targeted, and the machine delivers strong magnetic waves through the skull to the brain. It is painless and does not require anaesthesia.
It’s an effective major Depression therapy and like other brain stimulation techniques is only used when other treatment options such as psychotherapy and medication have proven ineffective. This treatment is new and emerging, and research is still ongoing to utilise its benefits for other mental illnesses. So far, TMS has been approved by the FDA for the management of Treatment-Resistant Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and smoking addiction.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) : Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is also a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that uses constant, low-voltage direct current delivered through electrodes on the head. Research is still ongoing to understand the effectiveness of tDCS in treating various mental health disorders, however, there is increasing evidence for tDCS as a successful treatment for Depression.

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Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Light Therapy : Light therapy is particularly effective for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a type of depressive disorder that occurs during certain seasons, usually during winters or in colder regions where sunlight is not available for long durations. In this seasonal Depression therapy, you sit in a special lightbox that mimics natural sunlight and regulates your body’s internal clocks and improves your mood.

Music Therapy : Music therapy uses rhythm, melody, and sound to help you express emotions and process difficult feelings. It encourages you to express your innermost feelings through listening, singing, performing, or creating music. This therapy is effective for people who find it difficult to express themselves and process their emotions. 

Exercise and Lifestyle Modifications : Regular physical activity boosts your mood by increasing endorphins and improving sleep. Even small changes like taking a walk or doing yoga can make a big difference. Pairing this with a diet rich in whole foods, omega-3s, and vitamins can further support your mental health.

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Choosing the Best Depression Therapy

Generally, this decision is taken by your psychologist or your psychiatrist. The personalised treatment plan they create includes recommendations for the anti-depression therapy you need to take for your condition. Your treatment recommendation is based on clinical assessments, personality tests, and practical factors such as the severity of your Depression, your preferences, and therapeutic goals.

The therapy recommendations may include a specific Depression therapy such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), or Family Therapy. There are many effective therapies for Depression, however, your therapist may opt for an eclectic approach—combining techniques from different therapies for a more personalised and effective treatment.

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Our Doctors for Comprehensive Depression Treatment

Ms. Mitali Srivastava

Head of Clinical Governance


Therapy Mode Online, In-person

Languages Hindi, English

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5.0 / 5
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Dr. Sunil Mittal

Senior Consultant Psychiatrist


Therapy Mode Online, In-person

Languages Hindi, English

Rating
5.0 / 5
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Compassionate Depression Therapy from Trusted Experts

At BetterPlace, our experts have helped over 50,000 people navigate various mental health challenges. With specialised training and years of experience, we’re here to support you with the care you deserve.

  • Agoraphobia
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Anorexia
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Arachnophobia
  • ADHD
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Binge Eating
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Body dysmorphic disorder
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Claustrophobia
  • Depression
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Gambling disorder
  • Gender dysphoria
  • Hoarding disorder
  • Insomnia
  • Mood disorders
  • OCD
  • Panic disorder
  • Personality disorders
  • PTSD
  • Postpartum depression
  • Schizoaffective disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Sleep disorders

Our Approach to Personalised Depression Therapy Care

Personalised therapy for your unique experience

Depression looks different for everyone. Our therapists create a treatment plan that is personalised to your symptoms, triggers, and personal history—so you get the care that truly works for you.

Expert therapists trained in depression treatment

Our psychologists and psychiatrists specialise in treating depression, from mild to severe cases. They use evidence-based methods like CBT, ACT, and interpersonal therapy to help you regain control of your life.

Treatment options beyond therapy

Therapy alone isn’t always enough. If required, we offer medication management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and other advanced treatments to help manage persistent depression symptoms.

Support that extends beyond your sessions

Recovery happens outside therapy too. We offer guided self-help tools, support groups, and check-ins to ensure you feel supported even between your sessions.

Visiting BetterPlace?

When visiting BetterPlace, you can expect a welcoming environment where there is 0% judgement.

Detailed initial session (90 min)

Meet with both a psychologist and a psychiatrist

Comprehensive testing

Get an accurate understanding of your mental health

Treatment phase (3-8 Weeks)

Get a personalised treatment plan

Long-term support

Get ongoing care with regular follow-ups

Transformation Stories at BetterPlace

Start your journey
I love that I can actually see what's getting better

My daughter was diagnosed with depression at just 13, and we tried a bunch of different doctors before finally finding the right one. Now she’s 20 and doing really well. She’s super comfortable with Dr. Akul and her therapist, and I’m happy because I get regular updates and can track her progress in real-time.

 

Rishab M
Therapy isn't about just crying after all

I used to think therapy was nothing, just you go and talk. I thought I could talk at home also? But then when my wife passed on, I fell into deep depression. She was my everything,my closest companion and at the age of 72 it is harder to live alone. Thankfully after meeting with Dr. Akul, I was able to feel much better quickly. His medicines worked and did wonders.

 

Karthik G
I can finally breathe again

Didn’t think talking about my feelings would actually help, ngl. But BetterPlace proved me wrong. It’s been 4 months since I started treatment and I’m finally starting to feel like myself again. I’m not saying I’m cured or anything, but life doesn’t feel as heavy anymore. Thanks, Dr Akul. You’re a lifesaver!

 

Ananya P

Mental Health Partners to the prestigious National Heart Institute

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Frequently Asked Questions

All therapies for Depression are highly effective but the “right therapy” differs from person to person. Individual differences play a major role in determining the progress of the treatment. Your biological, social, and psychological factors affect your treatment timeline.

While Depression cannot always be treated by yourself, practising self-care can significantly improve your fighting chances against Depression. A balanced diet, proper sleep, social interactions, and exercise can significantly improve your daily quality of life.

Improvement and treatment timeline depends on a person-to-person basis. No two people experience a condition in the same way, similarly, your progress will differ from someone else’s. However, it usually takes a few weeks for results to show with therapy.

Yes. Depression is not a preventable condition. Even with proper maintenance measures, you can get depression again. So make sure you follow up with your therapist from time to time—they will help you stay on the right track.

No. Medication is not always necessary for treating Depression. Mild cases can be treated with just psychotherapy, however, medication is critical in any mild to moderate case.

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