India has the highest incidence rate of depression in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). More than 56 million individuals experience depression and an additional 38 million experience diseases related to anxiety.

Despite placing a significant cost on the healthcare system, depressive illnesses remain often untreated. A cultural factor may contribute to the fact that we Indians may be less likely to seek treatment than other people. This is in addition to the reality that accesses to mental health care is scarce. The advantages of having a family support network for coping with mental diseases cannot be stressed, yet because of the stigma associated with depression, a person may not get the help they need to get over it.

The family may view mental illness among its members as something that stains the family’s reputation or dignity. Due to this and the severe stigma associated with mental illness, a person may be reluctant to seek outside assistance for fear of being judged as "weak" or "fundamentally defective." Since parents continue to serve as mentors and counsellors to their kids and other young people in the family far into adulthood. Since older family members are often consulted when making decisions and settling problems, it is possible that parents will feel nervous and inadequate if their children ask for outside assistance. People who lack awareness tend to think that sadness and anxiety may be treated with the appropriate advice and direction from family adults. This is due to the fact that it does not always show indicators of frenetic behaviour.

Depression is a mental disorder that affects the body as well as the intellect; it is not only an emotional state. The signs include a lingering sense of melancholy, hopelessness, exhaustion, worry, a loss of interest in activities, and adjustments to eating and sleep patterns. When such symptoms have continued for at least two weeks with little to no relief, depression may be the likely diagnosis.

Relationships, employment, interests, and a general sense of pleasure and satisfaction are just a few areas of your life that depression may negatively affect. Other red flags that your disease is growing worse include thoughts of self-harm and suicide. Consider looking for expert assistance if you encounter these -

Some common physical symptoms of depression:

• One of the most obvious signs of serious depressive illness is fatigue.
• In addition to being a possible physical sign of depression, chronic pain sufferers are also more likely to develop depression.
• According to research, there is a connection between depressive illnesses, anxiety, and digestive diseases that may be diagnosed, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Some individuals who struggle with depression observe that they eat more than normal, while others report losing their appetite. In more severe situations, this may lead to eating problems or even weight increase or loss.
• A person with depression may find it challenging to brush their hair, maintain consistent dental hygiene, take a shower, prepare meals, do laundry, and other self-care chores.
• Insomnia, which is often characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, affects certain people who live with depression. On the other side, some persons with depression experience hypersomnia, or sleeping excessively.

However, the symptoms of depression might differ greatly between men and women. Men are less prone than women to publicly express sadness or anger, and friends and family may not be aware that this might be a sign of depression. Because many of us don't want to admit that we might need treatment, and because conventional masculinity theory pushes us to suppress our feelings, especially those that are associated with depression, sadness can be particularly harmful for males. This contributes to the fact that women are statistically twice as likely as males to receive a depression diagnosis.

Everyone is affected by depression differently. Even if two persons match the requirements for the same depressive condition, they may exhibit diverse depression symptoms. This implies that some people may experience greater physical symptoms than others, especially if additional problems, such anxiety or substance addiction, are present.

The form of therapy is usually determined by the duration and intensity of the depressive symptoms and episodes. Working with a psychiatrist or psychologist (PsyD) may be needed if you've been depressed for a while and the symptoms are severe since they deal more with past problems that may be firmly ingrained in your current emotions. However, engaging with a therapist in a counselling relationship may be beneficial if the depression symptoms are more recent or not as severe.

If you’re seeking depression counselling in Mumbai, Another Light Counselling founded by Aanchal Narang, is providing everyone with access to depression, trauma, gender, sexuality, addiction, and kink-affirmative treatment. 

Here’s what to expect in your first session of depression counselling in Mumbai at Another Light Counselling:

During the first session, your therapist may ask you:

• What are your symptoms?
• What brought you to therapy?
• What do you feel is wrong in your life?
• Some questions about your history, including your childhood, education, relationships (family, romantic, friends), your current living situation, and your career

Therapy might span a few sessions, many weeks, or even years, depending on your condition and the aims of the session. There is no straightforward response to your question of how long it will take to "feel better." It is very customized.

With expertise in a number of strategies, our Mumbai based depression counselling clinicians can assist you in resolving personal conflicts, improving your ability to manage mental illness, and making significant changes in your life. You may prepare for your sessions more effectively by learning what technique—or mix of techniques—your therapist will employ. Some common types of therapy include:

1. Person-centred therapy, also known as client-centred therapy, is a non-directive kind of talk therapy that places an emphasis on unconditional positive regard.
2. Cognitive or cognitive-behavioural therapy focuses on establishing links between thoughts, action, and feelings.
3. Psychodynamic or psychoanalytic treatment focuses on identifying and resolving troubling unconscious feelings.
4. Gestalt therapy: Focuses on the "here and now" experience of the client.
5. Existential therapy: Focuses on you (free will, self-determination) rather than the symptom.

With our Mumbai based depression counselling provided by trained professionals, we strive to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities. This organization aids people through challenging life circumstances including the death of a loved one, divorce, natural catastrophes, stress at school, and job loss. It offers the methods and understanding needed to deal with mental health problems including sadness and anxiety.