New Delhi: Depression is a common yet debilitating mental health disorder affecting millions across the globe. According to the DSM-5, major depressive disorder (MDD) is primarily marked by a depressed mood or loss of interest and pleasure in activities, lasting at least two weeks. Other symptoms may include weight changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, trouble concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. In adults, the most common symptoms are depressed mood, anhedonia, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt, while weight changes, excessive sleep, and motor changes are less frequent. According to a study from 2017 by Lancet, about 197 million people in India had mental health disorders. Statistics in India showed depression to be the most commonly occurring mental health problem, affecting 45.9 million people.
While talking about the prevalence of depression in India, Ashi Tomar, Senior Psychologist, Veda Rehabilitation & Wellness, said, “Despite its prevalence, depression remains a topic surrounded by stigma, with those affected frequently facing dismissive attitudes and social isolation. For years, mental health awareness in India was limited, and depression was often mistaken for simple “sadness”, a “phase,” or a lack of willpower. However, growing awareness is beginning to reshape India’s understanding of depression and mental health, helping people recognise the importance of compassionate support and appropriate treatment.”
Depression is more than just feeling sad; it is a serious, often chronic mental health condition that affects all aspects of life, including work, social and occupational life, relationships, as well as self-care. It changes the way people think, feel, and act and interferes with their daily functioning and the activities that they perform. Unlike sadness, which is usually triggered by specific events and fades over time, depression can persist for weeks, months, or even years without improvement. Symptoms include a pervasive sense of hopelessness, fatigue, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and difficulties with sleep and appetite. In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
The stigma around mental health is one of the largest barriers to seeking help in India. People experiencing depression are often labeled as “lazy,” “weak,” or “irresponsible,” perpetuating harmful stereotypes and forcing individuals to suppress their emotions. Families and communities may discourage people from discussing mental health, and individuals seeking help are often met with skepticism or judgment. This stigma not only prevents individuals from seeking help but also limits open discussions on mental health, creating a vicious cycle where ignorance and shame feed into each other. Fortunately, advocacy efforts, mental health awareness campaigns, and influential voices speaking openly about their mental health struggles are gradually shifting public perception.
Initiatives like the National Mental Health Program (NMHP) and social media campaigns have helped bring the conversation into the mainstream. Prominent Indian figures such as Deepika Padukone have candidly discussed their battles with depression, thereby making mental health challenges more relatable and reducing associated stigma. Their willingness to share personal experiences has inspired numerous individuals to openly express their struggles without the fear of judgment. Due to modernization, the younger generation i.e. Gen Z has a more progressive view now as compared to the older generation. Educational institutions, workplaces, and healthcare facilities are gradually becoming more equipped to offer support, reducing the isolation and fear that often accompanies mental health issues.
Despite the increasing awareness, India is still far from the Western countries due to misconceptions about the causes and symptoms of the disorder. Stigma is still prevalent thus leading to fewer individuals reaching out for help. The nation struggles to provide proper mental health care, particularly in rural areas.
Integrating mental health education into the school curriculum, training healthcare professionals to recognise and address mental health issues, and continuing public awareness campaigns are essential steps toward a more supportive environment. Building a compassionate culture that values mental health as much as physical health is critical to changing perceptions around depression. As more people openly share their experiences, and as educational efforts continue, the hope is that seeking help for mental health issues will become as normalised as visiting a doctor for physical ailments. Embracing mental health as an integral part of well-being not only benefits individuals but also strengthens families, communities, and society as a whole, paving the way for a more compassionate, healthy, and inclusive India.
