Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is one of the most common and serious mental health disorders worldwide. It’s not just feeling down or going through a rough patch; MDD is a long-lasting and often debilitating condition that deeply affects how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and interacts with the world around them.

People with major depression often feel a persistent sense of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that doesn’t go away on its own. It can last for weeks, months, or even years if left untreated. Daily life whether it’s work, school, personal relationships, or even basic tasks like eating and sleeping can feel like an uphill battle.

What sets MDD apart from occasional sadness is its intensity, duration, and impact on functioning. Many individuals describe it as feeling emotionally “numb,” “disconnected,” or “invisible.” These are real, neurological symptoms. MDD is rooted in changes to the brain’s chemistry, circuitry, and function. Specifically, imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are commonly involved.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 280 million people globally suffer from depression. In India alone, millions remain undiagnosed or untreated, despite experiencing symptoms for years. Women are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with MDD, but it affects all genders and age groups.

Depression is marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, and emotional distress. Its impact on quality of life and work efficiency is significant, with severe cases potentially leading to suicidal tendencies. This condition may manifest as recurrent or chronic.

Recognizing depression early can significantly improve outcomes. Consider professional care if you experience:

• Ongoing sadness or loss of interest
• Sleep issues (too much or too little)
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Trouble focusing or making decisions
• Fatigue or slowed movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Suicidal thoughts or recurring thoughts of death
• Early diagnosis and treatment at a center like Jaslok can change your life trajectory.

If you’ve faced these symptoms for more than two weeks, a consultation is the first step toward healing.

Research shows that depression develops due to a combination of factors, not one single cause:

• Neurochemical Imbalances: Levels of key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine influence mood, sleep, and energy. Disruption in these chemicals can lead to major depressive symptoms.
• Brain Structure Changes: MRI studies have revealed that individuals with depression often have a smaller hippocampus, the part of the brain linked to memory and emotional regulation.
• Genetic Vulnerability: A family history of depression or other mental health disorders significantly raises your risk of developing MDD.
• Chronic Stress & Trauma: Emotional abuse, grief, neglect, or long-term stress can trigger or intensify depressive episodes, even in people with no prior history of mental illness.

These factors often overlap, making each case of depression unique. That’s why a personalized treatment plan; one that looks beyond surface-level symptoms is critical for long-term recovery.

If you’re searching for the best treatment for depression in Mumbai, you’ll hear a lot about medications and therapy. That’s because they remain the first line of defense for most patients.

Standard Depression Treatments: 

• Antidepressant Medications: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) are the most prescribed. They work by balancing mood-related brain chemicals.

Limitations:

• Can take 4–6 weeks to kick in
• May cause side effects like weight gain, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, or emotional blunting
• Don’t work for everyone

Psychotherapy:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change negative thought patterns
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationships and emotional communication
• These are highly effective, especially when combined with medication.

But What If These Don’t Work?

That’s where treatment-resistant depression (TRD) comes in. Roughly 30–40% of people with MDD do not respond to standard therapy or medication alone. If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants and still feel stuck, you’re not alone and there are better options now.

“I struggled with depression for two years and found no relief with oral medications. After starting (dTMS) under Dr. Paresh Doshi at Jaslok Hospital, my depression and anxiety vanished midway through the treatment. I feel positive, confident, and like myself again. I’m grateful to Dr. Doshi and his team for giving me my life back.” – Anonymous

While depression may not always be “cured” in the traditional sense, it is highly manageable. With the right intervention, many patients go into complete remission and resume fully productive lives. Deep TMS offers hope where medications and talk therapy alone haven’t succeeded.

Many of our patients report significant improvements in mood, energy levels, and overall quality of life. What makes Deep TMS unique is its ability to bring about neuroplastic changes; it doesn’t just manage symptoms but helps retrain the brain to regulate mood naturally again.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery