Depression
Modern View:
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure, and a lack of energy. It affects how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and even how their body functions.
Ayurvedic View:
Depression is often seen as a disturbance of the Manovaha Srotas (mental channels) and an imbalance in Sattva (mental clarity), along with aggravated Vata (causing anxiety and instability) or Kapha (causing heaviness and lethargy). It may also be called *Vishada, Manodaurbalya or Avasada.
How to Notice Symptoms of Depression
Watch for emotional, physical, and behavioral changes, especially if they last more than 2 weeks:
Emotional Signs:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Feeling worthless, guilty, or helpless
- Loss of interest in hobbies or relationships
Physical Signs:
- Fatigue, low energy, sleep disturbances (too little or too much)
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Body aches without clear cause
Behavioral Signs:
- Withdrawing from social activity
- Lack of motivation or concentration
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (seek help immediately)
When to Seek Help
- Symptoms persist more than 2 weeks
- You notice impaired functioning in daily life (work, relationships, hygiene)
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- You’re unable to cope with life stress even after rest or support
Don’t wait for a “breaking point.” Early help leads to better outcomes.
How Ayurveda Can Help Depression
Ayurveda treats depression holistically—body, mind, and spirit. Here’s how:
Understanding Dosha Involvement:
Vata-type depression: Anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, fear
Pitta-type depression: Anger, irritability, self-criticism, burnout
Kapha-type depression: Heaviness, lethargy, withdrawal, oversleeping
Ayurvedic Approach:
- Herbs
Chandana: Reduces stress hormones, calms anxiety
Amla: Enhances clarity and peace of mind
Mandukaparni: Balances mood and promotes emotional stability
Shankhpushpi: Improves memory, reduces tension
- Treatments
Abhyanga (oil massage): Grounds and nourishes Vata
Shirodhara: Steady stream of oil on the forehead—deeply calming
Nasya: Herbal oil in the nostrils to clear mental fog
Basti (medicated enema): For deep Vata pacification
- Lifestyle & Diet (Ahara & Dinacharya)
Warm, nourishing sattvic foods (ghee, milk, rice, seasonal fruits)
Regular sleep, gentle exercise like walking or yoga
Meditation, pranayama (especially Anulom Vilom, Bhramari)
How to Start Making Positive Changes in Life
Start small, consistent steps that build rhythm and inner strength:
- Set a daily routine (wake/sleep, meals, movement)
- Reduce screen time—especially at night
- Move your body—even a 15-minute walk helps
- Express feelings—journaling or talking to someone safe
- Do one joyful activity a day—music, art, or nature
- Practice gratitude—list 3 things each day, no matter how small
Remember: Slow is okay. Progress over perfection.
If Someone Around You Has Depression—How to Help
Listen without judging or offering quick fixes
Gently encourage them to talk or seek help
Check in regularly—even a message or short visit means a lot
Avoid saying “just be positive” or “snap out of it”—it invalidates their struggle
Offer practical support: meals, appointments, light tasks
Suggest Ayurvedic care, but respect their comfort level and needs
Watch for warning signs of worsening (like isolation or suicidal talk) and act—call a professional or helpline if needed
Depression is not weakness—it’s a sign the body and mind are overwhelmed and need care. Ayurveda sees healing not just as the removal of disease but the restoration of harmony—between self, nature, and spirit.
