Dr. Ananya Rao
Adult Psychiatry
MD Psychiatry
Leads the inpatient psychiatric team, with a focus on mood and anxiety disorders.
Conditions · Depression & mood disorders
Depression & mood disorders
Depression is more than a low mood. It is a medical condition that changes how you feel, think, sleep and function — and it responds well to the right care. Most people who are treated properly recover.
Major depressive disorderPersistent depressionPostpartum depression
What it can look like
Signs of depression & mood disorders
Not everyone experiences every sign, and intensity varies. If several of these sound familiar, an assessment is worth having.
- Sadness or emptiness that does not lift for two weeks or more
- Loss of interest or joy in things you used to enjoy
- Low energy and fatigue, even after rest
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt or hopelessness
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Eating or sleeping much more, or much less, than usual
- Thoughts of death or of not wanting to be here
Free self-check
Unsure what you are experiencing?
Take a two-minute reflection based on the signs above. It is private, and it is not a diagnosis.
7 short questions
A two-minute check-in on depression & mood disorders
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Understanding it
Types & presentations of depression & mood disorders
Major depressive disorder
Episodes of persistently low mood and loss of interest that affect daily functioning.
Persistent depressive disorder
A lower-grade but long-running depression lasting two years or more.
Postpartum depression
Depression that develops during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Seasonal pattern
Depression that recurs at a particular time of year, usually winter.
The Sakura approach
How we treat depression & mood disorders
Every plan is individual, but care generally moves through these stages.
- 01
Assessment
A psychiatrist maps your symptoms, history, sleep and risk so the diagnosis is accurate.
- 02
Medication review
Where indicated, antidepressants are started or optimised and monitored closely.
- 03
Psychotherapy
CBT and behavioural activation to loosen the grip of negative thinking and rebuild routine.
- 04
Recovery plan
A written relapse-prevention and wellness plan before you go home.
Care pathways
Two pathways to recovery from depression
Care is matched to how severe your depression is and how much it is affecting daily life. You can move between pathways as you improve.
Mild to moderate depression
Therapy-focused care
Structured psychotherapy to understand the patterns keeping low mood in place, and to rebuild activity, routine and connection.
Depression keeps itself going through withdrawal, self-criticism and a drop in activity. Therapy interrupts that loop — you learn to notice the pattern, test unhelpful thoughts and step back into small, meaningful activity.
- CBT and behavioural activation, weekly
- Sleep, activity and routine plan
- Mood tracking between sessions
- Review with a psychiatrist at set points
People whose low mood is mild to moderate, who are still managing most daily tasks, and who prefer to start with talking therapy or avoid medication.
Most people notice improvement in mood, energy and sleep within the first two months, with fewer relapses because the skills stay with you.
Moderate to severe, or long-standing depression
Therapy + psychiatric care
Medication and therapy together, with closer monitoring and the option of residential care when safety or functioning is a concern.
When depression is severe, the brain's chemistry and the person's circumstances both need support. Medication can lift the floor so therapy becomes possible, and closer monitoring keeps you safe.
- Psychiatric assessment and medication plan
- Therapy alongside, with regular review
- Inpatient or day-programme step-up if needed
- Family involvement and relapse-prevention plan
People with moderate to severe or long-standing depression, those who have not improved with therapy alone, and anyone with thoughts of self-harm.
A steadier mood, restored sleep and appetite, and a return to work and relationships — with a written plan to prevent relapse.
Helping yourself between sessions
- Keep a regular sleep and wake time, even on weekends
- Start with one small daily activity — a ten-minute walk counts
- Stay in touch with one trusted person each day
- Limit alcohol, which deepens low mood
If you are supporting someone you love
- Listen without trying to fix or hurry recovery
- Avoid 'cheer up' or 'snap out of it' — it adds guilt
- Offer practical help: meals, appointments, company
- Take any talk of self-harm seriously and seek help at once
Where care happens
Choose the level of care that fits
Meet the specialists
The clinicians who will look after you
A named psychiatrist and therapist from day one.
Questions answered
Your questions about depression & mood disorders
Straight answers to what people and families ask us most.
Our care team is happy to talk it through — no obligation.
Sadness is a normal response to difficulty and passes with time. Depression is persistent, affects sleep, appetite, energy and concentration, and does not lift on its own.
Yes. A large majority of people with depression get better with the right combination of therapy, medication where needed, and support.
Usually several factors together — genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, life events and sometimes physical illness or substance use. It is not a weakness or a choice.
Not always. Mild depression often responds to therapy alone. Moderate to severe depression is usually treated with a combination. Your psychiatrist will explain the options.
Yes. With treatment and a plan for early warning signs, most people return to work, relationships and the things they care about.
Not entirely, but regular sleep, activity, social connection and early help during stressful periods reduce the risk and the severity of episodes.
When to seek help
If low mood has lasted more than two weeks, or you are having thoughts of ending your life, please reach out today.
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital. In India, the Tele MANAS helpline is 1-800-891-4416.