Understanding Depression
Depression is far more than ordinary sadness. It is a medical condition that changes how you feel, think, sleep, eat and function every single day. At his Subhas Pally clinic in Siliguri, Dr. Sushovan Roy provides confidential, judgement-free assessment and a treatment plan built around your life, work and family situation.
Depression is often mistaken for weakness or a phase. It is neither. It changes sleep, appetite, concentration and energy because it changes brain chemistry — and that is exactly why treatment works.
Signs that are worth taking seriously
- Persistent low mood for 2+ weeks
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Fatigue and very low energy
- Disturbed sleep or oversleeping
- Appetite or weight changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness
When it is time to see a psychiatrist
Not every low patch needs a doctor. These are the points at which a clinical opinion genuinely helps rather than waiting longer:
- Low mood on most days for more than two weeks
- You have stopped doing things you used to enjoy
- Work or studies are visibly slipping
- Sleep or appetite has changed a lot in either direction
- Any thought that life is not worth continuing
How this is treated at the chamber
Treatment begins with a detailed clinical evaluation to rule out thyroid, vitamin and other medical causes. Depending on severity, care may include modern antidepressant medication with minimal side effects, structured counselling and cognitive behavioural techniques, lifestyle and sleep restructuring, and family psychoeducation so your loved ones can support recovery correctly.
What happens at the first visit
A full history, unhurried
What has been happening, for how long, and how it is affecting sleep, work, studies and family. Relatives can join if you want them to.
Examination and tests where needed
Thyroid, vitamin B12, sugar and other basic investigations are ordered when they could be contributing. Physical causes are ruled out before anything else.
The diagnosis, explained plainly
You are told what the condition is, what it is not, and why. No jargon and no vague reassurance.
A plan you have agreed to
Medication where it is needed, at the lowest dose that will work, plus counselling and follow-up dates. Cost is discussed openly.