Mind · 4 min read · 2026-02-15

Low mood that is more than a bad week

Sadness after a loss is human. Two weeks of emptiness, with sleep, appetite, and hope all smaller, is an illness. It is common and it is treatable.

This page is general education for families in Gurugram. It is not a diagnosis, a medicine list, or a reason to skip a clinician. Doses are deliberately not given.

In plain language

Depression is a change in mood, energy, sleep, and interest, most of the day, nearly every day. People feel guilty, slowed, and unable to start ordinary tasks. Some are irritable rather than tearful. Men often present with pain and alcohol. Asking about wanting to die does not plant the idea. It opens a door.

Signs worth noticing

These are the clues families usually notice first. One of them, on its own, is not a diagnosis.

Loss of interest in things that used to matter.
Early-morning waking and a mood that is worst then.
Appetite and weight moving without a plan.
Talk of being a burden, giving away things, or not wanting to wake up.

What usually sits underneath

Brain chemistry, inflammation, grief, thyroid disease, alcohol, and some medicines all contribute. It is not laziness, and it is not cured by a holiday if the illness is established. A holiday can still be pleasant.

Care that is reasonable at home

Treat sleep and meals as appointments for a while.
Cut alcohol. It borrows mood from tomorrow.
Ask one clinician, and one trusted person. Secrecy feeds it.
If there is any thought of suicide, do not leave the person alone with that thought. Seek care the same day.

These steps are for someone who is otherwise stable. If the picture is changing quickly, skip the home trial and come in.

When waiting is a bad idea

Suicidal thoughts, a plan, or self-harm.
Depression with hallucinations, or a mother who cannot care for a newborn and feels nothing.
Sudden confusion, which may not be depression at all.

How Rao Lokram Charitable Trust fits in

OPD is a reasonable first door. Say the mood symptom first, not only the body ache you think is more acceptable. If the person is unsafe tonight, use local emergency services. OPD runs Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Near Rockford School, Anaj Mandi Chowk, Kadipur Road, Shakti Park, Sector 10A, Gurugram, Haryana. Call 98185 48492 or 70423 28047. There is no appointment form on this website.

Questions people ask

Will they be put on medicines immediately?

Not always. Severity decides. Talking therapies and medicines both have a place.

Is it a weakness?

No. It is an illness. Families help by dropping that sentence.

Can thyroid look like this?

Yes. That is one reason a clinician should see you rather than a pharmacy.

If this sounds like you, bring the article on your phone if you want, but let the clinician examine you. Old reports and a list of current medicines make the visit shorter.