Depression Specialist · Surat, Gujarat
Depression Treatment in Surat
Dr. Heena Khanna provides consultant psychiatric care for depression in Surat at Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate. She offers personalised treatment including CBT, antidepressant therapy when indicated, and structured support. Sessions available in person or online. No referral required — reach her on WhatsApp or call +91 97730 32340.
Depression is more than sadness. It's a heaviness that changes how everything feels — and with the right support, it lifts.
How depression shows up
Depression looks different for everyone.
It doesn't always look like sadness. Recognising the signs is the first step toward getting the right support.
It is also far more common than it feels from the inside. According to the World Health Organization’s 2017 global health estimates, about 56 million Indians — roughly 4.5% of the population — live with depressive disorders. If any of the signs below feel familiar, you are in very large company.
Persistent low mood
Not just sadness — a flatness or emptiness that doesn't shift.
Loss of motivation
Things that used to matter no longer do. Starting anything feels impossible.
Physical symptoms
Fatigue that rest doesn't fix, changes in appetite, disrupted sleep.
Negative thinking
A voice that says things will never get better, or that you're a burden.
Withdrawal
Pulling away from people, work, or activities you used to enjoy.
Irritability
Depression sometimes shows up as frustration and short temper, not sadness.
How depression is treated
A path back to yourself.
Honest assessment
Understanding the full picture — how long, how severe, what's driving it.
Personalised treatment
Therapy, antidepressant medication, or both — based on your situation and goals.
Recovery and maintenance
Building resilience, managing triggers, and knowing what to do if it returns.
Want to read more before your first appointment? See our article on recognising depression — signs, types, and what treatment involves.
Know when to reach out
When depression needs professional attention.
A low patch that lifts within a couple of weeks often doesn't need treatment. It's time to speak to a psychiatrist when:
- Low mood, emptiness, or loss of interest has lasted more than two weeks.
- It's affecting your ability to work, study, sleep, eat, or maintain relationships.
- You've lost interest in things you used to enjoy, and this hasn't lifted.
- You're relying more on alcohol or other substances to get through the day.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, feel unable to keep yourself safe, or are in crisis, this needs immediate attention — please call emergency services or Tele-MANAS (14416), available 24/7, or go to the nearest emergency department right away. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment.
A realistic timeline
What to expect, week by week.
Session 1 — Assessment
A full history of how long you've felt this way, what's contributing to it, and how severe it is. Together, you and Dr. Heena agree on a starting plan.
Weeks 1–2 — Early changes
Therapy begins. If an antidepressant is started, sleep and physical symptoms may ease first, before mood does — this is a normal early pattern, not a sign it isn't working.
Weeks 4–8 — Building response
Mood and motivation typically begin to shift in this window. Medication dose or therapy approach may be adjusted based on your response.
Weeks 8–12 — Meaningful improvement
Many people see meaningful improvement within 8–12 weeks of starting treatment, as reflected in the FAQ below. Longer-standing depression may take longer.
How it works
Three steps to feeling heard.
Reach out
Send a WhatsApp message or call. No lengthy forms — just a message saying you'd like to talk.
First conversation
A 50-minute confidential session — in person or online. Dr. Heena listens, asks, and begins to understand your situation.
Ongoing care
A tailored plan — therapy, medication review, or both. Sessions at a pace that suits your life.
Common questions
Questions people have about depression treatment.
How do I know if I have depression or just feel sad?
Sadness is a normal response to difficult events and usually lifts over time. Depression is more persistent — it lingers for weeks or months, affects many areas of life, and doesn't necessarily have a clear cause. If you've been feeling low, flat, or empty for more than two weeks, it's worth speaking to someone.
Will I have to take antidepressants?
Not necessarily. Antidepressants are one tool among many, and the decision to use them is always yours. For mild to moderate depression, therapy alone is often very effective. Dr. Heena will discuss all options with you — medication is never prescribed without discussion and your agreement.
How long does it take to recover from depression?
Recovery varies. Many people see meaningful improvement within 8–12 weeks of starting treatment. Longer-standing or more severe depression may take longer. Dr. Heena will give you a realistic picture after your first session.
Is depression treatment confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed in your sessions is strictly confidential. Information is only shared (with your consent) in very specific clinical circumstances, as per medical ethics guidelines.
What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't work?
Different types of therapy and medication suit different people. If something hasn't worked before, that information is useful — it helps narrow down what might. Dr. Heena will take your history seriously and won't simply repeat approaches that haven't helped.
Not sure where you are?
Take a free stress check-in.
A short self-assessment that helps you understand what you're carrying — and whether specialist support might help.