Dr. Varsha Dutta Pujari is a Clinical Neuropsychologist, with consultant-level expertise in the management of adult and pediatric neurocognitive, emotional and behavioral disorders.
Education
After months of feeling lost and overwhelmed by depression, I finally decided to seek help — and meeting Dr. Varsha Pujari was the turning point. Her ability to listen without judgment and provide clear guidance made every session incredibly meaningful. She helped me understand my emotions, taught me coping techniques, and supported me through every step of recovery. I feel stronger and more balanced today because of her. Highly recommended!
My journey with depression felt endless until I found Dr. Varsha Pujari. Her kindness, patience, and deep understanding of mental health made all the difference. She never rushed me and always checked in to ensure I felt comfortable. Thanks to her guidance, I’ve slowly rebuilt my confidence and peace of mind. Absolutely deserving of 5 stars!
Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. Depression can also cause physical symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances.
If you’ve been feeling down, hopeless, or uninterested in things for at least two weeks, you might be experiencing depression. Other symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, irritability, or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider for an evaluation.
Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It may develop after a stressful life event, trauma, or a significant loss. Brain chemistry imbalances, hormone changes, or a family history of depression can also increase the risk.
There are several effective treatments for depression, including:
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are the most common types used to treat depression. Therapy helps you identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
Medication: Antidepressants, particularly Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), can help regulate brain chemicals that affect mood.
Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, healthy eating, proper sleep, and stress management techniques like meditation or yoga can support overall well-being and complement other treatments.
Alternative Therapies: In some cases, treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), or light therapy may be recommended.
A licensed mental health professional or doctor evaluates symptoms, their duration, and their impact on daily functioning. They may use questionnaires or interviews to make a diagnosis.
Sometimes mild depression may improve, but moderate to severe depression typically requires treatment. Seeking help early leads to a faster and stronger recovery.
Listen without judgment
Encourage them to seek professional help
Offer emotional and practical support
Watch for warning signs of crisis
If they talk about self-harm, contact emergency services immediately
Not always, but healthy habits may reduce risk:
Building strong social support
Managing stress
Maintaining good sleep routines
Staying physically active
Seeking help early when symptoms arise