Depression
Depression, also called major depressive disorder, is not the same as a bad week or ordinary sadness. It is a sustained shift in mood, energy, and thinking that lasts at least two weeks and makes everyday tasks feel difficult or pointless. It is one of the most common health conditions worldwide, including across South and Southeast Asia, and it responds well to treatment.
Medicines used to treat Depression
Wellbutrin Sr
150mg
Indicated to address nicotine dependence, intended to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and support cessation efforts.
Trintellix
5 · 10 · 20mg
Intended to treat major depressive disorder and designed to support emotional stability.
Wellbutrin
150 · 300mg
Indicated to assist in managing major depression and smoking cessation, this treatment is intended to address imbalances in brain chemicals to support lasting recovery.
Effexor Xr
75 · 150mg
Formulated to address major depressive disorder and utilized to alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder with intent to promote mental wellbeing.
More than low mood: what depression actually feels like
The hallmark is a persistent low mood or a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. Alongside these, people often notice low energy, disturbed sleep (too much or too little), appetite changes, poor concentration, and a sense of worthlessness or guilt that seems out of proportion to circumstances. Physical symptoms such as unexplained aches or slowed movement are also common and sometimes overshadow the emotional ones.
How depression is treated
Most people improve with a combination of talking therapy and medicine. Medicines that adjust serotonin and noradrenaline signalling in the brain tend to be the first approach. Options from the antidepressants range include SSRIs such as citalopram and paroxetine, the SNRI duloxetine, and older agents like amitriptyline. They typically need two to six weeks to take full effect, so short-term results can feel underwhelming even when the treatment is working. Venlafaxine and bupropion are further options with different mechanisms, which is useful when one medicine does not suit. See also the neurology category for conditions that sometimes overlap with depression.
When to seek help urgently
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out immediately to a trusted person or a local crisis line. Depression is treatable, and early contact makes a real difference.