What is depression?
Depressed mood, negative thinking, loss of interest, feeling lonely, agitation, and excessive thinking are all symptoms of depression. If these symptoms last for two weeks or more, we call it depression.
Plain answers to questions our patients often ask. Written by our doctors.
Below, Dr Bhagavatiben C Patel answers the questions patients ask most.
Depressed mood, negative thinking, loss of interest, feeling lonely, agitation, and excessive thinking are all symptoms of depression. If these symptoms last for two weeks or more, we call it depression.
The major causes of depression are stress, negative thinking, changes in brain neurotransmitters, environmental changes, and social or economic pressure.
Yes. There are many things you can do without medicine, including yoga, music, exercise, dance, counselling, cognitive therapy, hypnotherapy, supportive therapy, lifestyle changes, reading books, and listening to motivational talks.
Yes, medicine definitely works for depression. Your doctor will decide if and when it is needed.
Yes, there can be some common side effects, including acidity, sexual disturbances, excessive sleepiness, and nausea. Speak openly with your doctor about anything you notice, so we can adjust the treatment.
Simple answers to common questions about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care.
A missed period, nausea or vomiting, or a positive pregnancy test all suggest you may be pregnant.
A missed period, nausea and vomiting, tiredness, heaviness in the breasts, frequent urination, loss of appetite, and a change in taste.
Often there are no symptoms. If you have a headache, dizziness, blurred vision, swelling in the legs, or swelling all over the body, get your blood pressure checked.
As advised by your gynaecologist, get blood tests, thyroid, sugar, an ultrasound, and any other necessary investigations.
Avoid intercourse if there is bleeding, leaking of fluid, abdominal pain, a placenta problem, or whenever your doctor advises against it.
Light, everyday housework is fine, but avoid lifting heavy weights.
Regular, repeating abdominal pain, leaking of water, or bleeding can be signs of labour.
If possible, start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth.
First, get guidance on the correct breastfeeding technique. If needed, formula milk can be given as advised by your doctor.
If the baby is not feeding, has difficulty breathing, fever, excessive yellowness (jaundice), convulsions, or is very lethargic, see a doctor immediately.
It depends entirely on the condition of the mother and the baby. The final decision is taken at the time of delivery.
Routine blood tests, urine tests, blood group, sugar test, and ultrasounds done on schedule.
Get your husband's blood group and the necessary blood tests done, and take the Anti-D injection as advised by your doctor.
In many cases it is possible, but it depends on the previous operation and the condition of the current pregnancy.
Simple answers to common questions about women's health.
Mild pain can be normal. If the pain is severe, consult a gynaecologist.
PCOD is a hormonal problem. Irregular periods, weight gain, facial hair, and acne are its common symptoms.
Hormonal imbalance, a uterine fibroid, a polyp, thyroid problems, or other gynaecological issues can be the cause.
Hormonal changes, PCOD, stress, excessive exercise, or changes in weight can be the cause.
Infection, vaginal dryness, endometriosis, or other gynaecological causes can be responsible.
Infection, a problem with the cervix, or other gynaecological issues can be the cause. It is important to get it checked.
If you have no periods for 12 continuous months, it is generally considered menopause.
A balanced diet, regular exercise, calcium and vitamin D, and timely health check-ups.
Both husband and wife should consult a gynaecologist and have the necessary tests done.
Have regular Pap smear tests and get the HPV vaccine.
The HPV vaccine (such as Gardasil 9) is best given between ages 9 and 14, but it can also be taken at an older age on a doctor's advice.
Yes. Any kind of bleeding after menopause should be examined immediately.
The operation can be done through an abdominal incision, through the vagina, or by laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). The right method depends on the patient's condition.
An operation done through small incisions using a camera and special instruments.
Usually 4 to 6 weeks of rest, and intercourse can resume after about 12 weeks as advised by your doctor.
Symptoms before a period such as irritability, mood changes, breast tenderness, or bloating.
Get enough rest, drink water, and if needed take medicine as advised by your doctor.
Periods usually begin between ages 10 and 15. If they have not begun by age 15, get it checked.
Do a monthly breast self-examination, keep a healthy lifestyle, and have a mammography as appropriate for your age.
If the operation is needed for medical reasons, it is safe. However, if the ovaries are also removed, menopause can come early, so take the decision on your doctor's advice.
This information is for general guidance only. For specific advice, please consult your doctor.
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