Cognitive Regulation perspective
CR treats depression as a state where the mind has stopped generating reward signals from ordinary life. CR rebuilds those signals — via attention, behaviour, language, and body — until the system relearns 'this is worth doing'.
Common signs
- Heaviness or numbness for most of the day, most days.
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
- Sleep that's too long, too short, or unrefreshing.
- Feeling like a burden, or like you're 'failing'.
- Slowed thinking, slowed body — or restless agitation.
Depression is not a character flaw
It is a state — neurochemical, behavioural and cognitive — that almost anyone can fall into given the right (wrong) combination of stress, loss, biology and time. Treating it as character locks people into shame, which deepens the state.
Why getting started feels impossible
Depression specifically dampens the brain's anticipatory reward — the very signal that normally makes you start things. CR addresses this directly with micro-activation and attention re-training, not motivational speeches.
What clinical help looks like
Dr. Sodhi's clinical pathway typically combines a structured assessment (PHQ-9, history, sleep, lifestyle), CR sessions, and — when indicated — coordination with a psychiatrist for medication.
If you need help right now
If you are having thoughts of ending your life in India, please call Tele-MANAS 14416 / 1800-891-4416, or call 112 for immediate emergency response. You deserve immediate, real human support.
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