In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores the Ayurvedic understanding of different types of depression and their connection with the doshas.

In Ayurveda, we do not think of depression as being one disease, but as being four or possibly even more different conditions. The initial four varieties of depression are related to the doshas. The first type is Kapha-type depression, which occurs when there is an accumulation of Kapha, however that accumulation may have developed. The person’s activity level gradually slows down because of the influence of Kapha, until they become inactive and are no longer doing very much. This type of depression is not as common today, but it still occurs. It can often be remedied by getting the person to begin moving again. Through activity, especially enthusiastic exercise, and by changing diet and habits so that Kapha and Tamas do not continue accumulating, improvement can often occur.

Much more common are the next three varieties: Pitta-type depression, Vata-type depression, and Sannipata-type depression, which means all three doshas are aggravated. The Pitta-type of depression generally occurs in people who are highly self-motivated and active early in life. They tend to be ambitious and focused, but they become so active that they do not notice they are exhausting themselves. Eventually, they burn out, and when they can no longer continue doing what they have been doing, they experience depression. Often they rest for a while, take supplements, regain energy, and return to the same pattern. However, because they feel they have lost time, they try to do even more, burn themselves out again, and create a cycle that allows the depression to become established.

The Vata-type of depression is completely different. It occurs when a person becomes disconnected and is unable to focus, act with purpose, or move effectively toward their goals. However much attention they apply, it does not seem sufficient for what the situation requires. After some time, they begin to feel that whatever they try, they cannot achieve anything, and eventually they may even lose the attention required to address the situation.

Sannipata means that all three doshas are aggravated. This is especially relevant today because many people have consumed poor-quality food for a long time, increasing Kapha. This can create inflammation in the body, increasing Pitta. They may also overuse substances, including caffeine and other mind-influencing substances, making it difficult for them to understand what is happening within themselves. Sometimes antidepressant medication may be useful, but the goal should not simply be to place someone on medication and leave them there for the rest of their life. It should help bring them out of depression so they can understand what has been happening, why the depression developed, and what they can do to prevent it from remaining.

There is reason to believe that moving beyond depression is possible. But it is essential to understand the cause behind what is happening within the individual. Otherwise, removing the effect permanently becomes very difficult, if not impossible.