The Silent Struggle: A Journey Through Depression with Homoeopathy

Abstract

Depression is a widespread and often silent affliction that transcends age, occupation, and social boundaries, impacting the emotional and functional well-being of individuals across the globe. In India, the growing burden of mental health disorders, including depression, has emerged as a pressing public health concern, with suicide rates and emotional distress on the rise, particularly among youth and working professionals. While modern medicine offers pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, these often come with undesirable side effects or limitations in long-term efficacy. Homoeopathy presents a promising alternative by addressing mental health from a holistic and individualised perspective. Rooted in the principle of “like cures like” and the concept of treating the individual rather than just the disease, Homoeopathy offers a gentle, side-effect-free approach to healing emotional imbalances. This article explores the scope, philosophy, and clinical methodology of Homoeopathy in managing depression, emphasizing its unique focus on personalized care, mental-emotional symptomatology, and the interconnectedness of mind and body. Through historical insights, therapeutic principles, and practical case-taking methods, the article advocates for Homoeopathy as a compassionate and effective approach to treating depression.

Introduction

Depression, often referred to as a “silent struggle,” is one of the most common yet under-recognized mental health disorders affecting people worldwide. In India, its impact is particularly alarming, with statistics revealing that nearly one in every seven individuals suffers from a mental disorder, and over 100,000 people die by suicide each year. From adolescents burdened by academic and social pressure to the elderly facing isolation and chronic illness, depression affects diverse populations in varying degrees. The causes are multifactorial, including biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors such as work stress, family disputes, substance abuse, and lifestyle changes.

Modern psychiatry offers a range of treatment options, including psychotherapy and antidepressant medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs. While these methods have proven benefits, they are often accompanied by side effects, dependency risks, and limited personalization. In contrast, Homoeopathy—a system of medicine founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann—offers a deeply individualized, holistic approach. Rather than suppressing symptoms, Homoeopathy seeks to understand and address the root causes of emotional suffering through careful case-taking and constitutional treatment.

This article aims to shed light on the homoeopathic perspective of depression, examining both its theoretical framework and practical application. By revisiting the classical teachings of Hahnemann and contemporary insights, we explore how Homoeopathy can provide safe, effective, and compassionate care for those navigating the complex landscape of depression.

Depression: A Growing Mental Health Crisis 

Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are common in the workplace and can significantly impact productivity, attendance, and overall performance. A positive and supportive work environment promotes mental well-being, while unfavorable working conditions can negatively affect employees’ mental health.

Every year, more than 100,000 people in our country die by suicide. The causes are varied and complex, including career or job-related pressures, social isolation, abuse, domestic violence, family disputes, mental health conditions, alcohol dependence, financial difficulties, and chronic physical pain(1).  In India, research indicates that 19.5% of higher secondary students suffer from mental health issues—nearly one in five in this age group. Among the elderly, the prevalence of mental health conditions ranges from 3.5% to 8.9%, showing that while the rate is lower compared to younger individuals, a considerable number of older adults are also affected. These statistics underscore the critical need to address mental health concerns across all age groups in the country(2,3). According to a study, in 2017, approximately one in every seven individuals in India was affected by a mental disorder. Since 1990, the number of people experiencing mental health challenges in the country has nearly doubled, reflecting a significant and growing public health concern(4).  

WHO Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of illness or disease. This definition highlights an important point: mental health is not simply about being free from mental disorders or disabilities. Instead, it involves overall well-being, including emotional balance, psychological stability, and healthy social relationships—all of which are essential for true mental wellness(5). 

Depressive disorder, commonly referred to as depression, is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities once found enjoyable. Unlike temporary mood fluctuations, depression can deeply impact various aspects of life, including personal relationships with family, friends, and the wider community. It can lead to difficulties at school or work and may also arise as a result of challenges in these areas(6). 

Modern treatment for depression often includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Common therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), both of which help individuals manage negative thought patterns and improve relationships. Medications frequently used as first-line treatments include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), which are especially effective for managing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and various anxiety disorders(7).  

However, SSRIs and SNRIs may lead to various side effects, including loss of appetite, weight loss, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea or vomiting, sexual dysfunction, and, in some cases, an increase in suicidal thoughts. There is also a potential risk of heart and brain-related complications. Due to these concerns, antidepressants are not recommended for treating depression in children and are generally not considered the first-line treatment for adolescents(8).  

A study proposed a preventive model for depression that emphasizes strengthening social support networks and introducing educational programs. These programs aim to increase public awareness about the potential mental health risks linked to changes in employment, living conditions, and lifestyle. They also offer guidance on how to manage and protect against these challenges. Furthermore, the model highlights the importance of addressing contributing factors such as malnutrition and infections to support overall mental well-being(9). 

Homoeopathy: Holistic Healing and Long-Term Relief

In Homoeopathy, the focus is on treating the individual as a whole rather than merely addressing the disease. It is regarded as a highly effective and holistic system of medicine, particularly in managing conditions like depression, by targeting both the symptoms and their root causes—without causing harmful side effects. Homoeopathy is founded on the principle of “Similia Similibus Curantur”—“like cures like”—which means that a substance capable of producing symptoms in a healthy person can be used to treat similar symptoms in a person who is unwell(10).  

“No two individuals are alike”—this fundamental truth lies at the heart of Homoeopathy, which is deeply rooted in the principle of Individualization. Every person is unique in their mental, physical, and behavioural traits. In Homoeopathy, the development of disease symptoms is understood as a result of both internal factors, such as the individual’s constitution, and external influences like stress, environment, or trauma. Since each individual responds differently to the same set of circumstances, treatment must be tailored to the person—not just the illness.

Homoeopathy holds remarkable potential in the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression due to its holistic and individualized approach. It aims to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying cause, without causing side effects. By restoring harmony between mind and body, Homoeopathy treats the root of both mental and physical imbalances.

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy, emphasized in Organon of Medicine (Aphorisms 83–104) the art of case-taking as the key to understanding the individual. This process enables the physician to gather a detailed picture of the patient’s condition—mental state, emotional patterns, physical symptoms, lifestyle, and possible causative factors—thus forming the totality of symptoms, which guides the selection of the most appropriate remedy (similimum).

Dr. Stuart Close further highlighted that the purpose of homoeopathic examination and case-taking is to uncover symptoms in a manner that allows accurate comparison with those in the Materia Medica, ultimately leading to the selection of the most similar and effective remedy.

Through this personalized and precise approach, Homoeopathy offers safe, effective, and lasting relief—especially in complex conditions like depression—by treating the individual, not just the disease(11). 

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy, was a pioneer in advocating compassionate treatment for individuals with mental illness—at a time when harsh and inhumane methods were the norm. One of his notable achievements was the successful treatment of Klokebring, a case that demonstrated his revolutionary approach, which was published in 1796.

Hahnemann believed that mental disorders deserve the same dignity, care, and clinical attention as physical illnesses. His system emphasized the importance of understanding a patient’s emotional and mental state, viewing these aspects as crucial to the healing process. He noted that mental illnesses, including depression, could be triggered by emotional shocks—such as failure in examinations, rejection in relationships, or unfulfilled desires—and that these could be treated effectively through the principle of “like cures like.”

Homoeopathy is founded on individualization, recognizing that no two individuals are alike. Every person is unique in their physical constitution, emotional makeup, behavior, and life experiences. Hence, treatment must be tailored to the totality of symptoms—mental, emotional, and physical. This principle is outlined in Organon of Medicine, particularly in aphorisms 5, 17, 18, 83–104, 210, 213, 220, 224, 226, and 228.

Thorough case-taking is essential in Homoeopathy. It involves gathering detailed information about the patient’s family history, past illnesses, lifestyle, environment, and emotional triggers. According to Hahnemann, understanding the full picture of the disease—its origin, progress, and manifestation—is critical to identifying the most appropriate similimum (remedy). Dr. Stuart Close also emphasized that case-taking is aimed at matching patient symptoms with remedies from Materia Medica.

Homoeopathy views both the physical and mental aspects of illness as interconnected. It recognizes that emotional disturbances can affect the body and vice versa. For example, in chronic diseases, the patient’s mental and emotional state must be carefully examined alongside physical symptoms. Hahnemann insisted that even in acute cases, mental and emotional changes must be given attention to ensure accurate and holistic treatment.

In treating mental health conditions, Homoeopathy also incorporates psychological support—such as behavior therapy, interpersonal guidance, and family involvement. Gentle methods like reassurance, sympathetic gestures, and non-verbal communication are encouraged, especially in conditions like mania or depression. Punitive or forceful approaches are strictly discouraged.

Furthermore, Hahnemann stated that the root of many chronic conditions often lies in chronic miasms, and identifying them requires a deep understanding of the patient’s constitution, life habits, occupation, relationships, and psychological makeup.

Homoeopathic medicines, proven on healthy individuals, contain a wide range of emotional and mental symptoms, allowing practitioners to match remedies precisely to a patient’s unique symptom picture. This individualized and holistic approach makes Homoeopathy especially effective in treating depression, particularly in adolescents and young adults, helping them cope with life’s challenges in a safe, natural, and empowering way.

In conclusion, the success of Homoeopathic treatment for depression—and mental illness in general—depends greatly on the art of individualized case-taking. It is only through detailed observation and understanding of the patient’s complete symptomatology that a truly curative remedy can be prescribed, leading to lasting healing and improved quality of life(12). 

Conclusion
Homoeopathy offers a safe, gentle, and effective approach to treating depression by addressing the individual as a whole—mind, body, and emotions. It emphasizes personalized care, understanding the root cause, and selecting the most suitable remedy. Unlike conventional treatments, it avoids harmful side effects while promoting long-term healing. By restoring internal harmony, Homoeopathy empowers patients toward lasting mental and emotional well-being.

 

References 

1. Menon V, Mani AM, Kurian N, Sahadevan S, Sreekumar S, Venu S, et al. Newspaper reporting of suicide news in a high suicide burden state in India: Is it compliant with international reporting guidelines? Asian J Psychiatr. 2021 Jun;60:102647. 
2. Indian Journal of Community Medicine [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jun 28]. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijcm/fulltext/2017/42020/Depression,_Anxiety_and_Stress_Among_Higher.7.aspx
3. Sengupta P, Benjamin AI. Prevalence of Depression and Associated Risk Factors among the Elderly in Urban and Rural Field Practice Areas of a Tertiary Care Institution in Ludhiana. Indian Journal of Public Health [Internet]. 2015 Mar [cited 2025 Jun 28];59(1):3. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/IJPH/fulltext/2015/59010/Prevalence_of_Depression_and_Associated_Risk.2.aspx
4. Sagar R, Dandona R, Gururaj G, Dhaliwal RS, Singh A, Ferrari A, et al. The burden of mental disorders across the states of India: the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2017. The Lancet Psychiatry [Internet]. 2020 Feb 1 [cited 2025 Jun 28];7(2):148–61. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(19)30475-4/fulltext?onwardjourney=584162_v1
5. Health and Well-Being [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jun 28]. Available from: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/major-themes/health-and-well-being
6. Depressive disorder (depression) [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jun 28]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
7. Braund TA, Tillman G, Palmer DM, Gordon E, Rush AJ, Harris AWF. Antidepressant side effects and their impact on treatment outcome in people with major depressive disorder: an iSPOT-D report. Transl Psychiatry [Internet]. 2021 Aug 4 [cited 2025 Jun 28];11:417. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8338944/
8. Depressive disorder (depression) [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jun 28]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
9. Sethi BB, Sharma M, Chaturvedi PK. A MODEL FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION IN DEVELOPING NATIONS. Indian Journal of Psychiatry [Internet]. 1984 Dec [cited 2025 Jun 28];26(4):393. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/indianjpsychiatry/citation/1984/26040/a_model_for_prevention_and_treatment_of_depression.18.aspx
10. HOMOEOPATHY-THE DIADEM OF HEALTH SYSTEM – Venkateswara Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jun 28]. Available from: https://www.venkathomoeo.org/vhmc_articles/article004/
11. MD ERM BS, Close S. The Genius of Homoeopathy: Lectures and Essays on Hom. Philosophy. B. Jain Publishers; 2001. 368 p. 
12. Hahnemann SCF. Organon of medicine, tr. by R.E. Dudgeon. 1849. 382 p. 

 

About the Author
Dr Manoranjan kumar – PG Scholar, Department of Organon of Medicine & Homoeopathic Philosophy, Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal

Co-Author: 

Dr Babita Shrivastava2 – Prof & Head Department of Organon of Medicine & Homoeopathic Philosophy, Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal