Hello Kumud,
Thank you for sharing your journey so openly. What you describe – persistent heaviness in the head, long-term antidepressant use, and symptom relapse on dose reduction – is something many people face when there’s a chronic anxiety–depression spectrum condition. It’s not uncommon that different psychiatrists give slightly different labels (anxiety vs. depression), because these often overlap.
The important point is: your symptoms are controlled with medicines, but they return when the dose is reduced – this usually means your brain chemistry still requires support, and tapering should only be done very gradually and under close supervision.
🔎 Understanding your case
Long-term antidepressant use (7 years): Safe if monitored, but dependency-like reliance is possible.
Heaviness in head: Can be part of anxiety-depression, but also sometimes linked with tension-type headaches, cervical issues, or even sinus problems – so a physical check-up (ENT/Neuro/Spine) is worth doing to rule out non-psychiatric causes.
Ayurvedic add-ons (Medhavati, Memorygrit): These are fine as supportive Rasayana, but not a substitute for prescribed allopathy yet.
💊 Treatment Approach (Integrated – Allopathy + Ayurveda + Lifestyle)
1. Continue your psychiatric medicines – do not reduce or stop without your psychiatrist’s guidance. Stability is more important than forceful withdrawal. 2. Ayurvedic Internal Support. * Brahmi ghrita – 1 tsp in warm milk at bedtime (calms mind, improves sleep & concentration). * Ashwagandha churna – 3 g with warm water or milk twice daily (balances vata, reduces anxiety & fatigue). * Medhya Rasayanas (like Shankhapushpi, Jatamansi, Mandukaparni) can be continued in rotation – they gently support neurotransmitter balance.
3. Mind-Body Therapies: * Yoga asanas: Balasana, Setu Bandhasana, Viparita Karani (calms nervous system). * Pranayama: Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril), Bhramari, Sheetali – 10 min twice daily. * Meditation: Guided meditation or Yoga Nidra before sleep. Even 15 min daily reduces relapse risk.
4. Dietary & Lifestyle Tips: * Avoid excess coffee, late-night screen time, alcohol. * Include warm, sattvic foods – ghee, milk, dates, nuts, fresh fruits, leafy greens. * Maintain fixed sleep–wake routine. * Spend at least 20–30 min outdoors daily (sunlight exposure regulates serotonin & Vitamin D).
📌 What you can do next
Get a Vitamin D3, B12, Thyroid profile checked – deficiencies often mimic anxiety/depression.
Ask your psychiatrist about gradual dose taper with cognitive therapy support, instead of sudden reduction.
Use Ayurveda + lifestyle therapies as stabilizers, not replacements, for now. Over time, if your body–mind balance improves, your psychiatrist may consider a gentler reduction.
✨ You don’t have to fight between “depression” vs. “anxiety” – both are managed through a similar integrative path. With steady medication, Rasayana herbs, yoga–pranayama, and nutritional correction, you can reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms, and eventually support your system enough that medicine dose can be lowered safely.
With kind regards, Dr. Sumi
Being on antidepressants for 7 years is not unusual for chronic or recurrent depression/anxiety. The fact that symptoms return when the dose is decreased suggests dependence on the medication to maintain symptom control, which is common in chronic cases.
# Medication Review •Continue your current antidepressant if it keeps you stable. •Schedule a psychiatrist review for: • Possibility of dose optimization (sometimes a lower dose can maintain stability) • Evaluate switching or adding adjunct medications if cognitive heaviness persists •Never reduce the dose abruptly. Always taper under supervision.
Lab & Health Checks • Thyroid profile (TSH, T3, T4) – can affect mood and cognition • Vitamin B12, folate, iron, vitamin D – deficiencies can cause fatigue & brain fog • Blood sugar – high or fluctuating sugar can worsen mental heaviness
# Lifestyle & Daily Habits
Sleep • Aim for 7–8 hours of good quality sleep • Maintain a consistent sleep-wake schedule • Avoid screens 1 hour before bedtime
Diet •Eat brain-friendly foods: nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains • Include protein at each meal for neurotransmitter support • Stay hydrated
Exercise • Aerobic activity (walking, swimming, cycling) 20–30 mins daily • Light yoga / stretching in the morning to reduce stiffness and improve circulation
Stress Management • Mindfulness / meditation 10–20 mins daily • Breathing exercises (pranayama) – can reduce heaviness and anxiety • Journaling or creative hobbies to release mental load Ayurvedic remedies:- 1. Continue Medhavati and Memorygrit as long as they are helping and safe 2. Brahmi vati - 2 tabs twice daily 3. Ashwagandha churna - 10gm with warm milk in the morning
Memory exercises: puzzles, reading, mental math Mindful focus exercises: focus on one task at a time Regular conversations and engagement help maintain mental clarity
Hey dear you have developed a depemdency towords the alopathic dose. Change Daily Routine (Dinacharya) Wake up before sunrise; avoid daytime sleeping (increases heaviness). Gentle Yoga asanas: Shavasana, Vajrasana, Bhujangasana, Paschimottanasana.
Pranayama: Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril), Bhramari (humming bee) – 10 min daily.
Abhyanga (oil massage with sesame or medicated Brahmi oil) – calms Vata.
Night: warm milk with nutmeg + a little ghee → improves sleep & mental calmness.
3. Diet
Favor: warm, light, sattvic foods – khichdi, ghee, seasonal fruits, soaked almonds, raisins.
Avoid: stale, fried, packaged, very heavy or fermented foods (increase Tamas).
Limit caffeine, alcohol, excess sugar.
4. Therapies will help you,contCt nearest panchakarma expert for Shirodhara Takradhara Nasya
Avoid oily, spicy and processed foods. Regular exercise and meditation. Increase intake of raw vegetables and fruits. Cap. Brahmi 1-0-1 Tab. Stressnil 2-0-2 Cap. Stresscom 1-0-1 Slowly withdraw Allopathic medicine Follow up after 2weeks
Simple Remedies
1. Take 500mg Capsule of Aswagandha with warm milk.
2. Apply brahmi oil to the head.
3. Massage the feet with warm olive oil
1) Tab. Manasamitra Vati-2 tab. After food 2 times with Ghrita
2) Ashwagandharishta+ Sarsvatarish ta-20ml After food 2 times with Water
Yoga Therapy Asana Shavasana Sarvangasana Sheershasana Halasana Pavanamuktasana Pranayama Anuloma-Viloma, Other: Meditaion, Yoga nidra, Om mantra chanting Diet and Lifestyle Pathya Gentle squeezing of body parts. Drink a glass of cow’s milk before going to bed. Listen to Melodious Music. Drink Warm Milk. Do some physical exercise during the day. Keep Your Bed a Place for Sleep.
Continue that along with that add Brahmi gritha -1 tsp with warm water at morning Saraswathi aristha- 20 ml with equal quantity of water twice daily after food Practice pranayama meditation regularly
Hello Kumud ji, Don’t worry,we are here to help you. Take prescribed allopathic medicine and also start the following treatment plan. Any other ayurvedic medicine is needed if you follow these - 1. Ashwagandharistha+ Saraswatarishtha - 2tsp each with 4tsp water twice a day after meal 2.Brahmi vati 2-0-2 after meals 3. Rogan Badam oil - 2-2 drops in each nostril either in the morning empty stomach or at bedtime.
Diet- Adequate amount of water. Drinks to be consumed Homemade vegetable juices, coconut water, Herbal tea, Fruits juices, Amla juice, Red juice, Pumpkin Juice, Green juice.
Drinks to be avoided- .All Carbonated drinks, Energy drinks. .Beverages that contain tannic acid, Alcohol. .Eat walnut, cashew, soaked and peeled almonds. .Eat seasonal vegetables and fruits. Yoga- Anulom vilom, bhastrika, tratak,ujjayi Lifestyle modifications - .Take atleast 7 hours of sound sleep. .Stress management -Through meditation, walking, journaling, gardening. . Write a gratitude journal. . Watch spiritual and inspirational content. . Speak out positive affirmations. Don’t worry , follow these and you will definitely get relief. Don’t hesitate to reach out for any further query. Would like to hear your improvement in the review.Soon your symptoms will reduce so, your allopathic medicine will reduce and ultimately you will be good even after stopping all medicines. Review after 1 month. Take care Regards, Dr. Anupriya
Thank you for sharing your experience. I can understand how tiring it feels to live with this for so many years, especially when medicines used ability, but symptoms done whenever the dose is reduced. What you’re going through, is not a personal weakness, but a long-standing imbalance in the mind and body, and it needs a supportive approach that works slowly, but deeply According to Ayurveda, this constant happiness in the head and mind comes when natural clarity is blocked and nervous system remains under strain. The aim of treatment is to slowly reduce the inner weight. Kaam the restless thoughts and bring back natural balance so that dependence on medicine can reduce the future under supervision
You may continue medhavati and you can also include Brahmi vati 1-0-1 Ashwagandha lehyam 0-0-1 tsp at night Jatamamsi churna 1/2 tsp /0-0 tsp with warm milk Shankapuspi tea - twice daily Which will help in reducing heaviness, improve mood, stability, come anxiety, and strengthen memory Oil massage of head for head to be done with warm coconut oil, sesame oil
The process is gradual, but with consistency, Ayurveda in lightening the mind and reducing the need for strong medicines, overtime
Hello Kumud ji I can understand your concern. You are stable on medications, but whenever the dose is reduced, your symptoms return. This indicates chronic mixed anxiety–depression with long-term nervous system imbalance. But dont worry we are here to help you out😊
✅AYURVEDIC PLAN OF TREATMENT
You are already using Medhavati & Memorygrit – good choices, but for deeper effect consider these classical formulations:
1 Brahmi Vati (with gold) –1-0-1 after food enhances concentration, relieves anxiety, acts as Medhya Rasayana.
2 Manas Mitra Vatakam 2 tab crush and take with milk – very effective for long-standing anxiety, depression, insomnia.
3 Ashwagandharishta 15ml-0-15ml after food – adaptogen, balances stress hormones, strengthens immunity.
4 Saraswatarishta 15ml -0-15ml after food – improves mood, memory, and balances vata-pitta.
👉 These are not habit-forming, safe for long term, and can be taken along with your psychiatric medicines
✅PANCHAKARMA THERAPIES
Since the condition is chronic, cleansing + nourishing therapies are needed:
👉Abhyanga (daily warm oil massage with Ksheerabala Taila / Dhanwantaram Taila) Calms Vata, reduces body stiffness, improves sleep.
👉Shirodhara (oil stream on forehead with Brahmi Taila / Ksheerabala Taila) Scientifically shown to reduce cortisol, stabilize mood, and calm anxiety.
👉Nasya (nasal oil drops with Anu Taila / Brahmi Taila) Nourishes brain tissues, improves emotional stability, enhances clarity.
👉Matra Basti (oil enema with Ksheerabala Taila) Especially important in chronic Vata disorders, improves gut-brain axis, reduces depression relapse.
👉 Panchakarma is usually done in 21-day protocols, but even short 7-day courses (Shirodhara + Abhyanga) help tremendously.
✅LIFESTYLE AND ROUTINE
Regular sleep–wake cycle: Go to bed before 11 pm, wake before sunrise. Disturbed sleep increases anxiety.
Dietary guidelines: Prefer Sattvic diet: warm, light, freshly cooked food. milk with nutmeg/turmeric, khichdi, ghee, dates, soaked almonds, seasonal fruits, green vegetables
❌AVOID excess tea, coffee, alcohol, fried, spicy, sour, fermented foods.
Eat at fixed times, avoid late dinners.
✅Mind management: Meditation or mindfulness daily 15–20 min. Mantra chanting (Om Namah Shivaya) calms vibrations. Journaling – express emotions rather than suppressing them.
Work balance-Overworking, irregular eating, and screen overuse worsen vata – try structured daily planning.
Yoga & Pranayama (Manovaha Srotas Strengthening)
Pranayama.Anulom, Vilom Bhramari, Sheetali / Sheetkari Yoga Nidra.- very effective in depression, helps reduce medicine dependency.
✅Integration with Your Current Allopathy
Never stop antidepressants suddenly. Relapses are common.
Ayurveda + Yoga gradually increase resilience - your psychiatrist may then slowly taper the dose.
Many patients find that with regular Rasayana + Shirodhara + Pranayama, their requirement for high dose reduces over 6–12 months.
You have stability with allopathy, but Ayurveda can add resilience by calming Vata, nourishing the mind, and preventing relapse.
Slowly, your nervous system will strengthen and you won’t need heavy doses lifelong.
Wishing you a good health😊
Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
Hello Kumud Continue allopathic & ayurvedic parallely, as you start feeling better you can reduce dosage of allopathy medicine gradually under psychiatrist advice Also take Ashwagandha churan 0-0-1tsp at bedtime with warm milk Mentat-DS syrup 2tsp twice daily after food with water Light massage on scalp with Brahmi oil Do Nasya Brahmi grith 2 drops in both nostril once daily Do pranayam lom -vilom kapalbhatti bhastrika bhamri 5-10mins daily twice Learn Rajyoga meditation and practice daily. Go for walks in garden,or arround natural areas.
Hello Kumudji
Depression and other disorders related to the mind can only be treated when you make up ur mind to get rid of them.
❌ Try and avoid the trigger factors as much possible. Anxiety is a state of mind which you can surely control by altering your thoughts…
Just note the patterns n timings of the feeling and make yourself busy in that time… If you have nothing to do at that time simple do some physical activity or go for a walk or if it is possible for you concentrate on your breath(which most of the people find difficult to do)
🧘♀️ Anulomvilom and Bhramari Pranayam will help. But you have to do it early in the morning only.
❌ Donot get yourself into any addictions.
❌ Donot drink tea or coffee or aerated drinks.
❌ Reduce screen time… No screen in darkness and 1 hour before you sleep. Consume audio form of data rather than visuals before you sleep. Filter the content of data you consume… Let it be spiritual or positive…
✔️ Drink a glass of buffalo milk daily before you sleep; it will help you get a sound sleep.
✔️ 100 steps after both meals are must.
✔️ Eat only home cooked food… Avoid outside food, packed and processed food.
✔️ Prefer natural liquids like fruit juice, coconut water, lemon juice, kokum sharbat over packed ones.
💊 Medication: 💊
Panchendriya Vardhan Tailam 2 drops in each nostril early in the morning empty stomach.
Cap. Memorin(S.G.Phytopharma) 2 caps twice a day before food.
Syp. Prasham 4 tsp at bed time with lukewarm water. Tab. Manasmitra Vatak 2 tabs at bed time.
1.Manasmithra vatkam 2 tab twice daily after meals with milk 2.Saraswatrishta 20 ml with 20 ml water twice daily after meals 3.Ashwagandha capsules 2 cap at bedtime with warm milk 4.Brahmi vati 2 tab twicce daily after meals 5.Ksheerabala 101 aavarthi oil-2 drops in each nostril twice daily
Sattvic Diet for Emotional Balance 🌿 Foods That Calm Vata and Lift Mood - Warm, cooked meals: Khichdi, soups, porridges with ghee - Include: - Soaked almonds, dates, raisins, figs - Whole grains: Rice, oats, barley - Root vegetables: Sweet potato, carrot, beet - Mood-lifting fruits: Pomegranate, banana, stewed apple - Spices: Cumin, coriander, fennel, nutmeg (calming) ❌ Avoid - Cold, raw, dry foods (increase Vata) - Excess caffeine, sugar, processed snacks - Sour, fermented, or overly spicy foods (aggravate Pitta)
-Practice meditation for 15-20 min early in the morning. - Pranayama: - Nadi Shodhana (balances Vata) - Bhramari (calms mind and nerves)
Adv: Shirodhara procedure at a nearby panchkarma center
Hi kumud ji,
1) Firstly want to know about the medication you are taking since 7 years? 2) secondly want to know any past history of diabetes, hypertension, thyroid you have ?
Then I came to Ayurveda, chronic anxiety is known as chittodvega, characterized by an imbalance in vata dosha. As it’s chronic since 7 years, we will divide the whole treatment in 2 parts for better results - oral medication+ panchakarma therapies which you can take from your nearby panchkarma centre.
oral treatment -
1) Brahmi vati 2 tab BD with water after food 2) tab mentat ( Himalaya) 2 tab BD with water after food 3) ashwagandharisht 20 ml BD with equal amount of water after food 4) mansmittravati 1 tab hs 1 hr before sleep after food 5) nasya with anu taila 2-3 drops in each nostrils in morning And inhale when something comes in throat just spill it out and do gargles with Luke warm water.
* 7 days
Panchakarma procedure - 1) nasya with brahmi taila 2) shirodhara with shankhpushpi kashya 1 and 2 recommended for 7 days .
As it’s Sharad Ritu , virechana is best in this month so advice you before medication, just do it once so after purifying your body , you will get best result.
Advice -
• meditation daily in morning and evening • avoid junk food, spicy food , oily food especially • whenever u feel stressed just gentlly with soft hands press the marma points 6-7 times besides your eyebrows, in the centre of both eyebrows and the top of the head and in the occipital area also. • do yoga and Pranayam daily • walk in greenery. Keep your environment peacefully and happy • sleep around 10-11 pm
Thanku , follow up after 15 days.
Hi kumud this is Dr Vinayak as considering your problem…no need to worry… Be calm and be happy just not to think too much about anything…no one will take your pain only you have suffer from this…
Just say I am the best I can do anything…is enough motivate yourself don’t listen to anyone words… Daily meditate for 10min in fresh air Read book which you feel intrested Keep busy on your own work…
Rx T sumana 1-0-1 after food Brahmi grita 10ml before food with milk in morning…
See taking too much of medicines will not give you happiness bcz happiness is best medicine ever…be happy…
For your situation, integrating Ayurvedic practices can offer supportive healing. Chronic mixed anxiety and depression may be seen as an imbalance of Vata and Pitta doshas in Ayurveda. The focus would be on restoring balance through diet, lifestyle changes, and specific herbs.
Firstly, assess your diet. Favor warm, nourishing, and grounding foods. Include ghee, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and root vegetables. Avoid stimulants like caffeine, as they can agitate Vata and Pitta. Make sure meals are taken regularly, and snack on lightly roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds between meals to stabilize energy levels. Include soothing herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel in your cooking.
Adopting a routine is essential. Try practicing Yoga Asana such as Corpse pose (Savasana), Child’s pose (Balasana), and gentle Pranayama like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) daily. These can help calm the mind and regulate prana (life force). Practice meditation for 10-15 minutes each morning to create mental clarity and peace.
On the herbal front, Ashwagandha is useful; it’s known for its adaptogenic properties which can help the body manage stress. Consuming Ashwagandha powder, half a teaspoon mixed with warm milk at night, may support mental relaxation.
Settle into a relaxing evening routine to enhance sleep. Avoid electronic devices at least an hour before bed to reduce Vata disturbances. Additionally, applying warm oil to the soles of your feet, such as sesame oil, can help promote rest and balance dosha.
Continue working closely with your psychiatrist regarding your medication, as sudden changes can have implications. Consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended to tailor these general recommendations specifically to your constitution and needs. Remember that Ayurvedic practices complement but should not replace medical therapies, particularly for chronic or severe conditions.
HELLO RANJAN,
** DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY -In Ayurveda, these are usually linked to vata imbalance (overactivity, instability in mind and nerves) and sometimes kapha imbalance (heaviness, dullness, lack of motivation) Symptoms= restlessness, excessive worrying, low mood, loss of interest , poor sleep, low energy
TREATMENT GOALS -Balance vata and kapha to calm the mind and regulate hormones -enhance digestive fire to improve metabolism and reduce tendencies -strengthen the mind to reduce anxiety, depression, and boost confidence -improve overall resilience through diet, lifestyle , therapies
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES= 500 mg cap twice edialy with warm milk =for anxiety, depression, stress, and hormonal balance
2) SHATAVARI CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk at night =, balances hormones
3) BRAHMI VATI= 2 tab at night =improves memory, calms nerves, reduces anxiety
4) TRIPHALA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm water at night =gentle detox, supports digestion, and metabolism
5) TAGAR CHURNA= 3gm with warm water at bedtime =reaxes mind, reduce anxiety and depression
6) MANASMITRA VATAKAM= 1 tab at bedtime with warm milk =classical formulation for calming the mind
DURATION= 3 months
EXTERNAL THERPAIES
1) OIL MASSAGE = daily with warm sesame oil
2) NASYA= instill 2 drops of Anu taila in each nostril daily morning
DDIET -warm, freshly cooked meals -whole grains - red rice, barley, millet -green leafy vegetables, gourds, pumpkin -legumes like green gram, chickpeas -fruits= pomegranate, apple avoid excess banana, mango -spices= turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, coriander
AVOID -cold,refrigerated and processed foods -excess dairy (especially cheese, curd at night) -fried, oily, sugary foods -too much coffee/tea
HOME REMEDIES -warm water with lemon in morning-. aids digestion -cinnamon + honey-> improves metabolism -aloe vera juice-> 20 ml in morning -tulsi tea or brahmi tea-> calms anxiety
YOGA ASANAS -baddha konasana= improves function -setu bandhasana= balances hormones -bhujangasana= stimulates organs - surya namaskar= improves circulation and metabolism
PRANAYAM -Nadi sodhana= balances vata, calms mind -Bhramari= excellet for anxiety -Kapalbhati
MEDITATION -Daily 10-15 mins with grounding mantra like Om shanti or simply focusing on breath
LIFESTYLE CHANGES -fixed sleep wake cycle -avoid excessive screen time, especially at night -regular physical activity - walks, yoga, dance -journaling or creative hobbies for mental expression -social support- connecting with friends, family or support groups
Ayurveda sees as a whole person whole mind, body, and spirit need to come back into rhythm
Healing isn’t overnight- its a gradual rebalancing. With consistency emotional wellbeing can be brought under control
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELFPUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Mixed anxiety and depression often indicates an imbalance in vata and pitta doshas with a possible accumulation of ama, or toxins. In Ayurveda, addressing the root cause involves a more holistic approach beyond symptomatic relief. To begin, consider adopting a suitable dietary and lifestyle regimen. Opt for warm, nourishing foods to balance vata, such as cooked grains, root vegetables, and ghee. Reducing excessively spicy foods can help in calming pitta. Aim to eat at regular intervals to stabilize agni, your metabolic fire, and avoid processed foods which can aggravate ama accumulation.
Incorporating traditional Siddha or Ayurvedic practices may help further. Try practicing daily abhyanga, or self-massage, with sesame oil to soothe vata and nurture the mind-body connection. Meditation and pranayama are potent tools for calming the mind, ideally starting with nadi shodhana – alternate nostril breathing. Dedicate at least 10 minutes in your daily routine to these practices.
You may also consider herbal supplements like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) or Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), known for their adaptogenic properties that can support stress reduction and mental clarity. Consult a trained Siddha-Ayurvedic practitioner before introducing these herbs to ensure they harmonize with your current treatments.
It’s crucial to collaborate closely with your healthcare providers, especially while adjusting any medication. Listen to your body and proceed cautiously, making gradual changes. If symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, re-evaluation of your treatment approach with your practitioners is advisable.
