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Common early signs are a low or empty mood and loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, lasting most of the day nearly every day for two weeks or more, along with changes in sleep or appetite, constant tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. Only a doctor or mental-health professional can diagnose it. Read about the types of depression, their signs and when to seek help.

Sadness is usually tied to an event and lifts as circumstances change. Depression is persistent, typically lasting most of the day nearly every day for at least two weeks, and affects sleep, appetite, concentration and interest in things previously enjoyed. The distinction is one a doctor makes, not something to self-diagnose from a list of symptoms. The causes and treatments are explained in this guide to understanding depression.

See a doctor when symptoms last more than two weeks, interfere with work, study, sleep or relationships, or when you have thoughts of self-harm, which need help immediately rather than waiting. In India, Tele-MANAS is a free 24-hour government mental-health helpline on 14416, and a general physician can also refer you to a specialist.

Diet is not a treatment for depression, but regular meals, enough protein, fibre and water, and limiting alcohol can support energy and mood alongside medical care. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without your doctor. See the role of nutrition in depression and natural ways to manage depression.

Eat smaller meals at regular times, avoid lying down for two to three hours after eating, and cut back on very spicy, oily or fried food, caffeine and carbonated drinks if they trigger symptoms. If acidity is frequent, wakes you at night, or comes with vomiting, weight loss or trouble swallowing, see a doctor. More tips are in 10 easy tips to get rid of acidity.

Vastu Shastra is a traditional Indian system of architecture and spatial arrangement, based on orientation, the five elements and the placement of rooms relative to directions. It originated for standalone buildings, so for a flat it usually means working with what you can change, such as the direction you face while working or sleeping and where heavy furniture sits. See Vastu for the house and 10 Vastu tips.

The common routes are curated marketplaces that handle payment and shipping, general platforms like Etsy or Amazon Karigar, and direct sales through Instagram with payment by UPI. Curated platforms take a commission but bring buyers; direct sales keep the margin but need an audience. Photograph work in daylight against a plain wall and state dimensions, medium and year. Browse the art and culture articles.

The usual order is an emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses, then tax-saving instruments if they apply, then index funds or diversified equity mutual funds through a monthly SIP for long-term goals. Clear high-interest debt such as credit-card balances first. This is general information, not personalised advice; speak to a SEBI-registered adviser before investing. More in money and investments.

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) invests a fixed amount at regular intervals, usually monthly. Because the amount is fixed, it buys more units when prices are low and fewer when high, which averages your purchase cost over time. A lump sum puts the whole amount in at a single price, which can do better in a rising market and worse in a falling one.