Inside the Struggle of Depression: A Reflection Through the Wisdom of Shri Krishna

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Authors: Rohit Gupta
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Abstract

Depression is often seen as a sign of weakness or failure. In reality, it is a human response to ongoing pain, confusion, loss, or inner struggle. When life's questions weigh heavier than our answers, the mind can become exhausted. Even the strongest individuals may feel empty. To better understand this, we can look to the wisdom of Shri Krishna, particularly as shared in the Bhagavad Gita. At the beginning of the Gita, we meet Arjuna, a great warrior who is skilled, respected, and brave. However, on the battlefield, he feels overwhelmed. His body shakes, his mind becomes foggy, and his will collapses. Today, we might recognize this as deep emotional distress. Arjuna is not weak; he is human. His depression stems from inner conflict: duty versus feeling, action versus fear, meaning versus despair.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Indian History and Philosophy Workplace Spirituality and Leadership Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions

Publication details

Publication date
8 January 2026
Document type
Preprint