Russian television presenter and singer Maria Gladkikh has announced on Instagram that she is taking heavy antidepressants for moderate clinical depression.
Gladkikh disclosed her diagnosis in a video published on her social media account, revealing that she suffered six months of daily crying, nervous breakdowns, panic attacks and severe anxiety before seeking psychiatric care.
The broadcaster said she frequently fixated on negative and depressive thoughts during the ordeal, describing the mental strain as something that was driving her crazy.
Gladkikh admitted she had never anticipated having to battle depression and spent months attempting to resolve her unstable mental state on her own. She eventually scheduled an appointment with a psychiatrist and began a course of medical treatment.
Understanding clinical depression
Clinical depression is a mood disorder marked by prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety and emotional exhaustion that interfere with daily life. Medical experts classify cases by severity, with moderate clinical depression often causing significant impairment in daily functioning and personal well-being.
Treatment for moderate to severe depression typically involves prescription antidepressant medications alongside psychiatric therapy. Heavy antidepressants are formulated to adjust chemical messengers in the brain, helping patients manage intense symptoms such as panic attacks, severe anxiety and emotional instability.
Previous battle with melanoma
The mental health update comes shortly after Gladkikh announced in early September that she had successfully overcome melanoma, a malignant form of skin cancer. Doctors first diagnosed the disease in August following a routine health examination.
Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the specialized cells that produce skin pigment. Although it is considered one of the most serious types of skin cancer due to its potential to spread, early detection through regular health screenings greatly improves treatment outcomes.
Social media announcement
Gladkikh delivered her health update via a video message posted to her Instagram account, where she regularly shares updates with her public audience. Instagram is a photo and video sharing platform owned by American technology firm Meta Platforms.
