Depression

Depression is a highly discussed topic in modern times, as suicide rates in developed, industrialized societies have reached epic proportions. There is widespread agreement that increases in social isolation, decreases in community networks and support, and high competition for jobs and resources are all contributing factors to this phenomenon. That today’s focus on the acquisition and consumption of material goods has undermined happiness and wellbeing is a surprise to no one.

But depression is not a new condition. Traditional healers in cultures all across the world have long noted the condition, although albeit in different ways and with varying explanations of its origins, mechanisms, and treatments. The variances, rather than contradict and confuse our understanding of the disease, can offer insight into this regrettably prevalent condition.

Derived from the Ancient Greek term melancholia, meaning “black bile,” the Western origins of depression understood it as an imbalance of the basic bodily fluids, called humors, which also determined personality. Hippocrates, in his Aphorisms, described melancholia as a disease characterized by distinct mental and physical symptoms, including prolonged fears and despondencies.

In the 18th century, the humoral theory of depression was called into question as improved medical technologies allowed doctors to study the mechanical and electrical explanations, such as lethargic circulation and energy depletion.  Eventually, the term ‘depression’, derived from the Latin verb deprimere, meaning “to press down,” replaced melancholia in the medical literature. The focus shifted to both external and internal causes, with contemporary psychiatry viewing depression as a chemical imbalance in the brain best treated with chemical drugs called antidepressants. This is only one perspective, however, and Eastern traditions offer what many consider to be more holistic approaches to the condition.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees every human being as consisting of some ratio of five basic elements. These elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each element is associated with particular strengths, weaknesses, colours, and sounds. What elements are dominant in a person at any given time determines their state. As such, depression is identified by three different imbalances. They are earth-type, water-type, and wood-type depression.

Someone with an earth-type depression has an excess of the earth element and has deficiencies of motivation and energy. They often have trouble staying awake, and experience digestive issues, weight gain, and fatigue. Water-type depression, on the other hand, is characterized by the inability to get out of bed, knee and lower back problems, and persistent fear. Finally, there’s the wood-type depression that is almost the opposite of its counterparts. A person with wood-type depression displays agitated emotional states such as irritability, anger, and short temper. They also often have the physical symptoms of weight loss, headaches, and rashes.

A Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor diagnoses a patient based on their emotional and physical symptoms, and treats the condition by herbal medicine that attempts to bring the dominant element into balance. Other treatments, such as acupuncture or diet and lifestyle changes may also be prescribed.

A little further south, the traditional Indian medical system called Ayurveda offers yet another perspective. Similar to TCM, Ayurveda looks at the body in terms of imbalances, although through a different conceptual framework. Ayurveda is rooted in a Vedic philosophy that views the human state as a balance of koshas, which is the Sanskrit word for “sheath,” and refers to the layers of human consciousness that exist around a person’s highest spiritual Self. The more in touch a person is with their Self, the happier they are. Thus, Ayurveda sees depression as the result of a detachment from our spiritual Self that can be caused by hurt, trauma, or excessive self-doubt. Treatment requires a spiritual, rather than physical, healing.

Thus, while all traditions acknowledge depression as a human state lacking in psychological wellbeing, their understandings of and approaches to this disease vary considerably, each adding a unique perspective on a seemingly universal condition.