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.
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