Understanding Depression: Exploring Eastern and Western Approaches to Mental Health
I’ve lived a life consumed by busyness, where every action felt externally driven and the world seemed starkly black and white. It was a constant cycle of doing, forcing, pushing—and when I reached my limit, I pushed even harder. Mind, body, and spirit all said "enough," but I kept going.
As humans, we wear many masks—different personas we embody to interact with others and navigate reality. But these roles aren’t who we truly are. I’m not just a father, a coach, a foodie, a meditator, or a partner. I’m something deeper, something that comes before all these labels.
I am a person. A person having experiences as a father, a business owner, and so on. That shift in perspective—between identifying as these roles and recognizing them as experiences—fundamentally changes how we interact with reality.
In my own journey, as I clung to the masks I thought defined me, I burned out. Overwhelm took over, my body gave out, my mind descended into chaos, and a suffocating blanket of depression settled over my reality. It was like being in a tunnel, pitch black, knowing there had to be light at the end, yet having no idea how to reach it.
But when you allow yourself to rest—truly rest—and realize you are not the personas you’ve constructed, something shifts. You discover you’ve had a flashlight in your hand all along. Rest isn’t about giving up; it’s about letting go of what you are not, what you assumed yourself to be.
In this article, we will explore depression from both Eastern and Western perspectives, and how you can start to realize that, no matter how dark the tunnel may seem, the light—and your way forward—has always been within your grasp.
In this article we will cover:
What is Depression?
Eastern and Western Philosophy of Depression
Differences in Diagnosis and Treatment
Traditional Eastern Approaches to Depression:
Different Types of Depression
Signs of Depression
Dealing with Depression as a Whole
Conclusion
References
The Latin Translation for depression is animus fractus which signifies ‘a split’ or a broken mind. This translation best describes this dis-ease, and also the state of mind of anyone who has identified the body-object and multifaceted false personality.
From this perspective, most individuals are in a depression. As long as one is focused on extremes - wanting this vs that - your focus is essentially ‘split’, while this ‘split’ persists, you de-press or (shove down, suppress) ‘bad’ feelings and try to maintain the ‘good’ ones. This describes a state of dis-ease and also a state of depression. You may feel overwhelmed or feeling out of control
Eastern Philosophy
Eastern philosophy views depression as a manifestation of disharmony between the individual and the universe. In this perspective, depression is seen as a result of being disconnected from one's true self, purpose, and the world around them.
In Buddhism, depression is seen as a result of attachment and craving. The Four Noble Truths state that suffering arises from craving and attachment and that the elimination of such craving can lead to the end of suffering, including depression.
In Taoism, depression is viewed as a result of trying to control the flow of life and not allowing the natural course of events to unfold. The Taoist concept of Wu Wei, or "non-action," involves letting go of control and accepting what is, rather than trying to force outcomes.
In Hinduism, the concept of Atman (the true self) and Brahman (ultimate reality) teaches that depression arises when one is not in touch with their true self and their connection to the universe. Advaita Vedanta, a Hindu philosophy, teaches that the individual self and the universe are not separate and that depression is caused by the illusion of separation.
Essentially Eastern philosophy views depression as a disconnection from the self, one’s purpose, and the universe, and provides guidance towards re-establishing harmony and balance through concepts like detachment, non-action, and reconnection with the true self and ultimate reality.
Western Philosophy
The Western definition of depression typically comes from a psychological and medical perspective. In this view, depression is considered a mental disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), depression is diagnosed based on specific symptoms such as changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
In Western medicine, depression is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Psychotherapy aims to help individuals understand and cope with their thoughts and emotions, while medication works to regulate the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that are thought to play a role in depression.
Depression is a word that has been a part of my experience for so long that it almost feels like a part of my identity or it did for a while. Many of my clients are in a space where they are in need of Deep rest, is that all that we actually need?
Is this concept of depression as a symptom of a performance-driven reality? The very nature of this internal experience of self is felt through the lack of connection with the self, itself.
It may feel like a massive divide between you and the pulse of life, the flow of energy the vitality that is found within you, when you are ‘Tuned in, Tapped in and Turned on’ like Abraham Hicks loves to state.
We find that we are waiting with for this weight to release itself from our reality yet it continuously sits on our backs, taking away focus, fogging up the headlights as we try to pursue this thing we like to call ‘passion or our purpose’.
What is that? Again it is a vision of an idealised self that is externally based where we are tuned into an ideal and more work, vs tuned into ourselves and being.
I made use of antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) are often the first-line treatment for anxiety and depression.
What are SSRI’s?
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are a group of drugs that increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reabsorption process. This leads to improved regulation of mood, appetite, biorhythms, and overall well-being.
SSRIs do this by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, at the synapse, thereby increasing its availability and facilitating the transmission of nerve signals involved in regulating mood, appetite, biorhythms, and overall well-being.
Serotonin and dopamine are two of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain, and they play a critical role in regulating our emotions, behaviour, and cognition. If you're looking for an easy way to think about these two chemicals, consider them the dynamic duo of our moods.
Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that helps us manage our anxiety levels and promote feelings of well-being and happiness. On the other hand, dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, reward, and reinforcement.
The relationship between serotonin and dopamine is crucial for maintaining emotional balance and stability. If our levels of serotonin are low, it can result in a decrease in dopamine release, which can lead to decreased motivation and an overall negative mood. Conversely, when our levels of serotonin are high, it increases dopamine release and results in an improvement in mood and motivation.
In Eastern philosophy, the balance between serotonin and dopamine is seen as critical for emotional stability, and it's believed that imbalances in these neurotransmitters can lead to conditions such as depression. In fact, the interplay between these two neurotransmitters is so important that traditional Eastern remedies, such as acupuncture, aim to balance these chemicals as a way to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
It's also important to note that serotonin and dopamine have a reciprocal relationship - they both have an impact on the release of the other. Serotonin can inhibit the release of dopamine, while dopamine can stimulate the release of serotonin. This interplay between the two chemicals highlights the intricate relationship between our emotions, behavior, and cognition.
Differences in Diagnosis and Treatment:
Due to the different understandings of depression, the diagnosis and treatment of the condition can vary significantly between the East and West. In the West, depression is typically diagnosed through clinical evaluation and may be treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. In contrast, traditional Eastern approaches to depression may involve a range of practices, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and meditation.
Traditional Eastern Approaches to Depression:
Eastern cultures have a long history of traditional healing practices, many of which have been used to treat depression. In Chinese medicine, for example, acupuncture and herbal remedies are commonly used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. Similarly, Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in India, uses herbs, massage, and meditation to restore balance and treat depression.
Western Approaches to Depression:
Western approaches to depression typically involve modern medicine and evidence-based treatments. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression. In addition, psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), is commonly used to help individuals cope with depression and develop effective coping strategies.
There are numerous types of depression, and they can be categorized in the following way:
Hormonal Depression — this is caused by an internal imbalance of chemicals in the body
Intrapersonal Depression — this is caused by toxic beliefs and perceptions that lead to low self-worth or poor perception of self
Biological Depression — this is triggered by one’s genetics
Situational Depression — this particular form is caused by external events such as a death, a breakup, loss of some kind, financial difficulty, etc.
Seasonal Depression — caused by the changing of seasons - this can correlate with the moon phases as well (as denoted in some cultures)
Existential Depression — caused by a lack of meaning and Soul connection - we dive deeper into this expression of disconnect
In this article, we’ll only be exploring depression as a whole, using the Eastern and western views to navigate, contextualise and eventually how to handle it.
As someone who has experienced depression before, firstly intrapersonal and existential, having built an entire identity around it, I want you to know that it does either fade away or you find a means to become friends with this part of yourself
Signs that you may have Depression
Signs of depression may include:
Persistent rumination about the nature and purpose of life
Strong desire to find answers to unanswerable questions, such as the meaning of existence and what happens after death
Dissatisfaction with society and its state
Feeling disconnected from others, resulting in having few or no friends
Feeling misunderstood and different from others
Chronic and profound loneliness
Sensations of being "dead," "numb," or empty inside
Losing interest in social contact because it feels shallow
Melancholic moods as a whole
Experiencing anxiety and overwhelm (intense levels of stress)
Loss of interest in usual pursuits, possibly related to dopamine and serotonin levels
Lack of enthusiasm or motivation
Low energy and chronic fatigue
The belief that most things are futile or meaningless
Contemplation or attempt of suicide.
How to deal with depression as a whole:
Moving through this dark and uncertain place requires gentleness, courage, persistence, and the willingness to reach out for support.
Here are some helpful tips and practices that can help alleviate your suffering (based on my own experience):
Sleep - the foundation of our health - not being neurotic yet if you are getting less than 7 hours of good quality sleep this is something that needs to be looked at. There are many things we can eliminate to improve this such as blue light, a solid winding down routine, resetting the Circadian Rhythm of the body getting the room to an optimal temperature, typically 2 degrees cooler, are noteworthy places to start
Seek support: Talking to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or holistic therapist, can help you process your feelings and find ways to manage them.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve overall well-being
Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet can provide you with the nutrients you need to maintain good physical and emotional health. If you are a male I would recommend looking at Black Maca - a very helpful and supportive superfood.
The inner work is not just self-care or finding ‘problems’ it is really venturing deep into the human and being, it is letting go of the stories that have shaped you and allowing yourself and your free will to shape the remainder of your life. Integrating yourself back into life. It may start with Inner child healing, or recognising that you are not fulfilled, orƒ a void that you may be avoiding yet it will always come back to you being willing to change and truly meet yourself—the full expression of you.
Alternative Medicine, if you have ventured down the ‘gold standard’ path and you are seeking another way, I would highly recommend getting squinted with plant medicine, starting with plant medicine ceremonies such as Kambo, Psilocybin and Bufo
Micro-dosing - If the above feels a lot to take in invite you to watch Netflix Docuseries called “How to Change your Brain”
Avoid alcohol and drugs: Substance abuse can exacerbate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and overwhelm and create additional problems.
Using Human Design and Genekeys to identify where you are more prone to melancholy episodes, patterns and beliefs - this really helped in getting clear on the micro and macro, from a personal and cyclical perspective
Conclusion
A truth that I have come to find, and experience more often than not. Is that the more I used the above strategies - moving in the body is particularly effective first thing in the morning -, deepened my trust in myself, expanded my knowledge and there was an overarching sense of freedom.
Our mental well-being is innate, it has always been there, available to us.
Michael Neil shares his thoughts on mental health -
If we want to help people realize their mental health, first and foremost, we need to see that it is always already there, underneath the noise of their symptomology and undiminished by their circumstances.
If you are interested in diving deeper into Existential Depression and feel a resonance with this experience click here
Until next time traveller.
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https://drgabormate.com/lesson-robin-williams-take-depression-seriously/
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References
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"Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 Apr. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495.
"Natural Remedies for Depression and Anxiety." WebMD, WebMD, 1 Apr. 2019, www.webmd.com/depression/features/natural-treatments#1.
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"Depression and Anxiety: The Link to Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors." National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 20 Apr. 2018, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml.
