Depression Treatment: Should I See a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner or a Western Doctor? Here's What One Survivor Has to Say
When it comes to treating depression, many individuals face a difficult question: should I seek treatment through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Western medicine? This is a dilemma that nearly every person struggling with depression has encountered at some point. Today's article is written by someone who once suffered from severe depression and wants to share her personal insights and reflections on this issue.
Throughout her journey to recovery, she has met many individuals battling depression, including some who continued with herbal treatments despite seeing little to no improvement. In her view, those who avoid Western medications out of fear of side effects are often not ready to accept their diagnosis and the reality of their condition.
She hopes that by sharing her experience, others struggling with depression will understand their condition clearly, take action without delay, and choose the treatment path that works best for them. Having confidence in your chosen method and valuing your health and life is the most responsible thing you can do for yourself.
The Debate: TCM vs. Western Medicine for Treating Depression
There has long been no definitive answer to the question: which is more effective for treating depression—Traditional Chinese Medicine or Western medicine?
As someone who has personally battled depression, I want to share my perspective based on both my own experience and observations of others going through similar struggles.
From what I've seen and experienced, herbal remedies alone cannot provide standardized, effective treatment for depression. Acupuncture, massage, and other TCM techniques may offer some supportive benefits, but they are not sufficient as the primary treatment for serious depressive disorders.
A Personal Encounter with Differing Beliefs
Recently, I spoke with someone who firmly believed that TCM offers a more comprehensive approach to treating depression. Although he meant well and was concerned about potential liver damage from long-term medication, I knew that in my case—especially with treatment-resistant depression—herbal remedies would not provide the relief I needed.
He continued to argue that only TCM could fully cure depression and pointed out potential kidney damage from Western medications, even suggesting they could lead to organ failure. I respectfully disagreed. I've met others who relied solely on acupuncture, herbal medicine, or other TCM methods, but their symptoms remained unresolved and their progress was limited.
In my experience, therapies like acupuncture, moxibustion, foot therapy, and massage can play a supportive role in managing depression, but when it comes to directly affecting brain chemistry and crossing the blood-brain barrier, Western medication is far more effective and immediate.
Don't Let Fear of Western Medication Delay Recovery
People with depression often suffer from cognitive distortions—such as excessive guilt, self-blame, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts—that can trap them in a cycle of negativity. At such times, support from loved ones is crucial. However, due to stigma and negative beliefs, many avoid seeking the help they desperately need.
Excessive fear of medication side effects can prevent individuals from accepting the seriousness of their condition and delay appropriate treatment. This kind of avoidance is often rooted in shame and misinformation.
Unfortunately, some TCM practitioners and clinics exaggerate the benefits of herbal treatments or overly emphasize the risks of Western drugs, often for commercial gain. This kind of fear-mongering only deepens patients' anxiety about Western medicine.
Thankfully, awareness of mental health is growing. More people are now seeking professional help early, whether through medication, therapy, or hospitalization, which is a positive sign.
If someone refuses treatment due to rigid thinking or misinformation, they risk worsening their condition and delaying the healing process. I once had a neighbor who developed severe depression during adolescence. His mother didn't understand the illness and failed to seek help. Without timely treatment, his condition deteriorated to the point of psychosis. He ended up living on the streets, completely disconnected from reality. This highlights the importance of early intervention and proper care.
Refusing Western Treatment Often Reflects a Deeper Denial
During my recovery journey, I met a fellow who insisted that TCM was superior. After taking herbal remedies for a while, she stopped treatment altogether, ignoring the fact that she still had depression. When life threw her a curveball, her symptoms returned, and she became trapped in a cycle of pain and rigid thinking.
Another friend was in the midst of a severe depressive episode but refused to consider Western medication. She relied solely on acupuncture and physical therapy, yet still struggled with intense suicidal thoughts and emotional instability.
In my view, people who reject Western treatment are often subconsciously rejecting their diagnosis. I encourage others to stop resisting and instead accept the reality of their condition. Depression, like chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, often requires long-term medical management to maintain quality of life. Why suffer through relapses when effective treatment is available?
Self-Awareness and Acceptance Are Key
Those experiencing depression must develop self-awareness and a deeper understanding of their condition. It's important to see depression as a temporary phase in life, not a permanent identity. Depression is treatable, and recovery is possible. Don't let fear of Western medicine or a false sense of comfort from herbal remedies prevent you from getting the help you need at the right time.
Rigid thinking can become a form of obsession—just like I once denied my own illness. But that kind of mindset can cost you valuable time and effective treatment options.
Choosing the Right Path for You
To be clear, I'm not against Traditional Chinese Medicine. In fact, I believe it can be beneficial when used as a complementary therapy. For me personally, however, Western medicine has proven far more effective. Plus, with insurance coverage, the cost of medication is manageable.
I'm not writing this to declare one method superior to the other. The question of which approach is better is subjective—like asking whether kung fu or karate is more effective. It depends on the individual. My main message is this: accept your condition, understand it clearly, and take action without delay. Choose the treatment that suits you best, and commit to it with confidence. Your life and your health are worth it.
One final note: if you choose to explore TCM, be sure to visit licensed, reputable clinics and certified practitioners. Don't fall into the trap of self-medicating with unverified products or trusting so-called "folk healers." Depression itself is not the enemy—fear of it and neglecting your health are what can truly do harm.