There are several contributing factors that lead to depression; biological, psychological, and societal. From the Chinese medicinal point of view depression is seen as the result of lack of fulfillment and obstructed qi dynamic which gradually lead to disordered qi in the five viscera with functional disharmony manifesting as low spirits or emotional instability. The primary mode of treatment is to use medicinals in combination with psychotherapy. Western drugs include anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds along with sleeping pills. Chinese Medicine, on the other hand, relies on diagnoses made by differentiating patterns and identifying treatment in order to come up with a suitable herbal formula. The combination of western and Chinese medicinal treatment along with psychological help can greatly improve treatment efficacy, reduce side effects and lower the rate of reoccurrence.