I saw a holistic pdoc once. She told me she wouldn't treat me if I was taking western medication. I never went back.

Whether it is or isn't a chemical imbalance, I don't know. The theory that it's not a chemical imbalance is new to me. I do know that medication works for me, my sister, and my mom. My dad takes supplements that work for him (he doesn't trust doctors). I do, however, believe that depression can be relational and not have a component of chemical imbalance. While my meds work, they don't take away the issues themselves. The goal isn't to numb yourself out, just to cope better. You don't want to numb out because then you can't be present to deal with the issues.