Traditional Chinese medicine and its approach to depression

In traditional Chinese medicine depression is largely related to the stagnation of Liver Qi. Essentially, this indicates that the Qi within the body is not flowing smoothly and results in the symptoms of depression.

They would attribute this to poor maintenance routines
 * lack of exercise
 * poor dietary habits - especially fried foods a/or alcohol

as well as repressed or overly expressed emotions - especially anger a/or grief.