Chapter 142

Viewers’ comments flooded the screen, expressing disbelief and amusement at Leon's interruption. One asked if Leon's presence was a deliberate comedic addition by the production team.

Leon, with a confident air, asked Dr. Saunders, "Do you have any basis for your experiments?"

Damian, remaining polite despite the repeated provocations, replied, "Traditional therapy has been verified for over 2,000 years. This is its scientific basis."

Leon shook his head. "I still don't believe you." He turned to the host. "Depression should be treated with medicine. Carl is still in school. If he doesn't use the most effective modern medicine, it will affect his studies and his entire life." He added, "I recommend the new SSRI antidepressant to improve serotonin levels in children's brains. If that doesn't work, we can try electroshock therapy."

At the mention of "electroshock therapy," Carl visibly trembled, his face paling. The prior trauma of undergoing this treatment left him deeply resistant to its mention. He appeared close to tears.

Viewers voiced their concerns. One questioned Dr. Mellow's sanity, highlighting the severe side effects of electroshock therapy. Another criticized his suggestion of hormone-altering medication instead of addressing the underlying causes through counseling. A particularly frustrated viewer expressed their anger at Leon's actions.

Meanwhile, Liam from Icovine Estate watched the broadcast, his attention focused solely on Emma. She was elegantly dressed in black, her classic style infused with modern sophistication.

Emma rose, calmly descending from the guest platform to stand center stage. Approaching Carl, she took his hand and addressed the audience, "I object to the method Dr. Mellow just proposed."

The comment section erupted with support for Emma.

The popularity of "Legacy of a Healer" surged, quickly reaching the top of internet trends. Many who initially intended to criticize Emma due to the Otis incident found themselves becoming fans.

Emma remained composed. Her gentle tone and reassuring touch seemed to comfort Carl, who looked at her with tearful eyes.

Emma stated, "Depression is a prevalent mental illness. When those around us display depressive tendencies, we should offer greater care. With minors, we must address the root causes within their family environment. While medication can be effective, using SSRIs, as Dr. Mellow suggested, to alter brain chemistry can have significant side effects on adolescents' growth and development. Furthermore, it's only a temporary solution. For moderately depressed children, I recommend conservative treatment."

Leon, angered by Emma's rebuttal, challenged, "I wonder about your qualifications, Miss Wilson? Modern psychotropic drugs are highly effective, and side effects are minimal. Are you a professional doctor? Have you graduated from university?"

Emma responded coldly, "You claim minimal side effects. Have you taken these medications?"

Leon retorted, "I'm not ill! Why should I take them? Do I need to suffer from depression to treat patients?"

The audience reacted with disgust at Leon's arrogance.

Emma countered mockingly, "While personal experience isn't required, empathy is crucial when treating depression. If professional doctors lack empathy, who will truly listen to their patients?"

Turning to Carl, Emma asked, "Carl, are you strongly opposed to medication and electroshock therapy?"

Carl, overcome with emotion, confessed, "Emma, I don't want to take medicine anymore. It worsens my memory; I forget things easily. I'm mocked by classmates if I do poorly on exams... and the nighttime medication makes me drowsy all day. I fall asleep in class... My teachers and mom think I'm depressed and inattentive, but the medicine makes me listless. They don't believe me. They just think I'm depressed. The electroshock therapy was horrible. I told my mom I didn't want to go, but she tied me up…"

Viewers expressed outrage at Carl’s recounting of his experiences. Many condemned Leon's lack of empathy and irresponsible approach.

Emma, filled with compassion, held Carl's hand and gently stroked his head. "I promise you, I won't send you for electroshock therapy."

Carl asked meekly, "Really?"

"Yes," Emma assured him. "I'll prescribe medication that won't impair your memory or make you sleepy. It might be bitter, though. You have to promise me something, okay?"

"As long as you don't electrocute me, I'll do anything," Carl replied.

Emma smiled and led Carl to Damian. "Dr. Saunders, Carl is a good boy. You're the leading expert in traditional therapy. I'll leave the prescription to you."

Damian, pleased, nodded. "Of course." He added, "Traditional therapy is fortunate to have someone as young and dedicated as you. Its future is bright."

Emma smiled at Carl, "Dr. Saunders is excellent. Take his medicine, and you will gradually recover. But you must promise to go to bed early, wake up early, eat well, and run outdoors for an hour every day. Can you do that?"

Carl nodded eagerly. "I can do it. But Emma, if I keep running, I don't need electroshock treatment, right?"

Emma nodded seriously, explaining to the camera, "Many are unaware that exercise effectively treats depression. Physiological studies show exercise helps dispel hormones, glucose, and fats released during depressive episodes. It enhances the adrenal medulla's ability to secrete catecholamines and releases beta-endorphins, which improve the central nervous system's regulatory function and increase tolerance to harmful stimuli. It calms and elevates mood…"

Emma's explanation captivated millions of viewers.