Should I get ruqyah or see a doctor for depression?

Yes, see a doctor, and you can use ruqyah too. You don't have to choose. Depression is a medical condition that needs proper treatment, and ruqyah (reciting Quran and dua for healing) is a spiritual support that can sit alongside it. Ruqyah should never replace medical care.

Both are from Islam

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged medical treatment: "There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5678). He ﷺ also approved of ruqyah, saying: "There is no harm in the invocation as long as there is no polytheism in it" (Sahih Muslim 2200).

So the Sunnah gives you both tools. Using one doesn't cancel the other.

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ "And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers." Quran 17:82

Why see a doctor first

Depression has many possible causes: brain chemistry, trauma, grief, stress, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies and more. A doctor can check for these and offer therapy or medication. Low mood, poor sleep, loss of interest and hopelessness lasting more than two weeks are signs to get checked.

Some people are told that every case of depression is caused by jinn or the evil eye. That isn't what Islam teaches, and it can delay help. Most scholars say spiritual causes are possible but rare, and that ordinary illnesses should be treated as illnesses. See Can jinn possess me after I become Muslim?

How to use ruqyah safely

Do it yourself: you can recite Al-Fatihah, Ayat al-Kursi and the last three surahs over yourself. You don't need a "specialist." See What is ruqyah and can I do it myself?
Avoid red flags: high fees, amulets, secret words, hitting, or telling you to stop your medicine are all warning signs.
Never stop treatment: no genuine raqi should tell you to quit therapy or medication.
Keep it calm: ruqyah should bring peace, not fear.

Putting it together

A balanced plan might look like this: see your doctor, follow the treatment you agree on, and recite Quran and make dua every day for healing. Many Muslims find this combination gives them both practical help and inner comfort. And needing a doctor doesn't mean your faith is weak. See Is depression a sign of weak faith in Islam?

If you're in crisis

If you're thinking about harming yourself, please don't wait for ruqyah or an appointment. In the USA, call or text 988. In the UK and Ireland, call Samaritans on 116 123. Elsewhere, call your local emergency number (112 in the EU).

Key points

You don't have to choose between ruqyah and a doctor.
Depression needs real medical care.
Ruqyah is a spiritual support, not a replacement.
Be wary of anyone who says to stop treatment.

Tip: After each dose of medicine or therapy session, recite Al-Fatihah and ask Allah to put healing in it. That's ruqyah and treatment working together.