Recently, a dear friend experienced a bout of chronic depression. After her doctor prescribed an antidepressant medication, she was able to quell her feelings of sadness and anxiety temporarily; however, upon discontinuing its use and subsequently experiencing an uptick in symptoms once again – this time even more pronounced than previously experienced when utilizing the pharmaceuticals.
My friend’s predicament prompted me to reflect on my own experience with depression, which stems from bouts of prolonged meditation practice. I am happy to share that meditative techniques can help alleviate it!
Mindfulness
The concept of mindfulness has been championed by prominent figures such as renowned neuroscientist Andrew Newberg and author Mark Hyman.
At its core, mindfulness is an awareness approach that values self-awareness and observe one’s thoughts, feelings, and body states with an unbiased attitude.
When you’re mindful, it is possible to detect distressing thoughts and prevent them from becoming lodged in one’s consciousness. Additionally, a proactive lifestyle can help sustain well-being even during periods of crisis.
Mental Health and Emotional Intelligence
There are numerous studies and scientific investigations that have demonstrated a direct connection between positive mental health and emotional intelligence. Indeed, research reveals that individuals who possess greater levels of both can experience improved well-being – not only through mindfulness practices but also by fostering more productive relationships with their fellow humans.
Indeed, stress is associated with over 2 million physician visits annually in the United States alone. Learning to deal effectively with emotions can provide an important gateway for managing stressors and preventing its adverse effects. Ultimately, this balance can yield tremendous benefits!
How Does Mindfulness Relate to Depression?
Meditation may be an effective remedy for depression, but it’s not the sole reason why this affliction plagues so many people. It is imperative that we acknowledge that our emotional well-being is closely linked with numerous factors – such as diet and sleep patterns as well – so that one can experience more positive experiences throughout their day.
For instance, recent research has revealed that individuals who experienced insomnia experienced a significantly greater risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD). Moreover, those who have depression within their family history have even higher chances of succumbing to this condition.
If you are suffering from depression, chances are it will take over your life. You probably won’t have any recollection of having been a happy person before this happened; however there may still be hope!
Why is it that some people are more susceptible to depression?
The truth is that no one is immune from experiencing depression. However, some individuals are more susceptible to feeling despondent than others – this could be due to genetic predisposition or even lifestyle choices.
It’s not befitting of an intriguing topic like this to disregard the reality that depression can affect anyone; it does not discriminate against any race, gender identity or age group! Therefore having a keen understanding of its causes and prevalence can help us all stay vigilant against its potential emergence in our own lives.
With that in mind, let’s explore why some people may experience suffering from depression more acutely than others.
Does the Research Support the Link Between Meditation and Depression?
Numerous studies have uncovered robust evidence suggesting meditation may help alleviate symptoms of depression.
In one study, researchers followed up with 116 individuals who’d participated in a randomized clinical trial on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and discovered that those who sustained a higher level of practice at its conclusion experienced lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who had not taken part in such an activity.
In a somewhat similar experiment conducted by researchers at Yale University, they examined the association between mindfulness training and depressive symptoms among 142 veterans after the completion of their service. It was determined that compared to individuals who had undergone no such regimen, those who underwent eight weeks of mindfulness training had notably reduced levels of self-reported unhappiness when surveyed!
Why isn’t everyone meditating?
Despite being a rather simple activity, meditation can be intimidating. If you’re new to the practice, I’m sure you’ve encountered a few roadblocks along the way – like chronic anxiety or fears of failure.
Don’t let those concerns keep you away! With a little education and practice, anyone can reap the benefits of regular meditation.
Get Started with Meditations That Help Treat Depression
If you suspect that meditation could be an effective tool for treating depression, don’t hesitate. There are numerous guided meditations available, including one specifically created for combating the blues.
Understandably, some individuals may be apprehensive about embarking on a new endeavor like this. However, those who choose to try it out can rest assured knowing that the process doesn’t take long at all! An online video series such as Headspace offers numerous guided meditations for beginners; moreover its app is an ideal way for folks who live in isolation or find longer sessions inconvenient.
Conclusion
Meditation can be an effective tool for combating depression, as it has the capacity to foster a sense of well-being and emotionally enhance one’s life. Similarly, regular practice can aid in alleviating feelings of gloominess; after all one must simply make an effort!