Yoga may benefit people with mental health problems. If you suffer from bipolar disorder, yoga may help to provide relief from the extreme mood changes, elevate levels of depression and improve self image. However, yoga is not a substitute for medication. Practice yoga in combination with medication and therapy and under the advice and guidance of your physician.
Yoga
In the Western Hemisphere, and at most health clubs, yoga is known as a workout made up of a series of postures designed to improve strength and flexibility. Yoga began as a Hindu practice and philosophy focused on physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation. You have the option of practicing yoga in your home; however, learning proper techniques from a certified instructor will help to prevent injuries. An instructor can also show you any modifications for your physical limitations so you can continue to enjoy the workout for many years.
Bipolar Symptoms
Bipolar disorder was once known as manic depression. Both terms describe the symptoms from one pole, depression, to the other, mania. A person suffering from bipolar can cycle through these extreme highs and lows a few times a year, or, much more rarely, a few times a day. Mania symptoms may include a decreased interest in sleep or an inability to concentrate. You may also suffer from an increase in agitation, irritability, or desire to reach your goals. Depression symptoms often include sleep problems, with extreme fatigue, sadness, anxiety and inability to concentrate. Those suffering from bipolar II suffer the same symptoms but the mania symptoms are milder.
Mania
A study published in the "Indian Journal of Palliative Care" looked at the hyper-arousal state in patients with chronic pain. This state may negatively affect muscle tension, breathing patterns and energy levels. All of these are also affected by a manic condition. The study showed that yoga has the ability to reduce these symptoms by relaxing the body. Subjects showed quieter breathing, stabilized blood pressure, reduced muscle tension, lowered heart rate and calmer brain wave responses.
When suffering from mania, do not attempt a fast-paced yoga session. A person in a manic state requires sustainable poses and breathing exercises focused on breath exhalation to lower heart rate response.
Depression
The Harvard Mental Health Letter reported on yoga for depression. In 2005, after three months of twice-weekly yoga sessions, women with emotional distress reported a 50 percent decrease in their depression symptoms. In 2007, Evidenced Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine -- eCAM -- reported further on yoga for depression. Researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles recruited participants to practice yoga three times a week for 60 to 90 minutes over the course of eight weeks. Researchers saw a reduction in depression, anxiety and neurotic symptoms in patients practicing yoga. The type of yoga used in this study included active movements with brief periods of relaxation and breathing exercises.
When suffering from depression and practicing yoga, focus your breathing on the inhale in an effort to rejuvenate your body.
Sleep
The bipolar extremes of depression and mania both can have an affect on level of fatigue and sleep patterns. A lack of sleep can cause depression or compensation with caffeine that may lead to mania. The "Indian Journal of Palliative Care" reports that after a person practices yoga his sleep deepens and becomes more sustained. When your sleep improves and you are able to relax, your level of fatigue will reduce as well.
References
- "Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine": Yoga as A Complementary Treatment of Depression: Effects of Traits and Moods on Treatment Outcome; D Shapiro, et al.; Feb. 28 1007
- Harvard Health Publications: Yoga for Anxiety and Depression
- Indian Journal of Palliative Care: Perspectives on Yoga Inputs in The Management of Chronic Pain; N Vallath; Jan. 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Bipolar Disorder
