Alternative treatments for depression and other mood disorders are becoming increasingly popular, as many people seek to avoid the harmful or unpleasant side effects that can occur with certain anti-depressant medications. Yoga is a holistic mind-body practice that shows promise for reducing certain symptoms of depression, according to Harvard Health Publications. Consult a doctor before starting an exercise program.
Facts about Depression
Depression is a common mental health problem in the United States. It's not a matter of simply feeling blue or "down in the dumps" from time to time. Everyone experiences occasional feelings of sadness and even hopelessness. However, people suffering from clinical depression persistently experience these feelings for a period of two weeks or longer. Other symptoms that can indicate depression include lack of appetite, sleep disturbances, feelings of worthlessness, a loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed, irritability, fatigue and, in severe cases, thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
How Yoga Can Help
Alternative techniques such as yoga can help alleviate certain depressive symptoms such anxiety and stress and help improve your mood. Yoga develops mindfulness, which can help decrease worry by developing an awareness of the moment and focusing on physical sensations. Mindfulness can temporarily shift your focus away from your current problems and help you develop a broader perspective. Additionally, yogic deep breathing exercises, such as alternate-nostril breathing, can help lift your mood and stimulate energy.
Depression-Relieving Yoga Poses
Certain poses have a therapeutic benefit for depression. According to Timothy McCall, M.D. in an article for Yoga Journal, poses such as the sun salutation and backbends such as bridge pose and camel pose can stimulate your life force - also known as prana. Depressed people frequently suffer from lowered levels of prana. Additionally, these poses require a lot of concentration and effort, so you're not able to focus on your depressed feelings and worries. Restorative poses such as savasana, or the corpse pose, can help depression by relieving stress and inducing a state of deep relaxation.
Warning
Yoga should not be used as a replacement for medical advice. Consult your doctor before beginning a yoga program. Do not stop taking prescribed medications unless advised to do so by a doctor. If you are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, it's crucial to seek help immediately. Consult your doctor or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. (see resources)
References
- Harvard Health Publications: Yoga for Anxiety and Depression
- Medline Plus: Depression
- "Yoga for Depression"; Amy Weintraub; 2003
- "Yoga Journal"; Yoga for Depression, Part 1; Timothy McCall, MD
