By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP
Can Yoga give us any solutions for depression? Naturally, coping with depression is not easy, and severe depression is truly a tough road to travel. Yet, Yoga training contains many alternative methods to lift your spirits besides Laughter Yoga. Of course, Hatha Yoga has many aspects, which will aid anyone in times of depression.
Ethical Limitations
Undoubtedly, a Yoga teacher is not a substitute for a psychiatrist. Yet, Yogic practices are beneficial for a holistic approach to mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional health. Therefore, if anyone wants to find proper solutions for depression, it’s important to consult with a professional regarding the cause and treatment. In fact, life and the mind are complicated, which means this path might not be a straight one.
Identifying the Cause and Type
In short, there are many types and causes of depression. Subsequently, this is one more reason why professional opinions are extremely important. When we spend hours, days, or weeks, trying to self-diagnose and self-treat our symptoms on reputable websites, we might get lucky and find the best treatment. However, we could save a lot of time and agony by sitting down with a professional. After all, if you sat down with a room of psychiatrists, they would tell you that there is some trial and error in cases where the cause of depression is unknown. As a result, most people who self-treat will often try methods such as drinking alcohol and taking random drugs, which complicates constructive treatment.
Medication as an Option
Surely, medication is still the most popular option and form of treatment today, but it is often a bridge to making a healthy comeback while participating in healthy lifestyle changes. At the same time, due to the side effects and problems with addiction, medication has also taken a hit in credibility for a long-term strategy. Granted, most counselors will guide you toward healthier solutions for depression. Sometimes, patients have chemical imbalances, which can be a factor in the time needed for the medication to help a patient. Indeed, these are decisions that require honest discussions with a medical professional qualified to treat depression.
Mind and Body Exercise
One way to lift your spirits is to practice asanas, which will raise your endorphin levels. Endorphins are hormone-like substances. Endorphins naturally occur, within your body, containing amino acids, which attach to receptors, and stop pain signals to the brain. Chocolate could also raise your endorphin levels, but chocolate should be consumed in moderation. Otherwise, over consumption of chocolate, which contains plenty of fat, may result in taking on the shape of a truffle. Well, I confess dark chocolate in moderate amounts makes me happy, but Yoga, walking, Tai Chi, and Qigong are also extremely helpful in making progress toward improved mental health.
Yoga as an Adjunct Treatment
Attending regular classes is one of many natural solutions for depression and will keep your mind, body, emotions, and spirit, occupied, while doing constructive tasks. This will draw the positive energy of your class into your being. If you cannot find a Yoga class with the level of positive energy you desire, keep looking because there are many different types of Yoga, which contain solutions for depression. The ideal class should completely immerse your mind within the experience.
Social Support and Activity
The socialization factor, which occurs before, during, and after a Yoga class, will also take your mind off your problems. Many people benefit emotionally through social activities. The entire structure of a class allows you to purge negative energy from the core of your being. If you feel depressed often, self-analysis may not be one of your best solutions for depression. Your therapist, close friends, and family will most likely be your best sounding board. It is very unhealthy to keep your emotions locked up.
Letting Pain Go
We humans carry far too much emotional baggage. Therefore, you may have to allow yourself to cry. Believe me – it is not comfortable for any of us to cry, so you may want some solitary time to purge your body and mind by crying. When we lose a loved one, most of us cannot stop crying. Regardless of the problem, crying is a temporary release. We cannot cry forever, but crying can help. In Bhakti (Union by devotion to God), we learn to open the connection to God. There are sectarian Yoga classes for every religion on earth. Regardless of your particular religion, helping others will help you find solutions for depression.
Changing Your Point of View
When you feel sorry for yourself, look at the poor, and see what you can do to help. Even if all you can give is your time, you are helping someone who needs it. You will suddenly feel better because your acts of kindness are appreciated. Additionally, a walk in a park, woods, beach, or holy ground can help you realize how you might be able to help others. In fact, helping others is one of the best solutions for depression. Additionally, giving is one of the most uplifting tasks you will ever do because you will feel self-worth and gratification.
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Related Studies
Pamela Riet, Lyn Francis, Angela Rees. Exploring the impacts of mindfulness and yoga during childbirth outcomes and maternal health: an integrative review. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 10.1111/scs.12762, 34, 3, (552-565), (2019).
Becky Westbury, Measuring the benefits of free pregnancy yoga classes. British Journal of Midwifery, 10.12968/bjom.2019.27.2.100, 27, 2, (100-105), (2019).
Angela Gallagher, Daria Kring, Tracey Whitley. Effects of yoga on anxiety and depression for high-risk mothers on hospital bedrest. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101079, (101079), (2019).
Gotlib, I. H. & Hammen, C. L. (1992).Psychological aspects of depression; Toward a cognitive-interpersonal integration. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Brown, G. W., & Harris, T. (1978).Social origins of depression. New York: The Free Press.
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