Benefits of meditation > Meditation helps with depression

Meditation helps with depression

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Some people say that depression feels like a black curtain of despair coming down over their lives. Many people feel like they have no energy and can’t concentrate. Others feel irritable all the time for no apparent reason. The symptoms vary from person to person, but if you feel "down" for more than two weeks, and these feelings are interfering with your daily life, you may be clinically depressed.

Most people who have gone through one episode of depression will, sooner or later, have another one. You may begin to feel some of the symptoms of depression several weeks before you develop a full-blown episode of depression.

The symptoms of depression include:

Constant feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension
Decreased interest in usual activities or hobbies
Loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity
A change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain
A change in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
Restlessness or feeling slowed down
Decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
Thoughts of suicide or death

Benefits of meditation in Depression

A study conducted at the University of Exeter, UK, showed that Sahaja Yoga Meditation has a beneficial therapeutic effect on the symptoms of patients with depression and anxiety.

24 patients with depression and anxiety were divided into three groups: a group receiving Sahaja Yoga Meditation over 6 weeks, a group receiving the conventional behavioural treatment for depression, i.e. cognitive behavioural therapy and a control group that received no treatment.

The group treated with Sahaja Yoga Meditation compared to the non-treated group showed a statistically significant reduction in the symptoms of anxiety, depression and general mental health. At a trend level the Sahaja Yoga Meditation group also showed improvements compared to the group treated with CBT.

The study shows that Sahaja Yoga Meditation has a significant effect on improving the symptoms of anxiety and depression, which was more pronounced than the conventional behavioural treatment for the disorder.

http://www.meditationresearch.co.uk
Morgan A. (2001): Sahaja Yoga: An ancient path to modern mental health? Transpersonal Psychology. Transpersonal Psychology Review 4:41-49.

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4 comment(s) so far, want to say something now?

FIONA
Oct 22, 2009

It’s a good news for us who suffer from mental depression.That they may be cured by having so warm-hearting therapy.

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1
Doug Nelson
Jun 6, 2010

The saddest part is that there is this help available for those with depression and other mind/life altering affectations. Unfortunately the state that they are in creates a barrier to even trying something new.

The cultural habit of running to a doctor for another little pill that simply disguises the issues is the norm. The acceptance of meditation, although it is getting better all the time, is still a major hurtle for many to overcome.

After all, what would others think of us if they knew we were involved in this ancient, mysterious practice. And yet, after a very short time of meditating, our friends would see a noticeable difference in our outlook on life.

I praise sites like this and wish you much success.

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arun poptani
February 25th, 2011
good

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2
arun poptani
Feb 25, 2011

that may be cured from keep busy

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3
yamila
Apr 23, 2012

its great!

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4

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