Jun 04 2008
The role of meditation in overcoming depression
I have personally experienced the benefits of depression in keeping depression at bay. People often ask me what type of meditaion I follow. I follow a method advocated by the Brahma Kumaris but I always say to people that they should try different approaches till they find one that works for them. The important thing is to find a way of experiencing peace and it doesn’t matter how you do it.
Not as effective when in deep depression
I found that meditation didn’t work for me when I was severely depressed but when I started to recover I found it a great way of preventing relapse. Research also shows that it is not as effective when people are really depressed.
Meditations clinically proven to reduce the chance of relapse.
In a study by John Teasdale et al in the UK he evaluated patients who had experienced 5 or more episodes of depression in their life. One half just received normal counselling whilst the other half went through a Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). MBCT incorporates Buddhist style mindfulness meditation along with exercises to help them understand how thinking patterns influence their feelings. MBCT patients were found to have a relapse rate of 36% compared to the control group of 78%.
Personal Experience
I find the practice of meditation give me clarity and perspective. People often say they don’t have time to meditate but I find that I am incredibly productive after it. I think it makes you more effective by helping to ascertain what is really important.
If you have tried meditation to help treat your anxiety or depression please make a comment.
Kind Regards
Graeme
I agree about the benefits of meditation in managing depression and, particularly the difficulty finding the time and discipline to maintain the practice.
I have just (two months) started using the holosync audio programme for this reason.
This provides a great framework - an hour a day to listen to soundtracks which promote the meditation and approach.
http://www.meditate.com.au
So far I am very impressed and, most importantly, still on track.
So glad to hear that you have found a meditation approach that works for you and feel that you are on track in managing your depression. I always encourage people to try a few approaches until you find one that suits you. Well done in showing the discipline to keep up with it.