Depression is more common than many people realize and is not just a feeling of sadness. It can show up in several ways in different people and can involve a number of chronic symptoms. For some, it might be a low mood they are not able to shake off, but for others, it might be you have your ‘normal’ points and then a few times a year you have major depressive episodes. Over time things tend to worsen if you are not finding ways to treat it. There are a number of options, finding a good therapist or psychologist in Brick, using meditation, making some lifestyle changes, as well as medications, are some of them. Here is a closer look at meditation.

How can meditation help people with depression?

When you are depressed it might sound ridiculous to suggest learning a form of meditation as one of the means to help but in fact, even your medical experts will agree it is a good idea. Mediation in Point Pleasant is not going to suddenly cure you and make everything bright and happy all the time, but it gives you skills to manage your symptoms. Here are some things it can help with;

1) Change how you respond when you think negatively

Depression comes with dark and negative thoughts. Feeling worthless, no hope, anger at yourself and at the world and so on. At first, meditation might seem the opposite of what you need. You already do a lot of thinking and you do not much like how it goes. But with mediation comes an increasing awareness of the thoughts and experiences you have as well as paying attention without judgement or criticism. It is not about pushing the thoughts away or trying to forget they are there. It is about noticing when they happen, accepting them and then learning to let them go so you can disrupt the cycle of negative thinking.

An example might look like this. You are sitting with your partner and at first, it is peaceful and you know they love you. But then a dark thought comes in that you are not worthy of it or that they are going to leave you one day. With meditation in Point Pleasant or where you are, you can notice it, accept that yes that is a possibility but acknowledge it is not the only possibility, and in fact, might even be unlikely. Rather than the whole thought being, I am not worthy, you have a moment and then you allow it to float away. You can then return to enjoying your time together and not get caught in a whirlpool sucking you down.

2) Learn to manage your depression better

Another thing it does for you is learning to stay present in the moment and not cycle into negative what-ifs. It can help you notice the warnings signs of a depressive episode coming and help you prepare against it. As emotions grow stronger, or negative thought patterns emerge you are more aware of them thanks to the meditation techniques you have learned. When you notice an increase in fatigue, irritability and such you can focus on the self-care that you need.

3) Research supports it has long term benefits

There are real long-term benefits to mindful meditation practices and various therapies and your psychologist in Brick will support that. Meditation can help lessen the symptoms of depression and therefore the impact it has on your life and your loved ones.

This article is not intended for diagnostic purposes.