Depression is an illness that has no boundaries – not age, race, finances, gender, nor geography. And yet, so many people avoid getting help because of the stigmas that surround “mental health” or because for too long they’ve been told to “get over it” and see it as some internal weakness when they can’t.
Myth: Depression does not need medical intervention.
Fact: A person with signs and symptoms of depression should see a mental health professional. Unfortunately, most people suffering from depression avoid getting help. Only about one-third of people with depression get treatment. Most of the time, people live with depression for almost a decade before seeking help. The sooner a person gets treatment — psychotherapy, medication, or other help — the more effective the treatment will be. A combination of treatments can also be quite useful.
At Into the Spirit, there are a variety of treatments that fall into the “other help” category, including Reiki, meditation, and music-based healing experiences that can be combined with the therapy and services you may already be receiving. All of these modalities have been shown to help with depression.
“Reiki is increasingly offered in hospital, hospice, and private practice settings, applied to a variety of illnesses and conditions. Those who receive such treatments report relief of symptoms from numerous health challenges, including mental health issues. Research shows that Reiki primarily helps in the reduction of stress, and depression, as well as relief of chronic pain — the last of which can bring on anxiety and depression, or make episodes worse.” (more from the article) – Deborah Bier, PhD
What does Harvard Medical Research say about Meditation for depression?
“There are many ways to treat depression. Antidepressants and psychotherapy are the usual first-line treatments, but ongoing research has suggested that a regular meditation practice can help by changing how the brain responds to stress and anxiety.
Stress and anxiety are major triggers of depression, and meditation can alter your reaction to those feelings. “Meditation trains the brain to achieve sustained focus, and to return to that focus when negative thinking, emotions, and physical sensations intrude — which happens a lot when you feel stressed and anxious,” says Dr. John W. Denninger, director of research at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.,
Meditation has been found to change certain brain regions that are specifically linked with depression. (Full article)
Singing Bowls and Drumming for relief from depression?
Sound healing has been used for many centuries and in this century we are even more aware of the science behind why. A 2016 shows that there is a significant benefit from Singing Bowls for our mental, emotional and physical well-being. (study) These bowls not only provide an avenue of healing on a physical level, but also provide deep relaxation and a source of healing for depression and stress. For more on these wonderful sound healing instruments, visit the sound and healing page
Scientists who studied the effects of drumming in two groups (one drummed, the other didn’t) found that drumming reduced depression and anxiety and improved social resilience over six- and 10-week time spans. In addition, it also helped people reduce inflammation and improve their immune systems. (Study synopsis from nextavenue.org)
For more info on these services at Into the Spirit see: