Struggling with Life

BhagatSingh · #10 (**permalink**) 07-May-2011, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Meditation and depression by Britton, Willoughby B., Ph.D., THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, 2007, 141 pages; 3264574

Although meditation-based interventions have been associated with improvement in depressive symptoms and prevention of relapse, the physiological mechanisms of meditation's therapeutic effects are unknown. At the same time, a growing body of literature has shown that meditation has profound effects on numerous physiological systems that are involved in the pathophysiology of depression. The first paper reviews many of the physiological abnormalities found in depression and the reversal or normalization of these same systems by meditation. The paper includes (1)?a review of the physiological concomitants of depression, (2)?a description of mindfulness meditation and its effects on mood disturbance, (3)?the physiological effects of mindfulness and other related forms of meditation, and (4)?suggestions for future research.
The second paper summarizes the results of a randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation training on one of the previously identified candidate systems: sleep, as measured by overnight polysomnographic sleep studies as well as subjective reports (sleep diaries). The results indicate that mindfulness has an arousing effect on objectively measured sleep that corresponds with subjectively reported improvements in mood and sleep. This pattern is similar to the one observed in responders to antidepressant medications.

Quote:

The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Cognitive Processes and Affect in Patients with Past Depression

Wiveka Ramel1, Philippe R. Goldin, Paula E. Carmona and John R. McQuaid

This study describes the effects of an 8-week course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR; J. Kabat-Zinn, 1982, 1990) on affective symptoms (depression and anxiety), dysfunctional attitudes, and rumination. Given the focus of mindfulness meditation (MM) in modifying cognitive processes, it was hypothesized that the primary change in MM practice involves reductions in ruminative tendencies. We studied a sample of individuals with lifetime mood disorders who were assessed prior to and upon completion of an MBSR course. We also compared a waitlist sample matched with a subset of the MBSR completers. Overall, the results suggest that MM practice primarily leads to decreases in ruminative thinking, even after controlling for reductions in affective symptoms and dysfunctional beliefs.

I could go on but you get the point, meditation is very helpful with depression... those are first two papers that show up in 'Scholar' search for "meditation and depression". You may read them and other papers there. Many papers will lay out the steps for meditation. Alternatively, you could find a Guru (spiritual guide) who will help you.
I am sure there will be cognitive behavioural therapy papers there too. You could practice this side by side with meditation.

spnadmin · #11 (**permalink**) 07-May-2011, 10:46 AM

Forum members,
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/general-discussion/35292-struggling-with-life.html

The thread "Help Me," from the beginning has needed a watchful eye. Whenever someone asks for help, and that person is suffering from emotional and mental stress, a thread like this invites many well-meaning suggestions. We give advice, but we are not licensed therapists or doctors. So a lot can go wrong.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35292

The maxim "Do no harm" can't be enforced.

There is always the risk that advice will be misunderstood or will backfire. There is also the risk that a very personal and painful problem is morphed during discussion into an intellectual exercise. Then that can make things seem that the pain is less real, or should be viewed as less serious, than it actually is.

Please understand the vulnerability of those who suffer from depression. Take it seriously. So what I am saying is this: support is an act of friendship; trying to change someone's way of thinking about mind, body and reality is practicing therapy without a license.

findingmyway · #12 (**permalink**) 08-May-2011, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BhagatSingh

I could go on but you get the point, meditation is very helpful with depression... those are first two papers that show up in 'Scholar' search for "meditation and depression". You may read them and other papers there. Many papers will lay out the steps for meditation. Alternatively, you could find a Guru (spiritual guide) who will help you.
I am sure there will be cognitive behavioural therapy papers there too. You could practice this side by side with meditation.

I would just like to clarify that a Guru is not the appropriate person for Mindfulness Meditation. Meditation with a religious slant can certainly help but only if the person feels open enough for it. Sometimes depression can interfere with the process of being able to connect with bani. If not then using gurbani is a fantastic way forward. Mindfulness meditation is a specific type of meditation tailored specifically for depression. Sessions are run by qualified professionals. In the UK you will find many of these sessions, many for free, by counselling services up and down the country-services in the NHS, workplaces, universities, private practices and depression help groups.

Depression is a serious condition with a physiological basis. Please get professional help just like you would do for any other medical condition.

davinderdhanjal · #13 (**permalink**) 21-May-2011, 23:18 PM

Enlighten Me Ji,
Just by coming on to the forum you have it in you to help yourself.
Just consider and discuss how you ended up here out of the number of possible options open to one. That takes some doing when you are down in the dumps.
Do you like pets, gardening or art?- you may find great reward in these activities and sense of achievement.
Find any interest that gives a sense of achievement - try offering help to other on the forum where you think subject may help or they think like you - you will be well rewarded.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35292
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35292

As already mentioned above take examples from SSGS or sakhis.
Just remember all the people on the forum are with you consider them your family- so smile!

spnadmin · #14 (**permalink**) 21-May-2011, 23:23 PM

You know just one or two good buddies here on the forum where an Internet connection can be made is a great source of strength and learning .... it makes the future warm. This is not the same as connecting to people in real time/real space. And it is not better nor worse. But different and worth the effort.