Posted by bluedog on April 17, 2003, at 2:12:21
In reply to Re: Yoga for depression » janejj, posted by Katia on April 14, 2003, at 14:47:36
Hello Jane,
I believe that Katia's response is very relevant to your question about Yoga for depression!!!!
> Hi!
> I actually began yoga about five years ago subconsciously to help a depression that I didn't acknowledge as such. If you live with depression all your life as I have, I just figured I was just wierd and something was terribly wrong with me and I needed to hide this part of me from everyone.
> Sooooo, it helps, but not enough.
I have been doing Yoga for 18 months now and I agree that it helps but I tend to agree it is not enough on it's own!!!>A year and a half ago, I actually went through a yoga teacher training course (in combo with grad school, maintaining an overseas relationship, working full-time) and I fell into a major depression.
Katia. I find this extremely relevant to my own situation. This is very interesting...I am currently considering doing a Yoga Teacher Training Course myself. Do you think it was the Teacher Training Course that brought you down or that it was more a combination of too many stressors in your life at one time. To what extent do you believe the Yoga Teacher Training Course contributed to your depression????
>It can also bring up "stuff" for you and that's essential to be aware of.I find the same thing....The physical stuff is great but some forms of the meditation that we practice can bring out some EXTREMELY powerful and scary feelings that make me descend into depression. This happened recently and my Yoga teacher is going to do some research on a possible connection between the meditation and the feelings I experienced. Make sure you have a teacher who is aware of your condition and is extremely knowledgeable about the effects that some yogic practices can have on the psych, especially in relation to depression. Also if you experience any adverse reactions make sure you let your teacher know!!!
>For me, it seems the only thing left is medication. I've tried everything and I feel a lot of these holistic methods are great and valid, but for me work as a complementary healing to hopefully the medication. (as soon as I find the right one). It certainly doesn't hurt to do yoga, but know that it can bring up stuff and it's also wonderful and relaxing. It has been a life saver for me too in some respects.
I agree completely.
By the way for those posters that live in Australia there is actually a special being shown tonight (Thursday 17th April) on the ABC on "Catalyst" at 8.00pm local time depending on which city you live in that looks at Yoga to treat Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome in Australian Vietnam War Veterans. I'll definitely be video-taping this special. Here a link showing the time etc. http://www.sofcom.com.au/cgi-bin/TV/detail?date=Thursday_17_April&chan=2&state=Sydney&descrip=CATALYST&fta=1&fox=0&opt=0&time=8%2e00+pm
Warm regards
bluedog
poster:bluedog
thread:218902
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030411/msgs/219980.html