Meditation for Depression

What comes to mind when you think of someone meditating? Do you see an image of a calm, happy,
serene person? Someone with a contented smile on their glowing face?

If you are battling with depression, it is probably not the kind of image you have of yourself. Your
symptoms of anxiety, hopelessness or low mood more than likely conjure an image of someone who
looks sad and withdrawn. With your thoughts swirling around your head in a repeating loop, meditating
may be the last thing on your mind.

Depression is characterized by negative thoughts1. It may be impossible for you to concentrate and
making decisions can be difficult and stressful. You may find yourself brooding over problems that other
people move swiftly past(2). Your thoughts are all doom and gloom. No matter how hard you try, you
can’t find a way to handle your thoughts without getting caught up in a never-ending cycle of ifs, buts
and maybes.

This is where meditation comes in. It may not be a cure for your depression, but is an extra tool in your
treatment toolbox. It sits alongside therapy, medication, exercise and anything else you have tried to get
on top of your mental health(3).

What is Meditation?

Meditation has been used by people around the world for centuries to help create a sense of inner calm.
In the Western world it has been gaining popularity. It can help make it easier to take control of the
stress we experience in our busy lives(4).

There are numerous styles of meditation including, mindfulness meditation(9), focus meditation and
visualization or guided meditation(5). Mindfulness meditation is the style most commonly practiced. It
helps you to bring awareness to your thoughts as they pass through your mind(6).

While meditating, thoughts are simply observed. There is no engagement with them. They are accepted
at face value; there is no judgement. And then you let them go.

The opposite is true when it comes to the way thoughts are handled in a brain that is influenced by
depression. There is an over-engagement with the thoughts that run through your mind. They are over
analyzed and judged to be worthy or not.

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