We all hit high and low points in our journey through life. Depression hits us when we least expect it. Often we berate ourselves for how we feel. We tell ourselves that we ‘should’ be feeling a certain way or we ‘shouldn’t’ be feeling something else. The voice in our head may even tell us to ‘put on our big girl pants’ as there are so many people depending on us.

We all react to situations differently. Whatever the trigger, depression is a serious mental health issue. According to a report published in 2013 by the OECD, Canadians are among the highest users of antidepressants in the world, with close to 10% of Canadians on antidepressants at any given time. According to the same OECD study, that represented a 50% increase over a decade.

Click here for more on this study:

Symptoms of depression

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in any activity
  • Change in weight or appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Thoughts of death
  • Inability to concentrate or focus on any one thing

Think you may be depressed? Click here to take a short online depression test based on the DSM V diagnostic criteria for a Major Depressive Episode.

Include TM in your treatment mix

According to Dr. Norman Rosenthal, world-renowned researcher and psychiatrist, acknowledging your depression is the first step. There is no single treatment that works every time. He suggests that physicians who treat depression have to try several different medications or treatment before they find the right personalized mix. TM should be part of the mix.

How does Transcendental Meditation help with symptoms of depression?

The deep rest experienced during the practice of the TM technique reduces stress and produces a state of physiological calm and inner peace and contentment. The experience of happiness and increased alertness during TM practice is the opposite of depression and leaves a person with a positive outlook on life, despite what the circumstances of their life may be.

In addition, depression is associated with low levels of serotonin (the “happiness hormone”) and studies show that TM practice increases serotonin in subjects whose serotonin is too low. The result is more contentment with life and increased happiness. Click here

Click here to find out how to beat the winter blues

Disclaimer: The Transcendental Meditation technique is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical concern or condition.

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