Millions of people worldwide suffer from depression. This affects both physical and mental health. Along with treatment by health professionals, meditation offers added benefits to help lessen the effects of depression.

In what ways does meditation help combat depression?

First, when we meditate, we slow our heart rate and breathing. It lessens the state of stress which activates the release of cortisol and adrenaline into the system. By reducing the stress hormones in our body, we can be calmer.

Second, meditation slows our brain waves to 4-7 Hz, putting us into a balanced, tranquil state of mind. By stilling our mind, we can reduce the cycle of negative and unhappy thoughts.

Third, and most of all, when we meditate, we are put in touch with a place of peace, happiness, and joy within us. While outwardly people turn to their medicine cabinets for a human-made treatment, we have an internal cabinet within us that can put us in touch with joy and peace that is natural, has no side effects, and does not cost anything.

When we meditate we find the calm center within ourselves that fills us with happiness. When in that state, sadness is mitigated. For the time that we are meditating, we can take a mini-vacation from the problems of life. We rest for a while in a state of joy. Then, when coming out of meditation, that happiness stays with us throughout the day.

More and more health professionals recommend meditation for their patients as a complementary treatment for depression. It offers a way to help those who want to prevent or combat depression find joy and happiness in their lives.