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Yoga for Depression and Anxiety

by Viki Distin

My whole life, I have probably suffered from a type of depression called dysthymia. The condition is chronic, but low grade. Therefore, the person suffering can function and even seem to have a satisfying life. But on the inside, the person may feel fatigue, restlessness, or irritability; sadness or lethargy; lack concentration; or have insomnia or persistent ailments, like headaches, digestive disorders, or even chronic pain.

I find the topic of depression and anxiety so interesting because of the stigma attached to these disorders. Most people suffer some degree of either, or both. They self-medicate or numb themselves with various things, including the obvious ones, such as drugs, alcohol, and food.

The less obvious ways people distract themselves include TV, overworking, overtraining, everyday dramas, and caffeine. Actually, the list may be endless. Looking at our feelings and emotions that are perceived as negative — such as anger, sadness, jealousy, guilt, and fear — is difficult.

It’s much easier to pretend they don’t exist and then distract ourselves so we don’t have to feel. The problem with this approach is that these negative emotions, if not dealt with in a healthy fashion, will manifest themselves in illness, pain, or behaving in ways that are not healthy to ourselves or the people around us.

Yoga is the most effective tool I know to help people deal with these difficult feelings. Yoga enables us to feel all of life, even the difficult parts, without over-identifying or being consumed by it.

The word yoga means to yoke or to unite. The combination of asana (postures), meditation, and pranayama (breath-work) is powerful and is capable of “uniting” the body, mind, and spirit. For thousands of years this has been the foundation that has led students to the experience of peace, joy, and wholeness. May we all experience this freedom in our lifetime and then help others to find this as well.