Yoga & Depression: Practices to Consider
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Adaptation
Overview
In this lesson, we provide cautions and considerations for choosing yoga practices to support students experiencing depression symptoms.
Objective
Use caution while becoming familiar with which yogic practices may support students experiencing depression symptoms, and why they may help.
What You'll Get
Describe important cautions related to choosing practices when experiencing depression. Note breathing practices and sound techniques that may be helpful in reducing symptoms of depression. Describe a practice related to managing thoughts that is likely to be a difficult but important aspect of obtaining relief. Provide a technique associated with asana practice and some examples of asana that may help.
Cautions
- Before considering practices that may help with depression, please be sure to review the Mental Health Introduction and be familiar with cautions regarding diagnosis and referral.
- The uniqueness and complexity of each person’s physical state, lifestyle and experiences means they will each experience practices in a particular way that may be different from someone else. Thus, as with all conditions and experiences, there is no “one right way” or universal fix.
- Teach and encourage students to experiment and observe the effect of various practices. Ensure they own their power to choose what works for them.
- Seated meditation may not be suitable for some students experiencing depression since it can easily lead to rumination and increased symptoms of depression.
Breathing Practices
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Discussion
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