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What has research shown about the efficacy of meditation as a treatment for anxiety and depression?

Sudie Ingall

From my personal experience and research, meditation has been proven to be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that using meditation as a consistent practice over time can have significant mental health benefits.

For example, a 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that mindfulness meditation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study consisted of 47 participants who were randomly assigned to an 8-week mindfulness meditation program or a stress reduction program. The participants who took part in the meditation program reported greater reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms than those in the stress reduction program. These findings were also supported by a similar study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice in 2013.

Another study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine found that meditation can actually change the way our brains function by reducing activity in the amygdala, which is the part of the brain associated with fear and anxiety. This was evidenced by brain scans taken before and after participants in the study underwent an 8-week meditation program. Not only did they find the participants had less activity in the amygdala, but this change was associated with improved mood and reduced anxiety.

It's important to note that meditation is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one person may not work for everyone. Additionally, it's crucial to approach meditation in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner, as it can bring up difficult emotions and memories that may need to be addressed with the help of a licensed therapist.

Overall, though, research shows that incorporating meditation into your mental health treatment plan can be highly beneficial. By cultivating awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, as well as learning to respond to them with compassion and kindness, we can develop tools for coping with anxiety and depression that may last a lifetime.