Many people feel depressed around the holidays and throughout the winter. People are more secluded and holiday expectations are high. That can trigger a bout of depression.
Meditation is one natural way to ease depression, especially for older people.
Senior citizens and depression
Data shows that about 20% of people 65 and older suffer a regular series of depression. Depression affects overall health with links to heart disease risk and death from illnesses. It also contributes to isolation and less cognitive function.
Depression triggers
Depression has been linked to two specific triggers and that’s stress and anxiety. This is where meditation can be a tremendous benefit because it can reduce both stress and anxiety.
Meditation helps you create focus. You can return to that focus when you start to have negative thoughts and emotions that usually stem from anxiety and stress, according to Dr. John W. Denninger, research director at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind, Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Meditation helps create discipline. It is a practice that improves concentration and thought. Meditation can also create an escape for those who have a lot of anxiety and stress in their lives.
Another benefit of meditation
Meditation can change your brain. Scientists discovered it can change areas linked to depression. One of those areas is the mPFC (medial prefrontal cortex), which is also called the “me center” because that is where
worrying about your life starts. It goes into overdrive when you’re stressed.
The fear center of the brain then plays off the me center and you spiral into a circular depression pattern. Meditation stops the two regions from communicating and stops the cycle.
Conclusion
Meditation involves taking a few moments of quiet to focus and get in touch with your inward body. It can help increase calm and help you stop anxiety, which can be helpful in reducing depression.
