If you’ve ever been diagnosed with depression, you’re not alone. Globally, the prevalence of depressive disorders has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting at least 3.4% of the world’s population. While talk therapy and psychiatric medication are common prescriptions for patients diagnosed with depressive disorders, lifestyle changes are often required to boost the effectiveness of these therapies. Yoga is a popular recommendation to improve mental health, but how effective is it on clinical depression?
A recent systematic review of 24 studies on the effects of yoga on depression concludes that yoga is a safe therapeutic for individuals experiencing depressive disorders. The meta-analysis found that yoga interventions had a statistically significant effect on the severity of depression and were associated with statistically higher rates of recovery. The researchers did not discriminate against any types of yoga in their analysis, so the studies in the review included a wide array of interventions from hatha yoga to yoga nidra.
The study’s authors acknowledge that more standardized research is required to determine which types of yoga are most effective for alleviating the symptoms of depressive disorders, but their review of the current literature confirms what so many yogis know: Yoga is an excellent choice on the menu of practices to promote mental health.
If you have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, yoga might be a supportive addition to your treatment plan. Talk to your healthcare team about incorporating the practice into your daily life, and check out Yoga District’s diverse slate of classes to find a class that supports your needs.
Curious about the research? Read more about the study and its findings here: Yoga for Depressive Disorder.
