For those that struggle with depression there are a variety of therapies that are available to help with their illness. Many professionals often prescribe cognitive behavioral therapy to help those that are suffering through symptoms of depression. Fortunately there are new types of therapy that are also being used to help those that are struggling with depression in their lives. This article in the Guardian highlights some of these therapies that we will list below.
One type of therapy that is popular to help those that are dealing with depression is called solution-focused hypnotherapy. This therapy is applied from between 5 to 12 sessions. It “builds on the idea of solution-focused therapy (a short-term talking therapy), adding a layer of hypnosis (aka relaxation, to get clients into a trance-like state), and neuroscience.” Solution-focused hypnotherapy’s inventor David Newton, claims that about 25% of those that are training to become certified in this therapy have a professional medical background. When the therapy first begins, the patient is told what stress is and how it can affect a person’s mind and body. The medical professional then explains why it is important to get an appropriate amount of sleep to achieve satisfactory REM cycles. They explain that when the body does not achieve enough REM sleep that the brain becomes agitated. The professional then explains to the patient how a combination of positive thinking, relaxing visualizations, and calmness can help the patient get the restful sleep that they need to eliminate any stress that they may be experiencing in their life which can trigger their depression.
A second type of therapy that can be used daily to help those that suffer from depression is incorporating mindfulness into daily activity. Mindfulness is something that our treatment professionals at New Directions for Women are training to incorporate into our daily curriculum for our patients. One way to practice mindfulness is through breathing exercises that can help you to be mindful of the present. Being mindful can be practiced in a variety of ways but one way for someone to do this is to take ten minutes out of your day to work on breath work. By inhaling in seven counts and then exhaling in seven counts for ten minutes, you can allow your body to meditate and be more present of everything around you. This does not always work for everyone but we encourage others to research and find what works best for them.
Diet and exercise can also have a large impact on emotional well-being especially for those that are experiencing symptoms of depression. Studies have shown that both exercise and diet can impact depression and anxiety immensely. For this reason, practitioners encourage men and women suffering from depression to participate in physical activities that suit them best. One of the benefits of physical activities is that it releases endorphins into the brain which can boost mood. Activities do not have to always be strenuous. Even taking a short walk for a few minutes a day can make a difference. According to a study done by Cardiff University psychologists who altered diets between two groups found that those who were given less sugary foods “experienced less depression, anxiety, and emotional stress.”
There are also types of creative therapies that someone can use as an outlet to depression. Some include music therapy, dance, or art to help express any emotions that someone might be feeling. These types of creative outlet can often allow someone to convey what they have been experiencing rather than talking outright to a therapist. For many that struggle with depression they can expose any vulnerabilities that they have been feeling through art therapy. A licensed therapist can then help them process any emotions and help guide the experience during talk therapy.
New Directions for Women is a treatment facility located in California that offers help for alcohol dependency to women of all ages, pregnant women in any trimester, and women with children. Founded in 1977, our courageous and visionary founders asked for the help of Newport Beach Junior League members to fulfill their vision of a tranquil home-like facility that would treat women with dignity and respect. Our caring admissions counselors are available 24/7 to take your call and answer any questions you may have on getting help. Reach us by phone at 800-93-WOMEN. We can help. Stay in the loop with New Directions for Women by connecting with us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
