Yoga for Depression

What is Yoga for Depression?

Yoga teaches us that we are already whole and complete, just as we are, it's just that sometimes, things can get stuck, or off balance. Yoga is uniquely suited to help release these "blockages" and restore balance, and that is what yoga therapy is all about.

When one has been living with chronic depression, they often hunch forward, straining their back muscles, weakening the muscles in their chest, and collapsing their breathing space. When we practice gentle chest-opening and back-bending shapes, one is able to counteract the effects of this “posture of depression.”

Practicing these shapes sends messages of wellbeing to the brain, which responds by sending neurotransmitters back to the body that can support wellbeing, such as oxytocin and endorphins, while reducing neurotransmitters that increase levels of stress, such as cortisol. Therefore, the practice of yoga can serve as a feedback loop for positive wellbeing.

Further, there is a high co-occurrence of GI disorders and psychiatric disorders, as our gut directly influences our mood and our mental state. Our enteric nervous system, our “second brain”, controls gut mobility, secretion, absorption, and blood flow. Several neurotransmitters are synthesized in the gut. For example, more than 50% of our dopamine and as much as 90% of our serotonin (both of which dramatically impact our mood) are synthesized here. Our vagus nerve is the primary communicator between our gut and our brain, and yoga has a direct impact on the vagus nerve. If we are not able to digest our food properly because we are stuck in arousal states that diminish our gut's capacity to do its job, then we won't be able to get the nourishment we need, our brains will want to shut down, and our mental health will suffer. Thankfully, there are specific yoga shapes (asana) and breathing techniques (pranayama) we can practice that will support us in recovering and maintaining our mental health.

Where are sessions held?

Serenity Roots Yoga & Wellness Center, 8950 Lavelle Rd. Athens, OH, 45701

Or, online through Zoom. If an online session is needed, schedule as normal and call/text 740-586-4181 or email traumasensitiveyogaproject@gmail.com to let me know it is an online session.

I can also travel locally with no additional pay, or out of town with pay, if needed.

What if I need a time that isn't listed?

If you need a time that isn't listed, feel free to call/text 740-586-4181 or email traumasensitiveyogaproject@gmail.com and we can work something out.

What can I expect after signing up?

After signing up, you'll be emailed a questionnaire. It is optional, but the more information I have, the better I am able to design a practice that can best suit your specific needs.

The first session involves a consultation, and then we can begin the practice. Subsequent sessions can be the same or modified as needed.

Disclaimer:

Yoga for Depression is not intended to replace one-on-one treatment with a licensed mental health professional. I am not a clinician and I am unable to diagnose or treat anyone's mental health condition. I can offer tools that may support someone through their own healing journey. Through my own lived experience and formal education, I can say with complete confidence that I have worked tirelessly to offer this from a place that is both empirically informed and experientially validated.