[tylo]

I have not sought doctors advice because generally, the doctors in my area sign everyone off for depression at the flick of a switch. So that wouldn't tell me either way.

But I'm pretty sure I'm suffering with depression.

My question is: will meditation worsen or help depression??

I have heard conflicting stories,so I think I'm going to go with majority and maybe try it out.:confused:

[GlindaofOz]

I don't think it could hurt. Anything that makes you feel connected to the world is good :)

You may also try some vitamin D therapy. As vitamin D levels lower in our system depression can appear. Try taking one a day in the morning and see if it helps (btw it help me a lot what I thought was depression was a vitamin deficiency).

[jrb252000]

If medication is used right it should help your symptoms however there are so many different medicines it is really hard to say: some self help ideas to deal with depression

Try to do regular exercise
Spend time with happy people
Try to get in a vacation or start a new hobby

Some signs of depression:
Lack of energy
Lossing interest in things you normal like to do
Unexplained headahes
Lack of sleep

You should still see a doctor however if you don't like their opinion ask to see someone else. You might also want to check your local hospital or health clinic sometimes they run free seminars on such subjects.

[shygrneyzs]

Meditation cannot hurt you. Meditation is good therapy for relieving stress and anxiety, it is good for many things. Helps draw your focus to another purpose. The first step is learning how to relax.

Here are some online guides.
Learning Meditation Home Page
Meditation, Home, what is meditation, types of meditation, meditation and alternative medicine, meditation as a complementary medicine, integrative medicine, mind-body medicine, holisticonline.com
Meditation Station Presented By The Meditation Society Of America

You can check your local library for books on meditation also music for meditation. Some people combine Yoga with meditation. You would decide that for yourself.

Best of all to you.

[SnakeBite]

Here are some symptoms:
Mood: sad, empty, hopless, apathetic, worried, irritable
Thinking: poor concentration, low self esteem, indecisiveness, preoccupation with death, thoughts of suicide, guilt etc
Behavior: slowed down or restless, crying, social withdrawl, siucidal acts
Physical: appetite decreased or increased, disturbed sleep, weight loss or gain, decreased sexual drive, digestive problems and fatigue.

Hope it helps :o)

[firmbeliever]

Just opinion...

Even if you are taking vitamins as GlindaofOz suggested
Meditation will not interfere with this.

Meditation can be done in various form, you do not have to be an expert (but learning helps)
It just means that you take time out for yourself and be with yourself, most of the time when you wish to meditate try not to think about your problems.
Get in touch with yourself.

Some easy steps would be to find a quiet place
Or peaceful place
If possible a beach where you can here the waves
Or maybe a cool garden where you can feel the breeze
Or near flowing water
You could even do it in your own house... but try visualising/imagining a calm peaceful place.

Then close your eyes
Focus on your breathing (best way is to take deep breathes in through the nose and out through the mouth).
As you keep focusing on your breathing you will become more aware of your surrounding and the sounds (like waves,breeze etc).

And it need not be too long just until you feel relaxed
Then slowly open your eyes and take in the surrounding, the colours etc
Then stretch yourself...

I have found that it helps a lot to feel calm so that when you find a problem for you to tackle you do not rush into it, but calmly analyse possibilities and then take a decision!

[SDRAWKCAB-SDRAWROF]

Meditation can be an excellent way to clear your mind, allowing you to focus on more positive aspects of your life as well as helping in some respects to cope with the trickier problems in life. Give it a go, hope it works for you.