On the quest for a more fulfilling life, one has to actively engage in methods to address the emotional imbalance caused by symptoms of depression and anxiety. Meditation is an effective method of reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It forces one to begin to take control of their racing thoughts and ground their experience in the present. Anxiety and depression is characterized by racing thoughts, often about the future or the past, these thoughts contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. Learning to take control of these anxious and depressive thoughts do not happen overnight and requires practice- that is the practice of meditation.
LEARNING TO TAKE CONTROL OF ANXIOUS AND DEPRESSIVE THOUGHTS REQUIRE PRACTICE- THAT IS THE PRACTICE OF MEDITATION.
In meditation the goal is to focus on a singular thought, image, sound, or breath. This is difficult to do because thoughts will naturally come and go, allow this to happen and gently redirect attention back to that singular thought, image, sound, or breath. It is critical that when one is developing the practice of meditation, one does not disrupt the process with negative judgements or self talk; instead, take notice of the passing thoughts and return to the singular thought, image, sound, or breath.
The practice of meditation can begin with 2 minute increments that are gradually increased over time. You can begin when you wake, while a passenger in a car/subway/Uber, before a gym workout, at one’s desk, during a lull in a meeting. The most difficult thing is making a decision not to avoid the thoughts and to commit to facing them head on with the goal of gaining more control. This will result in the reduction of symptoms of depression and anxiety. If one continues to struggle with symptoms of depression and anxiety, seek the help of a licensed therapist.
Adaobi Anyeji, Phd
Clinical Psychologist
The Blue Clinic
Specializing in the treatment of sadness, depression, worrying, anxiety
Los Angeles based Private Psychology Practice
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