Is the “art of living” an antidote to depression? Research sheds light on the benefits

Depression can be extremely difficult for a person. Feelings of meaninglessness with recurring thoughts of sadness can be mentally, emotionally and physically draining. Some of the most common symptoms of depression are irritability, decreased energy, loss of appetite, sleep, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt, and hopelessness. Read also | Older adults with depression drive riskier: Study reveals peculiar, dangerous driving patterns

However, according to a recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology, with the help of traditional psychotherapeutic methods, the art of living techniques can help cope with the symptoms of this mental condition. The art of living involves the growth of positivity in life, including optimism and gratitude. Researchers are trying to switch between reducing negative thoughts and enhancing positive thoughts to manage depression symptoms.

Research results:

The study was conducted on 161 participants diagnosed with mild and severe depression. The participants were divided into three groups. One group received weekly psychotherapy sessions for four weeks. The second group received psychotherapy sessions with a daily set of self-reflection questions that they wrote in their journals. The third group did not receive any treatment.

A daily set of self-reflection questions focused on positive aspects of participants’ lives and things they were grateful for. The researchers also recorded participants’ depression levels, life satisfaction and art of living skills. Read also | Research reveals the hidden cost of a mother’s depression to her young, how it affects their emotional development

The results were amazing. It was observed that the first and second groups showed improvement in their condition, while the group that received a daily set of self-reflection questions showed greater improvement. They also reported increased life satisfaction and mastery of art of living skills with a new zeal to look at life.

The benefits were short-lived:

While self-reflection and art of living skills showed promising results, the benefits were short-lived. The researchers noticed a decrease in the participants’ well-being during the three-month follow-up. This suggests that while “art of living” practices may have an immediate effect on people with depression, the effects may diminish without continuing the practice. Read also | Study shows walking lowers risk of depression: Find out how your daily step count can help

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.