Has anyone tried meditation or hypnosis (in favor of meds/traditional therapy?)

[agateaqua]

Just what the title says I'm rather against meds as often the list of side effects is endless and quite terrifying (loss of bladder control etc :p ) Sooo, I'm thinking to try meditation /hypnosis to tackle depression, low self esteem, anxiety (especially social anxiety! ) .
So, has anyone tried this and gotten good results?

I have mainly used youtube vids so far , against blushing etc.

 

[may71]

If you feel like you are in danger of making a suicide attempt, it's probably better to be on meds, even with the potential for side effects. Loss of bladder control might be scary, but wearing an absorbent undergarment would probably take care of that.

The links in my signature have some information about treatment methods, including alternative and self-help methods.

In particular, I'd recommend trying acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Acupuncture has been endorsed by the World Health Organization for treating a variety of conditions, including depression.

Teaching clinics often offer quality services at affordable prices. I might be able to help you to find a teaching clinic if you are interested.

Some dietary changes might help. I found that avoiding foods with chemicals, and trying to consume everything cooked and served warm helped a lot with anxiety. I only drink warm or slightly hot water now.

If you do see an acupuncturist/TCM practitioner, you might want to ask them what other things they would recommend for you besides treatment.

 

[Sunday16]

@agateaqua I just posted a thread about this yesterday under Strategies for Success. I've been depressed for over four years, I tried medication but didn't feel like it was helping me. I tried therapy, but could not find anyone to help me. I was so hopeless. I tried meditation on my own but couldn't make a good habit of it. Then a friend suggested an app called Insight Timer. I've been using it daily for three months and it's really helping. There are different methods of meditation. I use the Zen method of breathing in through my nose then out through my mouth, and the out breath is twice as long as the in breath. I count to 10 (in breath is 1, out breath is 2, in breath is 3, out breath is 4) and repeat. Doing this keeps my mind from wandering and Insight Timer provides atmosphere like bells and "oms" but more importantly it keeps track of the time so I can focus on my breathing and nothing else. I used to be overcome by my emotions, taking things personally and would become easily upset. I feel calmer and more at peace. Meditation is an amazing tool and it can't hurt to try it, but you have to be consistent to see a difference. Best of luck to you, I hope you try it!

 

[Lotus]

Hello, It all depends on what you're trying to achieve, there are actually several different types of meditation. For example what Sunday has so eloquently described is called Zazen, and is very good for clearing the mind. Others are aimed at exploring your feelings, achieving enlightenment (more for buddhists and other faiths) etc. I personally find medication with meditation to be the most effective course, but naturally you need to find what works for you. If you'd like to know more, please do drop me a message and I'll be happy to expand on what I've written here.

 

[JmpMster]

A list of side effects is long and scary- remembering that if 1 person in 500 reports it then it is listed as a "common side effect" and then putting these numbers in your head- 500 to 1 against getting it really is not a big deal and if you do get an annoying side effect that does not resolve itself in a few days then try a different med or dosage.

Meditation, hypnosis, counseling, various therapies, acupuncture, etc., can all be as effective for some people as meds. The real trick is to find what works for you and remember the number one side effect of untreated suicidal urges/thoughts is death and that makes the side effects of meds or other treatments pretty mild in comparison. Try treatments until you find what works for you is the important thing. Things can and will get better if you keep trying.

 

[Naiwen]

I have, with music and it works well with me. That's how I cope with my suicidal thoughts.

 

[agateaqua]

Thanks guys for the replies I have seen great improvements with hypnosis & meditation vids from youtube. I just download the mp3 & listen to it in bed when falling asleep. Just a few days ago I was with my mom in a supermarket & it was really busy, I felt ZERO anxiety my depression goes up & down a lot, have been feeling ok lately, even though nothing pretty much changed, or maybe the meditation is helping too with that.

 

[Sunday16]

Just a few days ago I was with my mom in a supermarket & it was really busy, I felt ZERO anxiety

That is awesome! I hope you keep feeling better and better every day!

 

[agateaqua]

Thanks Sunday off course I still need to learn to control my emotions/moodswings:confused: