The Benefits of Yoga for Depression

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsResearch on Yoga and DepressionMajor DepressionWomen With DepressionExpectant Mothers on BedrestIndividuals Recovering From AddictionTalk to Your Physician

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Research on Yoga and Depression

Major Depression

Women With Depression

Expectant Mothers on Bedrest

Individuals Recovering From Addiction

Talk to Your Physician

While you might think stretching, breathing, and focusing on your posture can’t possibly improve yourpsychological well-being, there’s growing evidence that yoga can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression.In recent years, there has been a growing interest inmind-body practicesthat can improve psychological well-being. Yoga, in particular, has shown a sharp increase in popularity over the last decade. One study found that the percentage of the US population who had practiced yoga increased from 5.8% in 2002 to 10.1% in 2012.At a GlanceTraditionaltreatment for depressionusually involves a combination ofpsychotherapyandmedication. But not everyone responds well to these types of evidence-based treatments. Only one-third of individuals receive relief from their first trial with antidepressants.Research shows that yoga can decrease symptoms of depression. In fact, some studies have found that yoga is just as effective as antidepressants and exercise in reducing symptoms of depression.Researchers found that yoga provides immediate relief as well as long-term symptom reduction.It also decreases symptom severity and increases treatment remission rates. And the best thing about yoga is that it’s a very accessible form of physical activity and works for people of all ages, body types, and levels of expertise.Research on Yoga and DepressionWhile the number of studies on yoga and depression are increasing, there are still many questions surrounding the topic. Here are some of the reasons research on the impact yoga can have on depression is complicated:Some studies include individuals who feel depressed but aren’t necessarily diagnosed with depression.There are many different types of yoga, which makes comparing studies more complicated.Yoga likely affects each population in a slightly different manner.Some research has been conducted on specific populations, such as women or expectant mothers. Here’s what the prevailing research reveals about how yoga can affect depression in these specific populations.Major DepressionA 2019 study published in theJournal of Psychiatric Practicefound that yoga can be a helpful complementary treatment for clinical depression or major depressive disorder. Within one month of beginning a yoga practice, participants’ sleep quality significantly improved. Tranquility and positivity increased while physical exhaustion, and symptoms of anxiety and depression decreased.It’s important to note that it was a small study with only 30 participants. And the researchers were trying to determine the correct “dose” of yoga.One group spent practiced yoga three times a week for 90 minutes each over three months, while the other group practiced yoga two times per week for 90 minutes each. The positive results for both groups were the same.Women With DepressionA 2016 study published inComplementary Therapies in Medicineexamined howmindfulness-based yoga compared to walking as an alternative treatment for depression.There have been many studies finding that physical activities like walking can reduce depressive symptoms. But when researchers examined two groups of women with depression—one walking and the other practicing mindfulness-based yoga—they found that the yoga group experienced better results after 12 weeks.While both groups experienced an improvement in their symptoms, the mindfulness-based yoga group reported significantly lower levels ofrumination(which can trigger depression) after the study ended.Reducing rumination might be key to helping women keep their depression in remission.Expectant Mothers on BedrestDepression is common in expectant mothers who are placed on bedrest due to high-risk pregnancies. Social isolation, lack of activity, boredom, and physical health concerns, are just a few stressors women on bedrest often experience—and all of these factors can contribute to depression and anxiety.Treatment for depression can be complicated for this population as medication may not be a safe option. Attending traditional therapy sessions in an office setting isn’t likely an option either.Research shows that yoga may be quite beneficial to women on bedrest. A 2020 study published inComplementary Therapies in Clinical Practicefound that as few as three sessions were helpful in reducing anxiety and depression for high-risk pregnant women on bedrest.Individuals Recovering From AddictionDepression and anxiety are common among individuals who have entered rehabilitation for an alcohol or drug addiction. Studies show that yoga may be a promising form of treatment.A 2011 study published inProcedia – Social and Behavioral Sciencesfound that yoga significantly reduced both anxiety and depression in individuals who were in a rehabilitation clinic. Participants in the study attended three 60-minute yoga sessions per week for five weeks.The researchers found that the impact yoga had on the body—including the nervous system and various hormones—seemed instrumental in reducing participants’ symptoms.They recommended that yoga be prescribed to individuals recovering from addiction as a complementary form of treatment that can make medication and therapy even more effective.Talk to Your PhysicianIf you’re feeling depressed, or your current depression treatment isn’t working as well as you’d like, talk to your physician about whether yoga might be an option. Your physician may be able to help you find the most helpful type of yoga for your depression. Your physician may also be able to recommend a good yoga instructor or program that may reduce your symptoms.There’s still a lot of research that needs to be done on yoga to determine which types of yoga work best, how often yoga should be practiced, and how it can address specific symptoms of depression. But clearly the evidence so far shows that it may be an effective complementary treatment that can be good for your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.So don’t underestimate the power of stretching, breathing, and reaching. You might find that a few simple yoga exercises might be powerful ways to boost your mood and reduce your symptoms of depression.The best news is that yoga may provide some immediate relief to your symptoms. Additionally, a regular yoga practice may reduce your symptoms of depression in the long-term as well.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest inmind-body practicesthat can improve psychological well-being. Yoga, in particular, has shown a sharp increase in popularity over the last decade. One study found that the percentage of the US population who had practiced yoga increased from 5.8% in 2002 to 10.1% in 2012.

At a GlanceTraditionaltreatment for depressionusually involves a combination ofpsychotherapyandmedication. But not everyone responds well to these types of evidence-based treatments. Only one-third of individuals receive relief from their first trial with antidepressants.Research shows that yoga can decrease symptoms of depression. In fact, some studies have found that yoga is just as effective as antidepressants and exercise in reducing symptoms of depression.Researchers found that yoga provides immediate relief as well as long-term symptom reduction.It also decreases symptom severity and increases treatment remission rates. And the best thing about yoga is that it’s a very accessible form of physical activity and works for people of all ages, body types, and levels of expertise.

At a Glance

Traditionaltreatment for depressionusually involves a combination ofpsychotherapyandmedication. But not everyone responds well to these types of evidence-based treatments. Only one-third of individuals receive relief from their first trial with antidepressants.Research shows that yoga can decrease symptoms of depression. In fact, some studies have found that yoga is just as effective as antidepressants and exercise in reducing symptoms of depression.Researchers found that yoga provides immediate relief as well as long-term symptom reduction.It also decreases symptom severity and increases treatment remission rates. And the best thing about yoga is that it’s a very accessible form of physical activity and works for people of all ages, body types, and levels of expertise.

Research shows that yoga can decrease symptoms of depression. In fact, some studies have found that yoga is just as effective as antidepressants and exercise in reducing symptoms of depression.

Researchers found that yoga provides immediate relief as well as long-term symptom reduction.It also decreases symptom severity and increases treatment remission rates. And the best thing about yoga is that it’s a very accessible form of physical activity and works for people of all ages, body types, and levels of expertise.

While the number of studies on yoga and depression are increasing, there are still many questions surrounding the topic. Here are some of the reasons research on the impact yoga can have on depression is complicated:

Some research has been conducted on specific populations, such as women or expectant mothers. Here’s what the prevailing research reveals about how yoga can affect depression in these specific populations.

A 2019 study published in theJournal of Psychiatric Practicefound that yoga can be a helpful complementary treatment for clinical depression or major depressive disorder. Within one month of beginning a yoga practice, participants’ sleep quality significantly improved. Tranquility and positivity increased while physical exhaustion, and symptoms of anxiety and depression decreased.

It’s important to note that it was a small study with only 30 participants. And the researchers were trying to determine the correct “dose” of yoga.

One group spent practiced yoga three times a week for 90 minutes each over three months, while the other group practiced yoga two times per week for 90 minutes each. The positive results for both groups were the same.

A 2016 study published inComplementary Therapies in Medicineexamined howmindfulness-based yoga compared to walking as an alternative treatment for depression.

There have been many studies finding that physical activities like walking can reduce depressive symptoms. But when researchers examined two groups of women with depression—one walking and the other practicing mindfulness-based yoga—they found that the yoga group experienced better results after 12 weeks.

While both groups experienced an improvement in their symptoms, the mindfulness-based yoga group reported significantly lower levels ofrumination(which can trigger depression) after the study ended.

Reducing rumination might be key to helping women keep their depression in remission.

Depression is common in expectant mothers who are placed on bedrest due to high-risk pregnancies. Social isolation, lack of activity, boredom, and physical health concerns, are just a few stressors women on bedrest often experience—and all of these factors can contribute to depression and anxiety.

Treatment for depression can be complicated for this population as medication may not be a safe option. Attending traditional therapy sessions in an office setting isn’t likely an option either.

Research shows that yoga may be quite beneficial to women on bedrest. A 2020 study published inComplementary Therapies in Clinical Practicefound that as few as three sessions were helpful in reducing anxiety and depression for high-risk pregnant women on bedrest.

Depression and anxiety are common among individuals who have entered rehabilitation for an alcohol or drug addiction. Studies show that yoga may be a promising form of treatment.

A 2011 study published inProcedia – Social and Behavioral Sciencesfound that yoga significantly reduced both anxiety and depression in individuals who were in a rehabilitation clinic. Participants in the study attended three 60-minute yoga sessions per week for five weeks.

The researchers found that the impact yoga had on the body—including the nervous system and various hormones—seemed instrumental in reducing participants’ symptoms.

They recommended that yoga be prescribed to individuals recovering from addiction as a complementary form of treatment that can make medication and therapy even more effective.

If you’re feeling depressed, or your current depression treatment isn’t working as well as you’d like, talk to your physician about whether yoga might be an option. Your physician may be able to help you find the most helpful type of yoga for your depression. Your physician may also be able to recommend a good yoga instructor or program that may reduce your symptoms.

There’s still a lot of research that needs to be done on yoga to determine which types of yoga work best, how often yoga should be practiced, and how it can address specific symptoms of depression. But clearly the evidence so far shows that it may be an effective complementary treatment that can be good for your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

So don’t underestimate the power of stretching, breathing, and reaching. You might find that a few simple yoga exercises might be powerful ways to boost your mood and reduce your symptoms of depression.

The best news is that yoga may provide some immediate relief to your symptoms. Additionally, a regular yoga practice may reduce your symptoms of depression in the long-term as well.

9 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Jackson C.Trends in the Use of Complementary Health Approaches Among Adults in the United States: New Data.Holist Nurs Pract. 2015;29(3):178-179. doi:10.1097/hnp.0000000000000088

Trivedi MH, Daly EJ.Treatment strategies to improve and sustain remission in major depressive disorder.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2008;10(4):377-384.

Prathikanti S, Rivera R, Cochran A, Tungol JG, Fayazmanesh N, Weinmann E.Treating major depression with yoga: A prospective, randomized, controlled pilot trial.PLoS One. 2017;12(3):e0173869. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0173869

Scott TM, Gerbarg PL, Silveri MM, et al.Psychological Function, Iyengar Yoga, and Coherent Breathing: A Randomized Controlled Dosing Study.J Psychiatr Pract. 2019;25(6):437-450. doi:10.1097/pra.0000000000000435

Schuver KJ, Lewis BA.Mindfulness-based yoga intervention for women with depression.Complement Ther Med. 2016;26:85-91. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2016.03.003

Brandon AR, Trivedi MH, Hynan LS, et al.Prenatal Depression in Women Hospitalized for Obstetric Risk.J Clin Psychiatry. 2008;69(4):635-643. doi:10.4088/jcp.v69n0417

Gallagher A, Kring D, Whitley T.Effects of yoga on anxiety and depression for high risk mothers on hospital bedrest.Complement Ther Clin Pract.2020;38:101079. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101079

Marefat M, Peymanzad H, Alikhajeh Y.The Study of the Effects of Yoga Exercises on Addicts’ Depression and Anxiety in Rehabilitation Period.Procedia Soc Behav Sci. 2011;30:1494-1498. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.10.289

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