It's always been very interesting to me how physicians in the West approach depression treatment with their patients. Treatment recommendations run the gamut from medication, to therapy, to less stressful careers, etc.

But there could be a much simpler solution. What may work for some people with a history of mild depression, is to integrate a regular regime of early morning mediation in their lives.

Now please - don't get me wrong. I am not some new age expert. But what I am is what so many of us are - acquiring knowledge through trial and error. Plus, a little research:)

Experts have agreed that regular meditation can be a very strong mood lifter in patients with a history of dysthymia and mild depressive disorder.

So what does that really involve?
Meditation can and should be a very personal act that you perform for clarity and relaxation at the beginning and/or end of your day.

1. It can be as short as 15 minutes of stillness and silence in a quiet area of your home.

2. The area only has to be quiet - not fabulous. But if you prefer you can add a candle that you like, a rug or pillow to sit on, flowers, or very soft music.

3. The key is to be still and to get into the regular act of centering yourself on a daily basis.

Don't worry about "doing it correctly" or feeling a little weird at first. You might feel uncomfortable at first. Or you may sit and think about how miserable you are for those 15 minutes - but that's okay. Meditation takes practice. It's not easy in this day and age to sit and think about nothing! So give yourself a little slack, and allow this process to evolve.

Remember, that this type of self-care is very important when you are battling depression - and implementing it in your daily life can prove to be another line of defense.

For more about meditation, try this popular site:
Learning Meditation

For more about self-hypnosis (another relaxation technique), try this popular site:
Hypnosis Downloads

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Lisa Angelettie, "GirlShrink" is an online advice authority. Her site GirlShrink.com is the #1 "Advice & Counseling" site on the web and co-author of "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life". Instantly get a FREE Bonus when you sign up for her free Better Choices Ezine. Please visit us for more discussion on this topic in the depression forum to talk about it further. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for topics in the news, new articles, website & book reviews, and other useful mental health resources. Subscribe below.