Depression affects 19% of the US population each year, and anxiety affects about 3% of the US population. Panic disorder affects close to 3%, social anxiety disorder affects about 7% and specific phobias affects about 9% of the U.S. population.1
There seems to be a great need for help in this arena especially since not even half of most people with these mental imbalances receive treatment! I don’t think that anything can compare to cost effectiveness than can something as simple as deep diaphragmatic breathing associated mindfulness practices such as Qigong and Tai Chi.
Many mood and mental illnesses are shown to be significantly helped and improved by various mindfulness practices such as deep breathing. One empirical review showed great results with depression and anxiety.2
Qigong and tai chi shows great promise in the alleviation of and in reversing psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. A systematic review compiled many different studies including 6410 participants measuring a large variety of benefits with Qigong and Tai Chi.3 From this study, 163 different physiological and psychological health outcomes were found. 28 of the studies observed showed psychological factors of anxiety, depression, stress, mood, fear of falling, and self-esteem to be significantly improved.
If you or someone you know has depression and anxiety, tell them about trying Qigong or Tai Chi! You can only help them improve. What do you have to lose?
References:
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
Baer RA. Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review.
Clinical Psychology: Science & Practice. 2003;10:125–143.
Jahnke, R., Larkey, L., Rogers, C., Etnier, J., & Lin, F. (2010). A comprehensive review of health
benefits of qigong and tai chi. American journal of health promotion : AJHP, 24(6), e1–e25.
Till next time. Thank you,
