STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in October 2023, revealed that heated yoga significantly reduces symptoms of depression. In an intervention group, 44% had scores that indicated the depression was in remission
This study confirmed results from a similar study in which people taking yoga classes had significant improvements in symptoms of depression. Depression is among the most prevalent mental health conditions and is the leading cause of disability throughout the world
Antidepressants are a commonly prescribed pharmaceutical intervention, which are taken by 11% of all people in the U.S. age 12 years and older. Women are 2.5 times more likely than men to take antidepressants; 60% of people have taken the medications for two years or more
Antidepressant side effects include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, weight gain and an increased risk of suicide. There is also very little evidence to suggest the medications benefit those taking them
Other safer and often better alternatives include dietary changes, exercise, stress reduction, addressing unresolved emotional conflict, balancing your gut microbiome and optimizing your omega-3 and vitamin D levels