More than 100 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and it is thought an estimated 70-90% either do not receive sufficient medical treatment, do not respond to therapy, or do not have access to quality care. As a result, there is an immense unmet need for alternative, economical, and effective strategies for treating major and minor depression.
New research supports an age-old concept for lifting depression. It is also safe, low-cost, and self-administered. It is called Positive Activity Intervention (PAI) which is a fancy term for doing what many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers would have advised in year’s past: participating in positive activities like counting your blessings.
The authors of the study found that PAIs, such as counting one’s blessings, practicing optimism, performing acts of kindness, and using one’s unique strengths, “teach patients ways to increase their positive cognitions, emotions, and behaviors without professional help.”
Journal Editor, Kim A Jobst said, “This is ground-breaking work of global significance. It applies in all cultures at all times but especially in our pharmaceutically dominated culture of dependence. Because it is in many ways common sense, it is all the more important to have scientific validation and more low cost highly effective means to help people submerged in the sea of depression.”
My research on the brain has found that depression comes in a variety of types and there is not a one-size-fits all cure. However almost everyone can receive positive benefits from nourishing the brain with healthy food and exercise, alongside positive thoughts and actions. I encourage everyone to learn how to fight the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts in their brain) and embrace thoughts of gratitude and realistic positivity. Supplements like fish oil and Vitamin D can further boost mood levels.
For more ideas on ways to lift a depressed mood, see my book, Healing Anxiety and Depression. There are also many supplements that can help nourish the brain’s “happy neurotransmitters.” Visit our store on www.amenclinic.com for resources that you may find helpful!
Journal Reference:Kristin Layous, Joseph Chancellor, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Lihong Wang, P. Murali Doraiswamy. Delivering Happiness: Translating Positive Psychology Intervention Research for Treating Major and Minor Depressive Disorders. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2011; 17 (8): 675 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2011.0139
