How Progressive Muscle Relaxation Can Help Reduce Depression

Have you tried a variety of different methods to help reduce your feelings of depression but nothing seems to help? If you answered, "yes" then progressive muscle relaxation might be the thing to help reduce your feelings of depression. To help understand what progressive muscle relaxation is and how it can help reduce your feeling of depression, I have interviewed psychologist Dr. Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I have been a clinical psychologist for 16 years, working on my own in private practice for 11 years. I completed my Masters degree at Cleveland State University , then worked for several years before doctoral studies at Wright State University . My practice mostly caters to women of all ages who are dealing with stress-related issues. I am also a writer; newsletter on my website, an active blog, and one book completed so far."

What type of impact can depression have on someone's overall life?
"Depression is unfortunately quite common these days. The impact reaches across all income levels and ages. It has become so common that many people seem to believe that being depressed is a '˜normal' state. As a result, the impact can be seen in how they interact, problems with self-esteem, job performance, as well as health issues (overeating, sleep problems, etc.). Overall, people dealing with depression are living up to their potential."

What is progressive muscle relaxation?
"Progressive Relaxation is a technique taught to clients to help them learn to manage feeling of stress and anxiety. It is simple to learn but is most effective with regular practice. It consists of tensing/tightening various muscle groups, then completely relaxing that area."

How can progressive muscle relaxation help reduce feelings of depression?
"I believe this technique can help people who are depressed develop a sense of mastery and control of how they react/respond to stress in their lives. It also reinforces the need to practice healthy ways to take care of yourself."

What would a typical progressive muscle relaxation experience be like for someone that wants to reduce their feelings of depression?
"From the feedback I get from my clients, most are surprised at how much more relaxed they feel afterwards. Some feel strange doing it but if they are willing to practice, they find the technique helpful. Many women express that they appreciated being able to turn off their worrisome thoughts for a while and just focus on themselves. Overall, they become more in tune with how their bodies react and increase their sense of self-control, which we then build on in sessions to address the causes of the depression/anxiety."

Thank you Dr. Lyons for doing the interview on how progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce feelings of depression. For more information on Dr. Lyons or her work you can check out her website on www.DrLewisLyons.com .

Recommended Readings:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/288011/handling_depression_in_a_relationship.html?cat=72">Handling Depression in a Relationship

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5441884/postpartum_depression_an_interview.html?cat=70">Postpartum Depression

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2944934/treatment_for_depression.html?cat=70">Treatment for Depression