A writer tries self-hypnosis for seasonal depression to see if it lifts her mood.
Here’s what she found out.
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So, I tried self-hypnosis for seasonal depression to see if it would lift my mood.
What is self-hypnosis, exactly?
There are different ways to practice self-hypnosis.
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What youll need is a comfortable place where you wont be disturbed.
Their job is to help guide you into a state of focused awareness.
They also encourage clients to connect with their doctor or therapist for other treatment options.
That said, heres how my two weeks of trying self-hypnosis for seasonal depression worked.
I didnt set a time limit to avoid feeling rushed.
I took a deep breath, holding it in for three seconds and exhaling for six seconds.
As Bragato explains, deep breaths signal to your body that you’re free to relax.
Next, I said aloud, I feel content three times while continuing to breathe deeply.
I felt calmer afterward but didnt feel much of an improvement in my mood.
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Next, I imagined myself walking down the stairs and going deeper into hypnosis.
Day 10
This time, I followed Carsons suggestion to imagine a TV set with controls nearby.
I recalled her saying, This is your movie.
You are the writer, star, and director.
it’s possible for you to see yourself walking out on a cold but sunny day.
Hypnosis can help you fall asleep, but it works best youre alert and can give yourself positive suggestions.
If it helps, you could record your own or your hypnotherapists voice and play it back during hypnosis.
The truth is theres no magic fix when it comes to treating depression.
But, I learned that the goal of self-hypnosis isnt to stop yourself from having negative thoughts.
Making it a regular habit did allow me to focus on changes I envision for myself, though.
To get the most out of the experience, self-hypnosis requires consistency and commitment, says Bragato.
And I just might continue the practice.
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