Meditation, a complement to traditional psychiatric treatments

In our increasingly stressful and demanding society, psychological disorders are common. Today there are different treatments for these disorders, such as cognitive and behavioral therapies or pharmacotherapy. However, some alternative methods can also be useful to accompany these traditional treatments, such as practicing meditation.

What is meditation and how does it work?

Meditation is an ancestral practice, inspired by the teachings of the Buddha, which consists of training the mind to make it more calm and serene. It also aims to help develop better awareness of oneself and others. Meditation can be practiced in different forms, such as focusing on your breathing or mindfulness, which involves observing your thoughts without judgment. Studies show that meditation helps reduce stress, anxiety, and even some depressive symptoms, making it particularly valuable as an adjunct to traditional psychiatric treatments. For those who wish to benefit from adapted and economical health care, it is possible to subscribe to inexpensive health insurance.

The benefits of meditation as a complement to psychiatric treatments

Reduction of stress and anxiety

Regular meditation practice allows you to better manage your stress and emotions. Scientific studies have shown a decrease in the activity of the amygdala, a region of the brain involved in the regulation of emotions and stress, in people who meditate regularly. This reduction contributes to better control of anxiety and promotes resilience in the face of stressful situations.

Improved cognition and concentration

The process of meditation often involves focusing on your breathing or certain thoughts. Learning this focus can be beneficial for improving one's cognitive abilities and daily concentration. Meditation also helps develop better sustained attention, which could be helpful for people with attention disorders.

Decrease in depressive symptoms

Research suggests that practicing mindfulness meditation may be effective in reducing depressive relapses in patients who have previously experienced episodes of major depression. According to maaf.fr, meditation notably stimulates the release of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of happiness and well-being.

Support during traditional psychiatric treatments

Meditation can help patients better tolerate and accept the difficulties associated with traditional psychiatric treatments. It can also facilitate communication between the patient and their caregivers, promoting a better understanding of their emotions and thoughts.

How to integrate meditation into a psychiatric care pathway?

To benefit from the benefits of meditation in addition to psychiatric treatments, it is important to engage in regular practice. Here are some tips for integrating meditation into your daily life:

Start gradually: It can be difficult to immediately adopt a daily meditation practice, especially if you are not used to it. It is recommended to start with short sessions and set achievable goals.
Create a dedicated space: In order to promote concentration, it is important to have a calm and peaceful place to practice meditation. This space should be associated only with rest and relaxation.
Document and train yourself: To learn the basics of meditation, it can be helpful to read books on the subject or take training online or from an experienced teacher.
Integrate meditation into your routine: In order to make it a lasting habit, it is important to include meditation in your schedule on a regular basis, for example in the morning or before bed.

Before starting a meditative practice, it is recommended to talk about it with his psychiatrist or psychologist. They will thus be able to take this complementary approach into account and refer the patient to a professional qualified in meditation, if necessary.

The practice of meditation can be an interesting addition to traditional psychiatric treatments. It helps reduce anxiety, improve concentration and prevent depressive symptoms. However, it is essential to consult health professionals and be supported in the process, in order to take full advantage of its benefits.