Practice Point #48 - Depression

I received a question from Alexis in the United Kingdom. Their question is...

I am a yoga teacher and I still suffer from deep depression and low self worth from past complex trauma. I struggle with my practice and can’t seem to roll out my mat. Is there a quick fix asana practice that will lift the mood and help my Cervical/SI/thoracic recovery? I know this is a lot to ask.

Wow, let me do my best.

1. No matter how low you are feeling or how uninspired, roll out your mat and get on it. Even if you only do savasana. The likely hood is you will start with one pose and it will lead to another and you will feel better for moving, even if you only do three poses.

​2. Being a teacher we have high expectations of ourselves and our practice. Go easy and be kind with yourself, imagine you are a student of your own, and your student tells you all the problems you have. Treat yourself with the same empathy and compassion you would your student.

​3. Supported backbends will help shift the depression. As for the back and neck issues without seeing your body I would not want to recommend anything.

Take care.