“At first I didn’t understand what was going on…sometimes I did not want to be around people, or do anything. I experienced ups and downs – sometimes depression would grab a hold of me, other times I was simply anxious about anything and everything.”
This is an excerpt from a personal story posted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). If you have been diagnosed with depression, you can likely relate to feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, fatigue or insomnia, and perpetual negativity that seems to plague your thoughts. Depression takes hold of about 300 million people around the world, and 16.2 million adults within the United States alone. When it comes to recovery, it often depends on the individual and what works best for them. For some, the medications alone provide a major relief. For others, a combination of medication and psychotherapy gives them a sense of clarity while they work through deep-rooted issues, and yet for others, the journey to finding the right treatment “fit” still ensues.
Neurofeedback therapy is one component of mental illness and addiction recovery that is becoming more widely used. This form of therapy in particular shows real-time brain activity so that you can see what’s going on – ultimately, you learn tools for self-regulating by watching and adjusting your own brain functioning. Previous research has shown neurofeedback therapy as a positive influence on those with depression. For instance, a 2014 review published in the journal Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience emphasizes the flexibility and noninvasiveness of neurofeedback therapy, making these positive components for those wanting something quite painless. Lynda Thompson, PhD and director of a neurofeedback institute in Canada, told the American Psychological Association (APA) that neurofeedback therapy works like a video game – where children and adults can move through the game only if they are calm and focused. She stated, “The method rewards the healthier brainwave patterns.”
For those with depression, neurofeedback therapy could be a great component to add to a treatment regime, as it can help train a person to self-regulate their own brain waves and behavioral strategies as they learn what works best for them. If you haven’t already, speak with a professional from a reputable treatment center to learn more about this option. With technology advancing the realm of mental illness and addiction recovery, more and more options are becoming available. Recovery is possible.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 888-958-7511 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you.
