[CDU eNews] - YOGA CAN HELP DEPRESSION, CDU STUDY FINDS

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

Yoga can help depression

Yoga combined with counselling could be an effective way of treating the
symptoms of major depression, a Charles Darwin University researcher and
student counsellor has found.

Stephanie Johnson will present her findings at a public seminar on social
work research in mental health at the Museum and Art Gallery of the
Northern Territory on Wednesday.

Ms Johnson, who has been a counsellor and social worker for 12 years, said
"tentative, pilot research" showed that yoga had positive effects on
people's wellbeing and could be used as part of overall treatment for
depression.

"Inverted postures can give a fresh supply of blood and oxygen to the
brain, giving a feeling of instant wellbeing and calmness," Ms Johnson
said. "Eastern studies have shown that these postures can re-energise
people and have a positive effect."

Ms Johnson said she believed there had been an increase over the past few
years in the number of people from all walks of life being treated for
depression by doctors and counsellors.

"This is largely because it is not such a stigma as in the past," she said.
"More people are acknowledging that depression is a serious illness and the
medical profession knows far more about it now, too."

Ms Johnson said depression among university students in Australia was no
higher than in other walks of life, but sometimes there were different
causes and contributing factors.

"At Charles Darwin University, for instance, we have a greater number of
mature-aged students these days. It can be quite stressful to fit in study
requirements alongside family responsibilities, work commitments and
financial commitments. All these factors can cause a degree of stress."

Ms Johnson said she had conducted a 12-week study of nine students aged
between 18 and 60. The students received fortnightly counselling for six
weeks, followed by fortnightly counselling and weekly yoga for six weeks.

"Of the seven students who finished the treatment, two were deemed to have
clinically recovered from major depression; three recovered partially and
two were deemed not to have recovered.
However, every participant - including the two who dropped out - recorded
an improvement."

Ms Johnson said she hoped her research would encourage counselling
professionals to review alternative treatments for major depression, not
only within the university student population, but also in the wider
community. It is also important for people who think they may have
depression to seek medical assistance.

The seminar is a fundraiser event, to help raise money for Ms Johnson to
represent the NT Branch of the Australian Association of Social Workers to
present her research at the 18th Asian-Pacific International Social Work
Conference in Korea in September.

Judy Clisby, the Community Visitor for the NT, will also present a
discussion on Mental Health care in the NT.

The seminar will be held from 8.30am to 12noon on Wednesday, 22 June at the
Theatrette, Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, Fannie Bay. Cost is $30 for
AASW members;  $40 for non-members, $15 for students and concession card
holders. Details from Ms Johnson on 89 466288.



Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K