Yoga Helps Singer Marianne Faithfull Beat Depression

Award-winning English singer-songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull has overcome many trials in her life. She has fought drug addictions, breast cancer, Hepatitis C, and has conquered them all. By far her “most difficult opponent”, however? Clinical depression.

“…[D]epression is real,” Faithfull told the San Francisco Examiner in a recent interview. “You don’t want to get out of bed, you don’t want to do anything, and everything just looks pointless.”

Those who think depression cannot afflict those who “have it all” should think again. The truth is, depression can be a crippling condition, and it strikes without discrimination. Faithful’s  experience is shared by over 13 million Americans each year, who find themselves overcome by feelings of hopelessness, despair, often accompanied by anxiety.

But Faithfull was not pulled under. She looked for ways to combat depression, turning to acupuncture, psychotherapy, massage, and notably, yoga for depression. And now, with the release of her new album, “Easy Come Easy Go,” she stands tall, depression-free.

Like Faithfull, more and more Americans are discovering yoga therapy as a means to combat depression. An increasing body of research has shown yoga’s ability to reduce depression, elevate moods, and improve overall mental and physical health, often offers help with depression and leads to a greater sense of well-being. Many also find yoga effective for anxiety, as it settles the mind and cultivates a greater sense of peace.

As awareness of the negative side effects of traditional drugs grows, more and more people are looking for a natural treatment for the exploding mental health concerns of today-from depression and anxiety to the many stress-related behavioral disorders. Yoga therapy is one scientifically tested methodology that can be tailored to almost anyone’s needs. And, happily, the only side effect is improved physical health and well-being.