Reading can help manage depression.
May 5, 2008 1:49 pm Why reading?Accessing literature has an important role in improving our wll-being. More than just a hobby, or “feel-good” experience, book can improve your psychological health. Recent research has shown that reading and writing literature can help treat depression. Hidden bonuses for us “Tome Gnomes”!
Self-help literature as an anti-depressant - “Readalex” anyone?
Reading self help literature can be an effective treatment for depression, as shown by researchers in Nevada.
Bibliotherapy as an adjunct to psychotherapy for depression in older adults. [J Clin Psychol. 2003]:
Bibliotherapy, reading a self-help book for the treatment of psychological problems, has been shown to be effective as a ’stand-alone’ treatment for depression.
Writing our self-history helps us accept the present
Furthermore, in older adults, the process of creating a book of one’s life-history, can help ward off depression and improve your self-image:
This practice development project explored the use of reminiscence life history books as an interpersonal therapeutic tool with 3 depressed care-home residents living in residential care and skilled nursing facilities. The process of choosing to produce a book, assessment of capabilities, and methods of construction are described using 3 illustrative case studies. Three themes emerged: reviewing the past, accepting the present, and dreaming of an alternative future. This project demonstrated that life history books, tailored to individual needs and abilities, can facilitate reminiscence and reduce depression by increasing social interaction.
Maybe if we are realistic about our histories and our past, it protects us from distorting our experiences. Or maybe the process of writing them down is a form of self-therapy. I know some journal-writers who would agree with that.
Related posts:
- Reading for leisure helps language development
- Reading for pleasure improves your communication skills
- Write to Done: How to use reading to become a better writer
- Reading to avoid Days of Our Lives
- Ten ways that reading can save your (parenting) sanity
