Dancing for Depression

5 star (2) 
  100%

Gloria (Santa Rosa, CA) on 06/05/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety 6 years ago and i tried the meds for a while, but i hated the side-effects.

I had always wanted to take dance classes so in college i took a class for p.e. credit. It was extraordinary how much dancing affected me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I got into better shape while being challenged to learn steps and movement and when i danced, i felt so happy like i could fly!

Since then, I haven't had any need to see a therapist or take meds and I've now changed my major to became a movement therpist (who knew there was a whole field dedicated to what I had experienced). I hope to inspire others to make that connection with their body and mind and I will continue to pursue this awareness for the rest of my life.

Here's a tip for those of you interested in trying this. Most community colleges have beginning adult dance classes and it's usually really cheap (in california it's $20 a unit and dance classes are normally only 1 unit).

REPLY   4      

Elise (Irving TX) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

I am a manic depressive and i found that dancing gets my mind off of things when I'm feeling down plus it's a good exercise.
REPLY   2      
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