Very interesting. To answer your question: From this post I have learned that depression is associated with the hippocampus and that individuals who experience depression tend to have less density in this particular area of the brain. I find that interesting because I have done some literary research on that part of the brain and how it is affected by meditation. A study published in the peer reviewed science journal Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging found that an 8 week mindful meditation program, actually increased brain density in several regions of the brain, including the hippocampus. The posterior cingulate cortex, the temporo-parietal junction and the cerebellum were also affected. In relation to your article, perhaps this research suggests that mindful meditation can help reduce depression? Do you have any thoughts on that?
Reference:
Holzel, B. K., Carmody, James., Vangel, M., Congleton, C., Yerramsetti, S, M., Gard, T., Lazar,
S. W., (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain grey matter density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 191, 36 – 43.
http://journals1.scholarsportal.info.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/details/09254927/v191i0001/36_mpltiirbgmd.xml
Hey @leaky!! Thank you SO much for stopping by. As soon as I finished reading your comment I went 'running' to see your blog. I am always looking for interesting blogs to follow :) It would not be honest if I said I am going to read the other two parts of your series on Snowpiercer (well, at least not this coming week). But your last one is incredibly well written and I am certainly going to read the one about The male beard! Anyways ... to your comment!
Yes, I do have many thoughts about your question on mindful meditation alleviating symptoms of depression; and this is something I shall discuss on my next post. It is because of findings like the one you shared here that the brain-mind assumption was proposed.
At the same time biological intervention in brain-activity patterns may cause a change in mental activities (eg. medication = reducing negative thoughts). The opposite has also been seen: mental activities changing brain-activity patterns (eg. meditation - increasing density in certain brain areas).
This is because of plasticity, where over a period of time the brain exhibits changes as a result of the situation, activities etc... to which the individual undergoes or is exposed to.
All the best to you :)
ps: Please note that not all kids of depression are associated with a damaged hippocampus!
Thanks for checking out my blog, I appreciate it :)
The brain is truly an incredible organ. I find the idea of plasticity to be very interesting. It makes sense that the brain remains "plastic" throughout the individuals life cycle. Its what allows us to adapt to new environments and to new incoming information. Simple things like changing careers would be nearly impossible if plasticity did not exists. In our later years, it would be nearly impossible to learn new information if our neuro-networks were cemented in place. Its especially interesting in cases of brain injury and how other areas of the brain take on the functioning of the damaged area so that the individual can continue to function. Those cases are quite remarkable.
Yes I agree. There is always more to the story.
I also find the concept of trauma as it relates to depression and PTSD to be quite interesting. I tend to look at it from the cognitive perspective though rather than a biological one. I like to believe that in all cases, such issues can be overcome without the use of drugs - though I am aware that this belief may be hopeful thinking.
Often people have incredible difficulty working through past traumas because of the natural defense mechanisms that they put in place to avoid the troubling thoughts and also to protect their sense of self, so traumas are never fully worked through - as you also suggested in your article. Often healthcare professionals do not help the situation either. Many individuals see counselors and therapists for years without ever actually discussing the traumatic event. That's an issue with trauma informed therapy though, which is a whole other topic.
Beautiful comment @leaky20! 😊