Can EMDR Help Depression?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is often used to help treat trauma and the effects of PTSD. But, its effectiveness has spilled over when it comes to helping with a variety of other issues, including anxiety and depression. 

Depression is a common mental health condition with many different treatment solutions. But, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all modality for people who are struggling. Whether you’ve tried different therapies in the past or you’re interested in something different, EMDR can help. 

Let’s take a closer look at why EMDR is so effective when it comes to depression, and what you can expect from your sessions. 

How Does EMDR Work?

woman left eye

EMDR doesn’t cause you to completely forget the negative thoughts triggering your depression. Instead, it helps you reprocess them in a way that makes them seem more positive and manageable. 

People with depression often feel a sense of hopelessness along with extreme sadness. Those thoughts come from somewhere. EMDR can get to the root cause of your depression and help to change your perspective from the ground up. 

It works by utilizing something called bilateral stimulation. As you focus on a specific negative thought, your therapist will guide your eye movements back and forth. During this process, you’ll be able to reframe that thought. It will lose some of its power and take away some of its negative weight. You can “reprocess” it into something positive, so that hopelessness doesn’t seem so overwhelming. 

What Are the Benefits of EMDR?

In addition to helping with negative thoughts fueled by depression, EMDR can improve your overall mental health. When you have a greater sense of mental wellness and fortitude, depression is less likely to take hold. 

For example, if you happen to have any negative memories associated with trauma or thoughts that cause anxiety, EMDR can help you process those, too. It can also improve your overall self-esteem and outlook on life, so mental health conditions like depression are less likely to drag you down. When you’re more confident about who you are, depression loses strength.

EMDR is a holistic treatment approach, showcasing the connection between mind and body. It can help you feel more in tune with yourself, and provide a sense of power that allows you to feel stronger than depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issues that might try to take over. 

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR is a research-backed modality that has seen a lot of success in treating multiple mental health issues. But, there’s no question that it’s a bit different from traditional forms of talk therapy. 

That’s beneficial for some people, especially if you aren’t comfortable with vulnerability. There is, of course, some talking involved. Your therapist will need to get some background information and learn more about your depression. But, you won’t spend session after session having to open up about details. 

EMDR is also a short-term therapy. While everyone is different, most people are able to complete treatment in 8-12 sessions. It’s a reprocessing and reprogramming of the mind. While things like negative thoughts, bad memories, and sadness don’t go away, your mind transforms so you can look at those things differently. You realize that you have power over them, and you can move forward with your life without having to be tied down to therapy forever. 

EMDR isn’t always advertised as a way to treat depression, but it can be highly effective. If you’re looking for a different type of treatment and you’re ready to let go of the heaviness of extreme sadness, you’re not alone. Feel free to reach out to set up an appointment soon, or to learn more about EMDR therapy

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