Depression can impose significant burdens on an individual. The pervasive sense of meaninglessness, coupled with persistent feelings of sadness, can exhaust a person mentally, emotionally, and physically. Common symptoms associated with depression include irritability, reduced energy levels, diminished appetite, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt, and a sense of hopelessness. 

Recent research published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that alongside traditional psychotherapy, techniques aimed at enhancing the quality of life can be effective in alleviating the symptoms of this mental health condition. These techniques focus on fostering positivity, such as optimism and gratitude. Researchers are exploring methods to reduce negative thoughts while simultaneously promoting positive thinking to better manage the symptoms of depression.

Findings of the study:

The research involved 161 participants diagnosed with mild to severe depression, who were divided into three distinct groups. One group underwent weekly psychotherapy sessions for a duration of four weeks. The second group participated in psychotherapy sessions supplemented by a daily set of self-reflection questions, which they documented in journals. The third group received no treatment.

The self-reflection questions were designed to highlight the positive elements of the participants' lives and to encourage expressions of gratitude. The researchers monitored the participants' levels of depression, overall life satisfaction, and proficiency in life-enhancing skills.

The results were noteworthy. Both the first and second groups exhibited improvements in their conditions, with the second group, which engaged in daily self-reflection, demonstrating the most significant progress. Participants in this group reported increased life satisfaction and a greater mastery of life-enhancing skills, along with a renewed enthusiasm for life.

The benefits were short-lived:

Although self-reflection and art of living techniques demonstrated encouraging outcomes, these benefits proved to be temporary. The researchers noted a reduction in the participants' wellbeing during the follow-up conducted three months later. This indicates that while art of living practices can yield immediate positive effects for individuals experiencing depression, the benefits may diminish if the practices are not sustained.

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