In my last blog, I discussed the benefits of knowing your depression cues. Specifically, the benefit of identifying them and naming them out loud, or through journaling. But why does this matter?

In his book Uncovering Happiness: Overcoming Depression with Mindfulness and Self-compassion, Dr. Elisha Goldstein highlights research done by the UCLA Social Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), scientists were able to see that when they scanned the brains of people while they labeled their feelings, a specific brain region in the prefrontal cortex, which is less active in depressed people, was activated. They also saw that activity in the amygdala, the part of the brain that senses fear and prepares us for fight or flight, was reduced. This part of the brain is typically overactive in people experiencing depression.

The concept of effectively identifying, naming and acknowledging our feelings is called affect labeling. Scientists theorize that it works because when a depression cue is triggered, we begin to experience fear, which activates the amygdala. When our amygdala is activated, we begin to feel those physiological experiences that are often associated with feeling panicky or stressed, such as increased blood pressure or shallow breathing. By using affect labeling, we are able to calm down the activity of the amygdala, bringing the brain back into balance. As we practice this skill over the course of time, we are able to re-wire our brains, resulting in naturally antidepressant brain chemistry.

So, the clique about therapists asking “And how does that make you feel?”...there is science behind it!

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, make an appointment with me today.