Founder Letter: The Most Effective Treatment for Depression

If the data is correct 1 in 10 of you (or 1 in 10 of your female friends) are depressed- and the younger you are the higher the likelihood of depression or anxiety. But there's good news out of a recent research study: more than anything- more than SSRIs, more than cognitive therapy, the number one intervention by far is DANCE. Yes, dancing. How brilliant is your body? Shaking stagnant energy, moving to music, releasing stuck emotions: dance helps us heal it all.

Here's the data from the 2024 BMJ report:

There are several factors that contribute to depression in women. These include developmental, reproductive, hormonal, genetic, and other biological differences such as premenstrual syndrome, childbirth, infertility, and menopause. Long COVID has a high incidence of fatigue and depression as a symptom. Stress from work and family responsibilities, societal roles and expectations, as well as increased rates of sexual abuse and poverty- all of this can overwhelm the bodymind's coping mechanisms.

It's also possible that women have (either naturally or culturally permitted) more empathy and emotional perception, making them more likely to feel deeply affected by the suffering in the world. This heightened sensitivity to the emotions and hardships of others can lead to feelings of despair and contribute to higher rates of depression.

In a world that often feels overwhelming and filled with suffering, the ability to perceive and empathize with others' pain, while a strength, also can become a source of emotional burden.

If you are suffering, unmotivated, not feeling yourself- for specific or unidentifiable reasons- we hold you in our thoughts. Maybe get up and shake a tail feather, even a little moving of stagnant energy can help. If you are whole and feeling resourced and healthy, maybe take some moments today to invite someone to dance with you. It doesn't have to be complicated or fancy- here's a a feel good dance playlist to pop on- and just do it in the living room, the backyard, or even on Zoom. Do it with elders, do it with kids, do it with the Amazon driver. 

This research made me so happy, it's in utter alignment. In my book,The Nine Gifts: A First Aid Kit for Mind, Spirit and Body, I talk about some of the other things we can do to regulate and optimize our well being. Our gummies, provided by Radiant Farms, are also good for supporting overall wellbeing.

Wishing you a summer of dancing, moving, breathing, being among friends, new and old.

Get off the phone America, and dance!

All love, 

Christine

XO

Christine Marie Mason

Founder, Rosebud Woman

Host The Rose Woman Podcast on Love and Liberation