Depression is often associated with post-traumatic stress and is a contributor to the high level of suicide found in veteran populations. Multiple studies in different populations have found the Transcendental Meditation® (TM) technique to be effective at reducing depression.
Percentages with Clinically Meaningful Improvement with Depression
This DoD-funded randomized trial of 203 veterans with PTSD compared TM to Prolonged Exposure, considered the gold-standard therapy for treating PTSD, and a Health Education control. This chart shows the percentage of veterans in each group who achieved clinically meaningful reduction in depression, which is defined as a reduction of 5 points or more on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Two-thirds of the TM participants experienced clinically meaningful reductions in depression. More >
TM® Reduces Depression in High-Stress Populations
These three studies all show highly statistically significant reductions in depression, as measured by standard scales, over three months. The ‘Brooks’ and ‘Nidich in preparation’ studies are both on veteran populations. The Nidich, 2016 study is on incarcerated male prisoners. The Nidich in preparation study, conducted on 151 veterans, found 44% reduction in depression in the first month of TM practice. Brooks, 1985. Journal of Counseling and Development 64: 212-15 Nidich, 2016, Permanente Journal, 2016; 20(4):16-007
“Before learning TM my husband was a mess, sleeping his pain away for 20 plus hours a day, that went on for years. Now, he does his meditation twice a day, and what a difference. It’s amazing how 20 minutes brings him so much calmness. I could go on and on how he is different. The best part is seeing his eyes sparkle and having a huge smile when he is done with his meditation. It really has changed his life.” —Wife of Vietnam War Veteran
“After my first week of meditation I was able to sleep. My day to day functions became clearer. My depression has improved daily and my aggression has vanished. It’s like I was living in a fog of war, and TM cleared the fog, allowing me to see things clearly. TM has given the perspective to live with a peaceful mind.”—Iraq War Veteran
