Military and Medical Experts Explore Meditation to Combat Epidemic of Military Suicides

“Overcoming PTSD and Preventing Suicides: An Evidence Based Approach through Meditation in the Military”

(NEW YORK) - Suicide is now the leading cause of death in our armed forces. The David Lynch Foundation will host, “Overcoming PTSD and Preventing Suicides: An Evidence Based Approach through Meditation in the Military,” a panel and luncheon addressing the suicide epidemic in our armed forces.

The benefits of meditation have been studied and found effective at the Harvard School of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Defense and The American Medical Association. Results show meditation promotes resilience among cadets and eases the trauma of combat for returning veterans by improving constructive thinking and significantly reducing stress, anxiety and depression. According to a study published in 2012 by The American Heart Association, meditation may significantly reduce death, heart attack and stroke in heart patients.

About The David Lynch Foundation: The David Lynch Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 2005 to fund the implementation of scientifically proven stress-reducing modalities including Transcendental Meditation, for at-risk populations such as underserved inner-city students; veterans with PTSD and their families; women and girls who have been victims of violence, rape, and abuse, American Indians suffering from diabetes and high suicide rates; homeless adults and teens participating in reentry programs; and incarcerated adults and juveniles. For more information, visit http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/

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Matheus February 24, 2013 3:58 pm (Pacific time)

I have also dealt with depression. While it was mild, and I do not live with PTSD as you do, I do unstdreand how it feels to an extent.I don't believe that medication can really do anything for depression, other than make you some kind of happy vegetable. And therapy wasn't an option for me, either. So here's what I suggest to you: (Please keep in mind I am a female, so some may not sound so good to you but you may also want to try anyways! You have everything to gain from it and nothing to lose)-Find a type of music that connects to how you are feeling, or how you would like to feel. Personally, I like acoustic music. You might want something that expresses how you are feeling, or maybe you'd like something that makes you think of better days and better moments.-I really enjoy things that smell nice to me. Aromatherapy can really alter the way your feelings are. Incense is great. Warmer scents are calming (for me) and make me feel safe comfortable. You can find them for very cheap.-Go outside and watch the sun go down! It's so beautiful and never fails to make my heart spill over with happiness!-Always remember the ones you love, and the ones that love you! Everyone has someone! I'm sure you do too, because you sound like a sweet person who's just stuck in a rut right now.-I'm sure if you look around, you can find a group of people that also deal with what you are going through, and meet to talk about it and it's absolutely free. It might sound mopey to talk about your life with other people, but it can really make a difference to connect.-Just remember that no matter what, you can always pull through. I don't know if you are religious, but I've always liked the saying that God never gives you more than you can handle. It sure seems like it sometimes, but if you can make it through the bad days once, you can always do it.The fact that you are asking this question shows that there's hope inside of you! You care and you want to get better, and the want for it is always your biggest help. I wish you luck and hope you find something that works for you!

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