has anyone have success attacking a serious psychological problem with yoga? i just got diagnosed with bipolar disorder and am wondering whether to really try to put yoga at the center of my life.

While I am not sure that yoga can help prevent or stop serious psychological problems, I know that it has many qualities that help to reduce stress and bring about a happier mental state for its practitioners. Perhaps you should just give it a try and see how you feel? I feel that as long as you have reasonable expectations and are not seeking a cure, you could really get a lot out of yoga.

Saraswati.

First off, I am so sorry to hear that you are experiencing this. I agree that it can help you as long as you are not turning to it for a cure for your problem. I often find that while yoga itself isn’t the solution to my problems, it often helps me come to a better place in my body and my mind, so I am more fit and better able to come up with my own solutions, or I can see a different side a little more clearly. I think you should try it. I am confident that it will bring you some type of relief.

Buddhanista

One of my best friends has depression and she is always happy when she gets herself to a yoga class. I know for a fact that she does cry every time she is in pigeon pose, but it always brings here a sense of letting go of her stress, and it helps her a lot. I hope it helps you, too.

ShantiB