Dancing helps to reduce the symptoms of depression

Depression remains one of the main public health problems. Despite the fact that physical activity has already been recognized as an effective complementary therapy method, it is noted that the inclusion of expressive practices such as dance can make therapy more attractive and emotionally profound.

According to Tommy Tolmunen, professor of adolescent psychiatry, dance complements traditional treatment and creates a space to work with emotions that are difficult to express in words.

Seven teenagers with mild and moderate depression participated in the pilot project. They were asked to create a digital dance work about their desired future using:

• dance improvisation,
• a three-dimensional motion capture system,
• creative expression without having to appear in public.

This approach allowed participants to anonymously “tell” about their condition through movement, and then see their movements from the outside — which, according to the researchers, helps them realize their own experiences and values.

Adolescents had:

• reduction of subjective symptoms of depression,
• growth of self-esteem and self-acceptance,
• improving the ability to recognize and experience emotions,
• a sense of acceptance and support in the group,
• awareness of one’s own bodily sensations and capabilities.

It is important that participation in the project has created a sense of community, belonging and security, which is especially important for teenagers experiencing depressive episodes.

Senior researcher Hannah Pohjola notes: depression often disrupts the perception of one’s own bodily signals and body image. Dancing helps to gently return to the feeling of your body and restore contact with it. In addition, the creation of a digital dance project allowed the participants to reflect on their feelings, desires and goals, as well as gradually move towards self—realization, which is an important factor in recovery.

The study confirms that dance and body-expressive practices can be a significant addition to the treatment of depression, especially for adolescents. Dance not only improves the emotional state, but also helps to gradually restore inner contact, meaning and motivation.