Twenty-one male veterans with an average age of 61 showed decreased rates of depression after an eight-week Hatha yoga program. The 2017 study, presented at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, found that veterans reported great benefit in mental health and well-being, particularly when connecting with other veterans during practice.
The social component mattered here. Veterans practicing alongside other veterans created a shared experience that enhanced the therapeutic effect. Other studies presented at the same convention also revealed reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress through yoga practice.
Eight weeks of yoga reduced depression in older male veterans. The group setting with fellow veterans amplified the benefit.
Source: Yoga Research: Mental Health & Trauma on ashtanga.tech. Original research.