What Crystals Can I Use For Depression?
People have long been fascinated by crystals and the unique properties with which they are thought to be imbued by the earth. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in the healing potential of crystals, primarily driven by claims that these minerals can provide a wide range of benefits when it comes to our mental and physical health. Purported to help balance the energy in our bodies, crystals are used by some for defense from disease, stress relief, and emotional wellness.
While there is no evidence that crystals provide benefits for our mental health on their own, they may produce a placebo effect that leads to real improvements in symptoms of certain conditions, such as depressive disorders. Below, we’re discussing which crystals are used for depression, how they are thought to alleviate emotional challenges, and what science has to say about their use.
What are healing crystals?
Healing crystals are minerals that are believed to have properties that can influence the flow of our body’s energy and provide various benefits when it comes to our mental and physical health. When held or laid on the body, crystals are thought to help us rid ourselves of negative energy and cultivate healing energy. Believers hold that each crystal has a vibrational energy field that interacts with the body’s own energy field, helping it stay aligned. A balanced energy field is then thought to help prevent disease, improve mood, and provide an array of other benefits for the body and mind.
The idea that our bodies have energy fields that can be aligned through certain channels is associated with various religions (e.g., Hinduism, and Buddhism) and healing practices (e.g., Chinese medicine). And the belief that crystals have healing properties that may influence us is centuries old.
However, the use of crystals to alleviate symptoms of mental and physical health conditions—including depression—is not supported by science. Most experts suggest utilizing conventional forms of treatment for depressive disorders, which include medication and therapy. While crystals are not considered harmful, using them as a primary treatment method for depression is not recommended.
Is there evidence that crystals work?
Most mental health and medical professionals believe that crystal healing is a pseudoscientific practice, and the evidence seems to confirm this. In one commonly cited study, a researcher had 40 people hold a real crystal and 40 people hold a fake one while meditating for five minutes. Afterward, participants who held both the real and fake crystals reported experiencing similar sensations.
While science may not back the notion that crystals themselves have healing properties, the belief in their efficacy may lead to real mental health improvements via the placebo effect. The placebo effect is a widely recognized phenomenon that occurs when an individual experiences measurable improvement in their well-being after a treatment that does not have any real therapeutic properties. It is thought that the placebo effect helps explain the perceived benefits of healing crystals.
The belief that crystals work may provide someone with optimism and motivation they might not have had otherwise. This change in mindset can affect the way they feel and behave, leading to improvements in certain challenges associated with depression. This phenomenon can be so powerful that even people who know they’re taking a placebo sometimes report experiencing reductions in depressive symptoms.
Even without experiencing measurable benefits, however, an individual may believe that a neutral substance is working. Confirmation bias is a common form of cognitive bias that can cause us to look for proof that corroborates our existing beliefs. Those who believe in the efficacy of crystals, then, may interpret any available evidence in such a way that their beliefs are confirmed.
Many mental health experts have theorized that anecdotal evidence of improvements in depressive symptoms following crystal use may be attributed to associated practices. Often, people use crystals as part of a holistic approach to wellness that may include strategies like meditation, relaxation exercises, and other practices that have been shown to alleviate depression. For example, crystal healing is often implemented alongside mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises, which are proven methods of reducing depressive symptoms. Improvements in depression, then, may be misattributed to the crystals.
The use of crystals to influence the flow of energy in the body has been linked to bioenergetics, a form of energy medicine focused on the “manipulation of bioenergetic fluxes to positively affect health.” However, there is thought to be a difference between energy medicine which focuses on measurable energy, known as veritable energy medicine, and energy medicine which focuses on unobservable energy, which is referred to as putative energy medicine. Crystal healing deals with the latter.
What is putative energy medicine?
Veritable energy medicine is based on the fact that our bodies have pathways for facilitating the process of energy metabolism. According to bioenergetics, if these pathways become blocked, we may experience illness. Energy therapy aims to release these blockages to enable healing and promote regeneration and wellness. This is often accomplished through techniques like light and radiation therapy. This form of treatment is well studied and considered a legitimate form of care for certain types of illness.
Putative energy medicine is related to energy fields that are not measurable. These include the energy fields that are purported to be influenced by crystals. Because they aren’t observable, evidence of their existence is primarily anecdotal.
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can severely impact functioning and potentially present serious risks. If you believe you’re living with a depressive disorder, a healthcare professional can help you develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Crystals used as complements to depression treatment
Despite the lack of evidence supporting their efficacy, crystals are still thought by some to provide benefits that can lead to improved mental health. Through purported improvements to mood, energy levels, and emotional control, crystals are believed to have a positive effect on depression symptoms, with different minerals providing their own unique benefits.
The following are crystals that are said to address certain challenges associated with depression.
- Kunzite, a light purple form of the mineral spodumene, is thought to have calming properties that can alleviate stress.
- Jade, a green gemstone, is said to promote healing through the restoration of an individual’s emotional equilibrium. Also known as the “crystal of tranquility”, jade is thought to promote mental clarity.
- Citrine, a golden-hued crystal, is linked to the promotion of joy and the release of negativity.
- Obsidian, a type of volcanic glass, is said to provide a grounding anchor and offer relief for distressing memories, encouraging more positive emotions.
- Tiger’s eye is purported to foster self-confidence and strength, in addition to helping an individual maintain equilibrium.
- Ametrine, a combination of amethyst and citrine, is believed to balance the mind and emotions while promoting a positive outlook.
- Lepidolite, a purple-colored crystal, is said to have calming properties, relieving anxiety and panic attacks. It is also thought to improve self-esteem.
- Lithium quartz is said to help balance distressing emotions, alleviate panic attacks, and provide emotional support throughout one’s wellness journey.
- Apatite, a blue-green stone veined with copper-colored tinges, is thought to help foster improved communication, mental clarity, and self-expression.
Conventional treatment for depression
Though there are a variety of alternative approaches to alleviating the symptoms of depression, psychotherapy and medication are the recommended first-line treatment options. Research suggests that both modalities are effective when treating depression.
Psychotherapy can help individuals address the emotional effects of depression, develop coping strategies, and identify the sources of their feelings. A common therapeutic modality is cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on helping individuals reframe negative thought patterns that may be underlying depressive symptoms.
There are several different types of medication for depression, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Always consult with a healthcare professional prior to starting or stopping any medication.
Online therapy for depression
The results of an increasingly large number of studies show that online therapy is an efficacious and convenient form of care for those living with depression. For example, in one study, researchers concluded that online cognitive behavioral therapy led to “significant reductions in depressive symptoms”—improvements that were sustained a year after treatment. In addition to addressing unhelpful thought patterns, cognitive behavioral therapy may incorporate other therapeutic approaches, such as mindfulness meditation, to enhance its effects in a more holistic way.
If you are interested in exploring holistic approaches to therapy for depression with a licensed professional, you may wish to consider online therapy. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can work with a licensed therapist remotely, which can be helpful if depression makes it difficult for you to leave home. BetterHelp will match you with a mental health professional based on your needs and preferences, allowing you to connect with an empathetic therapist who respects your beliefs regarding holistic care, spirituality, and similar approaches to mental wellness.
Takeaway
What crystal is good for mental health?
There is no evidence to support the efficacy of crystals as a treatment for mental health, with many in the mental health field categorizing crystal healing as a pseudoscience. However, energy healers and those in the crystal healing community have several crystals they believe may be beneficial for an individual’s mental health, including opal, amethyst, moonstone, sunstone, and rose quartz. However, any potential mental health benefits gained from these crystals are likely due to phenomena like the placebo effect or one’s preexisting connection to one's spiritual beliefs.
What gemstone is an antidepressant?
It is unlikely that any gemstone can function as an antidepressant. Despite claims by some that gemstones like citrine can treat depression or reduce negative energies, there is no evidence to support these claims. In some cases, a person may believe that a defensive stone or crystal gem will help their depression; as a result, this may alleviate some symptoms. However, this is almost always due to well-studied phenomena like the placebo effect. The placebo effect, where someone believes they are being given an effective treatment even when they are not, may lead to significant improvements in mental and physical conditions.
What is the best crystal to make you happy?
Which crystals will make you happy may depend on personal preference and your personal definition of happiness. A variety of crystals and stones have been associated with happiness, including citrine, aventurine, onyx, calcite, tiger’s eye, and rose quartz. However, it's important to note that while these may be the best crystals for you to feel happy, there is no proven benefit of crystals for depression or any other mental health disorder. If a person is experiencing negative emotions or the symptoms of a mental health disorder, it is almost always more beneficial to seek the assistance of a mental health professional, like a therapist or counselor.
What crystals are good for anxiety and mental health?
While it's possible for an individual to enjoy crystals, there is no scientific evidence that they can directly benefit a person experiencing anxiety or any other mental health conditions. In some cases, a person may experience symptomatic relief from crystals due to the placebo effect, but this has more to do with the phenomenon itself than which crystals are chosen. Some crystals, like smoky quartz, citrine, black tourmaline, amethyst, lepidolite, and morganite, are often promoted by crystal enthusiasts as beneficial for anxiety, mood swings, and other mental health conditions and symptoms. However, these reported effects are not supported by the psychological community, nor does any research indicate they have these effects.
Do crystals affect mental health?
There is no scientific research or studies that confirm crystals have an effect on mental health. While individuals have reported feeling positive mental health effects from crystals, these often have little to do with the crystals themselves. For example, one study found that performance can play a significant role in the effectiveness of crystal therapy or healing. Other factors can also determine whether a person feels as though crystals have affected them mentally, including their belief in the paranormal, whether they have a strong sense of spirituality, and whether they have experienced perceived benefits in the past.
What is the best crystal for emotional stress?
There are a variety of crystals that have been anecdotally reported to help with emotional stress, including black tourmaline, rainbow tourmaline, black tourmaline, amethyst, lava stone, smoky quartz, rose quartz, lithium quartz, hematite, selenite, and clear quartz crystal. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the supposed stress-related benefits for these or any other reportedly “powerful crystal.” There are a variety of potential explanations behind why some individuals believe crystals have significant effects, including phenomena like the placebo effect. Crystals or the use of a healing stone may also result in benefits when paired with better-researched techniques like therapy, meditation, and exercise.
What stones or crystals for mental clarity?
While people from the crystal community have reported that stones or crystals like tiger’s eye, citrine, blue sapphire, clear quartz, lapis, selenite, pyrite, and tourmaline may benefit mental clarity, there is no research or information to support these claims. Some believe that crystals can absorb negative energies or affect the flow of energy through your body in order to create numerous changes, including a boost to mental clarity. However, this typically deals with putative energy medicine, which deals with unobservable changes in the body’s energy. Due to the nature of these changes, there is little evidence for their existence.
What not to do with Carnelian?
Carnelian stones can be damaged or fade if exposed to certain levels of heat or light, so it may be best to avoid leaving them in bright or hot environments. Certain liquids like salt water may also erode carnelian. In addition, salt water may worsen existing cracks in the face of a carnelian gem. Some individuals believe that carnelian is toxic, but in most cases, this is not true. Still, it is not recommended to swallow carnelian or leave it near small children, as the stones can act as a choking hazard.
In addition, some believe there are certain magical or medicinal properties to carnelian. While it has been reported that carnelian is capable of creating negative and positive energies or affecting a person’s health, these claims are not backed by scientific research. Some individuals report that, while holding a specific stone, they can feel their energy change in that present moment; however, these reports are anecdotal and often unable to be replicated in a measurable way.
Do crystals work for anxiety?
There is no evidence, research, or studies that support the use of crystals or crystal grids for anxiety. Treating anxiety or any other mental health condition should be done through a professional medical or mental health professional. These individuals may help to diagnose a disorder and formulate a treatment plan. While these plans will vary from person to person, there are a few common treatments for anxiety. These treatments typically include psychotherapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy. A cognitive behavioral therapist can help those living with anxiety identify negative thought patterns and work to change or replace them.
What is Tigers Eye good for?
A Tiger’s Eye gemstone can be used for a variety of jewelry, including necklaces, cufflinks, bracelets, and rings. With its distinct amber and gold coloring, one can also use Tiger’s Eye as decoration in their home or as a material to create art. In addition, some people believe that Tiger’s Eye and other crystals have healing abilities, magical properties, or provide the wearer with defensive energy. Other purported effects vary but may include the incredible ability to repair someone’s eyesight, heal their injuries, and enhance their physical strength. However, there is no scientific evidence that suggests these claims are true.
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