I personally do not approve of handing my mind over to anyone in hypnosis. Hypnotism is allowing another person to 'bind you with a spell.'
What about the effect of hypnosis on a person's mind and behavior? Are there any risks involved? One valid concern is that while hypnotized a person may have little control of his behavior. Stage hypnotists utilize this feature, impelling volunteers to do things they would not normally do, even to seem to be drunk.
Hypnosis is defined as "a sleeplike state usually induced by another person in which the subject may experience forgotten or suppressed memories, hallucinations, and heightened suggestibility."The American Heritage Dictionary. I would never suggest any family member or friend to turn themselves to any person practicing hynotism, espeially those who do not have the same moral values. Depression is something that can be helped with positive thinking and help from those close to the depressed person.
Let us first understand what depression is and is not. Depresseion can be clasified intocatagories.The are the various faces of depression:
(Demoralization and Grief)
A low feeling because of some upsetting event such as a death, divorce, loss of job, medical problems or other stressful situation.
(Low-Grade Chronic Depression) (Depressive Neurosis)
The "blues" continue. There is a general negative feeling and dissatisfaction. One feels fatigued and loses interest in family and friends. Often there are feelings of worthlessness, anxiety and anger.
(Major Depression)
"You feel like you are in the pits of the earth," said one sufferer. There is no relief. Sleeping habits change; there is loss of appetite. The person feels full of guilt and may wish he were dead. Overwhelming feelings of dread, anxiety and lack of ability to concentrate. This may in some cases alternate with periods of normal behavior.
(Manic Depression)
Periods of high elationwild spending sprees, working around the clock, constant actionfollowed by deep depression
There can also be physical causes for depression: Here is a list of them:
Medical research has associated the following things with the development of depression in some people:
a- Toxic metals and chemicals: lead, mercury, aluminum, carbon monoxide,
and some insecticides
b- Nutrient deficiencies: certain vitamins and some essential minerals
c- Infectious diseases: tuberculosis, mononucleosis, viral pneumonia,
hepatitis, and influenza
d- Endocrine-system diseases: thyroid disease, Cushing's disease,
hypoglycemia, and diabetes mellitus
e- Central-nervous-system diseases: multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's
disease
f- "Recreational" drugs: PCP, marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, heroin,
and methadone
g- Prescription drugs: barbiturates, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids,
and hormones. Some medications that treat high blood pressure,
h- arthritis, cardiovascular problems, and some mental disorders
(Certainly, not all such medicines will cause depression, and even when there is a danger, it usually involves a small percentage of those who use the drug under the proper medical supervision.)
The Bible states: ""Speak consolingly to the depressed souls, support the weak, be long-suffering toward all."1Thess. 5:14. How much more loving and safe that solution is to depression that is minor. How can we follow such counsel to speak consolingly to a depressed person? We might want to follow these simple steps:
1)LISTEN CAREFULLYWith discerning questions draw up' the feelings of the person's heart. Be quick to listen and slow to reach any conclusions before having the full picture.
2)SHOW EMPATHY"Fellow feeling" should join with tender compassion' as you try to identify emotionally with the depressed one. Weep with one who weeps.'
3)BE LONG-SUFFERINGIt may take repeated discussions, so be patient. Overlook "wild talk" that the depressed one may speak because of frustration.
4)STRENGTHEN WITH WORDSHelp the depressed one to see his or her good qualities. Give specific commendation. Show that problems, past bad experiences, or shortcomings do not determine one's personal worth. Explain why God as well as you and others loves and cares about him or her.
If one is suffering from major Depression there are profesionals with regonized treatment for their depression. Hypnosis is not regonized in the courts and therefore not an accurate method of honesty and reality. Notice: What is remembered as a result of hypnosis is not admissible as testimony in court, ruled the Supreme Court of Missouri, U.S.A. Commenting on the case, Alsbach v. Bader, The National Law Journal reports: "Carl Alsbach underwent hypnosis to refresh his memory concerning an accident in which he was involved. He attempted to have his post-hypnotic testimony admitted into evidence. The court held that such testimony lacks scientific support for its reliability and should not be admitted in the Missouri courts."
Each one of us must discern what is the right course of care when our loved ones become sick, Physically or mentally, and in doing so may we reasearch the facts before allowing others to make matters worse by allowing others to take over our mind. Remember it is our mind that controls our bodies. Do you feel comfortable and safe allowing another person to put suggestions and ideas into your mind? Something for all to give sincere thought to.