9/15/2016

YogaHelpedThisInspiringYoginiCopeWithMentalIllness

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Yoga Helped This Inspiring Yogini Cope With Mental

Illness
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According to the World Health Organization, mental illness aects more than 450 million people around the world. Mental disorders like
depression and anxiety are some of the leading causes of disability and illness worldwide.
Heidi Williams, a yogi and mental health advocate, knows the struggles of dealing with mental illness rsthand. She survived sexual violence, and
also had to live through a terrifying moment when her six-month-old baby died in her arms. Even though her child was resuscitated and survived,
the experience changed her. Williams spoke about it on an interview with Mantra (http://mantramag.com/the-mantra-series-our-yoga-heroineheidi-williams/)magazine. It was the beginning of severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder episodes, massive depression, suicide attempts, and
constant anxiety, she recalled.
According to Williams, it was yoga that helped heal her. It was in this place of mental illness hell that I found yoga and grace. Yoga brought me to a
safe place again. A place of peace and self-acceptance.
A growing body of research suggest that yoga helps modulate the bodys stress response systems, reducing symptoms of various mental health

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YogaHelpedThisInspiringYoginiCopeWithMentalIllness

A growing body of research suggest that yoga helps modulate the bodys stress response systems, reducing symptoms of various mental health
problems, including depression (http://www.doyouyoga.com/combating-depression-with-yoga/), anxiety, PTSD (http://www.doyouyoga.com/howto-combat-ptsd-with-yoga-91123/), and depression.
Today, Williams now tries to help others suering from mental illness through the Heidi Williams Support Group. Its Facebook page describes it as
a safe zone where other mental illness survivors, a place understanding, compassion, inspiration and love.
She also talks candidly about her journey on her Instagram page, and provides advice, encouragement, and support to her followers. Her beautiful
photos also serve as inspiration to other yogis dealing with mental illness, and non-practitioners who want to try soothing their anxiety and
calming their fear through yoga.
Check out some of her gorgeous, inspiring photos below:

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Have you been on a similar journey? How has yoga helped you heal? Weve love to hear about it. Sound o in the comments!

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@AisleYoga40 (http://www.doyouyoga.com/members/aisleyoga40/) commented 5 hours ago

Lovely pics

Love it

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@yogalifestyles (http://www.doyouyoga.com/members/yogalifestyles/) commented 1 day ago

LOVE HEIDI!

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