Could Transcendental Meditation Cure High Blood Pressure, Depression?

Mental health issues have become a serious concern on college campuses around the country. There are an estimated 18 million students dealing with mental health issues and reports have shown a 50% increase in diagnosis of depression on campus compared to a decade ago. The number of students on psychiatric medications has doubled in the same period. Controlling these issues is not only important for maintaining emotional wellbeing: Research has shown that psychological distress in youth can lead to hypertension later in life.

New research suggests that Transcendental Meditation, a practice developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, could help at-risk college students cope with depression and mental health problems, lower blood pressure, and, ultimately, fight hypertension.