Crystals that relieve depression

There is currently no evidence-based medical evidence proving that the physical properties of crystals can directly relieve depression. However, for some groups who believe in crystal healing, it can serve as an emotional anchor to assist in stabilizing emotions. It is essentially the embodiment of the placebo effect.

A while ago, I met an illustrator who suffered from depression and anxiety for almost half a year. She always carried a polished milky white crystal in her bag. Every time before a meeting, she was so nervous that her fingertips were numb, or when she cried in self-denial in the middle of the night, she would squeeze the stone tightly. The cool touch would spread from her palms, and she could slowly steady her breathing. She herself couldn't tell whether it was the stone that was useful or the action of holding the stone. Anyway, it felt safe to have it with her.

I talked about this with a geology student before, and he rolled his eyes and said it was purely IQ-crystals are essentially silica crystals, which are no different from the core components of sand and glass we usually see. The so-called "special magnetic field" and "energy frequency" have not been detected by any scientific instruments, let alone affect people's serotonin and dopamine secretion, and directly improve depression. Those claims on the market that "wearing rose quartz attracts love blossoms and wearing obsidian to ward off evil spirits" are no different from saying that placing a glass at home can improve luck in a geological context.

But if you ask clinical psychology practitioners, their views are not so absolute. In fact, many times we give similar suggestions to visitors: for example, asking them to bring a small object with them that can bring a sense of security. It may be a doll pendant from childhood, or a photo of your family. It is essentially the same as the crystal you carry in your pocket. When you fall into a whirlpool of depressive emotions and your mind is full of thoughts of self-attack, the action of touching this object and your psychological suggestion that it "can help me calm down my emotions" can indeed quickly pull you out of a state of excessive internal friction. This anchoring effect has been proven effective by a large number of clinical cases.

As for practitioners who are deeply involved in crystal healing, they have a completely self-consistent logic. They will correspond to different emotional issues according to the color and texture of the crystal. For example, pink quartz corresponds to the heart chakra, helping you relieve your accumulated grievances, obsidian helps you filter negative evaluations from the outside world, and moonstone helps you stabilize your mood swings during menstruation or the change of seasons. This system belongs to the category of alternative healing. Although it is not recognized by mainstream medicine, many users have indeed reported that their emotional state has improved after wearing it. There is no need to deny it entirely - after all, for many people who are deeply depressed, a small sustenance that can bring them strength is very rare.

But no matter which theory you believe, one thing must be clear: no matter how useful crystals are, they are only an auxiliary tool and cannot replace formal depression treatment. If you have been diagnosed with depression, you should take medicine and seek consultation. Don't believe the nonsense that the merchants say "wearing a crystal can cure depression." If you really believe this, it will delay the treatment, which is not worth the gain. If you just like crystals, just buy one that looks pleasing to the eye and feels comfortable to the touch. You don’t need to pursue a few A-grade or rare minerals. There is no difference between the entry-level model of dozens of yuan and the six-figure collection model. The chemical composition is not even half a cent different. You look happy, which is more important than anything else.

I still have a piece of broken quartz on my desk that I picked up when I went to the beach last year. Compared with the polished crystals sold, it is dusty and a bit irritating. But every time when I was rushing to make a plan and collapsed and my mind couldn't move, I would squeeze it twice. The cold touch would make my palms ache, but I would immediately come back to my senses. After all, the most useful thing about crystal is the "belief" you are willing to give it.