By now I'd imagine you might have gleaned some idea of my attitude toward 'evangelism' (re Anything) - persuading people who are not I.. to 'believe' metaphysically as I might or might not? appears to me to need no detailed analysis for ethical and practical flaws.
No. I am not a Buddhist. Either. That says nothing of my respect for its possibilities. But then too.. Buddhism is not a 'religion'; it postulates no Godheads, not even The Buddha as such: he was merely a One who became Enlightened. It appears that at any time, there are n Enlightened Ones about. None has any reason to.. proselytize - but some will answer questions. You have to ask. After you find one. (Whether or not this is fact - is of course of interest only to those.. for whom it is of interest.)
As to effects of 'meditation' upon depression: Ben offered one person's comment on effects he noted - and the duration. I have no more extensive experience than a few, and those aren't relevant to your comments. I'd opine merely - calmness achieved by most means - never hurts; for some it cures.
It appears to me that there is an epidemic in America of depression, a vague other one called stress -- and a plethora of ready-mix Pharm-Chem products to sell. Having myself, near-no 'faith' in the ideas of causality rampant in AMA circles, and little more in the popular psych mantras - my view is biased accordingly. It is a simple one, though:
Our culture and the physical environment 'it' has created for/by us IS making us all sick, to various degrees depending on our personal chemistry and attitude about our life. I believe that cancer is the most prominent symptom and our War on It is as inept as our other Wars. It derives from blinkered linear thinking - just like the other Wars.
Whether or not my diagnosis is valid, I (try to) behave as if it were: eschewing most all AMA attention except (if need be) diagnosis. (Trauma repair - is where AMA medicine is unsurpassed.) I have found other approaches for the occasional distemper or annoyance as bodies develop - but even if these work for me - so what? Same deal re proselytizing.
I've taken your comments to be some sort of desire for hints, not a request for advice (which I couldn't give in any case). Hints, then FWIW -
I think you have a 'good heart', and that that matters a lot more than most of us suppose. You seem often surprised when some next homo-sap behaves like an asshole (!) I believe that's an asset overall; never mind pop-psych 'explanations' - I don't.
I know of people who had body complaints ~ to some you've mentioned; also some with some mental glitches ditto. A few managed complete symptom-free health via not mere 'diet' (as in, in Murica: Lose Weight yada yada) but in improved nutrition and with herbologist advice re certain compounds that seem to match certain symptoms. Even acupuncture has been an adjunct. These have worked for some. That's all I 'know'.
If you are feeling as rotten as ever, and you've exhausted the PDR rote list (Phys. Desk Ref.) of serial remedies - it remains possible that these other approaches to the whole idea of body/mind health could prove (shockingly! effective - as one observed). You'd have to make time and pay actual attention for any serious trial. 'Attention' is another very large idea, etc. You can't (apparently) drop your body off for service, with mind on vacation. I guess they are connected somehow (?)
Of course if you have some std. med coverage and 0-coverage beyond AMA-Brand? this might seem inconvenient. But maybe you have at least the time to investigate, currently - pretty free. Generally - if paying own bills? - 'alternate' just Can't approach cost of a $50 aspirin in a hospital! Y'know?
[advice]
If all else fails: flip coin about deciding.?. to look at something different, unfamiliar. Or not bothering.
[/advice]
Luck,
Ashton
Sometimes Norm, ya gotta point yer BSA at Snotty Hill and gas it in 2nd! with feet solidly on the pegs.. May not know how ya got over the clay dog-leg - but it feels Great at the top!