Virtual reality meditation can ease depression and anxiety

“This is important knowledge for mental health professionals, clinicians, and caregivers,” Kim says. “Meditation using immersive virtual reality has the potential to greatly benefit those in the United States who will experience depression at some point.”

The study group had 11 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 42.1 years. They used Meta brand Oculus Quest 2 digital headsets for 30-minute meditation sessions of their own choosing three times a week for 10 weeks in the spring of 2023. The headsets provide an immersive virtual reality experience in which users select from several options, including their desired outcome (such as stress reduction or improved sleep), scenery (such as a meadow or beach), and natural sounds (such as birds chirping).