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Cyndi Sarnoff-Ross is a licensed psychotherapist with almost twenty years of clinical experience in the fields of clinical psychology and organizational management. She has worked extensively with a wide variety of…
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Mindfulness, a Buddhist Practice, as an Alternative Treatment for Depression
The practice of Mindfulness, which has its origins in Buddhist philosophy and teaches people to be present in the moment and aware of their surroundings, is now being acknowledged as an alternative to antidepressants. For those who suffer from a major depressive disorder, this is great news. This information was delivered in a recent study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry and followed patients in remission. The results showed that those using Mindfulness did as well or better than those who took antidepressants or a placebo, and those patients were more likely to be protected from a relapse.
One of the problems with medication in general is a lack of compliance. Basically, when people feel better they often abandon their med protocol. They may feel they don’t need it or they want to avoid some of the negative side effects.
When Mindfulness is employed both independently and with a clinician, the only side effects are positive ones. People experience a greater sense of calm and are generally able to focus better. Many previous studies have shown the positive physiological effects of the practice of Mindfulness which is why it has been used extensively in the medical profession with very good results.
This practice can be beneficial for all who undertake to learn it, with the only drawback being the amount of time required to truly see the benefits. It is necessary to spend at least 30 to 40 minutes per day in a mindfulness meditation which for many seems like time they don’t have. As a therapist, when my patients report not being able to find 30 minutes a day to relax, it becomes clear to me that this lack of time is at least one source of their anxiety or depression. I have seen the very act of making the time have a positive effect on an individual’s mood.
The next step in this discovery is to make Mindfulness available to more people. There are many clinicians trained in the practice but they may not be accessible to all because of location or finances. There are books that describe the process of mediation for the purpose of Mindfulness and there are more and more on-line resources cropping up to assist people who are interested in making Mindfulness a part of their lifestyle. See my past article on Mindfulness, and visit some of the Discussion threads below in which our DailyStrength members talk about their experiences with Mindfulness.
- Cyndi
One of the problems with medication in general is a lack of compliance. Basically, when people feel better they often abandon their med protocol. They may feel they don’t need it or they want to avoid some of the negative side effects.
When Mindfulness is employed both independently and with a clinician, the only side effects are positive ones. People experience a greater sense of calm and are generally able to focus better. Many previous studies have shown the positive physiological effects of the practice of Mindfulness which is why it has been used extensively in the medical profession with very good results.
This practice can be beneficial for all who undertake to learn it, with the only drawback being the amount of time required to truly see the benefits. It is necessary to spend at least 30 to 40 minutes per day in a mindfulness meditation which for many seems like time they don’t have. As a therapist, when my patients report not being able to find 30 minutes a day to relax, it becomes clear to me that this lack of time is at least one source of their anxiety or depression. I have seen the very act of making the time have a positive effect on an individual’s mood.
The next step in this discovery is to make Mindfulness available to more people. There are many clinicians trained in the practice but they may not be accessible to all because of location or finances. There are books that describe the process of mediation for the purpose of Mindfulness and there are more and more on-line resources cropping up to assist people who are interested in making Mindfulness a part of their lifestyle. See my past article on Mindfulness, and visit some of the Discussion threads below in which our DailyStrength members talk about their experiences with Mindfulness.
- Cyndi
RELATED POSTS
In a few posts I have made on here I have mentioned mindfulness based meditation which i use as a relaxtion technique and for spiritual growth. I got into it thru books and a meditation course at my local buddhist centre.
Posted on 02/18/08 09:33:46 pm
I've suffered from depression for many years and have recently come out of a bit of a downward spiral but am doing well. I'm curious if anyone out there has been using mindfulness, meditation and/or yoga to help work with their depression.
Posted on 07/08/08 03:00:01 am
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I practiced it but no luck as my mind has been too dull due to long term depression. Nothing on earth can heal me.
By AllNamesAreUsed Feb 11, 2011
6
I'm sure that boredom contributes to depression but it is certainly not the cause of the problem. Mindfulness is very helpful, but not fully the anwer to ridding oneself of depression. There is no easy way out if you have clinical depression. Mindfulness is certainly a positive therapy.
By Sojourner1 Jan 22, 2011
5
I like this idea, especially with a radical change in disability last year.Still trying to figure out how to deal with it.
By Pliny Jan 11, 2011
4
i was off work with depression when i was diagnosed with terminal cancer, my depression was lifted there and then. i dont intend to spend my last years on earth depressed, its a waste, so im going to makw the most of the time i have.
By confushian Dec 22, 2010
3
Another thing, I have heard, an idle mind is the devil's playground.
By sjanderson23 Dec 20, 2010
2
This practice was recommended to me the last time I was an in-patient, without being aware of it though it is something I was already habitually doing, and still do. Being aware of one's feelings keeps one in contact with one's thinking, if the feeling is good the thinking is good, if the feeling is not so good then the thinking needs altering so that the feeling of good returns. An excellent piece.
By PickingMyselfUp Dec 20, 2010
1
Tis is what I have been saying for years. If you give yourself something else to do, you won't have time to be depressed. I think that the only reason you can get depressed is because you are bored and have nothing to occupy your mind. Taking medication is something that you can remember to do everyday. I was diagnosed with MS six months ago, I have a daily shot every day. Diabetics have a daily shot that if they don't do it, they will maybe die. I am glad that I am not in that situation, but if they can do it, so can I.
By sjanderson23 Dec 20, 2010
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