Mindfulness in Depression Relapse Prevention – Thoughts are not facts
Problems occur when we attach too much importance to mental commentary. We treat a stream of ideas as fact, and they crystallize into negative thoughts that become difficult to step back from. This session looks at ways of having a different relationship with our thoughts – how we can observe them from a distance and learn from them…
Read MoreLike sunlight piercing cloud
I’m not a big believer in horoscopes. Like many people, when they’re positive I look forward to the good times, if not, well – it’s all a load of rubbish, isn’t it?
Read MoreMindfulness in Depression Relapse Prevention – Facing Difficulties
I’m amazed and thrilled at the progress I’m making when it comes to learning to understand and live with my condition. Instead of trying to free myself from difficulties (which, let’s face it, is just setting yourself up for disappointment) I’m learning to deal with, and see them, differently. It truly is revelatory and I feel like SHOUTING IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS!!!! But I’ll content myself with trying to explain it in a way that I hope you’ll understand…
Read MoreMindfulness in Depression Relapse Prevention – Exploring the landscape of depression
Over the past few weeks I’ve developed a foundation of mindfulness. I’m ready to extend this skill to the thoughts and feelings I experience when depression is lurking. I’ve built up my mindfulness muscle – now it’s time to flex it and see what it can do.
Read MoreMindfulness in Depression Relapse Prevention – The Breath
The sessions so far have shown me how to use mindfulness to exist in the present moment, revealing the small but significant experiences I was missing out on by being blind to the holistic experiences of my body…
Read MoreMindfulness in Depression Relapse Prevention – The Body Scan
After a week of practicing mindfulness in short routine tasks, Session 2 introduced a more formal mindfulness exercise, designed to help me connect with direct, immediate body sensations as a way of focusing my attention away from past or future preoccupations…
Read MoreMindfulness in Depression Relapse Prevention – Autopilot & Raisins
The first session introduced the concept of Mindfulness, and it’s arch-enemy, Auto-pilot. It also ensured I’d never underestimate a raisin again…
Read MoreResearch into the prevention of depression relapse
Some of you will remember a trip I made to CAMH a while back, to explore the possibility of helping with some research into the prevention of depression relapse. Aptly enough, it being Mental Health Month, I’ve begun my participation in the Mindful Mood Balance Study…
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is a freelance features writer and mother of three currently based in Canada. She's written for newspapers, magazines and a range of expat and mental health websites, and has been a cultural chameleon since she first emigrated aged eight.
