How can mindfulness help feelings of depression?

Becoming aware of the present moment can help us to reconnect with our bodies and notice thoughts and feelings as they happen. Dr Sarah Barker, expert consultant clinical psychologist, explains how this practice, known as mindfulness, can improve mental health and wellbeing.

What exactly is mindfulness and how might it help feelings of depression and/or anxiety?

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present. When we perceive the world, we bring our senses to the fore, but what we think and feel about the world also has an influence on that subjective experience. Mindfulness, through being fully present, can help us to change and experience the world in a better way.

How exactly can someone be more mindful?

When we bring our attention fully to something - that is being mindful. We're all mindful to some degree, but evidence shows that practicing mindfulness, whether that's in a seated practice or in what we call micro mindfulness, can be really beneficial in helping to restructure the brain and helping us to deal with things like anxiety and depression.

What therapies do you offer in your clinic alongside mindfulness?

I use ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) which is a trauma-based treatment, in addition to mindfulness. Integrating approaches and tailoring therapy to each person is often required to help people to move forward and really benefit from psychological therapy.

Do you think mindfulness is useful for everyone?

Being present focused is a really essential part of enjoying life. Often, we're pulled into the past or the future too much, and this means we're not fully present in what we're doing. Sometimes, it's important to think about the past and the future, but being more present focused definitely is beneficial for everyone.

If you’re living with depression and/or anxiety and would like to discover how mindfulness could help, don’t hesitate to visit Dr Barker’s Top Doctors profile today.