Don't end up like Mark Twain.....
“I have experienced many terrible things in my life
– some of which actually happened.”
Mark Twain
Life is full of things we find challenging and even threatening. When stuck in an anxiety pattern, the mind repeatedly creates "paper tigers" that threaten us even more. We worry about other peoples opinions. We feel attacked by our own critical thoughts. We become frightened of our own emotions like anger, sadness and grief. And we get stuck - not able to take wise actions that might help.
Anxiety is our body’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m experiencing too much stress all at once.” This happens to the best of us. But when that feeling of being “always on alert” becomes background noise that doesn’t go away, that’s when it’s time to seek proper help for your mental health.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction will teach you to:
- Redirect your focus away from the spiral of worry
- Experience a calmer nervous system, day by day
- Explore difficult emotions without analysing, suppressing or drowning in them
- Explore how your mind works and how to intervene in patterns that constrict you in your life
- Face your fears and take direct action in line with your values
Open to the good things in your life
Mindfulness based programs as an adjunct treatment for anxiety can be useful for Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder.
If you are suffering from OCD or Panic Disorder, do consult your psychologist or doctor for an initial first-line treatment.
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“I was interested in the mindfulness program to try to make sense of the frenetic state I always seem to be in. Now I know the tools to use when I feel myself ‘digressing'. I consciously try and think about ‘the current moment’, not judging, not forcing issues, being open to opportunities, trusting. It’s working!”
Peter M, Participant
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Break down the isolation of depression and begin a new way forward...
“In the middle of this road we call our life,
I found myself in a dark wood with no clear path through.”
Dante Alighieri
Depression is complex. It can be genetic and can also be a response to a situation we feel undervalued and uncared for, and that our feelings don't matter to others. It can also be the result of not being able to meet the demands of a stressful or traumatic one off or ongoing situation.
Openground programs can help you feel more empowered, motivated and connected again by reducing your symptoms of rumination, self-judgment and self-criticism, improving emotional regulation, increasing your awareness and compassion towards yourself and others.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction will teach you to:
- Learn self-care habits to calm your nervous system
- Disrupt the automatic downward spiral of negative emotions, pessimistic thoughts, and physical sensations like fatigue - which are amplifiers for depressive states.
- Identify the early signs of a low mood and intervene much sooner than before
- Shift away from a critical, judgmental mode of mind
- Expand your capacity to hold difficult thoughts and feelings in awareness
- Approach your suffering with warmth and compassion
- Be present and connect with yourself and the experience of being alive, here, now.
Mindfulness based programs as an adjunct treatment for anxiety can be useful for Major Depressive Disorder.
If you are suffering from suicidal ideation, please consult your psychologist or doctor for an initial first-line treatment.
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“Coming from a place of feeling very disconnected to myself, I now feel I am engaged and listening to what I need, which then has allowed me to handle what life has to offer in a positive way.”
Betty L, Participant
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Anxiety and depression often go together
Openground programs can help you feel more empowered, motivated and connected again.
What participant’s report:
- Reduction in anxiety symptoms
- Improved emotional regulation
- Enhanced relaxation
- Increased awareness of self and others
- Better interpersonal boundaries
- More self-compassion and less self-judgement
- Improved coping strategies
- Improved quality of life