Anxiety and depression

Mindfulness meditation training for anxiety

“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.

Learn more about MBSR

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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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Mindfulness meditation training for depression

“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 cognitive therapy 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.

Learn more about MBCT

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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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