Hi, Bill from uk, advised to come on here by psychiatrist

[Billcr]

Hi,
As in title I'm Bill from uk.

I'm currently in a bad bout of depression so been today to see a psychiatrist, who wants me to mindfulness. I'm a bit confused as to where to start?

Bit about me, I'll be fine for months then things start to get to me. Over think things. Don't handle being upset and tend to get angry. Find things wrong with relationships etc. Stew on things and get more angry. Then it all culminates with how I am now, feeling worthless and sobbing continuously. I've been on citalopram for almost 4 years at various doses. At 30mg now as everything falling apart.

So, any pointers very much appreciated and can someone explain what I'm trying to achieve?


Many thanks

Bill

[JonW]

Hi Bill,
Welcome to the forum. Great to have you on board.
To get started with mindfulness, the best way would be to find a qualified teacher in your area that could teach you in a group setting. The teacher should be able to advise whether it's advisable to begin an 8-week course when you're currently suffering from a bad bout of depression. The general view is that it's better to wait until your symptoms are not so evident.
If there are no courses in your area or joining a course is not feasible for other reasons, it is possible to follow the 8-week course by book. The one I always recommend is Finding Peace In A Frantic World by Mark Williams and Danny Penman. It comes with a CD of guided meditations. Available from Amazon.
What is mindfulness? Jon Kabat-Zinn describes it as, "paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally, to the unfolding of experience moment to moment." Somewhat paradoxically, it is not a goal-oriented practice so, in effect, we're not trying to get anywhere with mindfulness, we're learning to be OK with what is already here for us in the present moment.
It takes patience, time and committed practice.
Rest assured, you'll get plenty of support here on the forum if you decide to take the plunge.
But go very easy on yourself. Self-compassion is the most important thing here.
All good things,
Jon, Hove