decision making and depression

[HannahLiz]

Hi there Everyday Mindfulness community!

(I won't go into my story too much in this first post, but I'm happy to talk more about it if more details of my experience are required!)

I've been suffering with depression for nearly a year now. I've not been officially diagnosed with it; whilst my mood is generally low, I sleep and eat as normal - it's more that my thoughts are scary and feed into a cycle of feeling hopeless and very sad. I have never self-harmed or attempted suicide but I do think about it.

I'm also coming to the end of my time at university so the future is understandably on my mind quite a lot. I don't really have any strong indications as to what I want to do once I graduate, which is fueling a lot of anxiety. As mindfulness is all about fully inhabiting the present moment, how are you supposed to know what to do next? Or how to make any decisions for that matter? I do love the idea that you're never more than one thought away from peace though.

Also, does anyone have any advice for using mindfulness whilst in the midst of depression? Most of the advice out there is aimed more at preventing relapse.

- Hannah

[JonW]

Hi Hannah,
Welcome to Everyday Mindfulness. Please feel free to make yourself at home here.
Being mindful doesn't mean that we stop making plans. It is quite possible to make plans for the future whilst being attentive to what is being experienced in the moment. If anything, I now find that I make plans and decisions from a much calmer, far more rational place.
Most teachers would advise that you don't embark on a mindfulness course whilst in the midst of severe depression, so caution is advised. And you're right - most of the advice out there is aimed more at preventing relapse.
In the meantime, make yourself at home here and ask any questions you like. We're always happy to help in whatever way we can.
All good things,
Jon, Hove

[Peter]

Hi HannahLiz,

I agree with Jon. If anything, things become clearer. I now know much better what is important to me, and what not. Furthermore, I now see big obstacles much more as a series of very small steps, and I just focus on each little step in stead of becoming overwhelmed by the entire thing. And like Jon said: When you take the fear away, you'll make more rational decisions.

Then maybe a slightly different sound then Jon's: In the Netherlands mindfulness is used a lot to overcome depression. It is prescribed by psychologists and doctors. It is even being taught by hospitals. I personally know of people with severe depressions that were prescribed to take a mindfulness course. I advice you to seek guidance of a medical professional. For instance a psychologist or doctor that teaches mindfulness themselves (which there are lot of in my country).

Peter

[JonW]

" I personally know of people with severe depressions that were prescribed to take a mindfulness course."

That's very interesting and useful to know.
Thank you, Peter. And that's excellent advice about finding a therapist who utilises mindfulness. Preferably someone who has been recommended and someone you can talk to before committing to anything.
Cheers,
Jon

[kimjohnson]

Coloring a Mandala and Anxiety Reduction One of the easiest ways to guide yourself into a calm state.

[Peter]

Coloring a Mandala and Anxiety Reduction One of the easiest ways to guide yourself into a calm state.

Thanks kimjohnson. "Coloring a Mandala" I get, but what do you mean by "Anxiety Reduction"?

Peter

[JonW]

"Coloring a Mandala and Anxiety Reduction One of the easiest ways to guide yourself into a calm state."

That might well be true but what connection do they have with mindfulness which has little or nothing to do with aiming for a specific state?
Thanks in advance,
Jon

[Peter]

Of course I agree with you Jon, but I think might be helpful as a way to get oneself out of one's head (grounding oneself), and to learn patience. In Tibet sandpainting is used to heal the soul.

Peter

[JonW]

I didn't know that, Peter. It sounds interesting. My only concern is that it might prove confusing for someone who is just beginning to get a grounding in mindfulness.
One thing we've always endeavoured to do, especially in the New Practitioners section is to confine the conversations as much as possible to mindfulness itself. Of course, the last thing we wish to do is start censoring people. So it's always a fine balance.
All best,
Jon

[Peter]

I totally agree, Jon! I found the comment a bit off subject too, and it would be better to keep things as simple and to the point as possible!

Maybe kimjohnson can share something about it in the 'general discussions' or 'Mindfulness & me' section.

Peter