Depression and anxiety are the most common forms of mental distress in the UK. Because these conditions impact so much on the lives of sufferers and their families, it is understandable that many people seek a quick fix that will get them back to normal as quickly as possible. Antidepressants seem to offer this possibility; however, recent research shows that antidepressants may not be as effective as previously thought, especially in cases of mild depression. The Royal College of Psychiatry estimates that between 50% and 65% of people treated with an antidepressant for depression will benefit. Furthermore, according to a Canadian researcher, Dr Paul Andrews, individuals who take antidepressants can be nearly twice as susceptible to future episodes of major depression than those who don’t.

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If you struggle with anxiety and/or depression, you are probably finding it difficult to get out of your head. You analyse relationships, replay the events of the day and beat yourself up about what you could have or should have done differently, you worry about the future and endlessly churn over various scenarios…Sound familiar?

Maybe at some level you know that all this thinking is a futile activity, but you just don’t know how to stop! Mindfulness meditation helps you to find the “off” switch and get some relief from the endless inner dialogue.

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