Mindfulness for Depression: Theory and Practice

Depression is surprisingly common, affecting about one in 20 of us at any point in time, and as many as one-half of humanity over the average lifetime.

 Major life changes and stressors can bring about depression, which we may feel we have little or no control over. People with depression are often unable to see that they do have choices and can bring about change in a variety of ways. Several studies have demonstrated that a variety of psychological methods can be effective in treating the symptoms experienced, reducing the chances they return and may also help prevent a person with mild depression from becoming more severely depressed. Some of the more common psychological methods used are those such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).