Mindfulness for depression has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and to prevent future relapses of depression.
The world’s collective heart is breaking over the death of Robin Williams. For some, it brings a sense of disbelief and shock, and for others, it brings to mind the phrase, There but for the grace of God go I.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest statistics, in 2011, 39,518 suicides were reported, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2012, an estimated 16 million adults suffered a major depressive episode. That statistic is likely a significant underrepresentation that does not include those who chose not to seek help.
May this be a call to all of us to connect with a sense of hope and care devotedly for our uniqu
e and beautiful selves. If you or someone you love is suffering from depression or bipolar disorder, please reach out for help. Don’t allow your shame to keep you buried in isolation. Your suffering is merely a reflection of your humanity, and we all suffer in some way at some time in our lives.
I urge you to connect with the abundant resources that are available to support you. I have lost a doctor, teacher, neighbor, dear friend, and nearly lost my mother to suicide. The more we all release the shame about depression and bipolar disorder, the more we end the isolation for everyone and pave the way toward healing. Even though you feel you cannot crawl out of the darkness, you must try anyway. You must reach out one hand toward getting help. Even though it feels that the darkness will never end, you are merely riding a wave. Keep breathing, get help, and the wave will pass.
May all beings be healed. May all beings be free from suffering. May all beings be at peace.
Please share your own strength, hope, and resources here as a way to connect support one another. Consider practicing mindfulness for depression to ease your suffering.
Suicide prevention resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
The Mindful Way Through Depression
A Lamp In the Darkness
In memory of Robin Williams, Dr. Story, Johnny Boyd, Bo Welch, CJ Dorgeloh, and Eloise Johnson.
One reply on “Mindfulness for Depression”
Well written … and yes, I’d like to contribute to the solutions. This too shall pass, but not without practical helps and the support with love from others. We need one another to love and to live WELL.