Mindfulness means noticing thoughts, feelings and body sensations as they are, without getting pulled into them.
It draws on meditation traditions and is used in therapies such as MBCT and DBT.
Key concepts
- The mind will wander — noticing and returning is the practice
- Short daily practice beats occasional long sessions
- Mindfulness-based therapy reduces depression relapse
Symptoms and signs
- Constant overthinking
- Reacting quickly with anger or panic
- Running on 'autopilot' through the day
Causes
- Busy, multitasking lifestyle
- Rumination habits in depression and anxiety
- Constant digital stimulation
Risk factors
- Long-term stress
- Past episodes of depression
- Cravings in addiction recovery
Evidence-based management
- Sit comfortably, close eyes, notice the breath for 10 minutes
- When distracted, name it ('thinking') and return to the breath
- Try mindful walking or eating once a day
- 'Urge surfing': watch a craving rise and fall without acting
When to seek professional help
- You can book a consultation to discuss whether therapy suits your situation
- Practice brings up distressing memories
- Severe depression or anxiety — combine with treatment
Frequently asked questions
Is mindfulness religious?
It has roots in meditation traditions, but the clinical practice is secular and suits any belief.
Can mindfulness replace treatment?
It supports treatment but does not replace it for moderate to severe illness.
Medical references
Guidelines and official sources used for this article.
- Depression in adults: treatment and management (NG222). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), UK, 2022.
- LIVE LIFE: an implementation guide for suicide prevention in countries. World Health Organization, 2021.
- Author
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MD Psychiatry
- Last reviewed
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
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