Mindfulness course/ app/ CD/ book

[Cristiane]

Hello, Mentioned on another mental health thread was 'mindfulness'

I am interested in this for my DH and maybe for me. DH has been depressed for a long time. CBT helping a bit. Has had serious bouts of depression, and has moved from Prozac to ecitalopram.

I wondered if anyone had any experience of doing a course? I can see there are 8 week ones offered locally (2.5 hours each session, £210!)

Or I have done a little search and there are apps for iphone and ipad we could try, and there is a CD and book on amazon too... quite a few.

If anyone has any thoughts, I'd LOVE to hear them.

bump...

www.amazon.co.uk/Mindfulness-practical-guide-finding-frantic/dp/074995308X/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1325793552&sr=8-6

I am using this book and I do think its a great for us depression sufferers. I have meditated before and think this book is an easy way to start. The authors website also has links to find local courses. I think that cost of a local session is normal I'm afraid.

I am thinking of doing a course to really entrench it in my life as I think it is very transformative. I would say both do it if you can.

Thank you for that, I think i will start off with a book and then move on to a course. Hopefully i can engage DH too.

What benefits have you found?

I do think for a complete beginner a course is more accessible that a book. I have meditated on and off for years so for me the book may all that will be necessary. If you have never done anything like meditation before then it can be difficult to keep it up.

Your DH will have to want to do it and be receptive to it.

Benefits differ depending on the person and it will takes weeks/months for some to discover them. I find it makes me calmer and gives me clarity of thought. I am doing it each day and hoping in the long term it will stop or at least lessen my depressive episodes. Its a lifetime commitment really, it needs to become like brushing your teeth before going to bed or as soon as you get up. That is quite difficult to achieve.

Is your DH being offered talking therapies other than CBT?

He did see psychiatrist on Nhs but no longer is. The CBt nurse he saw on Nhs he didn't get on very well with, so is seeing someone privately but it is so expensive that he can't afford to go spas often as he needs

He tries to self CBT too with books and stuff

Maybe I should encourage him to do the course. Sunday mornings is quite a good time, as I work full time and I could go swimming or something with the girls while he is at the course.