Should I pay for this mindfulness course?

[EstelleGetty]

Hi everyone,
I'm just trying to get some sensible opinions. As of October, I will be unemployed (I'm doing a PhD and my stipend will end then) and I don't know how long it will be before I find a job. I'm really worried about this and suffer from GAD so I'm concerned about not finding work or getting ill and being unable to work.

I used to have savings, but they all went on my wedding and honeymoon last year. Now I just live off what I earn and pay DH a standing order for the mortgage each month. I try not to spend any more than is absolutely necessary.

After a recent bout of feeling extremely unwell and getting my dose of Sertraline increased, my DM bought me a book on mindfulness and I've found it really interesting. There is a buddhist centre near me which offers an 8 week mindfulness course. It's around £200. I really want to do it, but part of me thinks I'll miss that £200 when I'm out of work come October. I feel that it would be investing in my mental health, but then I don't know if I'm just being silly and should realise I need to save every penny. My DH earns enough to support us but I don't want to have to ask him for money.

What do you think? Sorry if this sounds trivial, I'm just in a bit of a flap. Thanks everyone.

Thanks for replying, Unfortunately, I think it does just come down to wanting to be independent and not to feel that I'm sponging off DH. And that sounds crazy when I say it because I'd never think that of anyone else. I just don't know how we'd work it out if I needed to be given money by him. It's stupid, but I like my independence - I am very careful with money and usually get whatever I can from the pound shop, take packed lunches to work and walk everywhere I can. It's just daft things like, if I wanted a new book or to eat lunch with friends, how could I possibly justify that if I wasn't paying for it myself? I know it sounds silly and we're going to have to have this conversation someday.

The nhs sometimes offers the 8 week course-you could enquire via your GP. I've done it and teach it and its useful but by no means a cure all. You could try doing it on your own-on the course there is limited input from the leaders because it is really all about the practice and the experience.

Hi Estelle
I am a huge fan of mindfulness and self taught over a long time with books ,cds and you tube videos .
For me it had to be learned alone without group distraction . But that is of course subjective . I am not comfy with others at best of times though . You may find it more helpful and insightful to learn with like minded people and discuss and share .

Maybe find out more about the course /how many in class /aftercare ?
The philosophy behind it ? I have Buddhist friends and family .
Ah so many questions sorry .

Your mental health is the most important aspect . So go with your instinct Estelle. Good luck x

Yes, without hesitation. I did the MCBT for stress 8 week course, and it was very much worth the investment.

Thank you so much for your replies, everyone. Basset and Boots (you sound like a crack 70s detective team! ). Do you mind me asking what you got or get from mindfulness, what you see as its positives?

I have generalised anxiety disorder and an addiction issue (smoking) and I've heard it can be helpful for these. The book my DM bought be includes a CD of meditations which are meant to be used as an 8 week course. I know I need to make time for it. What attracted me to doing a course was the aspect of having dedicated time for it, needing to be in a certain place at a certain time.

Personally, the only way I can describe it is that, once I'd done the course and home activities, I felt like I had a place to go to when I'm feeling insecure or under pressure. I actually used the mindful breathing practice during labour with DD, and managed to get by on entonox alone, I'm sure the two are linked. Other than that, the benefit for me is only there if I'm still doing the exercises reasonably often, but I'm really glad I did it.

Forgot to add - the version I did was secular, in that it was taught by a therapist and not in a Buddhist context, which suited me. Not sure whether that's relevant or not. I would also point out that the course fee was only £80, so I wonder if you might find another provider who might be a little kinder to your budget?

at Basset and Boots detective combo .

Mindfulness stops the "monkey chatter" in my head Estelle . I have tendency to ruminate over and over stuff. With the breathing practice along side I can now halt panic attacks escalating [mostly].
The anxiety is there but the physical things like palpitations and dizziness are controlled usually . Feel much calmer and less frantic.
I practice it every night before sleep and at least once during the day .

Would it be possible to have a taster session do you think before committing to £200 ?

Take care and hope you feel better soon .

It's too early to say how much good it's doing just yet but I've been doing an online course of mindfulness from 'be mindful' that was £60. trying to cope with severe anxiety, stress and PTSD and the mindful breathing at least is helping me to fall asleep quicker sometimes. http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/gallery1.htm this might be more within your budget to see if it might work for you, I have purchased a few of the downloads and find them useful for relaxation if nothing else, again it's too soon to tell whether they will help as a long-term solution. hope you find something that helps

sorry this is the link