Mindfulness For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 13

Using Mindfulness to Combat Anxiety, Depression and Addiction

In This Chapter

Finding out about depression and anxiety

Discovering ways in which mindfulness reduces depression and anxiety

Exploring specific techniques

“You are not your illness.”

Depression, anxiety and addiction present serious challenges in our society. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the planet’s leading cause of disability, affecting 121 million people worldwide. About one in six people suffer from clinical depression at some point in their lives. About one in fifty people experience generalised anxiety at some point in their lives – feeling anxious all day.

Medical evidence suggests that mindfulness is very powerful in helping people with recurrent depression, and studies with anxiety and addiction look extremely promising too. If you suffer from any of these conditions, following the mindfulness advice in this chapter can really help you.

If you think that you suffer from a medical condition, please ensure that you visit your doctor before following any advice here. If you ...