Jon Kabbat-Zin. Very COOL stuff Breezin! I wish the U.S. was a little more in tune with this kind of therapy.
I'm so glad you're joing us. There are wonderful people here and lots of support. Post as often as you can, and try and work the program (it's really good). The moderators are also so amazing and supportive.
You'll probably see parts of yourself in all of us. That's been my experience anyway. It has helped tremendously when I can't talk to anyone else, when I'm having trouble getting out of bed, but also when I have successes.
Mindfulness meditation practice teaches to be aware, compassionate and accepting of our thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations moment by moment (there is no past and no future only the present moment). Since our thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations can trigger and contribute to anxiety and depression as well as stem from it, generating an acceptance and self compassion to how we think and feel rather than fighting to suppress or remove them lessens their affect on our mood. The approach was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Univ of Mass. Medical School.
It takes time and practice but I understand it has a respectable success rate.
The program I attended was at Toronto Western Hospital (Community Mental Health). It is 10 weeks duration (one half day session per week) and is covered by OHIP (there is an additional $50.00 materials fee). Those wishing to attend require a referral from their doc. Wait time when I took the program was about 8 weeks.
I am a 56 yo guy in Toronto. I suffer from anxiety
(GAD) and Depression (altho my depression usually follows a breakout of
my GAD). I am on antidepressant meds and have also use of a benzo (if
needed). I recently completed a 10 week Mindfulness Meditation CBT
program and I also see a therapist from time to time.
I'm interested in seeing what this program has to
offer, hone my skills and add some additional tools to my toolbox to
more effective manage my anxiety and depression. I look forward to
working along with you all.
