The extraordinary effect of mindfulness on depression and anxiety | Daniel Goleman | Big Think

The extraordinary effect of mindfulness on depression and anxiety
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Everyone's experience with depression is different, but for comedian Pete Holmes the key to living with depression has been to observe his own thoughts in an impartial way.
Holmes' method, taught to him by psychologist and spiritual leader Ram Dass, is to connect to his base consciousness and think about himself and his emotions in the third person. You can't push depression away, but you can shift your mindset to help better cope with depression, anxiety, and negative emotions. If you feel depressed, you can connect with a crisis counselor anytime in the US.
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PETE HOLMES:
Pete Holmes is a comedian, writer, cartoonist, "Christ-leaning spiritual seeker", and podcast host. His wildly popular podcast, You Made It Weird, is a comedic exploration of the meaning of life with guests ranging from Deepak Chopra and Elizabeth Gilbert to Seth Rogen and Garry Shandling.
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TRANSCRIPT:
PETE HOLMES: You woke up in a conundrum. You were born into a conundrum. And I don't care how we label it or lower our anxiety by going, well, it's this and it's not this, and it's that -- let's just talk about this shared mystery that we're soaking in. I want to be careful here, talking about depression, because I had a friend who was very depressed, and I remember talking to him, out of love, trying to explain some of these ideas, some of these ways that we can think and interpret our suffering. And sometimes when someone is suffering, the last thing they want is for you to go, 'Hey, there's another way to look at this.' That's later. None of this is to be imposed on anybody, and I don't want to belittle or just say, 'You know your brain is -- it's your attachment to your desire to not be depressed that's causing you--' no, none of that. That is not what I'm saying at all. We can give space to someone's depression. We can love them, we can honor -- we can just eat some noodles, we can watch some movies, whatever it is. We can just sit and not talk. That's real stuff. It's a real -- I don't know if you call it a disorder, a disease, but it's happening, and we don't need to coach people through with ideologies.
That being said, if you're in a place to talk about this, usually when you're not depressed, I found it helpful to step inside what I call the witness. And other traditions call that your soul. I believe science might just call it the phenomenon of your base consciousness. If you think about when you were born -- I have a baby girl now; she's not thinking in ideas yet. She doesn't know she's American. She doesn't know she lives in California. Just like a ladybug doesn't know it's Italian. You know what I mean? It's just awareness. So she's just there. But slowly over time, we build up what Jung and others called the false self. So we have the story of who we are. I'm a man and I'm a comedian and I'm a tall man, I have big teeth, and all these things, and I like the first two Batman movies, and I don't drink coffee, or whatever it is. So you build up this identity. And oftentimes, in that identity is where things like suffering are occurring, sometimes. I can't speak for everybody. But I will say that for me, when I've been depressed -- and I get depressed. I have irrational bouts of anxiety. I have random FedEx deliveries of despondency. Just like, "I didn't order this. Oh, well, keep the PJs on, cancel everything you're doing today. It's time to take a sad shower." That happens to me. So I'm speaking for me with full respect to other people's processes and their experience.
When I'm depressed, if I can get into that quiet space, it's the space that's noticing the thoughts. So if you think, 'I'm hungry' -- we always just think that 'I'm hungry' is the thought in the animal, and then we eat, and then it goes, 'Thank you.' Who's talking to who, really? I would say that the thought is talking to your awareness, your base awareness, your witness. So that's what's watching your thoughts. And if you can get into that, you see how impartial and unswayed by your life circumstance this witness really is. It's just there. It's neutral. It's just is-ness. It's just this. And it's just watching. It's compassionate, it's involved, it's invested. But it's not really as connected and tied to the events of your life story as you are, as your false self is. So when those depressions happen, I found it helpful -- and this is something Ram Dass taught me -- is instead o...
For the full transcript, check out bigthink.com/videos/depressio...

[@Gandalf-The-Green]

I suffer from recurring depression and have found that walking really helps. I recently walked 6-12 km each day for about 2 weeks and that made a huge difference for my well-being. When I walk my mind is strangely active and has its very own notions on what it wants to think. When I walk , my thoughts are very positive even when I am depressed. After some time, walking really soothes the mind if you let your thoughts ramble.

[@nfcoard]

+thebiglebenski1 Brings new meaning to the the phrase "walk it off".

[@Gandalf-The-Green]

@@nfcoard or maybe to a walk-about ;)

[@nfcoard]

I've noticed that falling asleep early between 9pm and 10pm helps my mood to be brighter and happier. And then if I walk for 30 mins at a fast pace that adds even more benefit. And often just sitting quietly with my eyes closed and not doing anything for 10 minutes or so is a great stess reliever and peace inducing.

[@Gandalf-The-Green]

@@nfcoard I find it strange that you mention that. Because I read that the most important part of sleep especially for well-being takes place between 11pm and 2 am. So I started to go to bed way before 11 pm which also helped.

[@nfcoard]

All the sources I've read and researched say that the most important time period to be asleep is 10pm to 2am. In terms of bodily rejuvenation/healing and well being. It's quite challenging though when your body/mind is not used to that sleeping at that time and doesn't feel like cooperating. ( :

[@Hyper-Linkman]

I swear, Big Think has some of the best timing for releasing their videos. This topic has been on my mind for some time, and Daniel Goleman perfectly articulated the benefits of practice, opposed to other videos I've seen which just tell you a method with no scientific basis. From someone dealing with adult ADHD, this video has cleared up some of the doubts I had in the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy that has been recommended. Thank you!

[@yesntpittzant4156]

Depression makes you see everything based on emotions. Naming those emotions makes you see everything rather neutral and objective

[@jojoaja6106]

The attachment come from desire the root of depression

[@mathematicschamps2761]

​@@jojoaja6106 Indeed

[@twinsoultarot473]

I often feel like I'm just so far below my ability. Or I'm feeling like my ability is actually below other people's much smarter than me.

[@SomosLaNuevaEra]

Sending good vibes and love to anyone who comes across this video! Greatness is coming‚ this is your year! ❤

[@Enso.]

Keep Goleman and similar content up, Big Think!

[@limeros88]

Mindfullness is the tool to shift to a neutral observation mode, and therapy is to then choose in wish direction you want to go.

[@Callmethebreeze902]

I’m in a mixed state of bipolar…was so happy recently having my awakening but going without a psych med for a week and husband in the hospital last night has left me tearful. Happy to find meditation for this.

[@hopree2839]

I'm gonna start doing loving-kindness meditation 15 mins and 5 mins mindfulness everyday.

[@jed1680]

Easiest form of mindfulness-listening to good music that the lyrics are not inline with any forms of “unhelpful” thoughts of negativity-such as heartbreaks, sadness, grief, reminisce of the past, and of course-regrets or remorse. Listen to Gospel, bossa nova, Christian or world musics, nature sounds, Zen can immediately bring you back to the present. Or own a pet, or play with stray cats and dogs (and don’t forget to give them food if you can) may help immensely to condition your mind into a neutral (if not happier) state.

[@SirEveryone]

loving your approach on medidation in these last videos. thanks

[@BDBD05]

I was a fan of Dr. Goleman after reading his book "The Science of Meditation" and it is such a huge pleasure to see the man talking some great stuff!!

[@demonsureiya9297]

Mindfulness helped me out a lot dealing with cognitive dysfunction, before my brain constantly goes full panic mode and deals with brain fog continuously 24/7. I couldn't think, or do anything I felt fucking useless. But learning about mindfulness and practicing it, I saw a lot of improvement with interactions towards my recovery, things, people, problems, confrontations, struggles and all things in my life. I'm gonna continue going forward on this and I hope for the good. I really wish everyone their best with dealing with their struggles and hope something comes that will benefit you, your mental health and life. Stay strong ❤

[@davide0o.o0o06]

How's it going rn?

[@becky2235]

Did you have that since you were born or did it develop? Thanks

[@detailed8962]

The best teachers are those who explain with examples

[@MindLifeFlow]

Another wonderful video on mindfulness and the impact it can have when practised regularly.

[@priyojitroychowdhury3571]

Thanks a lot.It really helped me very much.

[@DizzzyWiz]

This was helpful to me and i like this guy!

[@sanjuansteve]

@1:32 ''I don't have to believe my thoughts'' is a level of self-control that can also be applied to pain and hunger, consciously thinking that I don't have to respect the electrical signal of pain or I don't have to respect the electrical signal from my stomach we interpret as hunger.

[@becky2235]

I don't think that works for severe pain. Also it's not healthy to suppress hunger. I've been in times where I didn't have enough food to eat and now I work in healthcare it's not a good idea to do that

[@wellschr888]

I suffer from severe anxiety. Meditation has allowed me to get off a benzodiazepine 4 times a day. I live with severe cronic pain and living using mindfulness practices let me deal with it. Psycotherapy is a very important tool for me.

[@Milestonemonger]

This is a keeper.

[@DiscipleToki]

The depression is not me, it is a passing enemy, one I call the Void. It does not make me anything, I am me and it is something I do not embrace, an enemy of my own wellbeing. This line of thinking coupled with CBT and Meditation has had tremendous results for me personally. I live with Bipolar 2 which I lovingly refer to as Eyore syndrome.

[@Finsproutcom]

Any recommended cbd resources?

[@chhetensherpa2331]

Can we treat depression without medication but with meditation

[@FelixIakhos]

Such a thoughtful video and all i notice is how that line above his right eye disappears once he raises his eyebrows

[@jdt8983]

So meditate and then it will help you do the CBT aspect of rethinking. Aka being more realistic with your views. For instance - sometimes rather than always as a precursor statement to a way you are/behave

[@mychannel-lt9yu]

Take note, people. This man knows what he's talking about. Goleman co-wrote his book (Altered Traits) on the actual scientifically verified effects of mindfulness with one of the foremost mindfulness researchers in the world. If anyone knows anything about this topic, it's Goleman. Shout-out to his co-author, Prof. Richard Davidson, too!

[@mychannel-lt9yu]

There's plenty of unscientific skepticism in the comment section. Those are the people I'm trying to reach.

[@quoctuantran9292]

Wonderful

[@Leon-cd3fg]

My mental health has been quite weird honestly… Anxiety. Emetophobia. Nostalgic depression. I get anxiety in the morning, noon, and the deep nostalgic depression at night. Sometimes both of them hit at the same time and it ruins my day/appetite. Been like this for about a year and a half. I’m 17. I feel stuck because I feel like I can’t tell anyone about this. I’m not close enough with my friends to talk to them about this. I don’t feel comfortable sharing my issues with the school councillor/teachers/police/strangers, etc. I know if I tell my mum she’ll use it against me in arguments (verbally abusive) and just put me down when she’s in a bad mood (she has very unstable mood patterns). If I tell my dad, well, he doesn’t believe in mental health issues. Once I tried to reach him little about my anxiety and he told me he has it too, but how he dealt with it was to suck it up, study hard, and it’s very obvious that he thinks he’s helping. And when he thinks he’s right, he becomes stubborn and there’s no way I can help him help me on this mental illness situation. What bothers me the most currently is the nostalgic depression. Literally everything makes me nostalgic. Looking out the window, etc. it’s absurd. I think I miss my childhood before Covid, because that’s when quarantine began and relationships failed. Now it’s so bad because I have school and going into uni. I wish I could just be a careless child again. I wish there were no responsibilities and just friends. No loneliness. Loneliness is what I face on a day to day basis at school because I am swept up in nostalgic depression or social anxiety. I am starting to see no point in anything. My mental health is getting worse by the day but I’m keeping my mouth shut. I just hope everything would resolve in my head. I am so desperate to tell someone in person about my struggles but no person is available to me, at least one I feel comfortable bawling my feelings out to. However there’s no one out there. What should I do next?

[@wendy5290]

Go to a GP first, sooner rather than later. Get full blood work done. See if you're deficient in anything, i.e. eliminate physical problems, if any. Then if necessary from there ask for recommendations for clinical psychs. Call them and ask, since you are a propective client, if they are willing for you to "interview" them for free. Tell them you're seeking a person whom you can relate to, and vice versa. If they are happy, see them in person and ask what method they use, what is their experience, what made them want to enter that field of study- and anything that will show you clues to their personality, and the way they relate. Do they seem pushy, over confident, or quietly confident? Do they have a calm, reassuring way of conversing? This is YOUR interview, so make it count and finally, follow your gut instinct on choosing a therapist. It's really important that you find the right person and mentor on this journey. God bless!

[@mystique190]

Pray, as silly and simple As it sounds...pray. God is mighty and does AMAZING things everyday. He helped me through my severe anxiety...my adhd is a work in practice...but seriously God is good and I pray over you that the anxiety flees from you...in Jesus name.

[@jorgetorres-mora9403]

Talk to your parents, tell them you have something serious to discuss, if they are not receptive, just asked them to take you to the doctor. Once with the doctor, suggest him/her to rule out a physical cause of your symptoms (vitamin deficiency, underlying hypothyroidism, etc), once this is ruled out, he should put you on psychotherapy, medication or even better, both, which work much better combined. You have no idea how much your life may change after treatment, heaven and hell difference. If you cannot even go to the doctor, go to your school counselors and tell them what you are going through. Please look for help, do not suffer alone, you life could Be much happier

[@mystique190]

Pray. I understand what you are saying. Although I've never been able to put it into words quite as etiquely as you have. I have recently found my faith again. And in doing so has ease so much of the anxiety / depression / Etc. There is power in the name of Jesus. A song that I shas helped me get out of some rough patches many many times ( "In Jesus Name"). I pray in Jesus name that peace comes over you, take your troubles to God and let him take care of them from there. I pray this for you in Jesus name amen

[@mystique190]

Also the song "perfectly loved" by Rachael Lampa also if u need to talk you're welcome to send an email anytime... I know it may not be the same as in person, and that you don't know me, but I want you to know that there are people who care. In Jesus name I pray for this mountain to be moved from you! Amen

[@BasicBuddhist]

Amazingly, this 3 minute video was much better than a 40 minute 'mindfulness' documentary done by Positive Revolution. This one was succinct and got the points across much better.

[@phoenixpariah1963]

I've learned as much as i can about mental health issues but have fallen short on finding a psychologist since there aren't any that take my insurance in my rural area. It's frustrating because the only place that offers any kind of counseling is the methadone clinic. The staff if so short that the only option is group therapy. Even then, there is only one psychiatrist for meds. I was basically told by my general physician that there are no real options, especially considering my issues, which are complicated. At least they are there for people after they start self medicating..*rolls eyes

[@becky2235]

Please don't hate on people who go to the clinic. You don't know what they've gone through to need that help

[@mooneyes2781]

he's right

[@jakehenderson746]

my social anxiety is lessening.

[@kyoungd]

Meditation and exercise. Don't forget to exercise.

[@shane8869]

I disagree with the assumption that thoughts are behind negative feelings. Most of the time when I feel anxious or depressed I am not thinking about anything. My mind is “blank”. Mindfulness isn’t for everyone. Sometimes SSRIs are the answer (worked for me). Marijuana might be an answer for some people (works for me as well). There’s variation among living organisms. I need air to survive. It doesn’t mean that my pet fish would be happier if I took it out of water. What works for one doesn’t necessarily works for everyone.

[@sherazuki]

I need to actually undertake one hour everyday. I need to actually experience that. I truly believe something like what would change me substantially. Sadly I’ve only managed twenty minutes daily but we will get there. Why not right now?

[@sonalkss6973]

The biggest value is NO SIDE EFFECTS.I love meditation.

[@MissFoxification]

Mindfulness converts you from an observer of your thoughts to a participant in them. I have CPTSD, Dysthymia with periods of clinical depression and anxiety. This is all I use to deal with it, I refuse medication as I don't like the side effects. Neurofeedback is also quite useful.

[@challo8067]

MissFoxification Alpha Stim helps too, as a form of neuromodulation.

[@MissFoxification]

thomas anderson I was referencing more the product of thoughts, that which people refer to as "thoughts". In other words, they don't participate in the process of producing that final product.

[@MissFoxification]

thomas anderson When you observe the process or are aware via mindfulness or cbt you choose how you react. If you are angry you basically can pause and decide what you are going to do, rather than get angry or tell someone off. Of course there's series of thoughts which occur and if you are aware from the start you may stop yourself getting angry in the first place. This is why it helps with depression and anxiety, you can see where you mind is going and that can help a lot, it cuts the effects down considerably.

[@MissFoxification]

thomas anderson It's the thought, feeling or emotion you would describe if I said, "How do you feel?" or "What are you thinking?". We experience a whole range of thoughts, feeling and emotions which lead is up to the final product. These could be things from our childhood, it could (and often is) biases and it can be a lot of things. Our biases might tell us to be angry at the stupid actions of another, we may be on our way to feeling a bout of self indulgent rage but experience a moment of pause and just decide it's just not worth it. A downside is you start to see how others arrived at their conclusions, why they feel the way they do and if you look into it, you may see where they are lying to themselves and the like. It's not always pleasant to pull back the curtain. You also can't tell a person to not be angry because it's not justified and is predicated on a flawed thought process or ill conceived belief. Many people feel justified in being angry or upset and never gave any thought to whether it is pleasant or productive or not.

[@mark_ricci198]

You got the observer and participant thing backwards

[@mbhemler5813]

Mindfulness has done wonders for my Major Depressive Disorder, but I don't believe I would be functioning if it weren't for medication. Medication took me out of a severe depressive episode 2 years ago and probably saved my life. I began taking a new-ish antidepressant called Trintellix (generic name: vortioxetine). I kid you not, I emerged from my depressive episode within 24 hours of when I began taking it. It is technically considered an SSRI, but unlike the classic SSRIs (e.g. prozac, lexapro, celexa, zoloft), vortioxetine does not have the side effects of "zombie-ness," sexual dysfunction or weight gain. Scientists believe this is because it has large effects on both serotonin receptors and 5-HT receptors. I took Prozac for a few months when I was a junior in college (I am now 25), and it made me feel numb, lethargic, and slow. In contrast, vortioxetine actually has neuroprotective qualities. It has been shown to enhance the cognitive performance that is often negatively impacted by Major Depressive Disorder. Personally, it is hard for me to judge the impact of the neuroprotective benefits. I do know that cognitive dysfunction is not something that I am frustrated about, which was definitely not always the case prior to taking vortioxetine. Vortioxetine does have some negative side effects that in general occur in about 15% of people taking it. It can cause nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. My psychiatrist told me that the one negative effect that is commonly experienced is nausea when beginning to take it. He told me that eating breakfast prior to taking it seemed to mitigate this effect, which is what I experienced. For the first 2 weeks or so, when I hadn't eaten something somewhat substantial prior to taking it, I did feel nauseous. I think I even threw up from the nausea one time. However, eating something did prevent/significantly reduce the nausea. I stopped experiencing any noticeable nausea within a month of starting on it. I am not a drug spokesperson nor linked to any pharmaceutical company. I just can't believe that this atypical antidepressant is still relatively unknown, given the increased efficacy and significantly reduced side effect profile as compared to classic SSRIs. It's worth giving it a shot.

[@Ontherunzl1]

Looks like an ad

[@andrewpanin3435]

In studies, anti-depressants tend to only really beat placebo, or exercise and other methods, in extreme cases(cases where hospitalization or suicide watch is an option). Something that is important to note.

[@wildflowersmile3224]

I tried taking that. Worst med I tried. Made me so sick and I couldn't function.

[@IshyVideos]

Fuck meds

[@IshyVideos]

But thank you

[@johannesstefan6732]

I’d like to read that study by Oxford university. Anyone knows the title or the name of the researcher? Thanks.

[@stadtjer689]

Hey @Big Think, you’ve got the wrong description on this video.

[@ratatataraxia]

Without the money to afford real therapy, mindfulness is all I can do to manage my ocpd.

[@QUINTUSMAXIMUS]

What is the difference between meditation and mindfulness cognitive therapy? Anyone know?

[@boudreaux99buddy65]

This may be helpful to some..but it seems like some component of depression (besodes chemical environmental etc).. it is an inability to see beyond the present moment.. almost getting stuck in a "this 10 min experience is gonna be like this forever"

[@jegelskerunited]

So how?

[@lcbryant78]

All should watch this video!!!

[@Larry21924]

This is unparalleled excellence. I encountered content with a similar message, and it was astonishing. "Mindful Mastery: Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World" by Kyle Ash

[@ImagoCanis]

hey what if i cant afford cognitive therapy? what if i’m depressed because i cant find out what makes me happy and i’ve made horrible choices in life due to my past drug habits, which stemmed from sexual and emotional abuse as a child? what if i’m working my ass off full time, and trying to stay in shape, and trying to have an active social life with my friends and significant other, but i cant shake the feeling that its all pointless, and that i only care about anything on a superficial level? like i could just say goodbye to everything and die, and while that wouldnt make me happy, the peace of not having to put on the mask of social acceptability would be a greater relief than any temporary happiness. what do i do about that?

[@QUINTUSMAXIMUS]

Hope you're better. You don't need to do cognitive therapy. Do what you can. It could be doing 5-10 minutes of meditation every day and walking 30 minutes a day every day or working out. I am struggling and going to exercise and meditate.

[@twinsoultarot473]

You get out there and you start changing the world. You want to know what's really going on out there? They've got technologies that they're suppressing and there's that doesn't matter how crazy as hell. I don't care how crazy I sound. There's extraterrestrials for watching all of this and in counsel over our planet...right now. Do you watch the news? Do you know who David Grusch is? Have you heard of the new paradigm Institute? If not, look it up - Daniel Sheehan the world's foremost authority on disclosure. Do you know what a resource-based economy is? Look up Jacque Fresco.

[@MindNow]

*OH HELL YES!! One of my most favorite topic! If meditating done right then it can be sooooo freaking powerful* Thank you for sharing this with us! ❤️ Winny out... _for now_ 😉

[@MindNow]

Jay I totally understand! I'm going to tell you briefly how do it: sit down and become aware of your breath. Watch your thoughts, become aware of them, but don't get attach to them. Prioritize on your breath. That is the mindfulness meditation. I will also make a video about it soon :) Winny out... _for now_ 😉

[@HumbleDudeDontHate]

Jay Smoke a big joint. Put on some deep soulful music. Close your eyes. Forget about life for the time being. That's the closest I've come to meditation. I've heard somebody say before "there was a monk who said LSD is good but meditation is better" What is mediation or a meditative state? I too would really love to know. Objectively not just somebody's personal opinion. It's definitely a powerful tool we all could do with

[@CausticLemons7]

TheInspireMeMan, I think cannabis can be very helpful for this type of exercise but I think it would be better if people started sober. Try to first become aware of your thoughts and the present before using mind altering substances. In my experience beginning with cannabis (or other pharmaceuticals) runs the risk of becoming dependent on them in order to reach a meditative state. Also, if possible using in a controlled environment with professional supervision can be very helpful for people struggling to find their focus.

[@1p6t1gms]

Meditation does not bring enlightenment neither does the repetition of OM. In my opinion they are both tools that you would use in order to quiet the unconscious part of the mind and its uncontrolled mental activity. You do not have to practice it for any longer than 15 minutes, however, to gain benefit you must practice it regularly.

[@HumbleDudeDontHate]

Overdose You're right i became dependant on cannabis at a young age and when I finally decided to leave it alone at a later age it was hard since I'd always been dependant on it and really didn't know. Being in touch with your sober self is very important. Trying to find your sober self after years of self medicating is a struggle. Facing your true self and reality after years of non stop smoking or using any substance is a backward way of life. Prime example of why I find it hard to meditate without the use of weed because my mind is all muddled up in a sober state. It's rough

[@m4ffyy]

I just don't even know if I have anxiety and depression I always doubt that I have it because I don't want to look like im trying to get attention. I am always thinking negative thoughts and crying because I'm really frustrated like I doubt everything and I always clench my fist and feel like scratching myself until I feel pain, hitting my head on the wall. I don't actually care if I die now and I'll always wish that a car could knock me over and it'll feel painless. Is that depression and anxiety? I'm not sure.

[@NoirpoolSea]

moony clouds: Short answer.. Yes. That is depression. I've been there after the death of my partner and it is unbelievably seductive. For the past 3 years I've been volunteering as a facilitator in a meditation recovery group and before that I spent much time volunteering at a feeding program. Volunteering is an espicially benificial activity to combat depression. Search out here on youtube "Lost Connections Johan Hari". This is a journalist who has talked everywhere about the causes of depression of which there are 7 causes of which only 2 are in the brain; the rest are social.. Volunteer, join a recovery meditation group (even if you are not an addict), get involved in various social groups, take dancing or Akido lessons, go for a daily walk or run and leave the headphones at home (walking meditation), help tutor some kids in school programs, join an urban garden group, join the YMCA, turn off your TV screen and social media apps, learn new skills like jewlery making, art, or visit a maker fair, start a journal, join a book reading club... Oh yes. Sit quietly for 10 minutes a day and practice mindfullness meditation and simply attend to your breath. A fabulous introductory resource for this is the "Great Blue Sky" meditation which is free and can be found in the "Insight Timer" app for android or ios platforms. Our modern society with advertising is almost designed to create depression. Social media apps claim to enable connection but actually further isolation. The internet can be your friend here in helping you find resources. You don't need to necessarily spend any money to accomplish these ends; just your time and effort. You are worth it.

[@m4ffyy]

@@NoirpoolSea tysm for the advice!

[@brynwhitehead1731]

Never been the case.

[@gregoryrollins59]

I think higher than 50%

[@kevinportillo1971]

I realized this pretty much on my own with a combination of rationale and faith.

[@Jaibee27]

But what if it is true?

[@MolotovWithLux]

#selfinducedmachinization #selfinducedconditioning

[@lawsondave5076]

Mushrooms containing psilocybin saved my life. The aided my benzodiazepine withdrawal allowing me to quit illicit pill addiction after three years of heavy daily use before it would had became medically dangerous to quit. It has also helped me survive depression.

[@woolmanangela]

Psychedelics definitely have potential to deal with mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression, I would like to try them again but it's just so hard to source out here

[@timkenndy]

@@woolmanangela I was having this constant, unbearable anxiety due to work stress. Not until I came across *dr.healingstrain a very intelligent mycologist. He saved my life honestly

[@timkenndy]

@@woolmanangela You can check him out on. 👇🏻

[@timkenndy]

I G

[@coconutkittys]

@@timkenndy Does *dr.healingstrain ship?

[@chesaashleypalaca34]

okkk

[@BossModeGod]

K? K

[@artgallery7376]

Guys lets be friends..I know that u all have talents..lets subscribe to each other.. I want to know you all no bs. I'm sick of depression..I need people in my life.. I feel like one day i can beat to death any depression because i heal through you or with you..God really helps.

[@LTdrumma]

I think there's a bit of a misconception. Trust me I love this vid, I love meditation, I recommend this to everyone, but one crucial detail he says is wrong in my understanding/practice of meditation and mindfulness. Once you are about too "see" you feelings and thoughts, the best way forward is not to "talk back to them" saying the opposite like he says in the video. That will only feed your ego and just trick yourself into thinking everything is ok by pumping up your ego. This is why he is so insistent on using cognitive behavioral therapy because it counteracts this mistake, or it fills a hole that this approach would leave. Unfortunately what you do after seeing your thoughts instead of talking back is complicated and extensive to explain thats why meditation is so "hard" or complex. You must understand that your judgments that you have over your own life don't define you and you must lose your ego and trust your path and eventually even focus on losing all desires which all desires are of the ego and then you are able to dissolve your ego and yeah a lot of stuff there to keep learning. His "tip of the iceberg" approach is still beneficial but that's not really what meditation is. Is like going to yoga to workout and doing a bunch of straining poses, still beneficial but I wouldn't even say you are practicing yoga

[@challo8067]

What if you never judged the thoughts and allowed all of them to pass? Try it!

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Face your problems and deal with them. Do not do drugs.

[@jasonwhittlesey3643]

Pretty much, If I tell myself to shut the fuck up when I'm thinking negative things I'll be okay?

[@danbee6103]

Just described emotional intelligence?

[@AnaManAna]

In the islamic theology, these thoughts are sometimes detached from the self as satanic thoughts that are imposed upon you and not even from you , and sometimes it is from the self but not “you” . The self here refers to the subconscious mind and “you” as the deciding conscious mind that can overrule and challenge the thoughts of the self, and that latter is what I think is what he is referring to, however I believe that to live believing that some of these thoughts are not even from yourself, they are meant to put you down, deceive you make you feel bad and make you do bad, to believe in this is much much more relieving and helping in combating depression. Because in a sense you are detaching yourself from the thoughts completely. There are many verses in the Quran that describes what satan tries to put in your mind and that all the power that he is permitted is in the mind he has no power other than deception through the mind.

[@J-Ton]

"mindfulness"? As opposed to mindfulless?

[@BossModeGod]

Dont be that guy

[@J-Ton]

I think I made up 2 words...

[@_Booker_DeWitt]

‘Mindfulness’ as opposed to ‘mindlessness’

[@BossModeGod]

@@_Booker_DeWitt ayyye

[@funkymunky]

My life is too real to sit and hum in a corner for an hour while staring at a leaf.

[@royboy4571]

Whose life isn’t. For some people that tools to get on with life. Peace and love

[@icecarandang1721]

Your skin is not paper, Don’t cut it Your face is not a mask, don’t cover it Your size is not a book don’t judge it Your life is not a movie, don’t end it ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@icecarandang1721]

Max Payne :(

[@mmka5434]

0:33 to 0:38 None of which works.

[@royrosario5995]

I just smoke pot

[@sororityslayer8517]

That doesn't work forever, and that is not being mindful

[@caseyjones9621]

Xanax and cocaine

[@bettleybmx]

There will come a day when you realise smoking makes your problems worse.

[@royrosario5995]

well I understand the real dangers and real benefits of pot, and my conclusion is, it is beneficial to me atleast. you just have to be responsible-- if you're not capable of being responsible and controlling yourself, than maybe it's not for you.

[@legi0naire]

Anything is better then the medication they subscribe, those horrible emotion blockers that turn you into a fat zombie. Meditation doesn't work for me 5htp/L-tyrosine does and I am trying out Ginkgo & Ginseng, for some people certain music can help as well.

[@tommyninjaturtle]

You might want to try probiotics, they've helped me ease my belly and thus my brain. Reduced my anxiety a lot

[@mbhemler5813]

Medication took me out of a severe depressive episode 2 years ago and probably saved my life. I began taking a new-ish antidepressant called Trintellix (generic name: vortioxetine). I kid you not, I emerged from my depressive episode within 24 hours of when I began taking it. It is technically considered an SSRI, but unlike the classic SSRIs (e.g. prozac, lexapro, celexa, zoloft), vortioxetine does not have the side effects of "zombie-ness," sexual dysfunction or weight gain. Scientists believe this is because it has large effects on both serotonin receptors and 5-HT receptors. I took Prozac for a few months when I was a junior in college (I am now 25), and it made me feel numb, lethargic, and slow. In contrast, vortioxetine has neuroprotective qualities. It has been shown to enhance the cognitive performance that is often negatively impacted by Major Depressive Disorder. Personally, it is hard for me to judge the impact of the neuroprotective benefits. I do know that cognitive dysfunction is not something that I am frustrated about, which was definitely not always the case prior to taking vortioxetine. Vortioxetine does have some negative side effects that in general occur in about 15% of people taking it. It can cause nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. My psychiatrist told me that the one negative effect that is commonly experienced is nausea when beginning to take it. He told me that eating breakfast prior to taking it seemed to mitigate this effect, which is what I experienced. For the first 2 weeks or so, when I hadn't eaten something somewhat substantial prior to taking it, I did feel nauseous. I think I even threw up from the nausea one time. However, eating something did prevent/significantly reduce the nausea. I stopped experiencing any noticeable nausea within a month of starting on it. I am not a drug spokesperson nor linked to any pharmaceutical company. I just can't believe that this atypical antidepressant is still relatively unknown, given the increased efficacy and significantly reduced side effect profile as compared to classic SSRIs. It's worth giving it a shot.

[@nfcoard]

You still have problems with nausea? Or has it all gone? Are you completely out of the depression? Thanks for sharing your story.

[@mbhemler5813]

@nfcoard I do not experience nausea anymore. I recently had a Major Depressive episode, my first since beginning to Trintellix almost exactly two years ago. The depressive episode lasted for 3 months and was moderate. I was able to go to work. Compared to my depressive episodes before starting the medication, it is about 40% of the intensity. It also was significantly shorter - typically, my episodes lasted about 6 months. I started taking it while I was in a depressive episode, and was no longer in that episode 2 days later. I went 2 years without a depressive episode, and it appeared to significantly reduce the severity and length when i did experience a depressive episode.

[@Pandamasque]

What if you are objectively fucked and reasonably asserting the circumstances only further proves that the depression is fully warranted? :) I guess it's called stoicism then.

[@davidphillips7533]

The kingdom of heaven is at hand. is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? is it not to be set on a lamp stand? for there there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. if any has ears to hear let them hear!

[@EugeneKhutoryansky]

If someone is constantly depressed, perhaps this is just a sign that their life sucks. Therefore, the way to solve it is to address the root cause of the problem, such as the fact that they are in a job that they hate, rather than using therapy and meditation to try to convince them that everything is fine.

[@111vincento]

id wish that i could just do something as simple as getting a new job to gain happiness. being born with desires that cant be satiesfied really fucking sucks.

[@wgo523]

sounds like you don't know anything about depression.

[@lilyxin9149]

Meditation doesn't "convince" you that everything is fine, it give you a deeper awareness of your life situation and helps you go beyond the irrational fears you harbour within you. This, in turn, gives you a different outlook on life and helps you be more productive and strong to overcome YOUR mental barriers which were stopping you from a more fruitful and happy life. It helps you from the inside out, rather than slapping on a band-aid. Even your current life situation is the result of your own sustained mental perspective on life itself.

[@littlesometin]

Lily Xin for me it really did feel like someone was trying to convince me I didn't have problems I do have

[@mexkdspEd44]

Mate, that's a huge oversimplification. What are you gonna tell to someone who's depressed because their parent's are reaching old age and suffering from slowly advancing alzheimer's and dementia? Solve the root of the problem and get new parents? What if they're as many people are and have fulfilling careers, loving family and friends and yet are still depressed. What then?

[@AdamShaiken]

Oh !, just relapse.

[@DerAua]

Hm, he describes depression as an emotion which creates thoughts. That is wrong in my experience, unfortunately.

[@frmnt341]

He literally said the opposite

[@caseyjones9621]

Fuck it, I’ll jus stick to Xanax, cocaine & alcohol to cure my anxiety and depression

[@cosmicfxx]

You wrong. People need to stop listening to people who have actually never suffered from anxiety disorder and depression. Thought does not bring on anxiety and depression. Anxiety disorder and depression bring on the negative thoughts. Anxiety and depression disorders are not the same as those experienced by those who do not have the disorder.

[@1secondago256]

I suffered severe depression and anxiety Mindfulness works for me . You just gotta stick to it Try it for a month then judge.

[@caravan3326]

This is absolute Bullshit. You dont "feel depressed" you are "clinically depressed" you cant diminish it. It isnt just a feeling. It isnt prolonged sadness either. Stop acting like telling yourself you are good is a solution. It isnt. If you have self worth you clearly arent depressed.

[@RhizometricReality]

Why does this right wing channel co-opt so much.

[@jodawgsup]

Doesn't work for plenty of depressed people. Stop telling depressed people they can "fix" their condition by merely working out or using this technique.

[@andthereisntone1]

But apparently it _does_ work for plenty of people. You don't want them to know?

[@thefifthstage369]

It did work for me :-) and still is.

[@gsnjc2212]

More "New Age" weird crap imho🙄😏...

[@Braham_the_Terror]

listen....these techniques work....not for all,maybe not for many but they work for some people. it's better then nothing,don't just speak for everyone ok?

[@jodawgsup]

The pretence that it works for everyone is disgusting, especially to those who have to medicate in order to feel okay again. It is as if you pretend it is their fault since they were unable to fix it without other forms of help.