Mindfulness Changes Emotion Regulation in Individuals With Depression and Anxiety Disorders

What is it about?

Imagine your mind as a busy highway, with thoughts about the past and worries about the future zooming by like cars. This constant traffic can be overwhelming, especially for people experiencing depression and anxiety disorders. Our study focused on how changes in mindfulness can help people alter their reactions to their thoughts and feelings. Instead of getting stuck in a loop of negative thinking or trying to avoid certain emotions, mindfulness encourages acceptance and a shift in perspective. We tracked 162 patients undergoing individual therapy and found that those who revealed an increase in mindfulness became better at not dwelling on negative thoughts and more adept at looking at situations in new, less distressing ways.

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Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash

Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Our research examines a specific way mindfulness can help people with depression and anxiety: by improving how they regulate their emotions. Recognizing the distinct pathways through which mindfulness affects depression and anxiety separately ensures that interventions can be more personalized and tailored to individual needs.