Why Meditation Therapy on the NHS is so Vital

I believe depression needs to be tackled with a range of treatments, especially non-drug options such as meditation, talking therapies and exercise.

So I'm appalled that a meditation-based therapy which works - and was recommended by advisory body NICE five years ago - is still largely unavailable on the NHS.

A report released yesterday by the Mental Health Foundation reveals that only one in five GPs have access to the therapy, known as mindful meditation.

It combines meditation with yoga and cognitive behavioural therapy, an established technique that tackles negative thinking. Three-quarters of GPs say they still have to prescribe antidepressants due to lack of access to more effective alternatives.

It's a crying shame as mindful meditation is clinically proven to cut the risk of a relapse by half. This could make a huge difference as one in 10 people will be affected by clinical depression at some point. (More)

Source: Mirror