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BlackViperMWG t1_ivskxs4 wrote

Reply to comment by psyche77 in New study (n=276) finds that a standardized mindfulness program is as effective as a common antidepressant (Escitalopram) at treating anxiety, with both treatments leading to about a 30% reduction in symptoms. by fotogneric

I am unable to meditate. My ADHD-I and GAD and depressive mind just can't really focus or turn off the rest.

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MegaChip97 t1_ixyi2vl wrote

> I am unable to meditate. My ADHD-I and GAD and depressive mind just can't really focus or turn off the rest.

Thats a false thinking. The "goal" of mindfulness training is not turning your mind off or focussing. It's like saying because you cannot lift lots of weights weightlifting is nothing for you.

Mindfulness is a metacognitive training. You train your metacognitive ability, e.g. noticing your cognitions, through doing exactly that. Meditation is boring. Your mind wanders off. You try to notice that and come back to your breathing. Again and again and again. Just like lifting weights is lifting them again and again and again.

A "still" mind is often a side effect of that, but it is not what you must achieve while meditating for it to be effective :)

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BlackViperMWG t1_ixyrso3 wrote

Honestly it still sounds the same.

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MegaChip97 t1_ixys10p wrote

Your mind having a hard time focussing is not a problem because the goal is not to have a focussed/clear mind. The goal is the training and that happens through losing focus and then coming back to the present moment. That just means your training is more intense. You not being able to focus is not a failure

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BlackViperMWG t1_ixz14eb wrote

But what is the goal in that case?

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MegaChip97 t1_ixz21s0 wrote

Improving your ability to notice your own thoughts, feelings and emotions, and coming back to the present moment when you are not there.

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stillnessismedicine t1_ivuth7y wrote

I hear you...I think a lot of people have misconceptions about what meditation is. Meditation is not sitting there in stillness feeling at peace. If we could just will ourselves to do that, none of us would have any problems. Meditation is turning your awareness inward and noticing what is there without judgement. Paired with deep breathing, it is a deeply therapeutic practice that cultivates self-awareness and self-compassion and with time with regular practice will lead to a greater sense of mindfulness and calm. Meditating is not easy, particularly when it is new for you and you have a lot of energy in your body or thoughts racing through your mind. Start with very short meditations. Do 1 min. And then 2. And then 5. Slowly build your ability to sit over time. It's kinda like working out, you can't expect to jump in and be in shape. You have to put some work in first. Anyway, I hope this is helpful, and hope you find what you need whatever that may be.

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MephIol t1_iy00dht wrote

Hey I’m both as well - DSM 5 validated. When I’m consistent, it’s the best activity I’ve found to alleviate both, even over adderall. Exercise and meditation lead to consistent sleep and a very positive mindset.

No joke it changed my life twenty years ago from addiction and being kicked out of college. Very successful now all thanks to a Tibetan lama and a lot of regular mediation.

Read up if you don’t believe but it’s literally the best treatment for both of our conditions. CBT and DBT therapies are very similar but don’t achieve what mindfulness can. LMK what questions you have

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