The benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices during times of crisis such as COVID-19

C Behan

doi:10.1017/ipm.2020.38

Abstract

Meditation and mindfulness are practices that can support healthcare professionals, patients, carers and the general public during times of crisis such as the current global pandemic caused by COVID-19. While there are many forms of meditation and mindfulness, of particular interest to healthcare professionals are those with an evidence base such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Systematic reviews of such practices have shown improvements in measures of anxiety, depression and pain scores. Structural and functional brain changes have been demonstrated in the brains of people with a long-term traditional meditation practice, and in people who have completed a MBSR programme. Mindfulness and meditation practices translate well to different populations across the lifespan and range of ability. Introducing a mindfulness and meditation practice during this pandemic has the potential to complement treatment and is a low-cost beneficial method of providing support with anxiety for all.

Highlights

During the global pandemic, we have all had to change how we live and work
Patients with pre-existing anxiety, depression or psychosis may feel overwhelmed by additional worry or fear
Carers may have an additional burden of care with loss of any time to themselves and loss of supports

Summary

Introduction

Healthcare workers may be overwhelmed, busy, fearful, coping and dividing their lives. Patients with pre-existing anxiety, depression or psychosis may feel overwhelmed by additional worry or fear. Carers may have an additional burden of care with loss of any time to themselves and loss of supports. Household units are living in pressured environments, not used to spending so much time in small spaces. Children and adolescents have lost the structure provided by school and may have their own worries and fears, with loss of support external to their own families. Older people have been cocooned away and may have lost external support but may have the perception that once you are over 70 you are deemed vulnerable and no longer useful. Despite the despair, the fear and the anxiety, there have been glimpses of a world with an increased sense of community and kindness

Meditation and mindfulness

Ethical Standards