Mindfulness support and preventing depression’s return
An online programme studied during pregnancy combined mindfulness, cognitive skills and coaching alongside usual care.
A 21 October CU Boulder briefing reports results from a trial of 500 expectant mothers with a history of depression who were not depressed when recruited. Half received Mindful Mood Balance for Moms alongside usual care. The eight-session online programme combined mindfulness and cognitive behavioural skills with coaching check-ins.
Prevention has a specific meaning
The university reports a 26 percent relative reduction in depression recurrence through six months postpartum, with findings published in The Lancet Public Health on 20 October. Most participants continued antidepressants. This was relapse prevention, not treatment for current depression and not a test of a yoga class. For teachers working with pregnant students, the story points toward recognising the limits of class-based support and making room for appropriate mental health care.
Sources
YOGA+