According to a Lancet report, a mindfulness-based therapy could help people deal with recurrent depression. The therapy was used by scientists against anti-depressant pills for people having high risk of relapse. The researchers found that the therapy showed good results.

The therapy helps people focus their minds and also learn that negative thoughts can come and go. Doctors in England and Wales have been suggested to use the therapy. Doctors usually recommend long-term anti-depressant drugs to patients suffering from recurrent clinical depression to help prevent the problem in future.

The study was conducted by UK scientists on 212 people who were at risk of further depression. They used mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and also reduced their medication carefully. Patients participated in group sessions where they were told about meditation and mindfulness skills.

The therapy assisted people in focusing on the present. It helped people recognize any signs of depression in the beginning and act in response to them in such a way that did not lead to further episodes.

According to scientists, these findings recommend that MBCT could offer a great alternative for people who are not able to or don’t want to take drugs to deal with recurrent depression. It was concluded in the report that it may be a new alternative for people who suffer from recurrent depression on repeat prescriptions.

According to Nigel Reed, who took part in the study, "Rather than relying on the continuing use of anti-depressants, mindfulness puts me in charge, allowing me to take control of my own future, to spot when I am at risk and to make the changes I need to stay well".