Mindfulness is a therapeutic technique that encourages people to focus on the present moment and increase awareness while letting go of judgments. People of all ages can benefit from using mindfulness to reduce stress and improve their mood, especially teens who tend to have higher levels of distress as they navigate through the adolescent years.

Mindfulness is particularly effective for teens with depression as it includes learning skills such as deep breathing and meditation which helps them regulate their emotions. It teaches teens to self-reflect and to engage with their own thoughts and feelings without judgment. Not only has Mindfulness been shown to have a positive effect for young people with depression, it also helps with executive function, attention, anxiety, stress, and negative behaviors.

Using mindfulness, teens can:

• Learn to manage stress
• Deal with anxious thoughts and feelings
• Increase their self-awareness
• Sleep better
• Improve their relationships with others

Anyone can learn mindfulness, but it can take some practice to become comfortable and familiar with the techniques that it uses. Learning mindfulness in a group can reinforce motivation as well as reduce self doubt through the shared experience. A group also provides a sense of belonging and connection that encourages compassion and understanding.

Bridge to Balance runs Mindfulness Groups for adolescents to teach them the tools and techniques that they need to practice mindfulness in their everyday lives. Teens with depression can begin to practice mindfulness regularly to enjoy the positive benefits.