If you're considering joining a mindfulness course for the first time, perhaps because you've heard it may help with stress, anxiety, depression, or overall well-being, you might be wondering if it's a good fit for your current situation.

Some mindfulness programmes are designed primarily for everyday use rather than as clinical treatments, and there are certain factors worth thinking about to make sure you'll get the most benefit from the experience. 

Here, I’ll walk you through some of these considerations.

A Note About The Course

The “Finding Peace in a Frantic World” course is intended for use in daily life, not specifically within healthcare settings. The positive outcomes associated with this mindfulness course are based on studies conducted with the general population. That said, this course isn’t always suitable for everyone.

The individuals involved in the research were carefully selected to ensure they could safely and effectively participate. Similarly, when you sign up for my course, I’ll ask you a few questions to determine whether now is a good time for you to take part.

There may be situations where I suggest postponing your course, exploring more tailored mindfulness programmes, or seeking advice from a healthcare provider or mental health professional instead.

Everyone’s personal circumstances are unique, so if you have any doubts or concerns after reviewing this information, I encourage you to get in touch with me directly.

Situations That May Impact Your Ability to Benefit from a Mindfulness Course

Current or Recent Depression
If you’re going through a significant depressive episode that’s making daily life difficult, a general mindfulness course may not be suitable at this time. These programmes involve structured sessions, guided practices, and daily home exercises, which can be especially challenging when energy, motivation, or mood is low.

If you've had depression in the past or are currently experiencing mild to moderate low mood, mindfulness might still be appropriate, but I recommend discussing this with me first.

Coping with Recent Loss
If you’ve recently lost a loved one, it may be helpful to allow some time to pass before beginning a mindfulness course. Grief can make mindfulness practices emotionally intense, as they may bring strong feelings to the surface.

Let me know on your application form if you’ve had a recent bereavement, and I may follow up to discuss this further.

Major Life Stressors
While mindfulness can be helpful for managing stress, the course itself requires a real commitment: attending the weekly sessions and making time for daily practice. If you’re currently facing major life changes such as a new baby, job loss, moving house, or a relationship ending, adding the demands of a course might feel overwhelming.

Please share any significant recent or current life events on your application so I can help you assess if now is the right time.

Managing Insulin-Dependent Diabetes
During periods of meditation the body may become relaxed and, for some people, over time, meditation reduces stress. This may, in turn, have an effect on blood glucose and insulin requirements and may potentially result in a need for adjustments to patterns of insulin administration and dosage.

If you’re insulin-dependent, please let your doctor or other healthcare professional know that you are doing the course and discuss this with them.

Alcohol and Substance Use
Participating in mindfulness meditation and related exercises is a core element of any mindfulness-based course and plays a significant role in the benefits you may experience.

These practices and exercises happen both within each taught session, and with up to 40 minutes of ‘home practice’ per day. It’s essential that you engage in home practice when your physical and mental state is not impaired by recreational drugs or alcohol.

If you’re drinking a lot of alcohol or using other drugs, please consider carefully whether you’ll be able to fully engage with the exercises when you’re not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or their after-effects. If this is likely to be difficult for you then the course will not be suitable for you at this time.

Mania, Suicidal Thoughts, and Self-Harm
General mindfulness courses are not appropriate for those who:

• Have experienced mania or hypomania within the past six months

• Are currently self-harming

• Are experiencing suicidal thoughts
  
  

While mindfulness may be beneficial in the long term, it needs to be introduced in a supportive, clinically guided setting for individuals facing these issues. 

If you’re feeling suicidal, I’d strongly recommend you speak to your doctor or another mental health professional as I’m unable to give specific advice or support to those with individual mental health problems.

Concurrent Psychological Treatment
Mindfulness courses are designed to build skills and insight that can help with life’s challenges, but they are not a form of therapy. 

And while the courses aren’t therapy, it can be confusing or impractical to engage in a mindfulness course if you’re also receiving some form of psychological therapy or treatment at the same time.

If you’re receiving some form of therapy or other psychological intervention, I ask that you discuss with your therapist or therapeutic professional whether it is the right time for you to be joining a mindfulness-based course. I will also check in with you about this.

Other Considerations
If you have any specific physical, emotional, or psychological needs or conditions, please include that information on your application. 

If it’s the right time for you to take a course, I’ll work with you to explore any reasonable adjustments I can make to support your learning experience.

I hope this information helps you decide whether now is the right time to begin a mindfulness course. While I’m excited to support you in exploring mindfulness and its benefits, it’s important that you feel ready and able to engage fully and that any risks are minimized through openness and appropriate support.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss anything further.