Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) For Depression: What It Is and Why It Works

How Does This Therapy Work for Depression?

MBCT can reduce depression and decrease the risk of relapse (meaning, it reduces the likelihood that symptoms will come back after treatment). In fact, evidence shows that in some cases, it works just as well as antidepressant medication. According to one study on the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on depression symptoms,⁷ “There is evidence from at least nine clinical trials… that MBCT reduces the risk of relapse to depression when added to usual care, and demonstrates comparable efficacy to maintenance antidepressant medication.”

There are many reasons why MBCT is so effective at treating depression.⁷ People learn skills that they can use in the real world, and empathize with each other. The following are concepts that MBCT can teach people to set them up for success in life after rehab.

A Greater Sense of Control

MBCT helps people feel more in control of their depression—and their lives. Learning how depression works gives patients a better understanding of their overall experience. And practicing the techniques to counteract their symptoms is empowering. It helps people feel like they have more power over their thoughts and feelings.

Mandy, a patient in an MBCT study on recurrent depression,⁷ said she learned “how the mind works” which gave her a better insight into her depression. She found the MBCT sessions “so liberating” because they gave her the tools to take control of her mental health. This “toolbox” included things like meditation, recognizing depressive symptoms, and reaching out to social contacts.

Other patients in the same study echoed Mandy’s sentiments. Some participants described it as “a shift from being a ‘helpless victim of circumstance’ to having more ‘control of my feelings and my life.’”

More Incentive to Manage Well-Being

Mindfulness practices are one way to engage in self-care. The techniques that MBCT teaches you serve as important ways of giving back—to yourself. And because people now have this toolbox, they’re more likely to use what they’ve learned to take care of themselves.

Some patients in one study noted that gaining more control over their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors gave them a greater sense of responsibility to manage their overall well-being.⁷ They felt they could actually do something about it. They mentioned that self-care was no longer an option—instead, it became a necessary component of their routine.

Peer Interactions Are Beneficial

Patients can benefit from being around peers in MBCT group therapy They can share experiences and receive advice. And realizing that other people have the same feelings as them can decrease the shame they feel about their condition.

Some people in the MBCT study were ashamed of their depression and antidepressant use.⁷ One participant felt “‘inadequate’ or unable to cope with life compared with other people because of their recurrent depression, treating it as a ‘guilty secret.’” Some patients were too embarrassed to admit to their depression or that they were taking medication.

Participants agreed that meeting other people in the group helped normalize their experiences. One participant said that being around others with depression⁷ “confirmed that I am a human, worthwhile person.” And another said, “I don’t feel any more when I take my pill every morning that there’s something wrong with me.” These interactions with peers helped participants accept their condition—and themselves.

Participating in Hobbies Improves Quality of Life

MBCT sessions teach people the importance of engaging in activities they enjoy. Therapists encourage patients to try new hobbies and pursue old interests. But this isn’t just for fun—it’s backed by science. People with hobbies have overall better mental health,⁸ and reduced rates of depression.

Participants in one study said that MBCT reminded them to do what they enjoy⁷—and to feel excited about life again. One person said, “I rearranged my life so that the things I do now are things that I enjoy and want to do.” And another continued, “I am now making bigger future plans to make my life better and introducing new ventures.”

Better Understanding of Relapse (and How to Prevent It)

In mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, patients learn how to recognize the early warning signs of a depressive relapse. And how to employ MBCT strategies to avoid it.

Some MCBT participants mentioned that they felt less panicked when they did experience negative feelings. They were able to accept their sad feelings, and not immediately assume it was a relapse. One said they felt better equipped to handle mood fluctuations. Instead of getting upset when they felt negative emotions, they told themselves, “Okay, this is how you’re feeling today.”

Limitations of MBCT

MBCT might not work for everyone. Because MBCT is typically a group therapy, you may find it overwhelming if you have severe social anxiety. And for some people, MBCT works best in combination with antidepressants. MBCT alone might not work well enough for everyone—and that’s perfectly alright. The idea here is to try different methods to find what will work best for you.

Healing Your Depression, Mindfully

You are worthy of care, in whatever way works best for you.

This might look like attending rehab, or just seeking MBCT on your own. It’s up to you to determine what your recovery process will look like. If you decide to go to rehab, this could be your chance to take a step back and give yourself much-needed time to heal.

Explore treatment centers that provide MBCT to contact rehab facilities directly and ask about pricing, insurance, virtual tours, and more.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

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