Parents grab your herbal tea and favorite Enya cassette tape. A recent study in Pediatrics suggests practicing mindfulness and positive psychology can reduce stress, anxiety and depression in parents whose children have autism and other neurodevelopment disorders:
Researchers at Vanderbilt University randomly assigned 243 mothers of children with developmental disabilities, genetic syndromes or psychiatric issues to mindfulness training or “positive adult development.” At the start of the study, 85 percent of the participants reported significantly elevated stress; 48 percent said they were clinically depressed, and 41 percent reported anxiety disorders.
The first group practiced meditation, breathing exercises, and qigong practices to hone mental focus. The second received instructions on curbing negative thoughts, practicing gratitude and reclaiming an aspect of adult life. Both groups were led by specially trained mentors, themselves the parents of special-needs children. via New York Times
Parents in both groups reported less depression, stress, and anxiety in addition to better sleep and life satisfaction. Moreover, those doing the mindfulness routine experienced the biggest improvements in their moods and stress levels. So hello to my new yogi friends. Good lucking finding your zen and balancing your chi between speech therapy and Khan Academy.
I guess I should try some meditation. Thanks for this!
Hey Anony, let me know how it goes.