In 2021 we interviewed 5 Order members about mental wellbeing
Vajradevi; meditation and trauma
In this interview, Jinavamsa asks Vajradevi if trauma can surface in meditation as a result of long term practice, and could meditation teachers benefit from training to recognise when people they teach are encountering trauma and acute anxiety in their practice?
Vajradevi was ordained in 1995. She has been practising and teaching mindfulness with a strong insight dimension for over 25 years. She emphasises a receptive yet precise way of being aware which can be brought to any moment of our lives. Her book Uncontrived Mindfulness is published by Windhorse Press.
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties, here are some resources that may be helpful:
International
Compassionate Mind Foundation: https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk
UK Wide
Samaritans: Every day, we respond to around 10,000 calls for help. No judgement. No pressure. We're here for anyone who needs someone; Phone 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org
CALM: (The Campaign Against Living Miserably) is leading a movement against suicide; Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily 5pm-midnight); www.thecalmzone.net
SHOUT: Shout is a 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone struggling to cope and in need of immediate help; (Text SHOUT to 85258); www.giveusashout.org
Rethink Mental Illness: Offers practical help and information for anyone affected by mental illness; phone 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm); www.rethink.org
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide: To help overcome the isolation of people bereaved by suicide, phone 0300 111 5065 (daily 9am to 9pm); https://uksobs.org
Harmless: Work to address and overcome issues relating to self-harm and suicide: contact via https://harmless.org.uk
England and Wales
MIND: Provides advice and support to help anyone experiencing mental health problems; phone: 0300 123 3393 (weekdays 9am - 6pm); www.mind.org.uk
Scotland
SAMH: (Scottish Association for Mental Health) can provide general mental health information and signpost you to your local services; phone: 0141 530 1000 (Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm) www.samh.org.uk
Breathing Space: A free, confidential phone and web-based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety; phone: 0800 83 85 87 (Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, weekends 24 hours; www.breathingspace.scot
Ireland
Samaritans: Every day, we respond to around 10,000 calls for help. No judgement. No pressure. We're here for anyone who needs someone; Phone 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org
Mental Health Ireland: Supports people with lived experience of mental health challenges in their recovery; www.mentalhealthireland.ie
Germany
Deutsche Depressions Hilfe: Hilfe und Informationen zum Umgang mit der Erkrankung; www.deutsche-depressionshilfe.de/start
Spain
Salud Mental: https://consaludmental.org/servicios/
Support in Spain: For a directory of useful local organisations, visit https://www.supportinspain.info/organisations/
Mexico
Centro Universitario de Salud Mental UIC: https://www.uic.mx
India
It’s OK To Talk: Believes that talking about mental health is the first step to breaking the stigma; www.itsoktotalk.in
New Zealand
The Lowdown: Free 24/7 helpline; phone 0800 111 757; text 5626; email or webchat via website https://thelowdown.co.nz
Australia
Sane: Counselling online; http://Counsellingonline.org.au
Some books that Order members have read and found helpful:
Thomas Moore - Care of the Soul
Thomas Moore - Dark Nights of the Soul
Murray Stein - In Midlife
Matt Haig - Reasons to Stay Alive
Williams, Teasdale, Segal, Kabat-Zinn - The Mindful Way Through Depression