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.
Amritasukha discusses practising in the Order with severe anxiety
Amritasukha
Taradakini: Amritasukha, thank you for contributing to this important conversation. Can you start by saying something about your ‘life before Triratna’?
Amritasukha: At around age 12 I started to realise that what the other boys were starting to show interest in (girls) wasn’t what I was interested in. I liked the other boys, and I seemed to be the only one. This had two consequences … Read More
Prasadu explains REBT and its benefits
Prasadu, a clinical psychologist, talks with Mahasraddha about the benefits of REBT and Kalyana Mitrata.
Prasadu was ordained in 1994 and has been using using mindfulness-based practices in the NHS since the early 90s. His favourite text is The Dhammapada, and ‘Mind precedes all mental states, mind is their chief, they are all mind wrought’ sums up how his clinical psychology work and Buddhist practice complement each other.
Advayasiddhi; compassion and mental well being
Advayasiddhi, a clinical psychologist based in Copenhagen, talks with Utpalavajri about compassion-focused responses to mental wellbeing.
Advayasiddhi met the Dharma in Bodh Gaya in 1997, then spent 8 years deeply involved in Triratna in the UK, working at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre before returning to Denmark in 2006 and, after ordination in 2007, trained as a clinical psychologist. She has spent 6 years working in a specialised clinic for complex disorders and helps train other therapists to use mindfulness and cognitive and compassion-focused therapies.
Utpalavajri was our Abhayaratna Trust Bookkeeper from 2020-2022. With past experience of mental health difficulties herself, Utpalavajri wanted to join the Trust’s conversation about mental wellbeing in the Order.
Silajala talks about his personal experience of mental health
Silajala
Taradakini: Silajala, thank you very much for opening up this conversation about mental health in the Order. Could you tell us a little about your background?
Silajala: I’m originally from Birmingham, but lived in Bristol from 1992-2018, with the exception of a couple of ‘Brixits’ when I lived and worked with Buddhafield, and a year in London with the Karuna Trust. I was ordained in 2001, Vessantara being my private preceptor – my name means ‘he who is ablaze with ethical behaviour’. I now live in Devon with three other Order members.
Taradakini: You have experience of mental health difficulties - when did this start? Read More
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