As mindfulness app Headspace booms, its popularity outpaces its scientific evidence

[Andy]

A smattering of studies indicate Headspace can help people feel more positive and less stressed, among other benefits. The company doesn’t claim the app can treat or manage any medical conditions. But with Headspace landing new corporate contracts, some experts say they’re worried that a growing number of companies might be relying too heavily on Headspace in lieu of other support for more serious mental health conditions like anxiety and depression — particularly during the pandemic, when rates of both appear to be climbing.

“I do have concerns that mindfulness programs, and especially mindfulness apps, are seen by organizations as a cheap and easy win when it comes to employee and student welfare compared to more expensive — but possibly more effective — structural changes in their organizations,” said psychologist Chris Noone, who does research on well-being interventions at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

https://www.statnews.com/2020/08/07/headspace-mindfulness-covid19-employers/

 

[Snowdrop]

What was the saying? Oh Yeah, Don't Worry, Be Happy. Prozac will make it all better.

So, here we are decades later.

This too shall pass.

 

[Invisible Woman]

While I don't have an issue with Headspace - I've used the app - or meditation, or companies getting discounted membership for their staff, the idea of meditation being good for all is not necessarily true or proven. Good for many, maybe.

I spent some time learning to meditate with people who had meditated for years themselves and had a lot of experience teaching others. I've also tried different schools of meditation.

One thing made clear to me early in is that there are risks for those with underlying mental health issues. They could trigger an as yet undiagnosed condition or make the current condition worse.

Even in other conditions meditation can cause problems. I had to stop because my sound sensitivity became much worse and it caused even more balance problems than usual. I discussed this with my teacher and we tried various different things before concluding that it simply wasn't right for me to continue at that point in time.

If something has an effect then, when applied incorrectly or to the wrong person, that effect can be harmful. If companies are encouraging staff to meditate then they also have a responsibility to employee health and safety and to support their employees if it isn't right for them.