Mindfulness Meditation for Depression During COVID-19: Meta-Analysis
Does mindfulness meditation help depression during COVID-19?
Yes. Mindfulness meditation significantly reduces depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. A meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials with 3,440 participants shows that mindfulness meditation produces approximately 50-60% greater improvement in depression scores compared to control groups.
Mindfulness meditation works by helping people develop non-judgmental awareness of present-moment experiences, reducing rumination, improving emotional regulation, and providing coping strategies for pandemic-related stressors like isolation and uncertainty.