Stay aware of the present moment,
your thoughts, and your body
A different approach to mental health and well-being
Some food for thought
Well-known psychologist, Peter Kindermann, offers a radical and evidence-based perspective on mental health and well-being.
Rethinking causes of mental illness
Kindermann highlights that, despite advances in biological science, we are still far from fully understanding the biological causes of mental illness. He emphasises research showing that factors such as poverty and childhood trauma are much more closely linked to poor mental health. However, these factors do not always predict who will experience mental health challenges and who will not. Kindermann suggests that ‘disturbed psychological processes’ — which may be influenced by biological events, social context, or life experiences — are at the root of mental distress.
The impact of rumination
A key point Kindermann raises is the significance of ‘rumination’ — the habit of repeatedly going over specific life events in one’s mind. He references a large-scale study involving 32,000 participants from 172 countries. The findings showed that it is not necessarily the negative events themselves, but the persistent negative thinking and rumination about these events, that lead to anxiety and depression.
Listening over labelling
From this standpoint, Kindermann argues that effective support for mental health should focus less on diagnosis and medication, and more on genuinely listening to each person's story. Medication may be useful as a pragmatic way to reduce distress, but shouldn't be viewed as the primary treatment. Instead of a “one size fits all” approach, services should be carefully tailored to individual needs — emphasizing care, not coercion.
Increasing well-being: Evidence-based strategies
Drawing on further research from Kindermann and the University of Liverpool, here are practical ways to support your mental wellbeing:
Keep active each day
Use online apps to help stay active — whether it’s a step counter, exercise tracker, or apps like Pokémon Go or Mental Health Mates that give you a reason to get out and about.
Maintain positive relationships
Strong connections with friends and family are crucial. Tools like WhatsApp or Skype can help keep relationships going, and the online world can help you find safe places and opportunities to meet new people.
Keep your brain engaged
Explore online learning, Open University courses, or search for local classes in an area that interests you.
Give back to your community
Volunteering your time and energy can boost your own sense of wellbeing. You can use sites like the NCVO to find volunteer options that match your interests.
Practice mindfulness and open-mindedness
Stay aware of the present moment, your thoughts, and your body. Reducing rumination can significantly help. You might use mindfulness apps, seek counselling, or try the free ‘Catch It’ app (developed by Kindermann and colleagues) for monitoring and managing your thoughts and feelings.
Additional resources
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GetSelfHelp — A collection of cognitive behavioural resources for self-guided help. If you’d like extra support while working through these, feel free to get in touch at alisondlawrence@gmail.com.
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Aaron Balick — More insights into online counselling and psychodynamic approaches.
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A Prescription for Psychiatry – Why We Need a Whole New Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing by P. Kindermann, 2014.