Mindfulness has become a mainstream idea, practice and even prescription to deal with a number of modern day ailments -  states of feeling bad, uneasy, anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, disconnected and joyless. But just what is mindfulness and how can it help you feel better, live a more fulfilling life and even escape from feeling anxious or depressed?

Mindfulness has been defined by many great teachers and scholars, and the way I distill it is this: it is being present to the moment as it unfolds with an attitude of curiosity and acceptance.

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health issues in the US and affect 1 in 5 people according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC.) Most people at some time will experience symptoms of one or both. And half of those who deal with depression, experience  anxiety as well. You may wonder what is the difference between the two and when should you seek help? In this post I will lay out some basic information about depression and anxiety and some signs that you should seek professional guidance.