ABSTRACT
Mindfulness is intentionally paying attention to the present moment, without judging it, pushing it away or holding on to it. Chesin et al reviewed limited evidence for mindfulness-based interventions for suicidal behaviour and conclude it supports targeting suicidal ideation with MBIs. However, teaching mindfulness to people who have suicidal thoughts and urges needs particular care and sensitivity. Perhaps it has been described as a panacea leading to an inappropriate expectation that mindfulness will make them feel better. There are two elements to teaching a mindfulness practice the chosen focus for attention and their verbal guidance. This is the main meditation technique for training the mind to focus, decentring from thoughts and grounding. Homework practices start with building on these, with the person practising them in their own home or other settings. Research studies demonstrate that suppressing a thought or sensation such as pain tends ultimately to intensify it.
