Mindfulness Works. Just Not as Much as Your Feed Says.

1 min read

What the newest research says

• Ethics-based programs, 2025. A meta-analysis of randomized trials studied “second-generation” mindfulness programs that add ethics and self-compassion. They reduced depression (g = 0.59) and anxiety (g = 0.61), and the depression gains held at follow-up. The authors urge caution because many trials had “some concerns” about bias (PubMed 41512699).
• Anxiety disorders. In a meta-analysis of 15 RCTs, mindfulness improved quality of life more than control conditions. It was not significantly different from gold-standard treatments (PubMed 39740743).
• Schools. An umbrella review of school-based programs (110 studies, 28,910 students) found very small effects on anxiety and wellbeing and none on depression (Research Square preprint, 2025).

Takeaway for creatives

Mindfulness is a real tool, strongest for people who are already struggling. Treat it as training, not magic. It isn’t a substitute for treatment.

Unpopular opinion: Mandatory mindfulness in schools is mostly a feel-good line item.

Lillith Magic · Directed by Anthony Perlas. This is for general information, not medical advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (US).

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