Anna Mckeever
I
am a UK trained doctor with a special interest in Integrative Medicine. I have experience of working in the mental health profession throughout the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. I was first introduced to the benefits of mindfulness as a medical student, and my interest in the practice has grown as my career has progressed.
I began my own practice with a basic daily mediation, and began to experience the solace that meditation can bring. I continue to build on my own practice, and have completed an MBSR course, MSC Training with HeartWorks and have a strong interest in Buddhist Philosophy.
It is apparent to me that mental illness is accepted at varying degrees throughout different cultures; and this ultimately has a huge impact on the treatment patients receive. Mental illness does not discriminate; the World Health Organisation has estimated that around 350 million people worldwide are suffering from depression. As a mental health doctor, I recognise the requirement for the attitudes and treatment toward mental illness to change. As a society we are searching for happiness; and often in all the wrong places. I have found the centering and stillness that mindfulness brings is often the first step in the right direction.
“Human happiness and human satisfaction must ultimately come from within oneself.” H.H. Dalai Lama
As a doctor, I am acutely aware of the high levels of burnout and stress amongst my own profession. I am particularly interested in how to utilise meditation to sustain compassion in healthcare professionals. As my career progresses I aim to become more involved in health promotion and education; in particular with regard research into mindfulness based therapies. I am motivated and committed to working toward providing the knowledge and tools necessary to empower communities to take control over their own health and wellbeing.
“The cultivation of compassion is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, if our species is to survive.” H.H. Dali Lama
In regard my contribution to HeartWorks; I am excited to share my experiences and insights into mindfulness as my own journey continues. I have long been my own worst enemy, in the belief this was the only way to meet the high expectations I set for myself. With the help of mindful self-compassion practice I am trying to become my own best friend. This is proving more difficult than initially thought, but I take comfort in knowing that we are all on this path together.