Social Psychiatry, Vol. 54 No. 2, 2026.
Meeting abstract
https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.286
The Power of the Present Moment: The Use of Mindfulness in a Day Hospital Setting
Hana Šestak
; General Hospital Varaždin, Ulica Ivana Meštrovića 1, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
*
Javor Vouk-Kamenski
; General Hospital Varaždin, Ulica Ivana Meštrovića 1, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Objectives: Mindfulness is defined as focused
awareness of the present moment, without judgment.
Throughout life, our attention is scattered;
we are occupied with obligations and everyday
stressors. On the one hand, we endlessly ruminate
about moments that belong to the past,
while on the other, we constantly plan what
we will do in the future; we are least “here and
now,” present in the current moment, which we
sometimes forget to appreciate. Jon Kabat‑Zinn
emphasizes the importance of consciously living
every moment, including the difficult ones such
as pain and fear. Research on the effects of mindfulness
confirms its effectiveness in reducing
symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, and
in increasing psychological resilience and overall
well‑being. The aim of this paper is to present the
implementation of mindfulness techniques in the
work of a psychiatric day hospital, with an emphasis
on their therapeutic potential in patients
with anxiety‑depressive and panic disorders, PTSD, and adjustment disorders related to family
and work stressors. Materials and methods:
Within the group activities of the day hospital,
structured mindfulness exercises are conducted.
The initial part includes discussions about automatic
behavior patterns in everyday life. Patients
received tasks to carry out certain daily activities
consciously and with full presence, including activities
such as meal preparation, showering, or
conversations with family. Breathing techniques,
body awareness, and short self‑compassion exercises
are also practiced by evoking positive
memories. Results: People with mental health
difficulties included in the day hospital program
report, via questionnaires, a better ability to recognize
and regulate emotions, reduced intensity
of anxiety and psychological tension, and greater
focused awareness in activities of daily living. The
exercises proved easy to apply in clinical practice,
especially the breathing exercises, which are a key
tool for calming the body and mind. Conclusion:
Mindfulness is a simple and applicable therapeutic
method. Its continuous practice helps regulate
emotional experience, maintain stability, control
behavioral reactions, and reduce psychological
discomfort. Of course, with ongoing implementation,
further research is needed for a systematic
evaluation of the long‑term effects of such
interventions.
Keywords
mindfulness; day hospital; group therapy
Hrčak ID:
352969
URI
Publication date:
15.6.2026.
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