Self-control, reduced stress, and enhanced focus are just a few of the benefits that are known to come with practicing mindfulness on a regular basis. According to a new study, mindfulness meditation may also help to prevent major depressive disorder in people with subclinical depression. Subclinical depression is defined as the presence of depressive symptoms that are not yet severe or persistent enough to warrant a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Because mindfulness helps people live in the here and now, the researchers found it can help people become aware of negative thoughts that may lead to a deeper depression.