Ancient Warnings and Modern Evidence
Mindfulness has been practiced for over 1,500 years, and early texts such as the Indian Dharmatrata meditation scriptures detail both its benefits and potential drawbacks. These ancient texts describe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even psychosis that can occur after meditating.
The past decade has seen a proliferation of scientific research into the adverse effects of meditation. A 2022 survey of 953 people who regularly meditate in the United States found that more than 10% experienced adverse effects lasting at least a month. A 2020 review of more than 40 years of research highlighted more serious issues such as anxiety, depression, psychosis and dissociation as common adverse effects.
Not just for people with pre-existing conditions
Interestingly, these negative effects can occur even in people with no previous mental health issues, and research suggests that even moderate levels of meditation can result in long-lasting symptoms.
Historical concerns
The Western world has long recognized these risks: In 1976, Arnold Lazarus, a pioneer of cognitive and behavioral science, warned that indiscriminate meditation could lead to serious mental illness.
Benefits and Oversights
Despite the risks, there’s evidence that mindfulness can improve health, but as mindfulness apps, books and classes have grown in popularity, these potential downsides are often overlooked. Even prominent figures in the mindfulness movement, such as Ronald Purser and Jon Kabat-Zinn, have acknowledged these issues, though not always so prominently.
Media and Mindfulness
Media coverage of mindfulness is often biased, focusing on its benefits while downplaying its risks. For example, a large-scale study of more than 8,000 children in the UK funded by the Wellcome Trust in 2022 found that mindfulness did not improve children’s mental health and may have had a negative effect on children at risk of mental health problems. The study received little media attention compared to more positive coverage of mindfulness.
Ethical considerations
Given the evidence of potential harms, ethical questions arise about recommending mindfulness without warning of the risks. Many instructors are unaware of these adverse effects, and there is a lack of proper guidance for those who experience negative outcomes. Affected individuals are often told to continue meditating despite their symptoms worsening.
Advance
Research into practising meditation safely is still in its early stages. Meanwhile, resources such as websites and academic handbooks from meditators who have experienced side effects may provide some guidance. In the United States, there are even clinical services led by mindfulness researchers for people who suffer from serious meditation-related problems.
Informed choices are key
Until more is known about practicing meditation safely, it is important to inform the public about its potential risks. Mindfulness should be approached with awareness and caution, especially for those using it as a health or therapeutic tool.Input from PTI
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