When meditation is no longer a 'tonic' for the mind

Not everyone who meditates finds peace. One study found that, in addition to its known benefits, meditation can trigger stress, panic, or feelings of “detachment” in some people.

When meditation does not only bring peace. Experts recommend, meditation needs to be guided and "used in the right dose" - Photo: AI

Meditation has long been hailed as a “mental medicine” that helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase concentration. Many people consider it a safe method that can benefit anyone.

But science is slowly revealing a more complex picture. Some people who meditate experience adverse reactions, including anxiety, a loss of connection with their bodies, and even painful memories.

A new study from the University of Melbourne (Australia) published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science shows that nearly 60% of meditators in the US have experienced at least one side effect, of which about 30% felt significantly uncomfortable or stressed, and 9% said these effects disrupted daily activities.

Meditation isn't necessarily bad, but "we need to take it seriously as a psychological intervention, which means understanding both the benefits and the risks," said lead researcher Dr. Nicholas Van Dam.

The researchers surveyed nearly 900 meditators of varying levels of experience, from beginners to veterans. They were asked to answer a questionnaire that included 30 common symptoms of meditation, ranging from feelings of insecurity and confusion to “loss of sense of self.”

The results showed that the frequency of side effects depended on the type of meditation and the mental state before practice. People who were experiencing stress or psychological disorders were more likely to experience negative reactions.

Additionally, intensive meditation at long-term retreats, where participants meditate for hours at a time, can also easily lead to symptoms such as insomnia, panic attacks, or emotional detachment.

Scientists believe that most of these unpleasant feelings are temporary. However, if meditation causes anxiety or dysfunction, professional guidance is needed.

Experts emphasize that the research results are not intended to "scare" practitioners but to encourage preparation and understanding before starting.

Like any form of therapy, meditation should come with clear “instructions for use”: the practitioner should know that during meditation, negative emotions or old memories may sometimes surface, and that this is not necessarily a bad thing.

It’s important to distinguish between normal discomfort and harm. If meditation causes you to become anxious, lose sleep, or lose touch with reality, stop and seek professional help.

“Meditation isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay,” says Dr. Van Dam. “If you find it doesn’t work for you, it may simply not be for you.”

Meditation remains a valuable tool to help people slow down in a fast-paced life. But like any healing method, meditation only truly helps when we understand our limits and listen to our own bodies.

MINH HAI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/khi-thien-khong-con-la-thuoc-bo-cho-tam-tri-20251103093630493.htm