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Psychological problems arising from meditation practice?
DairyLama
Veteran Veteran
Somebody asked me about this recently, and it isn't something I've come across - so I thought I'd ask you! Have you experienced or heard about any psychological problems arising from meditation practice?
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I think to have psychological problems, you may already have to have psychological problems... it depends what they mean.
could they clarify?
Like so called "hypnotic states", meditation can tap into our ability to role play with a touch of imagination. You sit and think, "This is me, meditating. This is me, doing something profound and special. Om.... Om.... I'm entering an altered state of consciousness!" but it's still just you sitting there with your legs folded under you using your everyday mind. There is great value in meditation, but some of us Zen meditators try to remember that the value comes from learning how to focus on your everyday life.
I believe if you have some sort of mental problem, meditation will allow it to be seen in all its scariness because you've removed distractions and focused on your mind. Sometimes you'll be surprised with unexpected bouts of crying or laughter because...just because the mind is a messy place for all of us. It will pass. I've known many people who meditate, and I can't say any of them were ever worse off for meditating.
Mental health is complicated - very generally, people are susceptible to mental health issues (as to physical health issues) - lots of things can trigger, collude etc - its challenging pointing to one source.
In meditation we reduce the input of stimulus, and it seems the mind responds to that with increasing its sensitivity. It responds with opening up, much like an automatic diaphragm in a camera will do.
People who are hypersensitive already should not do that, maybe.
When we are hypersensitive we must be cautious. I know that I can get emotional over nothing. I think it’s important to be aware of this unbalance, and we should avoid intense situations if we can and not make drastic decisions. We should give ourselves some time to return to our usual level of sensitivity (or lack thereof).
Now, I'm not young, but my life is still complicated, so I returned to the practice of meditation, and now it helps me a lot, in fact, thanks to meditation I have recovered the enjoyment of life, although all my problems.
So I think the answer of the question is "yes": maybe it's not recommendable the practice for minds highly stressed, like mine when I was young.
Although some of my best meditation was when I lived right outside Arlington National Cemetary, and I'd walk out through acre upon acre of gravestones and sit down under a tree. It was so calm and peaceful. I didn't meditate on the nature of death or war in particular, but it was certainly present in every breath I took.
I am trying my first extended meditation this weekend. I will be aware if I start to not be okay. I like this chance because it is close to home and I have a day to readjust if needed. However I think that with my history I am very aware of my mental states and as long as I steer clear of feeling awkward taking care of my stability it will be okay. Well I will tell you after Saturday.
And more generally meditation challenges our sense of self and how we see things....
"I'm not sure it's as simple as that. I suspect that doing a lot of meditation on death and corpses ( whatever ) could adversely affect somebody who was psychologically healthy ( whatever that means ).
And more generally meditation challenges our sense of self and how we see things.... "
You don't think that someone who would purposely (and extensively) "meditate" on death and corpses already has some sort of emotional or psychological 'issue'? I do.
I mean, Why on earth would someone DO that; especially if it was producing a negative affect on their mindset and emotions? Obviously because there's something "off" there to begin with, I'd say.
Also, there is a distinct difference between emotional feelings and actual psychological problems.
"Everyone" gets depressed now and then, even the most (mentally) healthy, happiest of people. But a temporary phase of situational depression is not the same as say Clinical Depression - which is a legitimate, chronic mental health issue.
So I'm afraid I have to respectfully disagree... it is as simple as that; meditation can not actually cause mental health issues where none already exist -- IMO.
There are a few posts on there that speak about it.
" Problematic altered states of consciousness (ASC) and psychosis that occur in meditation were investigated using descriptive and phenomenological research methods. Theravada, Zen, and Tibetan Buddhist teachers and meditators were interviewed to determine possible causes and ways to handle such responses to various types and stages of meditation. Buddhist meditation practices and Buddhist and psychological literature on psychosis and ASC are reviewed.
Results of the interviews suggest that people who have had prior psychosis can easily become psychotic during initial practice, but with guidance can benefit from meditation. People at a borderline level of personality organization are more likely to encounter difficulties in later stages of practice.
They can benefit from initial practices that promote gaining an “observing ego” and healthy relationships and self-esteem. Suggestions for teachers regarding ways to help people at psychotic and borderline levels of personality functioning are presented. "
Also:
" A number of conclusions can be drawn about psychosis and ASC during meditation. Psychosis is rare but can easily occur in people who have had prior psychotic episodes. Their personality organization and tendency to biochemical imbalance hinders development of concentration and mindfulness skills and promotes the likelihood of psychosis. Initial practice has a derepressive effect, and such individuals lack the defensive structure or modulatory capacities to deal adaptively with the “primary process” material that emerges. They may also lack relational skills and trust, so may have difficulty utilizing teacher help.
Psychotic episodes can also occur in people who have a borderline level of personality organization. These people can advance in meditation skill, but as deeper levels of concentration are achieved, they may begin to have difficulties with ASC. Issues and deficits of wounded “self” and object- relationship structures can fuel their quest for enlightenment and make them overexert in their practice."
And:
" True meditation-related psychosis is extremely rare and may be found more in countries where people are steeped in Buddhism and ardent and advanced in practice. Tibetans offer the most explanation for this psychosis in their discussion of body energy arid channels and factors that foster imbalance or improper flow of energy.
Because overexertion in meditation is one of the major factors cited, one could hypothesize a link between psychosis and underlying narcissistic issues and vulnerabilities found at a borderline level of personality organization. In other words, narcissistic issues fuel the overexertion and borderline level organization hinder one’s ability to deal with the intense emotions activated at advanced levels of practice."
emphasis in above excerpts; mine.
This is repeated over and over again in the paper- The problem of psychosis and ASC is overwhelmingly an issue with people who already have (or have tendencies toward) psychosis and/ or borderline personality dysfunction.
Which brings up another question for me; Why would anyone want to meditate to the point of total immersion in the act of meditation in the first place?
To attain the level of "Enlightened" right? To become (a) Buddha?
This is only going to happen to the exclusion of everything else around them; exclusion of day to day life, earning a living, dealing with and relating to family, friends, neighbors and society at large. Someone who would actually strive for such a level of meditation and awareness, is -- in my opinion -- someone with an unhealthy attachment to the act of meditation and the GOAL of "enlightenment". The paradox problem.
But perhaps that's a discussion for another time and another thread....
I want to practice for the hope of being in better condition and maybe prepare for another lifetime when I have a stable mind/body.
With that in mind does anyone know some guidelines to gentle meditate?