Buzz
While meditation boasts numerous benefits backed by research and personal stories, it doesn't work for everyone. In fact, it might exacerbate mental health issues for some individuals. If you're one of them, feel free to stop without any guilt.
A New Scientist article discussing a study (currently unavailable online) highlighted that 8% of participants experienced adverse effects from meditation, including heightened anxiety. Similarly, a study from last year revealed that 25% of regular meditators have encountered unpleasant experiences during their practice.
Even beneficial activities can have downsides. For instance, I exercise regularly and acknowledge its positive impact on my mental and physical well-being, yet I’ve had my share of unpleasant moments related to it. A single negative experience doesn’t negate the overall value of the activity.
Many meditation practices come with a surprising level of rigidity. I recall Headspace’s introductory series, where a calm voice meticulously guided me through each step, promising better outcomes if I followed along. Some apps even emphasize streaks or enforce specific sequences and methods for meditation.
Conversely, opting for a free-form approach, like mindful breathing while thinking or listening to music, might lead some individuals to overanalyze. Psychologist Katie Sparks told New Scientist that guided meditations could be “safer,” steering thoughts in a positive direction. As my editor quipped when sharing the article, “Maybe now, more than ever, we don’t want to fully live in the moment?”
One thing is certain: while meditation has benefited many, it’s neither a miracle cure nor an essential brain maintenance tool. We’ve previously discussed this perspective, but it’s worth noting that while the maintenance metaphor resonates with some, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
If you’ve turned to meditation to alleviate anxiety or depression and find it exacerbates your struggles, it’s okay to stop. Alternatively, experiment with different approaches—switch from free-form to guided meditations, or the other way around. Ultimately, if your relaxation method isn’t helping, trust your instincts and try something new.
