Meditation has been praised as a tool for achieving peace of mind, reducing stress, and even improving overall health.

However, a recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology suggests that meditation could also have negative effects on mental health.

The study

The study surveyed 1,232 individuals who had been practicing meditation for various lengths of time. Participants were asked about their experiences with meditation, including any negative side effects.

The researchers found that almost one in five participants reported experiencing at least one negative side effect from their meditation practice.

Common negative effects

The study identified six common negative side effects that participants experienced:.

1. Increased anxiety or depression
2. Feeling disconnected from reality
3. Feeling like they were not in control of their thoughts
4. Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally unstable
5. Experiencing physical discomfort or pain
6. Feeling like their meditation practice was not beneficial

Possible reasons for negative effects

There are several possible reasons why meditation could have negative side effects on mental health. Firstly, some people may not be ready to confront their thoughts and emotions, which can cause discomfort or distress.

Secondly, some meditation techniques may not be suitable for certain individuals, especially those with a history of mental health issues. Finally, some people may simply be doing too much meditation, which can lead to burnout or overload.

Related Article New research suggests meditation may be harmful to mental well-being

How to minimize negative effects

While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of negative side effects from meditation, there are certain steps that can be taken to minimize the risk.

Firstly, it is important to start slowly and gradually build up to longer periods of meditation. Secondly, it is important to find a meditation technique that works for you, and to adjust it if necessary.

For example, if you find that a certain technique is causing anxiety or stress, you may need to modify it or try a different technique altogether. Finally, it is important to remain aware of your thoughts and emotions during meditation, and to be open to seeking professional help if you experience persistent negative effects.

The benefits of meditation

Despite the risk of negative side effects, meditation has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health. Some of these benefits include:.

• Reducing stress
• Improving mood
• Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Increasing self-awareness
• Improving emotional regulation

It is important to remember that everyone’s experience with meditation is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

It is also important to remember that meditation should never be used as a substitute for professional medical or mental health treatment.