MEDITATION
WARNING: There is a significant risk with more advanced and intense methods of meditation that can lead to psychosis if not practiced properly. Most reported cases involve meditation retreats of extended periods of time. Please consult with a licensed mental health practitioner to discuss your mental health and mental health background before trying meditation.
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Low Risk
-Using meditation methods that feel easy and simple and for short periods of time (5-30 minutes)
-Your mental history and your family's mental history doesn't include severe mental illness
-Educate yourself on a meditation practice before doing it
-Consult a highly trained professional before engaging in more advanced or altered states of consciousness
-Have a list of resources incase you experience any adverse effects
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High Risk
-most reported cases of psychosis or adverse effects come from meditation retreats. The high level of intensity for prolonged periods of time, combined with a lack of necessary foundational training can have the- too much and too fast effect
-a history of mental illness or family history that includes (but is not limited to) Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe mental breakdowns, suicidal thoughts or previous attempts, PTSD, severe trauma
-not having a support system or a plan in place if you experience adverse effects
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What Is Meditation
Understanding the Risk Of Meditation
Supportive resources for psychosis and adverse reactions related to meditation practices
From skeptic to advocate, Dr Laureys, a Belgian neurologist, provides a valuable overview of our current neuroscientific understanding of meditation, and its profound effects on our health and disease. He weaves the neuroscience of consciousness with the contemplative roots of compassion with easy-to-follow meditation instructions, into a compelling personal story.