The Unexpected Risks of Meditation: The Hidden Impact on Mental Health - Who It Works For, Who It Doesn't, and Who It Hurts

A Careful "Disclaimer" to the Established Notion of "Meditation = Good"

Meditation has been widely popularized as a "panacea" for enhancing mental health, from stress reduction to improved concentration. However, recent studies quietly reveal through data that there is a shadow behind the light. A survey of approximately 900 representative meditation practitioners in the United States found that about 60% experienced "some side effects," with about 30% of those reporting "difficult or painful side effects," and about 9% stating that their daily functioning was impaired (published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science. Summary from ScienceDaily research commentary) ScienceDaily.

Nicholas Van Dam, a psychologist at the University of Melbourne who led the study, states that it is necessary to standardize "informed consent" in meditation to explain risks in advance ScienceDaily.

Key Points of the Study: Reducing "Oversights" with a Checklist Approach

Research on the side effects of meditation has fluctuated significantly depending on how reports are made. With only free descriptions (spontaneous reports), there is a possibility that individuals may not notice or report side effects. Therefore, the research team prepared a 30-item checklist to systematically evaluate intensity, benign/malignant perception, and impact on daily functioning Association for Psychological Science.

As a result, experiences such as anxiety, dissociation (feeling like one is not oneself), recollection of past trauma, fatigue, and social alienation were reported, providing a more realistic prevalence picture that fills the range of previous studies (1% to 2/3) ScienceDaily.

Who is More Prone to Risk?

Identifying risk factors is crucial.Those who experienced psychological distress or symptoms within the last 30 days were more likely to report side effects, and retreat participants involving long periods of silence and high-intensity practice were more prone to daily functioning impairments, the study indicates ScienceDaily.
However, it is clearly stated that this is a correlation, and longitudinal studies are needed for causal confirmation ScienceDaily.

Knowledge for "Preparation" Rather Than "Fear"

Van Dam does not conclude that "meditation is dangerous." Like surgery or exposure therapy, he emphasizes the importance of communicating potential experiences in advance and setting up protective guardrails ScienceDaily.

This perspective aligns with the commentary article released by the academic society in the fall of 2025. The evaluation using a checklist and the possibility that recent psychological states could increase side effect reports are repeatedly explained, along with research methods and implications Association for Psychological Science.

Reactions on Social Media: Voices of Those Affected and a Brake on "Overgeneralization"

Following this report, the following reactions were visible on social media.

• Empathy and Relief from Those Affected
  Comments like "Every time I start, my anxiety increases, and there are weeks when I fall into dissociation. I have a history of trauma and hadn't noticed this connection" were posted on expert community boards, spreading validation that **"I wasn't the only one"** (summary) Reddit.

• A Practical Sense That "It Still Works for Those It Works For"
  Calm practitioners express that "side effects are possible, but for many, the benefits outweigh them. Even sunlight can burn if overexposed," showing an attitude that risks are manageable (summary) Reddit.

• Caution Against Sensationalism
  Reactions like "Don't oversimplify with 'Meditation is dangerous'" were prominent, with posts warning against the spread of excessive anxiety in response to media headlines. APS and general media convey the message that "caution is needed, but it's not a complete denial" X (formerly Twitter).

• Sharing of Heavy Experiences
  On the other hand, there are also accounts of experiences leading to severe depression and suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the importance of professional accompaniment and decisions to stop (summary) Reddit.

Media Coverage: Are the Numbers "Threats" or "Preparations"?

While ScienceDaily emphasizes "hidden side effects" in its headline, the article devotes space to constructive proposals for establishing informed consent, maintaining a balance that does not incite fear. The main figures (about 60% experiencing some impact, about 30% experiencing distress, 9% experiencing functional impairment) and explanations of risk factors are concise ScienceDaily.

Additionally, a nearby review study shows that **the reporting rate of side effects ranges from 25% to 87%, and functional impairment ranges from 3% to 37%**, underscoring the importance of evaluation methods PubMed. This "wide range" is precisely the background that necessitates the checklist approach.

Implications for Practice: Five Guidelines for Safe Practice

1. Pre-explanation: Explain not only the expected effects but also potential anxiety, dissociation, and trauma recollection (researchers' recommendations) ScienceDaily.

2. Screening: Adjust intensity and methods if there is recent psychological distress (risk factors) ScienceDaily.

3. Intensity Management: Gradually approach high-load practices like long silent retreats. Stop and consult a doctor if there are signs of functional impairment ScienceDaily.

4. Monitoring: Introduce checklists to capture "indescribable discomfort" (methodological suggestion) Association for Psychological Science.

5. Media Literacy: Do not be swayed by sensational headlines; judge based on the numbers and context of primary information (multiple source consistency) ScienceDaily.

Conclusion: Skillfully "Fear" and Skillfully "Prepare"

While meditation benefits many people, it can also lead to undesirable experiences for a certain percentage. This study provides materials to steer beyond the binary choice of "dangerous or safe" towards a "design for safe continuation." What is needed is preparation, not fear. By having common language (checklists, screening, gradual load) among practitioners, instructors, and healthcare providers, meditation should become a more effective intervention for more people ScienceDaily.