Meditation Isn’t Always Peaceful, Some People Experience the Opposite

Meditation and mindfulness are widely promoted as simple, low-cost ways to reduce stress, improve focus, and support mental health. Because they can be practiced at home without equipment or supervision, many people assume they carry little or no risk.

However, a growing body of research suggests the picture is more complicated. While meditation can benefit many people, some individuals report adverse psychological effects that are rarely discussed publicly.

Mindfulness meditation, which has roots in Buddhist traditions dating back more than 1,500 years, focuses on maintaining awareness of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment.

Historical Buddhist texts themselves mention potential difficulties linked to meditation, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and altered perceptions of reality. Modern research appears to echo some of those early observations.

Documented Side Effects Are Not Extremely Rare

Scientific studies conducted over the past decade have examined the less-discussed side of meditation practice.

One notable 2022 study of nearly 1,000 regular meditators in the United States found that more than 10 percent reported adverse effects lasting at least one month that interfered with daily life.

Long-term research reviews covering several decades have identified recurring negative experiences among some practitioners. These include:

Importantly, these effects are not limited to individuals with prior mental health diagnoses. Some cases involve people new to meditation or practicing at moderate intensity.

Historical Warnings Have Existed for Decades

Concerns about meditation-related adverse effects are not entirely new. In 1976, psychologist Arnold Lazarus warned that meditation applied indiscriminately could potentially trigger serious psychiatric symptoms in vulnerable individuals.

Despite this, meditation has increasingly been presented as universally beneficial, especially in Western wellness culture. Many mindfulness apps, online courses, and coaching programs highlight benefits without discussing possible downsides.

A Rapidly Growing Industry

Meditation has become a significant commercial sector. Estimates suggest the mindfulness and meditation industry in the United States alone generates more than $2 billion annually through apps, books, workshops, and wellness programs.

Some critics argue that commercialization has simplified the message around mindfulness, emphasizing productivity and stress reduction while overlooking complexity and potential risks.

Academic and clinical researchers note that more rigorous studies are still needed to fully understand who benefits most from meditation, who may experience adverse effects, and why.

Questions About Research Quality

Even influential figures within the mindfulness movement have acknowledged limitations in existing research. Some studies on meditation benefits have faced criticism for small sample sizes, lack of control groups, or inconsistent methodology.

A large UK study involving over 8,000 schoolchildren aged 11 to 14 found mindfulness programs did not significantly improve mental well-being compared to control groups. In some at-risk children, outcomes may even have worsened slightly.

These findings do not negate potential benefits but highlight that outcomes can vary widely.

Why Meditation Can Affect People Differently

Meditation often involves focusing attention inward, sometimes leading to altered states of awareness. Without guidance, this introspective process can amplify underlying emotional or psychological issues.

Researchers suggest several possible factors influencing negative experiences:

Because psychological responses vary significantly between individuals, what benefits one person may challenge another.