According to a VNA reporter in Brussels, many studies in recent years have shown that practicing meditation, especially mindfulness meditation, brings many benefits to physical and mental health.
However, experts say this method also has some potential side effects, especially for people with mental illness.
Over the past 15 years, mindfulness meditation has become increasingly popular around the world. Many scientific studies have clarified the positive effects of meditation on the brain, concentration and mental state, and contributed to popularizing this method through books, articles and courses.
However, according to Associate Professor Miguel Farias of Coventry University (UK), some unwanted effects of meditation are often overlooked. Possible symptoms include depression, anxiety or cognitive disorders such as dissociation and loss of sense of self.
Experts say these side effects are rare, but caution is still needed. French psychiatrist Christophe André says that in the meditation groups he leads, people with schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, severe depression or panic attacks are often excluded, because their unstable mental state can lead to negative experiences.
According to Professor François Nef of UCLouvain University (Belgium), unwanted side effects affect about 5-10% of people who practice meditation, mostly at a mild level.
However, people who have experienced trauma, have severe depression or “inner fear,” sensory disorders, etc. are advised not to meditate because it is easy to develop anxiety when focusing on the body.
Experts say that for those who are not used to sitting still, closing their eyes and focusing on sensations, emotions or thoughts can be uncomfortable or unsettling. Therefore, instructors often explain and support after the session to help students understand and adjust.
Also, meditation is not necessarily synonymous with relaxation. Some exercises require the practitioner to recall a traumatic event in order to confront and process the emotions, leading to fleeting feelings of sadness or negative thoughts.
According to researchers, this is not depression or anxiety disorder, but just a temporary reaction, similar to other psychological therapies.
Despite certain risks, scientists confirm that the benefits of meditation have been proven through many studies, especially in reducing anxiety disorders and preventing depression relapse.
Experts recommend that practitioners need to be screened, guided and monitored appropriately so that meditation can become a safe tool to support mental health./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/thien-duoi-goc-nhin-khoa-hoc-loi-ich-lon-rui-ro-khong-the-bo-qua-post1055079.vnp
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