Community conversations and shared experiences for people looking to discuss or learn from others about challenging meditation experiences.
Vipassana and Psychosis
A user shared a deeply personal account of a family member who attended a 10-day Vipassana retreat, only to experience severe psychological disturbances. After being asked to leave the retreat due to erratic behavior, the individual descended into mania and psychosis, requiring hospitalisation and strong antipsychotic treatment. The experience left lasting emotional and psychological scars, and the family member continues to grapple with the realisation that their grip on reality is fragile.
While the user recognises the value of meditation and Vipassana, they seek insight into how to process and make sense of the trauma caused by the retreat. They express frustration with the inadequate response from the retreat center, which seemed dismissive of the serious issues that arose. The user also raises concerns about the lack of transparency from the Goenka organisation, noting that the risks of such practices are not clearly communicated, despite the disclaimer on their entry form.
The post generated numerous responses, with many individuals sharing similar stories of psychological difficulties following Vipassana retreats, further emphasising the lack of adequate support or information about the potential risks. The user is seeking advice or context to help integrate and move past what happened, acknowledging that while such experiences seem to be rare, they are not isolated.
While the user recognises the value of meditation and Vipassana, they seek insight into how to process and make sense of the trauma caused by the retreat. They express frustration with the inadequate response from the retreat center, which seemed dismissive of the serious issues that arose. The user also raises concerns about the lack of transparency from the Goenka organisation, noting that the risks of such practices are not clearly communicated, despite the disclaimer on their entry form.
The post generated numerous responses, with many individuals sharing similar stories of psychological difficulties following Vipassana retreats, further emphasising the lack of adequate support or information about the potential risks. The user is seeking advice or context to help integrate and move past what happened, acknowledging that while such experiences seem to be rare, they are not isolated.