My psychologist mentioned that meditation might do more harm than good for OCD. What are everyone’s thoughts and experiences with this? Thanks

Well there are many different forms of mediating. I can’t do the traditional which is sitting there and humming. But sometimes running or doing a sport can zone you out and give your brain a break, reading can do the same, playing a video game (maybe a chill one like animal crossing or something where you have a lot of focus intensive tasks)

I practiced meditation regularly in a Zen tradition for over a decade, attended weeklong silent retreats 2 - 3 times per year, and typically practiced sitting meditation at least once if not twice per day for 25min. During that time my mental health steadily worsened and I had two jnstances of severe meditation induced DP/DR. I have seen first hand how helpful meditation can be for some and what true hell it can be for others. A friend who had no other prior mental health issues triggered full blown psychosis on 4 separate silent retreats, was hospitlized each time, and was later diagnosed BiPolar1. Meditation is seen as a panacea but it is not for everyone. Even something as simple and seemingly inncouous as an app can exacerbate existing anxiety issues. I can no longer meditate without bringing on heightened anxiety, depression, and worsened OCD symptoms. I also tend to experience sleep paralysis and night terrors whenever I have attempted to return to the practice. It is very frustrating and disheartening but I am currently part of an online support group for meditators in distress which has been very helpful.

Not sure I guess it depends on where you’re doing it and what music or background sounds might distract or it can maybe make up remember triggers from the past sometimes unless you think ahead of time a theme like pick a positive emotion and meditation on what that word means to you like the word calm or release or peaceful

I like music in YouTube that releases regret and frustration and anxiety and fear or other emotions

We can chat about this more if you want I like the abide app and nature relaxation videos

i also have this question. i hope people have more insight! im in AA and they ask us to meditate a lot. its been extremelt hard for me

I think guided meditations specifically targeted for OCD or anxiety can be helpful, but yeah, I don’t do well when my brain is allowed to roam free 😅

so im on medicine for anxiety/depression. i’ve always had ocd tendencies but this year my ocd was awful. it could have nothing to do with the medicine or maybe it could, i don’t know

Try the abide app and nature relaxation videos on YouTube helps tremendously best things I ever saw

Eft tapping with tap with Brad on YouTube is great

https://www.cheetahhouse.org/ for more details of adverse effects of meditation, stories, and resources.

Chat anytime