going crazy

[katersy]

Perhaps you simply stay away from Zen groups and try something different.

The attitude you displayed earlier in some threads in combination with the often exaggerated "just sitting" attitude in some Zen centers (totally neglecting teachings and compassionate instructions) may result in unwholesome phenomena.

Regards
t

I think I should probably try some different types of meditation.

The thing that happened to me the other day was after doing a 40 minute metta bhavana meditation though.

Also, at the Zen group I go to, I spoke to the teacher there and he suggested I do some loving kindness meditation.

So, unless the freaky looking wall and the "oh shit I'm going to stop breathing and die right now" feelings come from the Zen incense sticks, I don't think my issue is because of it being Zen rather than anything else.

Oh hell knows. I'm gonna try meditating again and just take it easy. With a group.

[katersy]

To be honest I think I could do with some psychiatric support. I don't feel good.

Dear Katy

Also, if you have a history of using psychiatric medication, I my opinion, you should not meditate alone.

Finding a Sangha is similar to finding a counsellor. It is necesary for grounding.

I can only repeat what The Cap said. It is important to stay grounded at all times. Drink a lot of water or green tea, drop the alcohol and cigarettes, go to the gym.

When I had my depersonalisation phase, I exercised alot. I consumed no drugs or alcohol.

Please take care. Use your inner love for yourself to find the best refuge for yourself.

Kind regards

Element

Yus - I'm currently coming off anti anxiety / anti depressant medication, *sigh*, which is probably playing havoc with my mind as well. It's seroxat, which is notoriously difficult to come off because of the weird side effects.

LOL, when I write it all down like that it doesn't seem surprising that I'm freakin' out...

[Yeshe]

To be honest I think I could do with some psychiatric support. I don't feel good.

Dear Katy

Also, if you have a history of using psychiatric medication, I my opinion, you should not meditate alone.

Finding a Sangha is similar to finding a counsellor. It is necesary for grounding.

I can only repeat what The Cap said. It is important to stay grounded at all times. Drink a lot of water or green tea, drop the alcohol and cigarettes, go to the gym.

When I had my depersonalisation phase, I exercised alot. I consumed no drugs or alcohol.

Please take care. Use your inner love for yourself to find the best refuge for yourself.

Kind regards

Element

Yus - I'm currently coming off anti anxiety / anti depressant medication, *sigh*, which is probably playing havoc with my mind as well. It's seroxat, which is notoriously difficult to come off because of the weird side effects.

LOL, when I write it all down like that it doesn't seem surprising that I'm freakin' out...

Seroxat has been discontinued from use with young people because of links with suicide.
You're not old, so maybe it has been a bad choice by your doctor. Google 'seroxat suicide' and you'll see what I mean. SSRI's are also controversial as for some people they simply do not work, but can still hit you with side effects. For chronic anxiety and depression the older tricyclics sometimes work better but can make you drowsy - a benefit if you also have trouble sleeping.

When I was working in schools, a large number of staff were on a variety of antidepressants, and it seemed to work best if CBT was offered alongside the medication. I believe there is also research showing a positive benefit of Buddhist meditation in treating anxiety and depression, and exercise which can boost seratonin levels.

I think that not all depression is down to chemical imbalance - if you are surrounded by miserable people it can drag you down, and conversely joining a group of happy meditators may be uplifting.

[katersy]

Taking it easy on the meditation and on myself. Meditating gently and being kind to my mind, doing other things like running and seeing friends and eating fruit!

My Buddhist friend once said there should be a government health warning about meditating cos crazy things come up. That comment has stuck in my mind and I know what she means!

[Yeshe]

Taking it easy on the meditation and on myself. Meditating gently and being kind to my mind, doing other things like running and seeing friends and eating fruit!

See my post about 'what to do today' and maybe spend it doing more of the above!

[salty-J]

it sounds to me like a panic attack, you know they don't always manifest themselves in the same ways, sometimes I've had 'em where my whole body and face are sort of tingling/pulsing or something, and other times felt as if I am falling forward, all sorts of different sensations over the years.....and sometimes in very relaxed environments, so that's what it sounds like to me

[FaDao]

There is absolutely NOTHING in the dhamma that suggests competent medical help and other counseling not be sought if there is need for such competent help and counseling in one's physical or psychological well-being.

If you feel that you need medical help or psychological counseling in conjunction with your meditational efforts, please consult such other specialists. Many western doctors and psychologists are now conversant with adapting treatments to Buddhist spiritual philosophy and meditation techniques.

If you have need of emotional support, medical assistance or psychological treatment adjunct to your spiritual endeavours; seek such support and treatment.

You are fortunate to live in an era when it is fairly common to find western counselors and physicians who are conversant with Buddhist philosophy and spirituality. A holistic approach to your practice may bring benefits far beyond the old-school "tough it out" theories that some of us old farts had to live through. Use every tool that is available to you.

Namo Amitofo
- Fa Dao -

[gotamo]

Hi,
it first i thougt you have some other problems that interfere with your meditation. But my mind changed the perspective and i thought, what kind of Meditation are you practicing and in how far is your mental health. I´m not thinking you are crazy but Meditation not done the right way can

be very dangeraous. At first you should find out about the conditions you must have to start on your kind of meditation.
I commend you to do the eightfold path as Gotamo Buddho told us, nothing more, nothing less.

gotamo buddho

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