Investigation Reveals Dangerous Mental Health Effects of Meditation

The new investigative podcast series "Untold: The Retreat" from the Financial Times and Goat Rodeo examines the mental health risks associated with intensive meditation retreats, particularly those held by the Goenka network teaching Vipassana meditation. While many participants report positive life-changing experiences, the podcast shares troubling accounts of individuals whose mental health deteriorated during or after these retreats, including instances of psychosis, hallucinations, and severe emotional distress. The series calls for better warnings, on-site mental health practitioners, and proper emergency protocols to make these retreats safer.