Untold: The Retreat Financial Times

There have been numerous comments regarding whether some of these individuals having “break-downs” or psychotic episodes after these retreats have an mental health history and also commentary about the lack of professional opinion included in the podcast. As a mental health professional, I do think this podcast is well done and much needed to highlight the dangers of some of these meditation retreats:

First, all participants were entering into a program where caloric restriction, sleep deprivation and complete social isolation (ie. silence for 10 days, self-reflection for 10 hrs per day) were the norm. These factors along with being on euphoria but also paranoia and mania (sleep deprivation alone can do this but when combined with other physical and mental stresses on the body, I’m not surprised many participants were left with long lasting mental health issues

Second, these individuals were told they could not leave - even if yes, it was possible to physically leave. This likely heightened the paranoia, anxiety and fear which would have been exacerbated by long periods of meditation.

Third, meditation is based on a body scan which can provoke variable responses depending on the person. Some individuals find this extremely aversive (as opposed to breath based meditation), so to stress this is “the only correct way” and “individuals need to finish the 10 days” is ridiculous

Fourth, many of these individuals recovered after adequate psychiatric intervention which for the most part consisted of re-engagement with the world, adequate nutrition and sleep. If they had truly been suffering from an underlying psychotic disorder, none of this would have been sufficient to treat these episodes - rather these individuals would need long-term antipsychotic treatment. So I do not believe all of these individuals have undiagnosed or underlying mental health issues.

Lastly, they DO interview an associate professor and clinical psychologist at Brown University in episode 3 who has made this her field of study. We need to be mindful about the fact that meditation is understudied as an intervention in mental health and we do not know much about how the brain responds to especially extreme meditation regimes. However, the author of the podcast has done due diligence in attempting to bring in individuals from the scientific community with research training and clinic experience.

I don’t understand why it is so hard for others to fathom that starving in silence while deprived of sleep, in self-reflection for 10 days might have adverse effects, especially for those who do this repeatedly. This is not a natural state for the body or mind.

While it’s an interesting listen, there are so many statements made that are untrue on behalf of the journalist and storytelling. Vipassana does not display any characteristics of a cult - people are free to leave and attend, and there is absolutely no coercion involved. Further, mindfulness does not offer ‘spiritual’ awakening - it is about observation of oneself to become more aware. The journalist needs to be more careful with language as these retreats sounds very far fetched from what they actually are (I have attended two and do not practice anymore). People need to have some personal responsibility and not put the burden of their own mental health issues onto a mindfulness charity. There are also so many reported things that are not true - I.e. first time meditators do get dinner, and also, you are not “forced” to wake up at 4, not attend a meditation session, and yes, you can leave - there is flexibility for the student. Perhaps the reporter should attend to understand - or stick to financial reporting. The amount of bias in this podcast and misleading statements is so unethical. I also have to add, now that I have just finished the podcast, that the ending is absolutely ridiculous and makes the network sound like a nexia cult. It’s the personal responsibility of someone going to a charity group run organization to be informed before they arrive, and not the responsibility of an organization to know what people are doing when they leave (that would be a cult).

Ignore the negative reviews (biased??). Untold: The Retreat is an excellent, very compelling piece of journalism. Anyone with an interest in meditation, psychology, cults, or anyone just looking for an intense story should give this podcast a listen.