Concentration negative side effects at Goenka retreat

Hello all!!!

I'm new to this forum and community!!!

I recently went to a Goenka retreat and had some negative effects coming from Concentration exercises. I had visual perceptual distortions, and I was feeling more anxious than normal. I actually ended up having a panic attack. I do have a history of anxiety problems so this happening isn't too surprising, but i have never had such a strong anxiety attack in my life.

Does anyone have any advice or comments? My practice has been stuck lately because I am scared it will happen again.

I will be thankful for any replies to this matter. Thank you

I think sometimes we get really good at coping with things like anxiety by covering them up with layers of daily distractions. Go to a retreat or start a solid meditation practice and you can't hide anymore. Which is good, because anxiety like that means your mind and body have something they are trying to tell you you need to work out and heal from; difficult in that it brings up a lot of fear. You can decide whether it might be useful to deal with some of the anxiety via therapy, as a support to your meditation practice. I did several years of therapy before starting meditation (not because I planned it that way). Others I know have done both together. Ultimately there's nothing to be afraid of. But fear is a very powerful thing. It takes practice and courage to learn to be with and realize it won't harm you, at which point it is no longer very scary. What you thought was a dangerous attacking angry bear is really just a very nervous puppy asking for reassurance.

If urgent, try one the tapping methods. Don't think if you believe in it or not, it doesn't matter, follow the instructions, tap along, can do several rounds:



If it doesn't get better see a specialised therapist. anxieties have a tendency to generalise if untreated and avoiding-behavior can take place, it's easy and important to fix them quickly.

Practice metta. Something from my teacher: meet the fear or anxiety with compassion. Try your best to be with the anxiety and let it go - by accepting it, but not believing the story that comes with it; like 'I won't be able to practice any more...' or whatever it is - it's just thinking.

Long ago I suffered through a phase of panic attacks. Patience, reason, and a change in behavior (reaching out to help others) got me through it then, but I think metta is a very effective medium to add to the mix. May you be well, and good luck.