Can meditation be dangerous?

[Injung]

Hi,

I've been meditating on and off for a year and I started a daily practice just over three weeks ago. My sessions range from 10-20 mins 2-3 times a day at the moment. The aim is to help me be more present and to manage my depression and anxiety. I'm wondering if any of you experienced practitioners have experienced or know of any 'dangers' of meditation? the Internet comes up with a few scary things like psychotic episodes and de realisation. Thanks

[Injung]

I just saw the "is meditation making us ill" thread! Thanks

[Matt Y]

Meditation is generally about as dangerous as sitting on your couch watching TV and negative side-effects are usually the result of intense practice. 10 - 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day is okay. 10 hours a day is a different matter all together.

[Injung]

Thanks Matt.
I'm not sure I'll ever work up to 10hours of meditation in one day.

[JonW]

'I'm not sure I'll ever work up to 10hours of meditation in one day.'

We had one guy on the forum (albeit briefly) who claimed that he regularly meditated for ten hours a day. Apparently he didn't even take a break for a sandwich.
Takes all sorts...

[Jonaaaa]

I would think that people with some psychoses should consult their mental health medics before embarking on it, but I cannot see there being a harm.

But I would be very wary of recommending meditation to anyone with depersonalisation issues as the self-inquiry stuff could cause problems.

[Jonaaaa]

Also, there was a book on this subject but from what I have read, the danger was not from mindfulness but from consciousness-altering practices.