Meditation doesn't work

[Wandering123]

Hi all, I've been seeing a therapist and like all therapists I've been to, and everyone else I talk to, it's always try meditation. I've tried and tried but it just doesn't work. I just can't seem to find a way to get a grip on my anxiety and gain some control over it. Looking for some ideas as I've tried a couple of things but nothing seems to work.

 

[Howlingvapor]

Have you been meditating by yourself or using a guided meditation track? Because sometimes it’s hard to meditate without guidance. Our minds like to wander when we sit idle and guided meditation helps to reel in your focus back to yourself. Meditation also takes practice, it’s not an instant fix. However if done properly it can help you calm down during times of stress.

I understand that meditation isn’t for everyone though. Exercise is also a common way to manage anxiety. Although from what I understand most find that the most effective way of managing their anxiety is medication. I know many people prefer to avoid taking pills to solve their problems, but it can help a lot. Everyone’s different though and how we each manage our anxiety tends to be unique to the individual. Some find meditation helpful, others find therapy and medication more helpful, and some find that a little of everything helps them manage it best. So my advice is to try everything and find what works best for you as long as it’s safe.


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[Wandering123]

Have you been meditating by yourself or using a guided meditation track? Because sometimes it’s hard to meditate without guidance. Our minds like to wander when we sit idle and guided meditation helps to reel in your focus back to yourself. Meditation also takes practice, it’s not an instant fix. However if done properly it can help you calm down during times of stress.

I understand that meditation isn’t for everyone though. Exercise is also a common way to manage anxiety. Although from what I understand most find that the most effective way of managing their anxiety is medication. I know many people prefer to avoid taking pills to solve their problems, but it can help a lot. Everyone’s different though and how we each manage our anxiety tends to be unique to the individual. Some find meditation helpful, others find therapy and medication more helpful, and some find that a little of everything helps them manage it best. So my advice is to try everything and find what works best for you as long as it’s safe.


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Thanks for your reply. Yes I've tried meditation over the years and I guess it isn't for me. Exercise can help but it's finding the time as I work heavy hours so doesn't leave much time for anything else. On meds which help to a point but I can't seem to get relief from my constant anxiety.

 

[solaine]

I'm really curious about replies to this as I have the same problem. I've tried meditation countless times but it actually makes my anxiety worse. I don't know about you but my problem is that when meditating, I concentrate on my physical signs of anxiety too much - heart palpitations, tight throat, bloated stomach...

What helps me is a distraction, something that captures my attention so much there's none left to think of anxiety. For me that's drawing and computer games, so maybe you could find something like that too if meditation won't work for you

 

[Cuchculan]

The issue with meditation was actually raised by psychologists. The new thinking on it is that it should be only done in small amounts of time. They claim what we fear most of all will surface when we meditate. So they even now use it as a tool to find out people's real fears. They make them try and meditate and ask them what comes to their minds. Something I found very interesting. Originally we were told it would calm us down. If I try it my breathing goes all over the place. So I always skipped that part as a rule. But the mind will always wander. Most times it will find your fears. These days I build models and similar things. That is very relaxing. My mind is only on the model I am building. That works great for me. Maybe try something similar. Even those adult colouring books. Is much the same as meditation. Only you are actively doing something. But still relaxing and focused only on what you are doing.

 

[KimStarrySky]

I try and do a guided meditation daily, one with audio, so that I am distracted by the speaker's calming voice, their words and direction, and there are usually sounds like waves or soothing music. It helps me, a lot! I am one who doesn't like the idea of medicine. I also hike and do yoga. Being outdoors and appreciating the open space and beauty helps me feel at peace. The problem I face is when I have to be amongst crowds and chaos. I have yet to figure this out regarding anxiety. But at least with guided meditations and other benefiting activities, I do experience relief from time to time.
Also, I believe that facing one's fear(s) is a good thing. That way, it becomes a thing of the past. Although, it is a process.

“I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.”
– Frank Herbert