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Difficulty in continuing meditation
When I first started meditation, it felt really good for the initial few days. But after some time, while meditating, I began experiencing very uncomfortable feelings. I feel like running away from my chair, shouting out loud, or even getting angry. It has become so irritating that I don’t feel like meditating anymore. Sometimes it even feels like an anxiety-type reaction.Sometimes I even start crying, and then suddenly I begin laughing without any clear reason.
Answers (14)
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In the beginning, meditation feels calming because your mind slows down. But as you continue, suppressed emotions, restlessness, or unresolved stress can surface. This can cause discomfort, anger, tears, or even laughing fits - not because meditation is harming you, but because it is bringing buried feelings to the surface.
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Instead of forcing long sessions, try shorter practices (5-10 minutes) with gentle breathing or guided meditations. If emotions arise, don't fight them - just notice and let them pass. You may also benefit from grounding activities (walks, journaling, or stretching) alongside meditation. If the reactions get too overwhelming, consulting a therapist or mindfulness teacher can help you process these emotions safely.
Health Tips
Start slow, focus on breath or body sensations, use soothing background music if silence feels heavy, and remember that these emotional releases are part of healing. Meditation is not about feeling peaceful all the time, but about becoming aware of what's inside you.
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other Psychotherapy steps
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Hi,
It's completely natural to experience discomfort or emotional reactions as you deepen your meditation practice. These feelings, such as anxiety, anger, crying, or laughter, often stem from unresolved emotions or subconscious thoughts surfacing during meditation. Such reactions are common and part of the healing process for many people. It's important to be gentle and patient with yourself, allowing these feelings without judgment. If meditation feels overwhelming, taking a break or trying shorter, guided sessions might help. Consulting a mental health professional or an experienced meditation instructor can also provide valuable support and guidance to help you navigate these emotional responses safely. Remember, meditation is a personal journey, and adjusting your approach to suit your comfort and well-being is perfectly okay.
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Consult psychotherapist
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Hi, I understand how unsettling it must feel to have meditation, which once felt calming, suddenly bring up such uncomfortable emotions and reactions.
What you are describing can sometimes happen when meditation slows the mind enough for deeper, unprocessed feelings to surface, and this can feel like anxiety, restlessness, or even sudden shifts in mood.
This doesn’t mean something is wrong, but that your body and mind may be trying to release stored stress.
For now, it may help to try shorter, gentler practices like mindful breathing, grounding with your senses, or guided meditations focused on relaxation rather than deep stillness.
If these reactions persist or feel overwhelming, consult- talking to a psychologist can help you process what’s coming up and find safer ways to use meditation as a support rather than a stress.
There are other ways to practice mindfulness that may feel more comfortable for you.
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Try instead of formal meditation calming activities like mindful walking, listening to soothing music, or simple body stretches, which can give you the benefits of mindfulness without triggering the same discomfort.
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Hi, Consult a psychiatrist
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Hi,
I remember you had shared earlier about anxiety and career stress due to gaps, and it seems those feelings may also be surfacing during meditation. When the mind is already heavy, meditation can sometimes bring up emotions suddenly, which is why you might feel restless, cry, or even laugh unexpectedly.
Instead of stopping, you could try gentler practices like guided relaxation, slow breathing, or mindful walking before moving back to meditation. Since your career worries, social anxiety, and these emotional reactions all feel connected, addressing them together with small daily routines or professional guidance can help.
Many people with a sensitive mind experience the same. With patience and support, it can get much better. Take care
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Hey see actually quite common. In the beginning, meditation can feel calming, but as you go deeper, it can also bring up suppressed emotions and restlessness. That’s why you suddenly feel like shouting, running away, crying, or even laughing it’s your mind releasing what’s been bottled up. For some people, this feels more like anxiety than peace.
It doesn’t mean meditation is “bad” for you it just means you may need a gentler approach. Instead of forcing long silent meditation, you can try guided relaxation, grounding exercises, mindful walking, or breath-based practices. These give your mind an anchor so it doesn’t feel so flooded. Over time, you’ll build tolerance and meditation will feel safer again.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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Meditation means being aware
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Hi
You need to visit a medical expert to diagnose well. Seems like you are going through chronic stress
After a detailed case history and diagnosis, I treat patients holistically with a combination of homeopathy, psychotherapy and breathwork program
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Ms. Komal Singh Parihar
Psychologist
7 yrs exp
Navi Mumbai
Thank you for sharing your experience so openly. What you are going through is not unusual—when we meditate, the mind slows down and often suppressed emotions, restlessness, or old stress come to the surface. That’s why you may suddenly feel like crying, laughing, or even getting angry. It is actually a sign that your system is releasing what has been stored, not that meditation is harming you.
Next Steps
A helpful way to continue is to practice shorter sessions (just 5 minutes) instead of long ones, and begin with simple breath awareness—just notice your inhale and exhale without forcing yourself to sit too long. If uncomfortable feelings arise, gently open your eyes, take a deep breath, and remind yourself: “This is just energy leaving my body.
Health Tips
You can also support your practice with grounding activities like walking in nature, journaling, or gentle yoga, which balance the emotional release. If at any point the feelings become too overwhelming, working with a therapist or meditation teacher can guide you through this safely. Please remember—you are not failing at meditation, you are actually moving through a phase of deeper healing.
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Mr. Fr Dr John Zachariah
Counselling Psychologist
9 yrs exp
Ernakulam
Consult a psychologist
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consult our psychologist in Ernakulam
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malayalam counselling 8589853*765
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Ms. Smriti
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
It is normal to experience discomfort when beginning meditation, as suppressed emotions may surface.
Your body and mind are releasing pent-up stress, which can feel like anger, anxiety, or sudden mood shifts.
Try starting with shorter sessions (2–5 minutes) instead of long ones.
Focus on gentle breathing or guided meditations rather than sitting in silence.
If feelings become overwhelming, pause and ground yourself with light movement or journaling.
Consistency in small steps will slowly build tolerance and peace.
If reactions remain intense, consider discussing with a mental health professional for deeper guidance.
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connect
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counseling
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Ms. Saira Amreen
Psychologist
9 yrs exp
Bangalore
What you’re describing is common when buried emotions surface during meditation. It’s not failure it’s your mind releasing what’s long held in. The restlessness, crying, even laughing are signals, not dangers. Instead of forcing long sittings, try shorter guided practices, grounding with breath, or body scans. If it feels overwhelming, pause and return later. And if these reactions keep disrupting you, working with a therapist can help you process what’s coming up. Meditation should feel supportive, not punishing you’re allowed to adjust it to your needs..
Next Steps
Try mindful walking (focus on steps, breath, sounds).
Get a JPMR done.
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Instant consult for JPMR and therapy.
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Ms. Kushagra Bhalla
Clinical Psychologist
2 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Meditation is definitely beneficial, but it may not work in every situation. For different kinds of distress, we often need different exercises and techniques. The first step is to understand and explore your current concerns, and then find the strategies that fit best for you, rather than relying only on meditation.
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Seek therapy
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