Is meditation good for bipolar disorder?

Answer 1

I have much experience with this question, and I can say with utmost certainty that meditation helps.

A few things. You probably want to start with active (rather than passive) techniques. There are techniques that allow you to move, to throw off excess energy, before sitting and going in. One such technique is called gibberish.

As you go deeper in your practice of meditation, you will become aware of more and more stuff. And not all of it is roses!

The thing is -- keep practicing. Continue to eat healthy, drink lots of water, and do your technique. If you feel like crying, cry! Crying is a great way to move stuck energy. You might even put on some sad music to aid the process.

Another thing: remember that the collective is nuts! The people around you are freaking out about terrorism and the economy and global warming. And if your practice is deepening, you will begin to feel this collective angst more and more. Just be present in each moment, keep breathing, and notice what is happening.

Also, it is probably best to work with a teacher or a group of people, rather than on your own. That way, if stuff comes up, you have a place to turn. (Mention to the group leader that you have been diagnosed by Western doctors as having bipolar. You might also want to share this message with him/her.)

Over time, meditating gives you space from the chattering mind. So the active mind may continue with its thoughts, but you will be able to watch them from a distance. They will not disturb you as much.