When meditation goes wrong: part one

Sally Gould was a couple of years into her dream job as a paramedic when it all started to fall apart.It wasn’t the trauma and injury she was exposed to on shifts that was getting to her. It was everything else - the hours, the nonsense callouts, the bullying.The experience would leave her isolated and thinking of suicide. But she found a way back.Today, an episode for those of you who fear you’re burning out - or have burnt out.We hear about the personality traits that put you at higher risk of burnout, how to protect yourself and getting back on the path back to good health.Guests:Sally GouldParamedic; Author, Frog: The Secret Diary of a ParamedicGordon ParkerEmeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of New South WalesCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarSenior Producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound Engineer: Tegan NichollsMore info:Frog: The Secret Diary of a Paramedic (Simon & Schuster).Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery (Allen & Unwin).Defining burnout: What is this syndrome and what sets it apart from other labels? (RACGP).To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Meditation sickness, meditation-related adverse effects or meditators in distress – you probably haven't heard these terms, even if you do meditate.Yet research finds adverse effects occur in half of all meditators. For one in 10, it impairs their functioning or lasts more than a month.Experts say many people can benefit from meditation, but it can also come with harms.Today, the second episode of a two-part special on the research into those harms and the personal stories of those who've experienced them. You can hear part one of the series here.Guests:Willoughby BrittonAssociate Professor, Brown University Medical School; Director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience LabNicholas Van DamAssociate Professor, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences; Director of the Contemplative Studies Center at the University of MelbourneWillem KuykenProfessor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science, University of OxfordJane ReedExperienced adverse effects from meditation and the author of First TellingSueExperienced adverse effects from meditationCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarReporter/Producer: Fiona PepperSenior Producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrExtra info:Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programsThe varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western BuddhistsEffectiveness and cost-effectiveness of universal school-based mindfulness training compared with normal school provision in reducing risk of mental health problems and promoting well-being in adolescence: the MYRIAD cluster randomised controlled trialCheetah HouseTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Meditation has a lot of benefits, but could it also have risks?Over the past decade, meditation and mindfulness have been promoted to reduce stress and increase relaxation.But there is another story of meditation that rarely gets told... one that involves anxiety, insomnia — even psychosis.Today, how one person went from being an evangelical mindfulness meditator, to a leading researcher on the adverse effects of meditation.Guests:Willoughby BrittonAssociate professor, Brown University Medical School and director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience LabPawan SharmaAssistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Pattan Academy of Health Sciences School of MedicinePierce SalgueroProfessor of Asian History and Health Humanities at Penn State UniversityCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarReporter/producer: Fiona PepperSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrExtra information:Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programsPrevalence and 20-year trends in meditation, yoga, guided imagery and progressive relaxation use among US adults from 2002 to 2022Prevalence and predictors of meditation use in Australia and New Zealand: results from a nationally representative surveyMindfulness-based cognitive therapy improves polysomnographic and subjective sleep profiles in antidepressant users with sleep complaintsMeditation-induced psychosis: a narrative review and individual patient data analysisPsychiatric Problems Precipitated by Transcendental MeditationThe varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western BuddhistsCheetah HouseTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Closure can feel like the ultimate solution to help us heal. But is it all it's cracked up to be?Today, we learn about ambiguous loss — the type of grief that comes without closure. We know navigating uncertainty is tricky, so what practical steps can we take to process this kind of loss?A heads up, this episode touches on some heavy topics around loss and trauma.Guests:Carly DoberPsychologistDr Pauline BossProfessor emeritus, University of MinnesotaAuthor, Myth of Closure: Ambiguous Loss in a Time of Pandemic Author, Change and Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved GriefCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore information:The psychology of closure — and why some need it more than othersMotivated closing of the mind: "seizing" and "freezing"Beyond dogmatism: The need for closure as related to religionNeed for cognitive closure, tolerance for ambiguity, and perfectionism in medical school applicantsAmbiguous lossTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Nature is good for our wellbeing. But how much green space does a community need, before you can see a wellbeing boost?And how do we encourage people to spend more time outdoors?This episode first aired in September 2023.In celebration of National Science Week, make sure to vote in ABC Radio National's poll for Australia's most amazing wildflower.Guests:Belinda McCawleyFounder, Mindful in NatureDr Xiaoqi FengProfessor of Urban Health and EnvironmentSchool of Population Health,University of New South Wales (UNSW)Founding Co-Director of PowerLabJosh BrownCo-founder, Deadly EdCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarReporter/producer: Rose KerrSound engineer: John JacobsTo read the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Since the days of gladiator battles and public hangings, dark tourism — our attraction to places linked to death and despair — has been a part of human behaviour.But there's something in the 21st century that's causing debate… Selfies.Digital media isn't all bad though. It's also creating opportunities for authentic storytelling.Today, we examine what dark tourism is, if it's ethical, and when it is (and isn't) appropriate to snap a selfie.This episode first aired in June 2024.Guests:Dr Craig Wight, Associate Professor, Business School, Edinburgh Napier UniversityDr Nicole Basaraba, Assistant Professor, School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies and Centre for Digital Humanities, Trinity College DublinDr Mariko Smith, Head of First Nations Collections & Research, First Nations Division, Australian MuseumCredits:Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior Producer: James BullenSound engineer: Beth StewartOther information:The Australian Museum's Unsettled exhibitionTo read the transcript from this episode, head to its original webpage.To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Why is gaming addictive? How do you know if it's a problem? And what should parents do if they're worried about their kids' gaming habits?This week, psychiatrist and author Dr Alok Kanojia (Dr K) unpacks gaming addiction.Long before Dr K was the co-founder of Healthy Gamer, he had his own story of addiction — playing for 20 hours a day and failing out of uni. How did he turn his own struggles into a global online community supporting gamers?And what practical advice does he have for gamers (and the parents raising them) who want to find a balance?Guest:Dr Alok Kanojia (Dr K)PsychiatristAuthor, How To Raise A Healthy GamerCo-founder, Healthy GamerCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore information:Inside Perth's gaming addiction clinic — the first in a public hospital in AustraliaTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Whether you're anxious or avoidant, there are steps you can take to make your relationships more secure. And the benefits extend beyond dating — finding secure people can help you build a community and maybe even live longer.Today, neuroscientist, psychiatrist and author Dr Amir Levine joins Sana to discuss all things secure attachment. From tiny meaningful moments with strangers, to prioritising the right people in your life, Amir shares his top advice for anyone wanting to change their attachment style.Guest:Dr Amir LevinePsychiatristNeuroscientistAssociate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia UniversitySecure: The Revolutionary Guide to Creating a Secure LifeCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Tegan NichollsMore information:We're all stressed. What should we do about it?To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Aggression, not listening, interruptions ... bad behaviour is on the rise in schools. What's causing this trend? Is it parenting styles or the pandemic?Nurse Erin has had plenty of challenges with her son, leaving her family at the end of their tether. But one therapy just clicked.Today, a family's story of oppositional defiant disorder and giving Parent-Child Interaction Therapy a go. Can coaching parents through one-way mirrors and ear pieces help build stronger relationships? And why is PCIT so effective for kids with ODD?Guests:ErinNurse and motherPCIT participantProfessor Eva KimonisClinical PsychologistDirector of the UNSW Parent-Child Research ClinicCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Harvey O'SullivanMore information:Parent-Child Research Clinic at the University of New South WalesPartnering with schools to better deliver effective therapiesInvestigating Western Australian Teacher Perceptions of Young Children’s Challenging Behaviour in the Early Years (Kindergarten to Year 2): An Exploratory AnalysisLandmark report warns wellbeing of Australian children at a crossroadsSchools PlusSoul SearchThe neuroscience of spirituality with Iain McGilchristTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

How stressed have you been lately? Are you heading towards burn out?Time and time again, Dr Rangan Chatterjee has seen chronic stress wreak havoc on his patients' lives — contributing to autoimmune disorders, gut problems, low libido and more.But the most devastating blow struck his own family, when his father's punishing work schedule forced him to medically retire in his 50s. It’s an experience that led Rangan to rethink his own work and approach to medicine.Today, Dr Chatterjee, a GP and host of a mega popular wellbeing podcast, shares his story, as well as strategies for better managing stress in your own life.This episode first aired in June 2025.Guest:Dr Rangan ChatterjeeGP, author and host of Feel Better, Live MoreCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Tegan NichollsTo find the transcript of this episode, head to its original webpage.To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.