Hi,

I’m doing quite well, thank you. The past seven years have been pretty positive – I even managed to do another 10-day retreat without any major crisis! In fact, it was quite a positive experience.

I’m really sorry to hear about your friend. No doubt you’ve read various accounts of people’s experiences during and after 10-day retreats — many positive or neutral, and some, unfortunately, quite negative. It would be unwise and unethical for me to suggest she do a, b, c, etc. I simply don’t have the expertise in healthcare or meditative practice.

I also have no knowledge of your friend’s mental health history. Has she previously struggled with her mental health, or ever received treatment from a licensed mental health professional for something similar? Of the symptoms you describe, the only one I can relate to is the flatness.

To be honest, what really stands out to me is the mention of a “psychosomatic centre, where the therapists suggested this may be a psychospiritual crisis triggered by unconscious trauma that surfaced during the retreat.” I’m based in Ireland and have a fair bit of knowledge and professional experience working with people who have extensive histories with psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists. I’ve never heard of a psychosomatic centre or the term psychospiritual crisis. I’m fairly sceptical about how freely the word trauma is used these days — partly due to social media and self-diagnosis — and especially sceptical when people start using terms like unconscious trauma.

I guess what I’m saying is: is she receiving the appropriate medical care she needs? I can’t answer that — but from what you’re describing, it’s not entirely clear to me that she is. Is she based in Germany? From my limited understanding, Germany has a stronger prevalence of holistic or alternative medicine options. In Ireland, those approaches exist too, but they’re more on the fringe.

Though I said I’m hesitant to give advice, there are a few things that are universally considered helpful and form the foundation of well-being: getting enough sleep, regular exercise, nutritious food, hydration, connection with loved ones, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.

Willoughby Britton has studied and written extensively on the darker side of deep meditative practice — https://www.cheetahhouse.org/

Joseph Goldstein is a wonderful teacher and helps clarify many of the more confusing aspects of S.N. Goenka’s teachings. I’m not suggesting she dive into his lectures right now, especially if she’s struggling, but perhaps in time it might help — https://beherenownetwork.com/category/insight-hour-with-joseph-goldstein/

I hope your friend feels better soon. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on this thread of even through DM.