Most people glide into Transcendental Meditation feeling calmer, but a few might stumble over unexpected ripples. Occasionally, quieting the mind unleashes buried emotions—sad memories or restlessness—that feel like rummaging through an old attic. A 2023 Frontiers in Psychology review highlighted that meditation, TM included, can sometimes trigger anxiety, mood swings or even temporary disorientation, especially for anyone with a history of trauma or severe depression.

Whispers of more serious reactions exist, too: rare cases of heightened agitation or brief psychotic episodes among individuals already predisposed to such conditions. Those stories tend to make headlines—The New York Times ran an article early this year titled “When Meditation Hurts”—but they’re outliers. Still, dipping a toe in without guidance might leave someone feeling a bit off balance.

Global TM instructors emphasize structured learning: one-on-one sessions, regular check-ins and a clear mantra to anchor the practice. Deviating from that format—say, picking up a mantra from YouTube—risks confusion or an unmoored experience. It’s like trying to bake a soufflé without a recipe: the ingredients are familiar, but the outcome can flop.

Cultural skepticism also plays a part. Critics point to the movement’s commercialization—high fees and trademarked techniques—and worry that organizational secrecy around mantras could mask unreported side effects. Transparency is growing faster than a startup’s user base, though: recent policy shifts now encourage anonymous reporting of any adverse experiences, echoing trends in digital health apps.

Anyone with severe mental-health issues should chat with a professional before starting TM. For most, practicing under certified guidance keeps surprises at bay, turning potential bumps into gentle waves of clarity instead.