When should mindfulness be paused?
Short Answer
Pause if practice increases panic, dissociation, suicidal ideation, or severe destabilization. Also pause if you can’t function afterward. In those cases, seek trauma-informed or clinical support and use gentler regulation tools.
Why This Matters
Safety framing builds trust and keeps practice honest. Mindfulness is broadly safe, but intensity without grounding can be destabilizing for some people. Knowing warning signs prevents avoidable setbacks.
Where This Changes
If mindfulness triggers panic, dissociation, or trauma surfacing, scale down and prioritize regulation tools (external anchors, movement, connection). Professional, trauma-informed support may be appropriate.