My observations and concerns about mental health in the New Age community

[PoetPhilosopher]

Hey, take your choice of OP to read:

Spoiler: Condensed version of my OP

The New Age community. It's diverse, spiritual, and alternative, but possibly a little risky for mental health and those with mental health problems. Its faith-based beliefs can sometimes be arcane, and its followers may not always be well-suited for such a faith, hypothetically, though I don't really have a right to judge what's good for them, and there are some possible positive qualities to such fellowship as well. And I just wanted to make a post talking about it, and kind of express my concerns.

Spoiler: Long version of my OP

The New Age community is a diverse and eclectic group of people who share a common interest in spirituality, alternative healing, metaphysics, and other topics that are often considered esoteric or fringe by mainstream society. While many people find comfort, meaning, and support in the New Age community, there may also be some challenges and risks associated with it, especially for those who struggle with mental health issues. In my opinion.

I'm not a psychologist, but I have some personal, non-professional experience with mental health in my life, and I have noticed that some people in the New Age community seem to show signs of mental health problems at times. For example, I recently had a conversation with someone who identified as New Age, who was very passionate and enthusiastic about their beliefs and practices, but also showed some possible symptoms of delusion, paranoia, or psychosis. They claimed to have special powers and abilities, and they said they were constantly being attacked by negative forces. They also expressed distrust and hostility towards anyone who questioned or challenged their views, and they seemed to have difficulty coping with reality outside of those beliefs and with everyday life.

Of course, I can't really judge anyone based on a single conversation, and I do not want to stigmatize or invalidate anyone's personal experiences or beliefs. However, I do wonder if some people in the New Age community may be using their spirituality as a way to escape from or cope with mental health issues, rather than seeking professional help or treatment. I also worry that some people in the New Age community may be vulnerable to exploitation, manipulation, or harm by unscrupulous individuals or groups who may take advantage of their mental state or even a potential lack of critical thinking.

This is not to say that the New Age community is always bad or harmful, or that it should not exist. I acknowledge that there are many positive aspects and benefits of being part of the New Age community, such as finding a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity, and exploring one's creativity and potential, and learning new skills and knowledge, and connecting with nature and the divine. I also recognize that some people who identify as neurodivergent may find more acceptance and understanding in the New Age community than in mainstream society, which sometimes marginalizes them. I respect that everyone has the right to choose their own path and beliefs, as long as they do not harm themselves or others.

However, I also think that it is important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and dangers of the New Age community, especially for those who have mental health issues. I think it's important to maintain a balance between one's spirituality and one's mental health. I think that it's wise to be critical and discerning of the information and influences that one encounters in the New Age community, and to avoid anything that is unethical, harmful, or fraudulent. I think that it's healthy to have a diversity of perspectives and sources of support in one's life, and not to rely solely on the New Age community for one's well-being wherever possible.

I hope this post does not offend or hurt anyone who identifies as New Age. I am not trying to attack or discredit anyone's beliefs or experiences. I am simply sharing my observations and concerns based on my own experience, as well as some of the things I have seen in the New Age community.

Wikipedia link to what New Age is: New Age - Wikipedia

I welcome feedback or comments on my observations. There's actually a bit more I wanted to say, in order to try to present a more balanced perspective, but I may reach the word limit soon on this post, as it is. To balance things out, I'll just quickly add that in some cases, having New Age beliefs is no more dangerous than being a Christian or a follower of other faiths, but that there are some additional caveats that may apply to New Age and the New Age community.

 

[Ella S.]

Schizotypal Personality Disorder and psychotic disorders in general are more common in New Age and occult samples. I do not have the studies on me now but this was a subject that I researched awhile ago.

However, there is an important distinction between genuine mental illness and idiosyncratic spiritual beliefs. New Age and occult beliefs often include literal beliefs in ceremonial magic, astral projection, telepathy, visualization, demonic/angelic influences, synchronicity, and so on. These are beliefs that can be arrived at for the same general reasons that one might arrive at any religious belief.

I do think that people in these communities are using spirituality as a form of escapism, but I think that is how the vast majority of people in general use religion and spirituality. You mention that these are relied on to cope with serious mental health issues and this might be true. However, sometimes religion is all you have to lean on because you do not have access to quality mental healthcare. In the absence of medical intervention, it is probably better to self-medicate through prayer than heroin.

We all cope in our own ways. Spirituality can be a positive influence in some people's lives. They are not necessarily hurting themselves if they find reprieve in these ideas, even if they do so in the absence of proper medical oversight. It depends on their circumstances.

That said, yeah. New Age and occult communities are filled with a wide range of abusive organizations looking to exploit the vulnerable for their own benefit. New Religious Movements spawning from the New Age movement in particular are the ones that codified the idea of a "cult" as a bad thing. I know that most religious scholars dislike that terminology but I think the stigma is probably warranted in many cases.

I would add to that and say that occultism is inherently abusive. The concept of "occult orders" started around the 18th century with the rise of groups like the Freemasons. They are designed in a way that initiates do not actually know anything about the groups they are joining. They are only fed snippets of information from the people who are higher up the ladder than them.

This is the same structure used by Scientology and by terrorist organizations in order to radicalize their members. It is a powerful tool of information control that rewards unquestioning obedience. It also provides incentive for members to not talk to anyone outside of the organization about their experiences within it, which historically (in the case of the Ordo Templi Orientis and Fraternitas Saturni for instance) means that sexual abuse is often covered up due to being rationalized as a part of their rituals.

I strongly advise anyone here to not join Masonic or Pseudo-Masonic secret orders. You literally have no idea what you are getting into. It is always a gamble. At the top of these organizations, the information you are rewarded with tends to be teachings that you can already find online or in other books, anyway, with maybe a slightly unique spin on it for that group. It is never worth it.

 

[PoetPhilosopher]

However, there is an important distinction between genuine mental illness and idiosyncratic spiritual beliefs. New Age and occult beliefs often include literal beliefs in ceremonial magic, astral projection, telepathy, visualization, demonic/angelic influences, synchronicity, and so on.

There's a distinction. However, I can't help but feel that a few of these religious beliefs listed are also beliefs that could potentially get one diagnosed with a mental disorder. Hopefully psychologists and psychiatrists are good at distinguishing the two.

 

[PoetPhilosopher]

I added a condensed version of my OP under a spoiler tag (the first of the two spoilers) which sums up my points, but left the long version under the second spoiler tag should anyone want to read the long version (which I don't feel is necessary for responding).

 

[Quintessence]

Paganism is the New Age community, but it engages in similar practices.

The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids addresses these issue directly in the course of their teachings. Any mystery tradition worth its salt will do this, as mystery traditions involve diving into the numinous and the otherworlds - things that mundane culture has strong taboos against for various reasons. OBOD straight up says do not enroll in this mystery tradition if you have a psychotic condition or schizophrenia (see the FAQ at the bottom of this page) because of what this work entails. There is further content in the gwersi that discusses staying grounded as well. In short, you're taught how to open up and trust yourself to be discerning enough that these things (hopefully) do not become a problem (or of they do, to recognize that and seek aid).

Having done a couple grades with OBOD at this point - and having had extensive experience with similar practices before joining - I will say that practicing a mystical religion (where you directly work with the gods and the otherworlds on a firsthand and routine basis) is more "dangerous" than practicing a religion where one is more or less just a follower taking in someone else's experiences secondhand through books and teachings. I put that in quotes, because "dangerous" isn't really the best word to use to describe it? It's not dissimilar to the difference between, say, learning how to ride a bike for real versus watching videos of other people riding bikes. If you have someone who is a good teacher help you learn how to ride a bike, the worst that'll happen to you is you'll fall a few times and not be worse for wear for it. But if you have a bad teacher who doesn't start you off with training wheels or sends you careening down a steep road the first time you try? Well, yeah, dangerous.

 

[PoetPhilosopher]

Paganism is the New Age community, but it engages in similar practices.

The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids addresses these issue directly in the course of their teachings. Any mystery tradition worth its salt will do this, as mystery traditions involve diving into the numinous and the otherworlds - things that mundane culture has strong taboos against for various reasons. OBOD straight up says do not enroll in this mystery tradition if you have a psychotic condition or schizophrenia (see the FAQ at the bottom of this page) because of what this work entails. There is further content in the gwersi that discusses staying grounded as well. In short, you're taught how to open up and trust yourself to be discerning enough that these things (hopefully) do not become a problem (or of they do, to recognize that and seek aid).

Having done a couple grades with OBOD at this point - and having had extensive experience with similar practices before joining - I will say that practicing a mystical religion (where you directly work with the gods and the otherworlds on a firsthand and routine basis) is more "dangerous" than practicing a religion where one is more or less just a follower taking in someone else's experiences secondhand through books and teachings. I put that in quotes, because "dangerous" isn't really the best word to use to describe it? It's not dissimilar to the difference between, say, learning how to ride a bike for real versus watching videos of other people riding bikes. If you have someone who is a good teacher help you learn how to ride a bike, the worst that'll happen to you is you'll fall a few times and not be worse for wear for it. But if you have a bad teacher who doesn't start you off with training wheels or sends you careening down a steep road the first time you try? Well, yeah, dangerous.

Good post. I will say that something I noticed in the New Age community, is that the spiritual teachers chosen may often warrant some skepticism.

 

[Quintessence]

Good post. I will say that something I noticed in the New Age community, is that the spiritual teachers chosen may often warrant some skeptical.

I haven't floated as much in New Age circles, but back in my early 20s when I did, they were... it was... let's just say the acceptance of pseudoscience over there drove me a bit bonkers at times. The folks were consistently well-intentioned, though, so it was a fairly innocuous occurrence. Just folks trying to find meaningful narratives in a culture where the narratives provided by mainstream religious are found wanting by many.

I get a bit more concerned about physical health conditions, honestly. With the predatory health care system in my country I have a hard time faulting anyone looking for alternatives that both empower them directly and are significantly more affordable.

 

[Ella S.]

There's a distinction. However, I can't help but feel that a few of these religious beliefs listed are also beliefs that could potentially get one diagnosed with a mental disorder. Hopefully psychologists and psychiatrists are good at distinguishing the two.

Unfortunately, they don't tend to be.

There are some who are themselves pagan, New Age, or occult, or who have specialized in dealing with minority religions. I think archetypal psychologists also tend to be more nuanced in their approaches.

Psychologists and psychiatrists are still people. These movements are relatively small so information about them is not widely known. Most mental health clinicians do not have a degree in religious studies.

In general, it is another facet to consider when seeking out professional counseling. Occultists and New Agers sometimes have to put in a little more effort to find someone that is a right fit for them.

 

[JustGeorge]

Hey, take your choice of OP to read:

Spoiler: Condensed version of my OP

The New Age community. It's diverse, spiritual, and alternative, but possibly a little risky for mental health and those with mental health problems. Its faith-based beliefs can sometimes be arcane, and its followers may not always be well-suited for such a faith, hypothetically, though I don't really have a right to judge what's good for them, and there are some possible positive qualities to such fellowship as well. And I just wanted to make a post talking about it, and kind of express my concerns.

Spoiler: Long version of my OP

The New Age community is a diverse and eclectic group of people who share a common interest in spirituality, alternative healing, metaphysics, and other topics that are often considered esoteric or fringe by mainstream society. While many people find comfort, meaning, and support in the New Age community, there may also be some challenges and risks associated with it, especially for those who struggle with mental health issues. In my opinion.

I'm not a psychologist, but I have some personal, non-professional experience with mental health in my life, and I have noticed that some people in the New Age community seem to show signs of mental health problems at times. For example, I recently had a conversation with someone who identified as New Age, who was very passionate and enthusiastic about their beliefs and practices, but also showed some possible symptoms of delusion, paranoia, or psychosis. They claimed to have special powers and abilities, and they said they were constantly being attacked by negative forces. They also expressed distrust and hostility towards anyone who questioned or challenged their views, and they seemed to have difficulty coping with reality outside of those beliefs and with everyday life.

Of course, I can't really judge anyone based on a single conversation, and I do not want to stigmatize or invalidate anyone's personal experiences or beliefs. However, I do wonder if some people in the New Age community may be using their spirituality as a way to escape from or cope with mental health issues, rather than seeking professional help or treatment. I also worry that some people in the New Age community may be vulnerable to exploitation, manipulation, or harm by unscrupulous individuals or groups who may take advantage of their mental state or even a potential lack of critical thinking.

This is not to say that the New Age community is always bad or harmful, or that it should not exist. I acknowledge that there are many positive aspects and benefits of being part of the New Age community, such as finding a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity, and exploring one's creativity and potential, and learning new skills and knowledge, and connecting with nature and the divine. I also recognize that some people who identify as neurodivergent may find more acceptance and understanding in the New Age community than in mainstream society, which sometimes marginalizes them. I respect that everyone has the right to choose their own path and beliefs, as long as they do not harm themselves or others.

However, I also think that it is important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and dangers of the New Age community, especially for those who have mental health issues. I think it's important to maintain a balance between one's spirituality and one's mental health. I think that it's wise to be critical and discerning of the information and influences that one encounters in the New Age community, and to avoid anything that is unethical, harmful, or fraudulent. I think that it's healthy to have a diversity of perspectives and sources of support in one's life, and not to rely solely on the New Age community for one's well-being wherever possible.

I hope this post does not offend or hurt anyone who identifies as New Age. I am not trying to attack or discredit anyone's beliefs or experiences. I am simply sharing my observations and concerns based on my own experience, as well as some of the things I have seen in the New Age community.

Wikipedia link to what New Age is: New Age - Wikipedia

I welcome feedback or comments on my observations. There's actually a bit more I wanted to say, in order to try to present a more balanced perspective, but I may reach the word limit soon on this post, as it is. To balance things out, I'll just quickly add that in some cases, having New Age beliefs is no more dangerous than being a Christian or a follower of other faiths, but that there are some additional caveats that may apply to New Age and the New Age community.

I think if you're mentally ill, you're mentally ill. New Age practices could make it worse, but so could stimulating music or movies. I think a person has to know themselves, their triggers, and what works for them. Its helpful to have a neutral friend around for feedback, too(but that doesn't always happen).

I strongly advise anyone here to not join Masonic or Pseudo-Masonic secret orders. You literally have no idea what you are getting into. It is always a gamble. At the top of these organizations, the information you are rewarded with tends to be teachings that you can already find online or in other books, anyway, with maybe a slightly unique spin on it for that group. It is never worth it.

18th Degree Mason here. (I'm in a Co-Masonic order, meaning it accepts both men and women.)

I'm going to be honest. With most 'secret' orders, it isn't a 'secret' anymore. You're absolutely right. The information's out there, somewhere. My husband and I went opposite routes regarding this. He studied up before each degree, and knew exactly what would happen at each ritual. I stayed in the dark, wanting the surprise.

What I would caution people going into an 'Order' is make sure the individuals in the group align well with your, and that the group's mission is something you're on board with. The group I am in was not overly forthcoming about their association with Theosophy. It was often assumed I was a Theosophist, or that I'd become one once I was exposed. Theosophy is on my list of least favorite religions. No thanks.

I also found that some of the individuals in the order were... yucky. Yeah, that's the technical term(the terms I'd like to use violate rule 5). Due to the initial physical distance, I didn't figure it out immediately. But, that yuckiness caused major problems in my every day life for some time.

I have, however, enjoyed the rituals themselves, and the teachings of Masonry in general. My only regret was not researching the order itself in more detail before joining.

 

[PoetPhilosopher]

I think if you're mentally ill, you're mentally ill. New Age practices could make it worse, but so could stimulating music or movies. I think a person has to know themselves, their triggers, and what works for them. Its helpful to have a neutral friend around for feedback, too(but that doesn't always happen).

One of my concerns, which I may not have described well, is that there are also a few unscrupulous people within the New Age community, who appear to be kind of like the unscrupulous people you find within Spiritualism, who may look for naive people to kind of prey upon (financially). There are other aspects of life where this can happen too, but it seems twice as common in the New Age community. Whether it's asking for money to be a "spirit" guide, or a much, much more elaborate plan that involves things like living with the person and getting their personal information. I've kind of had people tell me stories about that stuff, before. I haven't exactly witnessed a lot of crazy stuff myself in regards to New Age, but I have seen some people in the New Age community that manage to make the hair on my arm raise. It's a different community as well, as sometimes, different things happen in it, than what might make sense to most of the outside world.

 

[PoetPhilosopher]

I haven't floated as much in New Age circles, but back in my early 20s when I did, they were... it was... let's just say the acceptance of pseudoscience over there drove me a bit bonkers at times.

I'd say that it's only gotten worse with social media. Now, anyone can be a self-proclaimed spirit guide or at least be one online.

 

[syo]

express my concerns.

My concern is christianity is a huge cult. People buy the dead will resurrect. They are nuts!

 

[JustGeorge]

One of my concerns, which I may not have described well, is that there are also a few unscrupulous people within the New Age community, who appear to be kind of like the unscrupulous people you find within Spiritualism, who may look for naive people to kind of prey upon (financially). There are other aspects of life where this can happen too, but it seems twice as common in the New Age community. Whether it's asking for money to be a "spirit" guide, or a much, much more elaborate plan that involves things like living with the person and getting their personal information. I've kind of had people tell me stories about that stuff, before. I haven't exactly witnessed a lot of crazy stuff myself in regards to New Age, but I have seen some people in the New Age community that manage to make the hair on my arm raise. It's a different community as well, as sometimes, different things happen in it, than what might make sense to most of the outside world.

Yeah, it does happen. Sometimes I struggle to feel too bad, though. It seems like the people shelling out 1000 bucks for their tarot reading(I know a New Ager who does this) get what they want... It seems to me like a place for the more affluent to play fantasy(the poor turn to D&D). I'm not overly worried about folks getting raked over the coals, because these groups usually exclude those who would be really hurt(simply because they can't afford the exorbitant prices to play along).

Not to say there's no value in the New Age community or teachings. There's a few bad apples in every bunch, but most are decent people.

 

[Ella S.]

I think if you're mentally ill, you're mentally ill. New Age practices could make it worse, but so could stimulating music or movies. I think a person has to know themselves, their triggers, and what works for them. Its helpful to have a neutral friend around for feedback, too(but that doesn't always happen).

18th Degree Mason here. (I'm in a Co-Masonic order, meaning it accepts both men and women.)

I'm going to be honest. With most 'secret' orders, it isn't a 'secret' anymore. You're absolutely right. The information's out there, somewhere. My husband and I went opposite routes regarding this. He studied up before each degree, and knew exactly what would happen at each ritual. I stayed in the dark, wanting the surprise.

What I would caution people going into an 'Order' is make sure the individuals in the group align well with your, and that the group's mission is something you're on board with. The group I am in was not overly forthcoming about their association with Theosophy. It was often assumed I was a Theosophist, or that I'd become one once I was exposed. Theosophy is on my list of least favorite religions. No thanks.

I also found that some of the individuals in the order were... yucky. Yeah, that's the technical term(the terms I'd like to use violate rule 5). Due to the initial physical distance, I didn't figure it out immediately. But, that yuckiness caused major problems in my every day life for some time.

I have, however, enjoyed the rituals themselves, and the teachings of Masonry in general. My only regret was not researching the order itself in more detail before joining.

I greatly appreciate your contribution to and modification of my points, thank you.

I will try to remember to be more nuanced when the topic arises again.

 

[Quintessence]

I'd say that it's only gotten worse with social media. Now, anyone can be a self-proclaimed spirit guide or at least be one online.

Maybe. I think the particular community I found back then - which was predominantly older women who didn't much use the internet - might actually be insulated from that sort of thing, actually... haha. If I could remember the name of their "spirituality center" as I think they called it, I could probably see what courses they are offering now to get a sense of it...

*squeezes brain*

HAH I remembered. It was this place - Infinity Foundation - and oh no, they're on Zoom now. Uh oh. Well, there goes that hypothesis about staying insulated from the internet. Still, it was a neat place a few decades ago, so might still be.

 

[icehorse]

Hey, take your choice of OP to read:

Spoiler: Condensed version of my OP

The New Age community. It's diverse, spiritual, and alternative, but possibly a little risky for mental health and those with mental health problems. Its faith-based beliefs can sometimes be arcane, and its followers may not always be well-suited for such a faith, hypothetically, though I don't really have a right to judge what's good for them, and there are some possible positive qualities to such fellowship as well. And I just wanted to make a post talking about it, and kind of express my concerns.

Spoiler: Long version of my OP

The New Age community is a diverse and eclectic group of people who share a common interest in spirituality, alternative healing, metaphysics, and other topics that are often considered esoteric or fringe by mainstream society. While many people find comfort, meaning, and support in the New Age community, there may also be some challenges and risks associated with it, especially for those who struggle with mental health issues. In my opinion.

I'm not a psychologist, but I have some personal, non-professional experience with mental health in my life, and I have noticed that some people in the New Age community seem to show signs of mental health problems at times. For example, I recently had a conversation with someone who identified as New Age, who was very passionate and enthusiastic about their beliefs and practices, but also showed some possible symptoms of delusion, paranoia, or psychosis. They claimed to have special powers and abilities, and they said they were constantly being attacked by negative forces. They also expressed distrust and hostility towards anyone who questioned or challenged their views, and they seemed to have difficulty coping with reality outside of those beliefs and with everyday life.

Of course, I can't really judge anyone based on a single conversation, and I do not want to stigmatize or invalidate anyone's personal experiences or beliefs. However, I do wonder if some people in the New Age community may be using their spirituality as a way to escape from or cope with mental health issues, rather than seeking professional help or treatment. I also worry that some people in the New Age community may be vulnerable to exploitation, manipulation, or harm by unscrupulous individuals or groups who may take advantage of their mental state or even a potential lack of critical thinking.

This is not to say that the New Age community is always bad or harmful, or that it should not exist. I acknowledge that there are many positive aspects and benefits of being part of the New Age community, such as finding a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity, and exploring one's creativity and potential, and learning new skills and knowledge, and connecting with nature and the divine. I also recognize that some people who identify as neurodivergent may find more acceptance and understanding in the New Age community than in mainstream society, which sometimes marginalizes them. I respect that everyone has the right to choose their own path and beliefs, as long as they do not harm themselves or others.

However, I also think that it is important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and dangers of the New Age community, especially for those who have mental health issues. I think it's important to maintain a balance between one's spirituality and one's mental health. I think that it's wise to be critical and discerning of the information and influences that one encounters in the New Age community, and to avoid anything that is unethical, harmful, or fraudulent. I think that it's healthy to have a diversity of perspectives and sources of support in one's life, and not to rely solely on the New Age community for one's well-being wherever possible.

I hope this post does not offend or hurt anyone who identifies as New Age. I am not trying to attack or discredit anyone's beliefs or experiences. I am simply sharing my observations and concerns based on my own experience, as well as some of the things I have seen in the New Age community.

Wikipedia link to what New Age is: New Age - Wikipedia

I welcome feedback or comments on my observations. There's actually a bit more I wanted to say, in order to try to present a more balanced perspective, but I may reach the word limit soon on this post, as it is. To balance things out, I'll just quickly add that in some cases, having New Age beliefs is no more dangerous than being a Christian or a follower of other faiths, but that there are some additional caveats that may apply to New Age and the New Age community.

I have similar concerns. To me the word "totalitarian" means ANY belief system that claims to be able to deal with all of life's issues. I have seen New Agers take this sort of totalitarian view. E.g., even for something like setting a broken bone, "western medicine" is to be shunned, healrth insurance is to be shunned. And if you do have a mental health crisis, you're gonna rely on a healer of some sort?

I think if spiritual belief systems stay in their lane, things are much better.

 

[1137]

I think if we really got down to it a lot of this is exposure bias. There's likely nothing special about the rates of mental illness with new age beliefs compared to really any other group. I mean look at our world. One of the biggest religions thinks this is a perfectly designed world, that people resurrect, that we should symbolically consume flesh and blood, etc. The other believes they are literally some kind of deterministic illusion. I rarely find new age beliefs that out-crazy Stockholm Syndrome or "I don't exist hehe." Scams, cults, radicalization, these aren't just common, they're how the world actually works on most levels, we just don't see it that way. Insurance is a scam, company cultures are cults, fads are radicalization. These are the rules not the exceptions to them

That said, were we to test this in western culture, it would probably be hard on the new agers, because it's all about averages and statistics. It's "normal" to think a guy rose from the dead, it's "abnormal" to think you can communicate with your dead ancestors. It's "normal" to pray and "abnormal" to do magic. All an occultist needs for a mental health diagnosis to speak to someone who is a Christian or Physicalist and of power to diagnose.