The Teacher Who Said to Stop the Tablets

Harish Gowda, thirty-seven, from Mysuru, lost his job and began to feel hopeless and tired, and he stopped enjoying anything. A friend took him to a spiritual group that offered meditation, chanting and a sense of belonging. Harish loved it. He slept better, found new friends and began to feel that life had a purpose again.

But one evening the group's leader told him that his illness was only a lack of faith and that he should stop the medicine his psychiatrist had prescribed. Harish wavered. He stopped taking tablets that week. After two weeks, the old heaviness returned, along with sleeplessness, and he felt like a failure for not being 'spiritual enough'.

His sister Gayathri noticed and sat with him. She did not mock the group. She said that the meditation and community seemed to help him, and that the doctor's treatment helped too. They went back to the psychiatrist together, who explained that medicine should be stopped only by the doctor, gradually, and that spiritual practice and treatment work best together. Harish resumed treatment under supervision.

He continued the meditation and chanting, but with a clearer understanding. 'The practice gives me meaning,' he said. 'The medicine and the doctor look after my illness. I need both.'

How to recognise it

Finding comfort, purpose and community in spiritual or meditative practice.
A group or person suggesting that treatment is unnecessary or a sign of weak faith.
Stopping medicine or therapy suddenly, followed by return of symptoms.
Feelings of guilt or failure when symptoms return.
Becoming isolated from family or doctors, or giving large amounts of money or time to a group.

What this story explains

The chapter's section on spiritual wellbeing and meaning shows real benefits for many people, and also lists cautions, especially against using spiritual practice instead of medical treatment. The best path is integrative.

Probable root causes

Hopelessness after loss, such as unemployment, leading to a search for meaning.
Depression or anxiety needing medical care.
Pressure from a group or leader who discourages professional care.
Stigma about mental health treatment, making spiritual explanations more attractive.

What to do

Value the meaning, community and calm that spiritual practice gives.
Discuss any spiritual practice openly with your doctor or therapist.
Continue prescribed treatment unless your doctor changes it.
Watch for any group that demands secrecy, money or stopping medical care.
Involve a trusted family member or elder who respects both approaches.

Whom to consult

Psychiatrist or doctor before changing or stopping any medicine, and to restart safely if it was stopped.
Clinical psychologist or counsellor to work through guilt, hopelessness and meaning.
Trusted spiritual teacher who supports medical care, as an addition.
Emergency services or nearest hospital if there are thoughts of self-harm.

Do and don’t

Do	Don’t
Do practise what gives meaning.	Don't stop medicine without a doctor.
Do keep your doctor informed.	Don't blame yourself if illness returns.
Do respect the person's beliefs.	Don't hand over large sums or control to any group.
Do keep family ties.	Don't ridicule someone's faith.
Do seek help if symptoms return.	Don't accept that illness equals weak faith.

How to behave and communicate

Respect first: 'I can see the group gives you peace, and I am glad.'
Then gently: 'Let's ask your doctor how to keep both.'
Avoid attacking the group or leader.
Listen to what the community means to them.
Remind them: 'Needing treatment does not mean your faith is weak.'