by Dr Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap
‘FACE COVID’ is a set of practical steps for responding effectively to the Corona crisis, using the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Here’s a quick summary of the key steps, and in the pages that follow we’ll explore them all in more depth.
Some of the HBR edit staff met virtually the other day — a screen full of faces in a scene becoming more common everywhere. We talked about the content we’re commissioning in this harrowing time of a pandemic and how we can help people. But we also talked about how we were feeling. One colleague mentioned that what she felt was grief. Heads nodded in all the panes.
As the news about the coronavirus pandemic becomes grimmer, and governments and businesses issue closing or work-from-home directives, many of us are experiencing a variety of negative emotions. We feel anxiety in response to the uncertainty of the situation; sadness related to losing our daily sources of meaning and joy; and anger at whatever forces are to blame for bringing this upon us. As a psychologist, I believe following evidence-based recommendations for bolstering mental resilience can help us weather this crisis.
Yesterday, as I did some shopping for the holidays, I saw an older couple strolling through Fred Meyer, hand in hand. When they paused to look at something, their bodies leaned slightly into one another, and the warm energy between them was palpable in the air. I could feel my body relax and a deep smile crinkle my eyes as I participated in the quiet radiance of their attachment. In my decades as a therapist, the deepest and most consistent pain for the people I am privileged to see comes from disconnection. Since neurobiology teaches us that, from birth into old age, our most basic, hard-wired quest is for attuned relationships, why do so many of us struggle to find the warmth and nurturance our brains and bodies crave?
By Dan Lander, University of South Australia.
It is difficult to overestimate the emotional devastation and mental anguish caused by Australia's current bushfire crisis.
As unprecedented events continue across the nation, University of South Australia mental health expert Professor Nicholas Procter says it is essential we recognize that intense, confusing, and frightening emotions are being experienced by many people, both those directly affected and those watching the crisis unfold.
By Gina Ross – Trauma specialist, founder of the International Trauma Institute and author of the book in progress “The Role of Media in Healing Trauma” and Peter Levine– Author of “Waking The Tiger- Healing Trauma” and creator of Somatic Experiencing, an innovative method for healing trauma”
We humans are extremely resilient and have been able to recuperate from the most horrendous tragedies. Furthermore, through the process of healing, we have the possibility to be transformed by our traumas.
Dr. Stephen Porges discusses Polyvagal Theory and romantic relationships in his interview with PsychAlive.org
When faced with danger, threat, fear, stress or trauma, why is it that we respond differently to the next person? Why do we engage in different survival-defensive behaviours? Why is it that some of us ‘fight’, some of us ‘flight’, whilst others go into shut down mode? Many of us are familiar with the “fight or flight” response. Stephen Porges’ (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001) ‘Polyvagal theory’ (PVT) takes this theory further and helps to explain and broaden our understanding of the nervous system and how it responds to trauma. According to Porges, each branch of the vagus nerve (ventral and dorsal) is linked with a different behavioural and physiological response in the face of trauma.
The Polyvagal Theory is a new understanding of how our nervous system works, and explains everything from trauma, to the very essence of social behavior; while shedding light on possible treatments for autism and trauma. You’ll never think of your body and brain the same way again.
Johann Hari always wondered if there was more to people’s depression than what was being advertised/normalized. So, he started what turned into a 4,000 mile journey to find the answer. Like many, including celebrities, Hari felt confused when it came to handling his depression.