The Dose cover image

The Dose

How do I deal with stress in situations I can’t fully control?

Apr 3, 2025
Zindel Segal, a distinguished psychology professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough, joins to discuss the rising anxiety among Canadians due to factors like political unrest and economic challenges. He dives into why we gravitate towards stressful news and shares techniques for managing anxiety in uncontrollable situations. Segal emphasizes the importance of distress tolerance for personal growth and provides practical coping strategies amidst uncertainty. He also touches on how to navigate discussions about sensitive topics while setting healthy personal boundaries.
25:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The increasing anxiety among Canadians is largely driven by rising living costs and political uncertainty, highlighting the impact of uncontrollable factors on mental health.
  • Implementing proactive strategies like setting media consumption limits and practicing mindfulness can significantly alleviate stress in turbulent times.

Deep dives

Understanding the Impact of Current Events on Mental Health

The current political and economic climate has led to heightened anxiety among individuals, particularly in Canada. Many people are reacting to news related to elections, tariffs, and global uncertainty, which can significantly amplify stress. This added pressure creates a sense of uncontrollability, as many factors are beyond personal influence. Mental Health Research Canada highlights that this unpredictability exacerbates feelings of anxiety, as many individuals struggle to cope with the pressures stemming from their everyday lives alongside the wider societal tensions.

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