#507 - Dr Julie Smith - Overcoming Stress And Anxiety
Aug 1, 2022
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Dr. Julie Smith is a clinical psychologist, online educator, and author who specializes in mental health. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding anxiety and depression, challenging the common belief that these issues stem solely from chemical imbalances. Dr. Smith shares practical strategies to turn bad days around, the role of mindfulness, and how to transform smartphone usage from compulsion to conscious choice. Listeners will learn about the importance of personal values and lifestyle changes in achieving emotional balance and growth.
Contrary to popular belief, depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Changing one's thoughts and focusing on personal growth can positively impact mental health.
Finding a balance between reflecting on the past and working towards future goals is crucial for mental well-being.
Deep dives
Depression and Chemical Imbalance in the Brain
Contrary to popular belief, a recent study challenges the view that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The serotonin theory of depression, which suggests that depression is linked to a lack of serotonin, is not supported by scientific evidence. This study also raises questions about the effectiveness of antidepressant medications that target serotonin. However, regardless of the biological cause, psychologists focus on helping individuals manage their mental health through skills, therapy, and understanding the impact of their life experiences.
Shifting Thoughts to Improve Mental Health
Changing one's thoughts and focusing on growth and personal development can have a positive impact on mental health. Rather than fixating on the idea that something is wrong with the brain, psychologists emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between thoughts, behavior, and brain chemistry. By learning coping mechanisms, such as breathing techniques and reframing negative thoughts, individuals can effectively manage anxiety and stress. It's about accepting thoughts without attributing absolute truth to them and actively choosing constructive interpretations.
Balancing Between Past and Future
Finding a balance between reflecting on the past and working towards future goals is crucial for mental well-being. While it is normal to examine past mistakes, dwelling on them excessively can lead to rumination and depression. Becoming aware of rumination patterns and using techniques like interrupting the negative thoughts by saying 'stop' aloud can redirect focus to the present moment. Engaging in activities that ground individuals in the present, such as exercise or other enjoyable hobbies, can help shift the focus away from ruminating thoughts and contribute to a more positive mood.
Importance of Taking Control of Mental Health
Taking control of one's mental health can lead to transformative changes. By recognizing that change is possible and putting in the effort, individuals can overcome depression and other mental health challenges. The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning tools and techniques that can help improve mental well-being. Through simple yet impactful actions, individuals can experience a sense of empowerment and take control of their own choices and emotions.
Understanding Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are related but distinct concepts. Stress is a response that increases alertness and enables individuals to reprioritize and make decisions. It is often associated with situational challenges, which can be resolved by taking proactive actions. Anxiety, on the other hand, is characterized by a sense of threat, such as fear of public humiliation. Understanding the distinction between stress and anxiety helps individuals better cope with and manage these emotions. By giving words to their feelings and labeling them, individuals gain a sense of control and perspective, enabling them to process and navigate their emotions more effectively.
Dr Julie Smith is a Clinical Psychologist, online educator and an author.
Bad days will come. Stress and burnout and feeling down is always a potential threat. So, it's vital that you understand the right tools to recognise this, deal with it and bring yourself back to a balanced mindset.
Expect to learn whether depression is actually caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, what most people misunderstand about anxiety, the most important things to avoid when you're feeling down, how a bad morning can be turned around, how to improve from a place of growth not a place of fear and much more...
