989 A Mental Health Toolkit: Defeat Loneliness & Learn to Love Yourself w/Kati Morton
Aug 5, 2020
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Kati Morton, a clinical psychologist and YouTube sensation, dives deep into the world of mental health. She discusses overcoming loneliness, the need for vulnerability, and practical self-help strategies like journaling for self-reflection. Kati emphasizes recognizing depression, navigating emotions, and the importance of supportive communities. She also shares insights on how to reshape negative self-perceptions and the value of authentic connections. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone seeking to love themselves and combat mental health challenges.
Identifying key signs of depression is crucial for seeking evaluation and support.
Practicing opposite action can help combat depression by engaging in activities contrary to depressive tendencies.
Changing negative thought patterns and seeking professional help are essential in overcoming depression.
Deep dives
Recognizing the Signs of Depression
Depression can be identified through key signs such as loss of enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities, changes in appetite, changes in sleep patterns, struggle with concentration, and physical symptoms such as body aches. These signs indicate a potential need for further evaluation and support.
Taking Opposite Action
One approach to combatting depression is to practice opposite action, where individuals consciously engage in activities contrary to their depressive tendencies. This may involve getting out of bed when the inclination is to stay in, reaching out to others when the instinct is to isolate, and engaging in self-care practices like showering and eating well.
Compiling Evidence and Bridging Thoughts
Changing negative thought patterns is crucial in overcoming depression. This can be done by compiling evidence that challenges self-doubt and replacing negative thoughts with bridge statements that create possibility and move towards more positive thinking. Journaling and letter-writing to oneself can also help in tracking progress and noting positive experiences.
Seeking Support and Therapy
Seeking professional help and building support networks are essential in managing and treating depression. Therapy provides a safe space to share experiences, express emotions, and gain understanding and validation. Having a support system that includes trusted friends, family, or therapists can greatly contribute to the healing process.
Importance of Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is discussed as a method to overcome anxiety and fears. It involves gradually facing scary situations to prove to oneself that they are not as terrible as they seem. The therapy helps in expanding one's comfort zone and challenging limiting beliefs, ultimately leading to increased confidence and reduced anxiety.
Understanding Mental Health and Healing
The podcast delves into topics of mental health and healing. The distinction between minor sadness and diagnosable mental illness is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of impaired functioning as a criteria for diagnosis. The process of healing from mental illness varies depending on factors such as motivation and duration of suffering. It is emphasized that change is possible, and with time, new patterns of behavior can be established to lead to a better quality of life.
“With great vulnerability comes great connection and courage.”
Lewis chats with Kati Morton, a clinical psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and viral YouTube personality whose mission is to decrease the stigma around mental health issues. They discuss the steps to overcoming loneliness, the value of vulnerability, how to recognize and combat depression, and so much more.