Building Psychological Defense Mechanisms

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Experiencing traumatic events like cancer diagnosis can lead individuals to build psychological defense mechanisms. Patients often exhibit strength and resilience during treatments, only to breakdown emotionally after receiving a clean bill of health. This behavior is attributed to the way our brains function, acting as dams during acute stress to protect internal reserves. Only when feeling psychologically safe do individuals lower their defenses, allowing true emotions to surface, often leading to overwhelming emotional release. The collective experiences of this year have prompted many to face their true emotions and vulnerabilities.

In this episode, Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The Five Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience, shares how to reframe our relationship with stress. She explains why feeling overwhelmed is a common human experience, not a personal failing. Simple, science-backed techniques like breathing, social connection, journaling, and eliminating multitasking can help our minds and bodies reset.

Dr. Nerurkar offers realistic ways to introduce ease into our days through small, sustainable steps. Learn how to "do better" so you can start to "feel better" and thrive.

You can find Aditi at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Stephen and Seth Porges about safety, stress, and your nervous system.

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