The Stress Epidemic Podcast Notes

We were honored to have Hannah Branch and Greg McCord on our podcast today. If you are looking for a counselor, these two are the best.  You can find their information below.

Hannah Branch

http://cultivatesandiego.com/hbranch/

Greg McCord

Greg McCord

Here are some of the questions, quotes and articles from today’s podcast.

How do you see this stress epidemic in your counseling office?

What are the reasons why people are feeling so stressed out these days?

This year alone, about one in five of us will suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder.

(Social media addiction)

Alice G. Walton , 6 Ways Social Media Affects Our Mental Health

Health experts love to say that sitting is the new smoking. Given the number of diseases to which sitting is linked, and the number of people it apparently kills every year, sitting is one of the worst things we can do for health. But possibly as concerning is the thing that we often do while we’re sitting: Mindlessly scrolling through our social media feeds when we have a few spare minutes. Research is confirming, it’s not the best habit when it comes to our collective psychology.

It’s addictive

‘Facebook Addiction Disorder’

It triggers more sadness, less well-being

One study a few years ago found that Facebook use was linked to both less moment-to-moment happiness and less life satisfaction

Comparing our lives with others is mentally unhealthy

We get caught in the delusion of thinking it will help

More friends on social doesn’t mean you’re more social

What steps can we take to deal with our stress psychologically?

Building Better Mental Health

6 Life-Changing Strategies to Boost Mood, Build Resilience, and Increase Happiness (I can’t tell you what the six are. They had list after list of things we need to do)

  • Call a friend or loved one now and arrange to meet up. Try to make it a regular get-together.
  • If you don’t feel that you have anyone to call, reach out to acquaintances.
  • Get out from behind your TV or computer screen.
  • Be a joiner. Join networking, social, or special interest groups that meet on a regular basis.
  • Don’t be afraid to smile and say hello to strangers you cross paths with. Making a connection is beneficial to both of you
  • Staying active is as good for the brain as it is for the body
  • Don’t skimp on sleep—

Why don’t people take the steps necessary to get mentally healthy?

Why are we often reluctant or unable to address our mental health needs?

Our inability to address our mental health needs stems from a variety of reasons:

  • In some societies, mental and emotional issues are seen as less legitimate than physical issues. They’re seen as a sign of weakness or somehow as being our own fault.
  • Some people mistakenly see mental health problems as something we should know how to “snap out of.”
  • In the modern age, we’re obsessed by seeking simple answers to complex problems.
  • Make social connection a priority—especially face-to-face

What steps can we take spiritually?

What gives you meaning and purpose?

Engaging work that gives meaning to yourself and others. 

Relationships. 

Caring for a pet. 

Volunteering.

Caregiving. 

Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Robert Segal, M.A., Lawrence Robinson and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Last updated: March 2018.