DeepSummary
In this podcast episode, Dr. Mona Amin interviews Dr. Sue Verma, a psychiatrist and cognitive behavioral therapist, about the concept of practical optimism. They discuss the difference between optimism, pessimism, and toxic positivity, and how optimism can be learned and practiced through various strategies and mindsets.
Dr. Verma outlines the 8 pillars of practical optimism, including having a purpose, processing negative emotions, problem-solving, being present, having self-efficacy, developing self-compassion, and practicing healthy habits. She explains how these pillars can help individuals thrive despite challenges and adversity.
The conversation also touches on the role of genetics in optimism, dealing with pessimistic partners or family members, and the importance of addressing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Dr. Verma emphasizes the need to build a strong foundation of stress management and coping skills during peaceful times to better handle unexpected challenges.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Practical optimism is a learnable skill set that involves strategies like having a purpose, processing emotions, problem-solving, being present, having self-efficacy, developing self-compassion, and practicing healthy habits.
- Optimism is only 25% genetic, and the rest can be learned and practiced.
- Practical optimism differs from toxic positivity and acknowledges reality while taking balanced action.
- Dealing with pessimistic partners or family members may require addressing underlying mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
- Building a strong foundation of stress management and coping skills during peaceful times can better prepare individuals for handling unexpected challenges.
- Prioritizing mental health, especially for parents, is crucial for overall well-being and family happiness.
- Self-compassion and avoiding black-and-white thinking are essential aspects of practical optimism.
- Allowing time and flexibility to deal with unexpected challenges is important for practical optimism.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Optimists are actually more realistic in their assessment of things, right. They're able to have somewhat of an accurate read on things. The problem is they then get mired in the negativity and they don't act. And the practical optimist takes a little bit of the pessimism and read the room, assess the situation, but then follows it up with balanced action plan.“ by Doctor Sue Verma
- “So now I've learned that I need to allow myself time almost like a crisis hour because there's every day there's something happening that I had not anticipated.“ by Doctor Sue Verma
- “So give ourselves grace and be able to have not a black and white thinking, but allow for shades of gray.“ by Doctor Sue Verma
- “Take care of your mental health as if your life depends on it, because it does. And the more as a parent, the more confident and competent, well rested, compassionate you are for yourself, for your partner, for your family members, for your child, you know, the happier the family will be.“ by Doctor Sue Verma
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Episode Information
The PedsDocTalk Podcast
Dr. Mona Amin
6/5/24