DeepSummary
In this episode, Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hansen explore the 'flight' response to stress, which includes feelings of anxiety, fear, and avoidant behaviors. They discuss the adaptive and maladaptive aspects of the flight response, providing a framework to understand when it is helpful for preserving safety and when it is problematic comfort-seeking.
The discussion covers various forms of avoidance coping, such as social withdrawal, procrastination, and denial. They emphasize the importance of distinguishing between actual threats and discomfort, and building a sense of self-efficacy to handle stressful situations. Techniques like graduated exposure and self-compassion are explored as ways to develop a more secure sense of self.
Towards the end, they dive into responding to anxiety in the moment, being present with inescapable painful situations, and the underlying reasons why people might struggle to let go of certain fears or defenses, even when they recognize them as irrational.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The 'flight' response, while adaptive in certain situations, can become maladaptive when driven by a desire to avoid discomfort rather than preserving actual safety.
- Avoidance coping can take various forms, such as social withdrawal, procrastination, emotional numbing, and denial, which can hinder personal growth and intimacy.
- Distinguishing between real threats and discomfort is crucial in determining when the flight response is helpful or harmful.
- Building a sense of self-efficacy and 'sturdiness' through practices like self-compassion, mindfulness, and graduated exposure can help develop a healthier relationship with anxiety and avoidance.
- Good news or progress can sometimes feel threatening, as it challenges our existing coping mechanisms or defenses.
- Self-awareness, motivation, and a willingness to take action are essential for making lasting changes in how we respond to stress and anxiety.
- Inescapable painful situations or fears require a different approach, such as acceptance, being present, and finding a sense of grounding or 'unconditional ground'.
- Understanding the underlying reasons for our fears or defenses, whether rooted in past experiences or disowned parts of ourselves, can provide valuable insights for personal growth.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Good news threatens our defenses. It goes back to what I was saying about people getting nervous about anything that might seem like the slippery slope of peeling off the scab.“ by Rick Hansen
- “The mind is complex. And so, for example, people will do things that are basically designed unconsciously as a form of self betrayal to prove that the advice their therapist is giving them or their friends and family are encouraging just won't work.“ by Rick Hansen
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Episode Information
Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson
Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson
5/20/24