133. Mental Health in the Age of COVID-19 with Robyn Walser

Published: March 26, 2020, 3:21 p.m.

b'In this episode, Robyn Walser, a frequent guest of the podcast, and Debbie explore how we can be our \\u201cbetter angels\\u201d in the midst of these extreme challenges. We can do this by making values-based decisions, while still caring for ourselves and our loved ones. Dr. Walser discusses strategies for effectively caring for one\\u2019s mental health in this current moment of extreme trauma and stress, and beyond. We talk about mental health factors like anxiety, alcohol/substance abuse, and sleep. Then we explore how we can come together collectively to find meaning and hope during these difficult times with the new coronavirus, COVID-19.\\xa0During this time of global crisis with COVID-19, many of us are experiencing fear, sadness, anger, and anxiety. We are all impacted by this pandemic, directly or indirectly, and many are experiencing a high level of stress. Therefore, it is a time when caring for both physical and mental wellness, is more important than ever.\\xa0About Robyn Walser Dr. Robyn Walser Dr. Walser is staff at the\\xa0National Center for PTSD, co-director of the Bay Area Trauma Recovery Center and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, Berkeley. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she maintains an\\xa0international training, consulting and therapy practice. Dr. Walser is an expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has co-authored 5 books on ACT including\\xa0Learning ACT, 2nd Edition,\\xa0The Mindful Couple,\\xa0ACT for Clergy and Pastoral Counselors: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Bridge Psychological and Spiritual Care, and\\xa0The Heart of ACT: Developing a Flexible, Process-Based, and Client-Centered Practice Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Resources Former podcast guest and ACT co-founder Steve Hayes\\u2019s blog post on How to be a Corona Virus Hero.Self-care guide in the time of COVID-19 by Dr. Andrea Birnbaum\\xa0Tips from our former podcast guest Tara Mohr on Handling Tensions While Stuck at Home Together\\xa0Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websiteCOVID Coach: Free mobile app from the National Center for PTSD designed to help EVERYONE in the community cope with feelings of stress and anxiety in response to the COVID-19 pandemicOnline course,\\xa0Treating Trauma with ACT, with Dr. Robyn Walser Books by Pema Chodron Supporting Mental Health The Wisdom of No Escape:\\xa0and the Path of Loving-Kindness\\xa0Start Where You Are:\\xa0A Guide to Compassionate LivingWhen Things Fall Apart:\\xa0Heart Advice for Difficult Times\\xa0Comfortable with Uncertainty:\\xa0108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion 44. Anxiety Happens with Dr. John Forsyth49. Empowering Women with Dr. Robyn Walser102. A Liberated Mind with Dr. Steven Hayes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'