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Coronavirus Special. Johann Hari: How To Stay Calm and Connected when Physically Apart #105

Apr 1, 2020 1h 13m 16 insights
CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing and themes of an adult nature. Having written a book about the importance of connections, Johann Hari was the obvious choice to help me shed light on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting this key human need. In this podcast, his work on how loneliness affects depression and anxiety provides insight, understanding and practical solutions to help us through. We start by talking about what Johann says is the biggest cause of emotional difficulties – financial insecurity. Of course, things are moving fast and since this podcast was recorded, the UK government has announced support for the self-employed, too. But people are understandably worried how they’ll cope until help filters through. A YouGov survey suggests many are already borrowing money only one week into the current UK lockdown. Johann believes that asking our political representatives to address this is a vital way to feel connected, value our key workers and safeguard our mental health. We also discuss how shared experience and meaning can be a way out of loneliness. Johann gives some extraordinary examples of people who’ve managed to find meaning and affect positive change in the face of huge adversity. We’re all familiar with post-traumatic stress, but there’s emerging evidence that more people actually experience growth as a result of trauma. They re-evaluate, reset their values, life in many ways gets better for them. Could this be the way we all move through – and beyond – this global crisis? It’s a lot to get your head around, but it’s a powerful message to hear. Take care, stay safe and be kind.  Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/105 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk
Actionable Insights

1. Advocate for Financial Security

Pressure your political representatives to address the financial insecurities people are facing, as this is the single best thing for collective mental health and can be done through social media or email.

2. Re-evaluate Societal Values

Use this moment to reset and re-evaluate societal values, shifting focus from material wealth and status to recognizing and honoring the essential contributions of key workers who keep society functioning.

3. Build Shared Meaning & Purpose

Combat loneliness by actively building shared meaning and purpose with others, even when physically separated, through activities like art, music, or collective political projects.

4. Focus on Post-Traumatic Growth

Actively consider the concept of post-traumatic growth, where trauma can lead to re-evaluation and positive life changes, without diminishing the reality of the trauma itself.

5. Embrace Global Interconnectedness

Recognize and embrace our global interconnectedness as a single species, understanding that collective action and listening to world scientists are essential for addressing shared crises like pandemics and climate change.

6. Adopt WHO Mental Health Approach

After the crisis, adopt the World Health Organization’s perspective on mental health, recognizing that depression and anxiety are primarily social problems requiring social solutions, not just biological ones.

7. Organize for Higher Minimum Wage

Initiate or join a large-scale, organized effort to fight for a significantly higher minimum wage, especially to honor essential workers who risk their lives to keep society functioning.

8. Form Psychological Human Chains

Form ‘psychological human chains’ of meaning, solidarity, and love to foster connection and support each other, especially when physical contact is limited.

9. Practice Daily Gratitude & Reflection

Spend five minutes each morning reflecting on what you are grateful for and what you learned the previous day, which can be a gratifying exercise to foster positivity.

10. Reconnect & Thank Loved Ones

To combat anxiety and depression, make a list of all the people in your life who have made a difference or helped you, and then call them to express your gratitude and reconnect.

11. Insight 11

Go easy on yourself and allow time to adapt to new realities, as it’s completely okay not to feel okay during challenging times.

12. Daily Small Health Actions

Incorporate small health-focused actions daily, as these will significantly improve how you feel, especially during challenging periods.

13. Join Online Support Community

Join the ‘Dr. Chatterjee 4 Pillar Community Tribe’ on Facebook for an online community that offers support, inspiration, motivation, and a space to share struggles and receive help.

To manage physical and mental health and build resilience, consider reading or revisiting books like ‘The Stress Solution’ or ‘Feel Better in 5’ for actionable tips.

15. Utilize Free Expert Resources

Access free audio resources from leading experts on topics like loneliness, values, and addiction by visiting thelostconnections.com or chasingthescream.com.

16. Support Podcast with Review/Share

Support the podcast by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or sharing it with friends and family, as this helps amplify the reach of these valuable conversations.