In this episode, Robyn Walser, a frequent guest of the podcast, and Debbie explore how we can be our “better angels” 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’s 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. 

During 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. 

About Robyn Walser

Dr. Robyn Walser

Dr. Walser is staff at the National 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 international 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 Learning ACT, 2nd Edition, The Mindful Couple, ACT for Clergy and Pastoral Counselors: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Bridge Psychological and Spiritual Care, and The 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’s blog post on How to be a Corona Virus Hero.Self-care guide in the time of COVID-19 by Dr. Andrea Birnbaum Tips from our former podcast guest Tara Mohr on Handling Tensions While Stuck at Home Together Centers 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, Treating Trauma with ACT, with Dr. Robyn Walser

Books by Pema Chodron Supporting Mental Health

The Wisdom of No Escape: and the Path of Loving-Kindness Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate LivingWhen Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 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