Biology of Distress - Surviving Distress course lesson 3

Welcome to Lesson Three of our in-depth series on distress management: The Biology of Distress. In this comprehensive lesson from our course SURVIVING DISTRESS, we explore three crucial aspects of how the body responds to stress and the biology behind these reactions. Whether you’re a mental health professional, someone dealing with anxiety or panic attacks, or simply interested in understanding how your body works under stress, this video is packed with valuable insights.

Course: https://the-psych-collective.thinkifi...

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Surprising Role of Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
• Learn why CO2 is not just a waste gas but essential for brain function and emotional stability.
• Discover how rapid breathing or hyperventilation depletes CO2 levels, leading to impaired cognition, exaggerated emotions, and symptoms like lightheadedness and panic.
• Understand how CO2 regulation impacts blood pH and why maintaining balanced levels is vital for clear thinking and emotional control.

2. Understanding the Nervous System and Stress Responses:
• Dive into the mechanics of the fight-or-flight response and how the sympathetic nervous system gears your body up to face perceived threats.
• Explore the role of the parasympathetic nervous system, particularly the vagal nerve, in calming the body and restoring balance after a stress response.
• Learn practical ways to activate the vagal nerve for immediate relaxation, such as the mammalian dive reflex, humming, and specific physical exercises.

3. Medications: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives:
• Get an overview of how medications like antidepressants, beta-blockers, and sedatives can impact the distress process.
• Understand why medications may offer short-term relief but come with side effects and limitations over time.
• Discover why the philosophy of “skills before pills” is crucial for building long-term resilience, with practical comparisons between the effectiveness of medication and skill-based interventions.

Why This Lesson Matters:

We emphasize why learning and practicing distress management skills are more empowering and effective than solely relying on medication. Discover methods like burst physical activity and paced breathing that can quickly restore CO2 levels and stabilize your emotions, helping you regain control in as little as 30 seconds. By mastering these techniques, you build confidence in managing your distress, reduce reliance on medication, and enhance your overall emotional well-being.

What You’ll Gain:

• A deeper understanding of the biology behind distress and panic attacks.
• Knowledge of how CO2 levels and your nervous system interplay to impact your emotions and cognitive function.
• Practical tips and immediate-action strategies to normalize CO2 and manage crises effectively.

Join us for Lesson Four, where we teach you step-by-step skills to manage and de-escalate a crisis at https://the-psych-collective.thinkifi....

Download the free Surviving Distress eBook:
https://www.thepsychcollective.com/re...

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Also our check out our book: The Depression Solution https://www.thepsychcollective.com/re...

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