Podcasts > The Mel Robbins Podcast > Want to Be Happier Right Now? Don’t Make This Mistake (New Surprising Science)

Want to Be Happier Right Now? Don’t Make This Mistake (New Surprising Science)

By Stitcher

Dive into a compelling session on "The Mel Robbins Podcast" with host Mel Robbins and guest Judith Joseph as they unpack the hidden crisis of anhedonia sweeping through society in the wake of collective trauma. In a world where recent global events have left indelible marks on our collective psyche, Judith and Mel shed light on how symptoms like numbness and exhaustion are much more than personal battles—they're a reflection of a broader issue rooted in our shared experiences. Unravel the complex tapestry woven by psychological research as they examine the causes and effects of trauma on mental health, punctuated by insights on how our quest to steer clear of negative emotions may be contributing to a widespread lack of joy.

Then, chart a path to reclaim the simple pleasures of life with insightful strategies presented by Robbins and Joseph that move beyond the elusive pursuit of perfect happiness. By advocating for a realistic and mindful approach to wellbeing, they argue that savoring small victories and embracing the present can build a foundation for lasting happiness. Learn how to navigate the aftermath of trauma with actionable advice on mindfulness and emotional processing, emphasizing the power of validating your feelings and engaging with life's textures. Tune in with Mel Robbins as she guides listeners through the journey of rediscovering joy, instilling hope that happiness, though nuanced, is within reach.

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Want to Be Happier Right Now? Don’t Make This Mistake (New Surprising Science)

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Want to Be Happier Right Now? Don’t Make This Mistake (New Surprising Science)

1-Page Summary

Joy and Pleasure Deficits Due to Collective Trauma

Judith Joseph and Mel Robbins explore the concept of anhedonia, particularly in the context of collective trauma caused by recent global events such as the pandemic and social unrest. They describe symptoms like numbness, exhaustion, and a sense of detachment as pervasive issues in society. They analyze research that points to the pandemic's detrimental impact on mental health. Joseph and Robbins discuss the various biopsychosocial causes that interlink trauma with mental health struggles, including genetic factors, the effects on the brain, and the broad societal impacts of collective trauma. They connect the avoidance of feelings to the widespread experience of anhedonia.

Recovering Joy and Happiness

Moving towards recovery, Joseph and Robbins delve into the notion that the pursuit of a perfect state of happiness is unrealistic and unattainable. They suggest adopting a mindset that treasures small, joyful moments in daily life to overcome continuous feelings of unhappiness and anhedonia. Accumulating these points of joy can lead to a sustained sense of wellbeing. They emphasize the importance of processing trauma, validating feelings, and engaging with physical sensations to recover the ability to feel joy and happiness. Robbins and Joseph encourage embracing mindfulness and restorative practices like acknowledging one's emotions to reconnect with feelings and improve overall satisfaction in life. They conclude that by focusing on sensations, validation, and present joys, one can revive feelings and rediscover happiness.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Anhedonia is a term used to describe a range of deficits in experiencing pleasure, including reduced motivation and enjoyment. It is a common symptom in various mental health disorders like depression and substance-related issues. Anhedonia can manifest as a lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable and a diminished ability to derive pleasure from experiences. It involves both a decrease in the anticipation of pleasure (wanting) and a decrease in the actual enjoyment of pleasurable activities (liking).
  • The term "biopsychosocial causes" refers to factors that contribute to mental health struggles, including biological, psychological, and social influences. These causes highlight the complex interplay between genetics, brain function, and societal impacts on an individual's mental well-being. Understanding these interconnected factors is crucial in addressing issues like anhedonia and trauma recovery. The biopsychosocial model emphasizes the importance of considering all these elements when examining mental health challenges.
  • Mindfulness involves being fully present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings without judgment. Restorative practices are activities or techniques that help individuals relax, recharge, and restore their mental and emotional well-being. These practices often include activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Engaging in mindfulness and restorative practices can help individuals manage their emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental health.

Counterarguments

  • The connection between collective trauma and anhedonia, while plausible, may not account for individual differences in resilience and coping mechanisms.
  • The symptoms listed as indicative of anhedonia could also be symptoms of other mental health issues, and it is important not to conflate them without proper diagnosis.
  • The impact of global events on mental health is significant, but it is also important to consider pre-existing mental health conditions that may have been exacerbated by these events rather than caused by them.
  • While research may show a general trend in mental health decline during the pandemic, there may be subpopulations that experienced improved mental health due to various factors such as reduced social stressors or more time for self-care.
  • The role of genetic factors in trauma and mental health is complex, and there may be a risk of oversimplifying the influence of genetics without considering the dynamic interplay with environmental factors.
  • The idea that pursuing a perfect state of happiness is unrealistic may be challenged by perspectives that emphasize the possibility of achieving a high level of contentment through personal growth and life changes.
  • The strategy of treasuring small joyful moments might not be sufficient for individuals with severe mental health issues, who may require more comprehensive interventions.
  • The emphasis on mindfulness and restorative practices may not resonate with everyone, and some individuals may find other methods more effective for reconnecting with their feelings and improving life satisfaction.
  • The focus on present joys and sensations as a way to revive feelings and rediscover happiness may not address deeper issues related to meaning and purpose that contribute to long-term satisfaction and fulfillment.

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Want to Be Happier Right Now? Don’t Make This Mistake (New Surprising Science)

Joy and Pleasure Deficits Due to Collective Trauma

Judith Joseph and Mel Robbins dive deep into the issue of anhedonia in the wake of widespread societal trauma. They explain how the recent pandemic, along with political and social upheaval, resulted in a collective trauma that has led to an inability to feel joy and pleasure.

The pandemic, political and social upheaval have caused collective trauma, leading to inability to feel joy/pleasure (anhedonia)

Symptoms like feeling numb, empty, exhausted, detached

Judith Joseph explains the sense of numbness many people feel as a symptom of anhedonia—a condition where individuals find it hard to enjoy things they previously liked. She uses the term "Anne Hidonia" to personify the feeling of numbness or feeling "blah." This collective sense of anhedonia is exacerbated by challenges such as fluctuating safety messages and financial uncertainties. Robbins and Joseph discuss the common experience of numbing and fights, flight, and freeze responses to trauma.

Overview of research into recent widespread trauma and impact on mental health

Joseph and Robbins detail how the trauma of the pandemic led to significant mental health declines, particularly among children, as reported by the CDC. Elevated levels of online connectivity among youth, exacerbated by pandemic isolation, have been especially harmful to mental health and development. They connect behaviors like binge drinking, unhealthy online sexual habits, and excessive shopping to anhedonia, as people turn to self-soothing mechanisms instead of dealing with the trauma.

Biopsychosocial causes explain connections between trauma, mental health struggles, avoiding feelings and anhedonia

Joseph discusses the biopsychosocial model to explain the connection between trauma and anhedonia. This model includes biological aspects such as genetic risks and the effects of the pandemic on the brain, psychological aspects like unprocessed trauma, and societal factors related to collective experiences. Robbins spotlights a deep connection where people have suppressed their feelings, blocking their access to joy and pleasure.

Simple methods to increase daily joy and build happiness through focus on sensory pleasures

The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method as joy booster

While not discussed in the content provided, the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method is known to boost joy by using sensory engagement to ground individuals in the present moment, countering numbness and detachment.

Savoring small pleasures like a cup of coffee

Joseph advocate ...

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Joy and Pleasure Deficits Due to Collective Trauma

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Anhedonia is a term used to describe a range of difficulties related to experiencing pleasure or motivation. It can involve a reduced ability to feel pleasure, diminished interest in activities that were once enjoyable, and challenges with both anticipating and enjoying rewards. Anhedonia is often seen in various mental health conditions like depression and substance-related disorders, impacting individuals' overall quality of life.
  • The biopsychosocial model is a holistic approach that considers how biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence health and well-being. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these aspects in understanding and addressing various conditions and experiences. This model suggests that health outcomes are not solely determined by biological factors but are also shaped by psychological and social influences. By considering all these dimensions, the biopsychosocial model provides a comprehensive framework for healthcare and research.
  • Collective trauma is the psychological impact of a distressing event that affects an entire society, shaping its collective memory and behaviors. It goes beyond individual experiences to influence group identity and societal dynamics. Examples include historical events like genocides, natural disasters, and pandemics that leave lasting emotional and cultural imprints on communities.
  • Numbing and the fight, flight, and freeze responses to trauma are common reactions to overwhelming experiences. Numbing involves feeling emotionally detached or shutting down to cope with distress. Fight, flight, and freeze responses are instinctual reactions to danger, where individuals may confront, flee, or become immobilized in response to a threat. These responses are part of the body's natural stress response system to help manage and survive traumatic situations.
  • The CDC stands for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a major public health institute in the United States. It is responsible for protecting public health and safety through the control and prevention of diseases, injuries, and disabilities. The CDC conducts vital research, provides health information, and responds to health emergencies to safeguard the well-being of the population.
  • Online connectivity among youth has increased significantly in recent years, especially with the widespread availability of smartphones and the internet. This connectivity involves how young people engage with digital platforms, social media, online gaming, and virtual communication tools. It plays a crucial role in shaping their social interactions, learning experiences, and overall well-being. However, excessive online connectivity, particularly during times of isolation like the pandemic, can have negative effects on mental health and development.
  • Self-soothing mechanisms are coping strategies individuals use to comfort or calm themselves in times of distress or discomfort. These can include activities like listening to music, taking a warm bath, practicing deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies that bring comfort. Self-soothing techniques aim to regulate emotions, reduce stress, and provide a sense of relief during challenging situations. They are often employed to manage difficult emotions or situations without relying on external sources of comfort or support.
  • Genetic risks in the context of mental health and trauma can involve inherited predispositions to conditions like depression or anxiety. These r ...

Counterarguments

  • While collective trauma can lead to anhedonia, it's important to recognize that not everyone will experience trauma or its aftermath in the same way; individual resilience and coping mechanisms can vary widely.
  • The symptoms described, such as feeling numb or detached, could also be indicative of other mental health conditions, and it's crucial to avoid conflating them solely with the experience of collective trauma without proper clinical assessment.
  • Research into the impact of widespread trauma on mental health is ongoing, and there may be conflicting studies that suggest different levels of impact or that identify other contributing factors to mental health declines.
  • The biopsychosocial model is one framework for understanding the effects of trauma, but other models may also provide valuable insights, and it's important to consider a variety of perspectives in psychological research.
  • Simple methods to increase daily joy, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method, may not be effective for everyone, and some individuals may require more comprehensive therapeutic interventions to address their mental health needs.
  • The act of savoring small pleasures is a subjective experience, and what works for one person may not work for another; moreover, some individuals may struggle to find joy in any activity due to the severity of their anhedonia.
  • Creative expression and play are often recommended for reintroducing joy and pleasure, but they may not be universally accessible or appealing, and some people may find relief in other activities or forms of expression.
  • ...

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Want to Be Happier Right Now? Don’t Make This Mistake (New Surprising Science)

Recovering Joy and Happiness

Joseph and Robbins delve into the quest for happiness and the struggle with anhedonia, suggesting ways to rediscover joy in everyday life.

Need to stop chasing unrealistic picture of perfect happiness

Joseph addresses the concept that people are often in pursuit of an unrealistic state of perfect happiness, dependent on future possibilities. This imagined picture of happiness is generally not attainable and does not lead to true satisfaction or joy. Instead, Robbins and Joseph advocate for a mindset shift away from this elusive goal.

Build day-to-day happiness through accumulation of small points of joy

To combat the pervasive anhedonia, especially within stressful environments like the corporate world where anxiety can spread, Joseph recommends focusing on small, daily experiences that bring joy. Recognizing and accumulating these "joy points" can cumulatively build a sense of overall happiness. This approach shifts the emphasis from a distant, idealized happiness to finding contentment in the present moment.

Bring feelings back online through validation, trauma processing, sensations

Robbins discusses the notion of resetting the body to regain the capacity for joy and happiness, implying that validating experiences and processing trauma can foster wellbeing. Similarly, Joseph emphasizes affect labeling as a tool for understanding and reducing fear. She asserts that the contagion of anhedonia can be mitigated by allowing oneself to relax and be still, which is vital for processing trauma and recovering joy.

Both Robbins and Joseph discuss the importance of feeling validated and addressing what individuals have gone through to recover access to joy and happiness. Robbins admits to experiencing feelings that are burnt out and hollow, suggesting that a focus on sensations could aid in re-engaging with emotions. They talk about emb ...

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Recovering Joy and Happiness

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Anhedonia is a term used to describe a range of difficulties related to experiencing pleasure or motivation. It can involve a reduced ability to feel pleasure, diminished interest in enjoyable activities, and challenges in anticipating or enjoying rewards. Anhedonia is often associated with various mental health conditions, including depression, substance use disorders, and psychotic disorders. It is a complex concept that encompasses both the anticipation of pleasure (wanting) and the actual experience of pleasure (liking).
  • Affect labeling is the process of putting feelings into words, which can help reduce the impact of negative emotions. It involves explicitly identifying and articulating one's emotional state, leading to emotional regulation and potential mood improvement. This technique is used to diminish the intensity of emotions, activate brain regions associated with self-control, and enhance emotional well-being. Affect labeling is a relatively new area of study in emotion regulation, showing promising results in reducing subjective emotional experiences and physiological responses to emotions.
  • Gaslighting is a form of manipulation where someone makes another person doubt their own thoughts, feelings, or reality. It involves tactics that aim to undermine the victim's confidence and perception of the truth. Gaslighting can lead the victim to question their sanity and ca ...

Counterarguments

  • The concept of perfect happiness, while perhaps unrealistic, can serve as a motivational force for some individuals, pushing them to achieve their goals and improve their lives.
  • Accumulating small points of joy might not address deeper issues of dissatisfaction or mental health challenges that could be contributing to anhedonia.
  • The process of resetting the body and processing trauma can be complex and may require professional help beyond self-help techniques, which might not be accessible to everyone.
  • Affect labeling and mindfulness might not be effective for everyone, as individuals have different responses to various therapeutic techniques.
  • The emphasis on self-validation and not "gaslighting" oneself could potentially lead to self-indulgence or avoidance of critical self-reflection necessary for personal growth.
  • While prioritizing moments of joy and validation can be beneficial, it is also important to acknowledge and effectively manage negativ ...

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