learned optimism

Rethinking Our Thoughts Part II: What Is Learned Helplessness and How Do I Overcome It? is the second part of a two part series. Last episode, we discussed cognitive distortions and how they contribute to the trauma cycle. Similarly, learned helplessness is "a condition in which a person has a sense of powerlessness, arising from a traumatic event or persistent failure to succeed. It is thought to be one of the underlying causes of depression," according to Oxford Languages. Learned helplessness is the opposite of grit, which we discuss often on the channel. This episode discusses how learned helplessness occurs, who it impacts, and how we can get our lives back by practicing it's opposite: Learned Optimism. which a is cultivated practice that helps us develop grit, hope, and flexibility in the face of adversity, even if we've experienced trauma in the past.  

Time Stamps
1:17 Intro to Topic
4:23 What Is Learned Helplessness? 
22:36 Causes, Symptom, and  Effects of Learned Helplessness
25:32 The Solution: Learned Optimism 

Sources:
What Is Learned Helplessness? Medical News Today by Jayne Leonard
Learned Helplessness and CPTSD Psych Central by Jared C. Pistoia
Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin Seligman
Season 1: Episode 8: Flip the Script of Your Life: Personal Narratives and Learned Optimism is episode recommended from this talk.

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When things happen, do you first think, "this always happens to me," or, "next time I'll try another way." Your reaction to the way things happen to you is called your "self explanatory style."

In his books, Learned Helplessness, and Learned Optimism, Martin Seligman, breaks down your explanatory style as being either "deserving," or "hopeless." It is a style learned in childhood, most likely adolescence.  If you felt you were not valued or felt your help was not needed, or you felt left out very often, you are most likely to have a "hopeless" explanatory style.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Kevin and Niseema take us through the A,B,C,D and E, sequence of "Learned Helplessness," or "Learned Optimism:"

• An Adverse situation happens.
• A Belief is formed based on that event.
• An expectation of the same Consequences arises.
• Dispute the negative consequences with statements that help you see what is really happening.
• Take agency with Energization to stop feeling ineffectual and move into a more optimistic frame of mind.

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For more information or support contact Kevin or Niseema at info@thepositivemindcenter.com, or call 212-757-4488. 

These are challenging times and we hope this episode served to validate and ease your anxiety about what you may be experiencing. 

Please feel free to also suggest show ideas to the above email. 

Thank you for listening,
Kevin and Niseema
www.tffpp.org
https://www.kevinlmhc.com
www.niseema.com
www.thepositivemindcenter.com

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Opening Music : Another Country, Pure Shadowfax, Shadowfax

Mid Break Music: HELPLESSLY HOPING - il coro che non c'è

End Music : TFFPP Theme - Giullian Goiello for The Foundation for Positive Psychology

The Positive Mind is produced with the help of:

Producer/ Research: Connie Shannon 

Engineering: Geoff Brady

Website Design and End Music: Giullian Gioello

Marketing and PR: Jen Maguire, Maguire PR, jen@maguirepr.com

In this episode, you will learn 4 exercises that can help move you from be well, to thriving. They are easy to learn, and you can start them today! 
If you are interested in finding out what your signature strengths are,this the link to the website viacharacter.org
If you would like to comment on my podcast or if you live in the White Rock/ South Surrey, British Columbia area, and are interested in a counselling session with me, you can reach me at dannettercc@gmail.com, check out my website at http://dannette.ca or find me on Psychology Today.