Ep. 337 Transform Your Life with Practical Optimism with Dr. Sue Varma

Everyday Wellness

Today, I have the pleasure of connecting with Dr. Sue Varma.

Dr. Varma is a privately-practicing board-certified psychiatrist and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York University. She is a nationally acclaimed keynote speaker, medical contributor, media consultant, and advisor to leading television networks and programs.

In our discussion today, we examine the impact of shared life experiences like 9/11 and the pandemic, exploring the role of PTSD and the effects of practical optimism, self-care, and self-reliance. We discuss optimism, its inheritability, and the significance of milestones for women, including transitioning from high school to college, navigating midlife, and addressing feelings of loneliness. We also look into purpose and compassion, the complexities of processing emotions, the challenges of the perfectionism façade, the role of trauma, ACE scores, autoimmunity, and the benefits of mindfulness and meditation.

Stay tuned for more!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• Dr. Varma discusses the collective sense of grief, fear, connection, and empathy after 9/11 and the pandemic
• The importance of optimism and resilience when dealing with tragedy
• How Dr. Varma helps her patients identify their blind spots and other areas for improvement in their lives
• How perimenopause can bring about a sexual awakening and increased desire for intimacy but also loneliness and dissatisfaction in relationships
• Why friendships are essential for our well-being
• Why do we need to invest in different types of connections and relationships?
• The critical importance of finding purpose in life
• How unprocessed emotions affect our mental and physical well-being
• How trauma impacts mental health
• Some practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into daily life
• The benefits of meditation

Bio:

Dr. Sue Varma is a board-certified psychiatrist in private practice and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York University (NYU) Langone Health. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Varma was the first medical director and attending psychiatrist at the World Trade Center Mental Health Program at NYU Langone Health, treating civilians and first responders in the aftermath of 9/11. Dr. Varma is a nationally acclaimed keynote speaker, medical contributor, media advisor, and consultant to major networks and shows. She regularly appears on the Today Show, Nightly News, CBS Mornings, and Good Morning America and is frequently interviewed by Time, Washington Post, NPR, and beyond. Dr. Varma is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards for her ground-breaking efforts in mental health education and advocacy, including a Sharecare Emmy. Her forthcoming book, “Practical Optimism,” is eagerly anticipated worldwide, with translations in several languages.

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• On her website
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Dr. Varma's book, Practical Optimism:

The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being