Episode #146. Busting Mental Health Myths and Take a Four-Second Pause when you feel Angry, with Beth Tyson, Trauma Expert, Consultant and Therapist, Philadelphia, United States

THRIVING MINDS PODCAST

In this enlightening episode, we're joined by Beth Tyson, an expert trauma therapist, to demystify some common myths about mental health and child psychology.
Taking a four-second pause when you start to feel angry is a simple but effective strategy to create emotional distance from a triggering situation. It allows you a brief moment to gain better control over your emotions, providing a break for your brain to shift from a reactive state to a more reasoned one. This pause can be the first step in engaging the frontal lobe—the part of the brain responsible for rational thinking—enabling you to assess the situation more calmly and make a more informed choice about how to respond. It can also help you avoid saying or doing something in the heat of the moment that you might later regret. The practice aligns well with various cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices that aim to improve emotional regulation.

Myth #1: Neglecting the Emotional Lives of Infants and Toddlers
The critical role that early life experiences play in long-term mental health. She sheds light on the significance of implicit and emotional memories stored during these formative years and the importance of proactive care over reactive treatment.
Myth #2: Labeling Natural Reactions to Trauma as 'Disorders'
The pros and cons of psychiatric diagnoses, particularly their role in facilitating insurance coverage versus their potential to stigmatize and limit people. She advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the human experience, especially when it comes to survivors of childhood trauma.

Myth #3: The Burden of Individual Responsibility for Systemic Problems
The limitations of self-care and skill development in the face of systemic and intergenerational trauma. She calls for an approach that addresses societal root causes rather than solely focusing on the individual.

Myth #4: Expecting High Achievement in Psychologically Unsafe Environments
Touching on the intersection of basic neuroscience and human potential, Beth argues that the expectation for children to excel in unsafe environments is both unrealistic and damaging to their mental well-being.

Myth #5: Associating Shame with Anxiety and Panic Attacks
The common misconception that experiencing anxiety or panic attacks is somehow a sign of weakness or moral failing. She emphasizes their role as natural responses to stress and how, surprisingly, they can also serve positive functions.

Myth #6: The Overlooked Importance of Caregiver Support in Childhood Therapy
The vital need for holistic approaches that involve caregivers in a child's therapy journey, arguing that without this support, sustainable progress is unlikely.

Conclusion
Beth Tyson helps us unravel these myths, empowering us to make informed and compassionate decisions for our mental well-being and that of our children.

Join the Conversation
For an ongoing discussion on children’s mental health and childhood trauma, Beth invites you to join her private Facebook group, Emotiminds, a growing community of over 4,600 parents and mental health professionals.

Beth Tyson, MA, is a childhood trauma consultant, a 3x best-selling author, and a tireless advocate for the mental health of children and families. She founded Beth Tyson Trauma Consulting to provide trauma-responsive training and resources to organizations committed to supporting the emotional well-being of families.
https://www.bethtyson.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethtyson/
Here’s the Emotiminds link:

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