In this deeply thought-provoking episode, Ruth welcomes psychodynamics expert Julia Rogers to unpack the loaded concept of "hysteria" and its fraught historical connection with women and femininity. From ancient Greek medicine to Freud's consulting room and all the way through to the modern workplace, they explore how women's emotional expression has been pathologized and turned into a tool for control and dismissal.

Key Takeaways

• Hysteria has always been gendered: Rooted in control and dismissiveness, it offered a "diagnosis" for women whose voices or pain disrupted the status quo.
• System vs. Self: The label served to protect social structures, but also paradoxically gave women a (constrained) way to signal distress when their words were ignored.
• Still Resonant Today: Even now, women’s emotions can be pathologized—think about conversations around menopause or women "overreacting" at work.
• Emotions are Data: Feelings like anger or frustration shouldn’t be dismissed or shamed. They're valid responses that often point to deeper issues.
• You Are Not Too Much: If you’re made to feel "hysterical,” you might simply be in the wrong room. Seek spaces that value your whole self.
• Channel Your Inner Dora: If a situation or environment refuses to hear or respect your truth, it’s okay to walk away.

00:02:11

What is Hysteria? (Origin and Meaning)

• Julia explains the etymology of "hysteria" (Greek for "uterus") and discusses its historical use as a catch-all diagnosis for unexplained symptoms in women.

00:03:33

How Hysteria Became Negative

• The term’s pejorative use to invalidate women’s emotions and opinions, and its connection to restrictive gender norms in the late 1800s and early 1900s

00:05:04

Psychodynamics: The Unspoken Message Behind Hysteria

• Julia delves into how physical symptoms often communicated what women could not say out loud
• Freud's case study of "Dora" is discussed as an example.00:10:04

The Systemic Function of Hysteria

• How the label benefited patriarchal systems and provided both an outlet for women’s frustration and an easy method for dismissal.

00:13:12

Gendered Diagnosis and Societal Segregation

• Why hysteria became so strongly gendered, the role of male medical professionals, and the broader context of social segregation.

00:23:18

Unlearning Shame & Reclaiming Emotional Expression

• Why women often internalize dismissal of their own emotions.
• Coaching insights: Emotions as data, the power of reframing anger.

00:31:13

Final Insights: Reclaiming Power & Emotional Authority

• Julia’s advice: “If anyone calls you hysterical, own it—there’s likely a very good reason for your emotion.”

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Julia Rogers and her work on psychodynamics and everyday life.
• Ruth's leadership coaching and community at resonateleadership.co.uk.

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