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S3 Ep 2: Melissa Harries - Building Mental Fortitude in a World That Makes It Hard
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What if everything you thought you knew about resilience was wrong? In this thought-provoking conversation with psychologist Melissa Harries, we explore a revolutionary approach to understanding mental fortitude that might just change how you think about emotional strength.
Drawing from her 20 years of psychological practice, including her time as a military psychologist deployed to conflict zones, Harries shares profound insights that challenge conventional wisdom. Rather than viewing resilience as the absence of negative emotions or the ability to "tough it out," she reframes it as "the ability to tolerate feeling bad while still doing what's important in the course of a day." This subtle but powerful shift transforms resilience from something you are to something you actively practice.
The discussion takes us through the paradox of emotional pain – how trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings often makes them worse – and examines why our well-intentioned efforts to protect children from challenges might actually undermine their psychological development. Harries introduces concepts like "helicopter parenting" and "lawnmower parenting" that highlight how overprotection can stunt resilience growth, while offering practical strategies for building psychological strength through appropriately calibrated challenges.
Perhaps most importantly, Harries separates mental illness from resilience, explaining that they exist on different continuums rather than as opposites. This nuanced understanding helps destigmatize mental health challenges while providing a framework for developing greater psychological flexibility regardless of your starting point. Whether you're struggling with your own resilience, supporting someone through difficult times, or simply curious about building mental strength, this conversation offers valuable insights that you can immediately apply to your life.
Listen now to discover practical strategies for developing resilience, understanding the role of community in psychological health, and learning how to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth. Your journey toward greater mental fortitude starts here.
Check out our socials on Instagram and Facebook at LeaveALightOnPodcast, and connect with us there.
Share your stories with us and lets Leave a Light On
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By Shayne & MickSend us a text
What if everything you thought you knew about resilience was wrong? In this thought-provoking conversation with psychologist Melissa Harries, we explore a revolutionary approach to understanding mental fortitude that might just change how you think about emotional strength.
Drawing from her 20 years of psychological practice, including her time as a military psychologist deployed to conflict zones, Harries shares profound insights that challenge conventional wisdom. Rather than viewing resilience as the absence of negative emotions or the ability to "tough it out," she reframes it as "the ability to tolerate feeling bad while still doing what's important in the course of a day." This subtle but powerful shift transforms resilience from something you are to something you actively practice.
The discussion takes us through the paradox of emotional pain – how trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings often makes them worse – and examines why our well-intentioned efforts to protect children from challenges might actually undermine their psychological development. Harries introduces concepts like "helicopter parenting" and "lawnmower parenting" that highlight how overprotection can stunt resilience growth, while offering practical strategies for building psychological strength through appropriately calibrated challenges.
Perhaps most importantly, Harries separates mental illness from resilience, explaining that they exist on different continuums rather than as opposites. This nuanced understanding helps destigmatize mental health challenges while providing a framework for developing greater psychological flexibility regardless of your starting point. Whether you're struggling with your own resilience, supporting someone through difficult times, or simply curious about building mental strength, this conversation offers valuable insights that you can immediately apply to your life.
Listen now to discover practical strategies for developing resilience, understanding the role of community in psychological health, and learning how to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth. Your journey toward greater mental fortitude starts here.
Check out our socials on Instagram and Facebook at LeaveALightOnPodcast, and connect with us there.
Share your stories with us and lets Leave a Light On