Release Date: March 21, 2023 | Run Time: 44:45 | Download the transcript
In a world that appears to be becoming more and more divisive, there's one thing we can all agree on. As a society, we are stressed out. Whether it's financial pressures, family or work obligations, or even just finding time for yourself in a never-ending tornado of to do lists, stress is everywhere and it's not going away.
We often talk about the physiology of stress, how it affects us physically and mentally, but in this episode of Your Complex Brain, we delve much deeper to talk about the science of stress - what's actually happening in our brain and our body when the stress response is activated, and how these insights could lead to new approaches and therapies for treating disease.
In this episode, internationally renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Jaideep Bains, discusses his innovative research looking at how the brain processes, activates and adapts to stress, and why some people appear to be more resilient than others, when it comes to dealing with stress. "It's one of those questions that comes down to some nature and some nurture," says Dr. Bains. "But there's a really rich literature that shows early life experiences can really set the stage for how you respond to stress later in life, and how you face challenges."
We'll also hear from clinical psychologist Dr. Kathryn Curtis about the power of mindfulness and mindful breathing. "Even if we can do just a few minutes of mindful breathing in a day, we have the opportunity to change what's happening in our mind and our body to improve our well-being, cultivate a sense of vitality and actually gain greater perspective."
Farrah Schwartz, UHN's Manager of Patient Education and Engagement, talks about dealing with stress and burnout during the pandemic, and why she feels passionate about sharing her experience with others. "Stress is very normal and often looks different than you expect it to, but it's something that we all have to live with," says Farrah. "I hope my story can help someone else."
Listen to the full episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else you get your podcasts.
Listen to the full episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else you get your podcasts.
Dr. Jaideep Bains is Director of the Krembil Research Institute and a Senior Scientist with the Krembil Brain Institute, at UHN. Dr. Bains is an internationally recognized expert in brain research; for the past two decades, he has led a successful research team at the University of Calgary, making many important discoveries that have provided insights into how the brain adapts to stress. These studies have shed light on links between neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity and brain network states with important behavioural and physiological responses in different models of stress. In his spare time, Dr. Bains enjoys watching basketball (especially the Toronto Raptors!) and spending time with his family.
Dr. Kathryn Curtis is a clinical psychologist at the Comprehensive Integrated Pain Program at UHN, where she provides psychological services to individuals living with chronic pain. Dr. Curtis' research evaluates mind-body interventions, such as yoga and mindfulness, for populations experiencing chronic pain and mobility restrictions. She is a long-term student of eastern philosophy, meditation, and Vedic studies at Vidya Institute and integrating these eastern teachings into her clinical and research work is a passion of hers. In her spare time, Dr. Curtis enjoys spending time in nature with her family.
Farrah Schwartz is the Manager of Patient Education and Engagement, at UHN. Farrah has worked in the patient education field for more than 15 years and regularly teaches and presents on the impact of health literacy on health outcomes and experience. She has helped lead provincial and national efforts to address health literacy and patient engagement, including being the co-founder and moderator of the Canadian Health Literacy and Patient Education Network. Farrah is also a mother and household manager. After 15 years as a mother, she still learns new things most days, and feels it is vitally important to talk about the challenges of parenting openly to build support and reduce the stigma of mother/parent burnout and stress.
Bonus Content: Listen to an original 5-minute 'Breathing Space' practice created by Dr. Curtis for listeners of Your Complex Brain.
Dr. Kathryn Curtis | Run Time: 6:01 | Download the Transcript
