How to Stay Emotionally and Psychologically Safe in the Midst of Distressing Media with Dr Melanie Joy
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Show notes:
We are all too often bombarded by disturbing and distressing media and this can be extremely overwhelming for sensitive people. We can find it extremely challenging to manage the intensity of emotions that are often felt from over-witnessing suffering and violence in our media. As a result, we can spend a great deal of energy intentionally avoiding being exposed. Some things are, however, simply can't be avoided.
In this insightful interview, Dr Melanie Joy shares the psychology of why we turn away from the things we desire to change the most and shines a light on common misconceptions around what is required to instigate change.
Melanie discusses how easy it is for our nervous systems to become dysregulated without adequate self-care to build resilience around challenging issues and gives practical suggestions for self-regulation strategies. Throughout the interview, the topic is discussed in general terms with particular reference to animal welfare, reflective of Melanie's expertise in this area.
Dr Melanie Joy’s Resources & Links
Dr Melanie Joy is a Harvard-educated psychologist specializing in relationships, communication, and the psychology of social change. She is the author of seven books, including the bestselling Getting Relationships Right: How to Build Resilience and Thrive in Life, Love, and Work and How To End Injustice Everywhere.
Melanie's work has been featured in major media outlets around the world, and she has received a number of awards for her work on global nonviolence, including the Ahimsa Award that has previously been given to the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela. She has given talks and trainings in over 50 countries and is the founding president of the international organisation, Beyond Carnism.
Special offer:
Free Download Chapter 1 of Melanie’s book, Getting Relationships Right:
Resources:
Melanie’s articles in Psychology Today:
How Sensitive People Can End Violence Without Getting Hurt
Are you a Highly Relational Person?
Melanie’s nonprofit organisation is Beyond Carnism: https://carnism.org/
You can learn more about Melanie at https://www.melaniejoy.org and follow her on Instagram @drmelaniejoy.
Andrea Weber’s Resources & Links
Andrea Weber is the Business Group and Events Coordinator for the Sensitive Empowerment Community and founder of Expansive Happiness®, where everyday experiences of heartfelt human connection are shared. Andrea contributes beautifully written articles for websites and publications in the areas of mindful wellbeing and joyful creativity. Her work also features the constructive management of environmental sensitivities.
Founder of Podcast:
I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT, a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. I specialize in high sensitivity and adult-discovered autism. My passion is helping you live with more self-love and self-compassion and flourish more fully in the world. I’ve developed tools to balance the sensitive nervous system and reduce challenges so you can reach your fullest potential. My global support hub includes online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community, a top-ranked podcast, articles, webinars, and more. I’m a proud neurodivergent and queer therapist, and my mission is to create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. I look forward to supporting your journey. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com
Dr. Melanie Joy explores how distressing media impacts sensitive people and why we may turn away from issues we care about. She offers practical self-care tips to prevent nervous system overload, emphasizing how to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. Insights on animal welfare are shared from her expertise.