Debbie Sorensen’s Psychology Blog
Yoga classes and free massages at work are great! But if they aren't matched with substantial workplace culture improvements, they are "carewashing" and they aren't enough.
Here we are again - another election year in the U.S. Read this blog post if you want some tips for coping with election year stress.
In some extreme cases, overwork and burnout can lead to a tragic outcome. Read about a recent example of an overworked lawyer, and how we need to change the culture of overwork.
I had the chance to chat with Alex Pang, author of the book Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less, about the relationship between burnout and rest!
I’ve learned a lot about burnout over the years, and there are three key takeaways I’d like to share with you.
Recently, some parenting experts have recommend praising children for hard work instead of stable character traits. But is there a downside to that approach? Read about why I think so, and what I’m doing instead!
If you’re a moderate drinker who wants to reduce or eliminate alcohol, here are a few tips that might help you out.
Anger is a normal and universal human emotion, but sometimes it can be a problem - especially when we are reacting out of anger in ways that are damaging to our relationships, or inconsistent with our values. Here I share some tips and resources to help you effectively managing anger, irritability, and frustration.
One thing is certain—if you live long enough, you’ll experience adversity; it’s how we navigate life’s challenges that matters most. This post is about reflecting back on the pandemic, in a deliberate way, in order to foster personal growth through a challenging life experience.
Staying true to your relationship values can be hard during difficult conversations, especially when emotions run high! Assertive communication skills can help. Download my FREE assertive communication “cheat sheet” while you’re here!
Are you pretty sure you’re just fooling everyone into thinking you’re competent? Worried you’ll be exposed as a fraud, or that your self-critical thoughts are true? If so, you might be experiencing Imposter Syndrome…. And you’re not alone!
It takes a special kind of person to wade into human suffering, on purpose. This post explores Compassion Fatigue - when empathy leads to exhaustion. You’ll read my thoughts on what it is, who’s at risk, and how it’s different from burnout. If you ever get tired out by caring so much, it can help to know the signs and get support!
Are you having COIVD stress dreams? Is the pandemic impacting your sleep? Are you “doom scrolling” when you know you should be asleep? Well, you aren’t alone! One thing is for sure: The pandemic is impacting our dreams and sleep! This post explores pandemic sleep and offers some suggestions and resources that might help you get a good night’s snooze.
Is a missing stuffed animal an emergency? My children seem to think so! This is an exploration of some of the upsides of today’s virtual world — like catching glimpses of real life during video therapy sessions.
We are in a high-stress, chronic situation right now, and most people are having emotional ups and downs. Learn about Pandemic-Related Psychological Distress, and some of the emotional reactions many people are having in the era of COVID-19. Link to some resources that might be helpful if you are struggling emotionally during the pandemic.
Burnout Series Part 4: Burnout happens to most of us now and then, especially during times of high, chronic stress — like now! Burnout can leave us feeling depleted, emotionally exhausted, and disconnected from what we care about. Whether you are experiencing burnout at work, in your role as a parent or caregiver, or in life in general, it’s how you respond to burnout that matters. Here are Ten Tips for Coping with Burnout, based on cutting-edge and evidence-based practices in psychology.
Burnout Series Part 3: Even prior to COVID-19, healthcare professionals were experiencing burnout at higher rates than the general population. And now, with COVID-19, the stress is even higher for many. Here you will find some information and resources, including links to podcast interviews and a video of my conversation with an emergency medicine physician/ research psychologist, Dr. Bernard Chang, who researches Provider Stress.
Burnout Series Part 2: Parents! Are you exhausted in your role as a parent? Feel like you aren’t parenting well enough? Ever daydream about going to the hospital for a few days, just to recharge? COVID-19 is the perfect storm for Parental Burnout. In this blog post you can read about signs of Parental Burnout and get some tips for what to do if you’re feeling the burn.
Burnout Series Part 1: Do you feel exhausted and like you don’t even care anymore? You might be experiencing burnout. Read about my own story of work burnout, and learn the basics of what burnout really is.
This week the United States has experienced a painful reminder of how much work is needed against racism and toward racial justice. It is essential for all of us to listen closely to Black voices, do the work of learning about racism, and take action. This is a collection of anti-racism and mental health resources, which I will continue to update. I hope this is a helpful place for you to find what you need as we join together to stand up against racism and oppression. The time is now - and always!
When we remember that life is impermanent, we can learn something about our deeply-held values. Death is a wake-up call that the clock is ticking. The time to do what matters is now, we can’t wait too long or it will be too late. This post includes an exercise - questions about mortality that can help you explore your values.
Summer camps are cancelled, and kids will be at home this summer with nothing much to do while their parents work. Parents, you might be scared, but you can do this. I know, because my family had The Summer of Boredom last year, on purpose. Here’s what happened, and what I learned.