Sometimes, we are lucky enough to encounter teachers who can gently guide us toward a better version of ourselves, quietly helping us move forward through even the most difficult times. Dr. James Griffith, in this conversation on bolstering hope based on his work with the medically ill, provides just this kind of reassuring voice. Quoting Viktor Frankl and Friedrich Nietzsche, he shares his message of relief from demoralization, highlighting four key categories we may rely on for building resilience.
Do you cope with increased goal-directed behavior, or are you a relational coper, reaching out to important people in your life? Maybe you activate a core identity to move forward, or practice emotional regulation through meditation or other techniques?
Listen as Dr. Jennifer Reid speaks to Dr. James Griffith, and learn not just about his work, but also gain a deeper understanding of your past and your most important strengths. Times can be dark, but we can fight back against demoralization and find a path forward.
**Episode briefly mentions suicide.
Dr. James Griffith is Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Vice-Chair for Education in the GW Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. He served as Chair of the Department of Psychiatry from 2011 to 2021.
As a psychiatric educator, Dr. Griffith helped develop psychiatric training at GW that has become distinguished for its curriculum in cultural psychiatry, global mental health, psychotherapy training, psychosocial care for medically-ill patients, and building resilience to adversity. Since 1998, Dr. Griffith has provided training for mental health professionals in the care of immigrants, refugees, and survivors of political torture at Northern Virginia Family Services, for which he has received national recognition.
Jennifer Reid, MD on Instagram: @JenReidMD
Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink
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"Hope is the best antidote for demoralization."