In this episode of The School of Resilience, Dr. Maria Bargeman delves into the concept of "mental physio" versus "mental bed rest," exploring how we can apply these ideas to our mental health. She draws a parallel between physical recovery after surgery and mental health recovery, emphasizing the importance of pushing through discomfort at the right times to regain emotional stability. Unlike physical health, where doctors use objective data to guide recovery, mental health decisions are often based on subjective perceptions, making it crucial to recognize when to push ourselves and when to rest.

Maria introduces two essential questions to help listeners assess their current mental state and decide on the best course of action. First, she encourages listeners to evaluate the stressors in their lives and find manageable ways to tackle them, even if it means breaking tasks into tiny, bite-sized steps. She stresses the importance of building momentum to avoid feeling stuck and to progress, even when it’s uncomfortable. Second, she asks listeners to identify what brings them joy or peace, and to intentionally incorporate these elements into their lives to foster emotional resilience.

The episode closes with a reminder to balance the focus on symptoms with the recognition of what is going well in one’s life. Maria’s practical advice empowers listeners to navigate their mental health challenges more effectively, offering a blend of self-compassion and gentle perseverance. Whether in the red zone, needing rest, or ready to take small steps forward, the episode provides valuable insights into maintaining mental wellness.

Dr. Maria Bargeman is a trauma recovery specialist. As a clinician and trauma researcher, Maria is passionate about helping to fix a broken mental health system. To learn more and engage with Maria, follow her on Instagram at @resilienttraumarecovery or visit her website at mariabargeman.com.

• Assessing Mental Health: Learn to distinguish between when to rest and when to push yourself in mental health recovery, akin to physical rehabilitation after surgery.
• Practical Strategies: Break down stressors into small, manageable tasks and monitor your progress to build momentum and avoid feeling stuck.
• Focus on Positives: Balance the focus on symptoms with recognizing what brings you joy or peace, and intentionally incorporate these into your daily life for better emotional health.