Personality Traits and Treatment
In a recent episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, clinical psychologist and psychology professor Shannon Sauer Zavala joined the discussion to discuss the nuances of anxiety, personality shifts, and the accessibility of mental health treatments. This insightful conversation sheds light on the importance of understanding mental health not just from a clinical perspective but also in terms of personal growth and societal accessibility.
The Essence of Anxiety
One of the key takeaways from Shannon's discourse is the adaptive nature of anxiety. Anxiety is often viewed as a negative emotion; however, Shannon suggests it is our body's way of signaling importance and preparation. The issue arises when anxiety escalates from a natural emotion to a condition causing detriment, such as through patterns of avoidance in social anxiety.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands out as a robust method to combat these anxiety disorders. Shannon describes CBT's components: confronting avoidance strategies and re-evaluating cognitive perceptions regarding anxiety. With an impressive 80 percent success rate, these treatments can lead individuals to no longer meet anxiety disorder criteria in as little as 12 weeks.
The Role of Personality and Temperament
Shannon emphasizes the interplay between personality dimensions, notably through the Big Five model, and mental health vulnerabilities. Rather than a fixed diagnosis model, targeting overarching personality traits may streamline treatment methods and increase accessibility for clinicians.
Understanding one's temperament—a biological predisposition—is crucial in this realm of personality change. Shannon notes that while temperament may predispose individuals to certain emotional responses, personality can evolve markedly post-adolescence. This evolution encourages a more empowered view of personal growth and change.
Accessibility in Mental Health
A pivotal aspect of Shannon’s mission is making mental health treatment more accessible. Current systems often fail the masses due to the sheer number of disorder-specific treatments required and the scarcity of trained clinicians. Shannon's approach of targeting personality traits, rather than individual disorders, proposes a more efficient treatment pathway, easing the burden on clinicians while improving patient outcomes.
Additionally, Shannon advocates for evidence-based decisions about treatment timelines, ensuring individuals receive necessary care without prolonging engagement unnecessarily. This not only benefits clients financially but also allows therapists to allocate resources more effectively, potentially overcoming the backlog in mental health services.
Navigating an Information-Rich World
The proliferation of mental health information and self-diagnoses on social media platforms like TikTok can lead to misinterpretations of mental health conditions. While information accessibility is beneficial, it is vital to engage with qualified professionals who can accurately guide and support those experiencing mental health symptoms. Shannon emphasizes the need for public education on distinguishing quality therapeutic practices and qualified professionals from unlicensed coaches lacking the necessary depth of knowledge.
Conclusion
Through this podcast episode, Shannon Sauer Zavala provides not only a comprehensive view of anxiety and personality within the mental health landscape but also offers valuable insights into how these considerations can shape more accessible, effective therapeutic practices. As societal conversations continue to evolve, focusing on preventative measures, streamlining treatment approaches, and disseminating accurate information will be crucial steps in transforming mental health care for future generations.
For those interested in Shannon's work, further insights, or making contact, visit her [website](http://www.personality) or follow her on social media under the handle @self.madepersonality.
