Feb 14, 2022
With Christie Tate, NY Times Bestselling Author
The events of the past few years have been very challenging and with so many people experiencing personal or professional losses, it’s not uncommon to feel fearful, anxious, uncertain, or even depressed. Reports of surging COVID-19 numbers or the current social and political issues in the news might especially trigger these emotions. For those who lost jobs due to COVID-19 or risked their lives on the front lines, the resulting stress may be even greater. For some of us, that knot of anxiety keeps us awake at night worrying, wondering, and dreading what lies ahead. It can feel overwhelming. Yet, instead of voicing those fears aloud or seeking professional help, we’ve been taught to overcome or even deny our feelings, fearing that any sign of mental or emotional instability will cause us to be perceived as “weak.”
The lack of social interaction many of us experienced these past few years can make us feel more isolated. Without regular in-person social activities and our favorite outlets for relaxation and stress, there’s less opportunity to share our concerns. It’s hard having these intimate conversations over the phone because it just doesn’t feel as comfortable or safe as it might in person.
In reality, these feelings are now so common as to be “part of our new normal.” But if we were to acknowledge our fear and anxiety, we might find comfort and validation by discovering we’re not alone and learn what has helped others cope. Sometimes, it’s easier to be honest with a group of strangers rather than those who know us best. Instead, the “group” becomes our safe place where we find others who truly understand and perhaps even share our same feelings. This is the power of the “group.”
Last year, Florine interviewed Christie Tate, author of the best-selling book Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life. Christie’s deeply personal memoir was voted one of the best non-fiction books of 2021 and her candid interview with Florine reveals how sharing her flaws and insecurities with a room full of strangers ultimately led to healing and life-long friendships.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- How did isolation and depression affect Christie even while first in her law class?
- How Christie’s eating disorder surfaced in childhood.
- Why Christie’s focus on body image began while she was a ballerina.
- When did Christie enter a 12-step recovery program for her eating disorder?
- Does Christie’s former eating disorder affect her children?
- What caused Christie’s feeling of “wanting to die”?
- How did Christie first find group therapy?
- What did Christie learn about herself in group therapy?
- Is Christie still in the group?
- How can someone find a group?
- Does Christie still have feelings of depression?
- When did Christie decide to write a book?
Quotes:
- “It really was a lifesaver.” — Christie
- “It really was a miracle.” — Christie
- “What I know today is that a huge source of my joy is connection with other people.” — Christie
Today’s Takeaway: After many hours in group therapy, the biggest thing Christie learned was to trust others and to share her challenges. But how do you do that? For starters, you have to be open, honest, and real. It’s also important to have friends or a partner that doesn’t judge you. In my many years in WW meetings, I’ve seen how much easier it is to lose weight when I’m allowing others, who aren’t judging me, to help me. Finding others who share your common goals and understand your struggles is so important. Being with others that have the same interests can help you achieve success, and in turn, you can also encourage others to reach their goals. Perhaps most important of all, we must accept our failures, move on, and focus on our successes. There are so many things that I like about myself and I’m sure that each one of you can find so many things that you like about yourself.
There are three things that will help you to live longer. Movement and proper nutrition are fundamental, but the most important is group support or socialization. If you don’t have that socialization and people that you can depend on, you should start looking for them. If you start each day by practicing self-love and self-acceptance, you’re on your way to living a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life. Remember that every single day is a gift! I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”
Brought to You By:
Mentioned in This Episode:
Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life
Hello Sunshine: Reese’s Book Club