Speaking of Psychology Managing stress in turbulent times, with Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, and Georges C. Benjamin, MD
16 snips
May 1, 2026 
Georges C. Benjamin, MD, longtime public health leader and physician, and Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, clinical and community psychologist focused on population behavioral health, discuss how chronic societal stress harms bodies and minds. They cover causes like economic precarity and crisis fatigue. They also explore clinician burnout, community-level protections, and simple daily habits to reduce stress.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Stress Shows Up In Relationships And Behavior
- Societal stress increases substance use, anxiety, depression and harms relationships at home and work.
- Arthur C. Evans Jr. emphasizes mental health effects unfold across social and interpersonal domains, not just within individuals.
Who Bears The Brunt Of Societal Stress
- Structural conditions shape who bears stress: parents of young children and farmers faced disproportionate stress during crises.
- Arthur C. Evans Jr. cites parents' caregiving demands and farmers' economic precarity as drivers of higher suicide and distress.
Use Thinking Social And Physical Buffers
- Build three buffers: change how you think, strengthen social support, and protect physical health.
- Arthur C. Evans Jr. recommends cognitive reframing, increasing relationships, sleep, diet, and exercise as concrete steps.