Greetings from Tasmania Bruce! Great newsletter, as always. Loved what you wrote about touch, isolation and connection. I've got a memoir coming out next month which follows my journey (and my family's) through three psych ward admissions after severe workplace trauma (I covered the Bali bombings, the Boxing Day tsunami and the Iraq War for Reuters). My headline conclusion after seven years of writing the book: human connection underpins recovery. https://www.deanyates.com.au/praise-for-line-in-the-sand
Physical touch is such an important topic. From the work I do with children, I see the impact of a reduction in physical touch. It's no longer acceptable for professionals to hug children (even in a safe way), and children are encouraged not to have too much physical contact with each other. This, despite everything we know.
Great post Bruce. Iām a retired rugby player and I needed time away from the game too because the stress and pressure to perform was outweighing the enjoyment I got playing for my country.
THANK YOU for making the case for appropriate touch. So important! As an assault survivor, I can personally say that appropriate touch, IME, is also a helpful part of repair.
The connection and mental health link is a bit of a conundrum as a lot of people suffering from poor mental health retreat away from others. We see it in school children and have created safe youth club spaces which they find really challenging to attend. Itās safer to do more maths than connect with your peers. Debra
Greetings from Tasmania Bruce! Great newsletter, as always. Loved what you wrote about touch, isolation and connection. I've got a memoir coming out next month which follows my journey (and my family's) through three psych ward admissions after severe workplace trauma (I covered the Bali bombings, the Boxing Day tsunami and the Iraq War for Reuters). My headline conclusion after seven years of writing the book: human connection underpins recovery. https://www.deanyates.com.au/praise-for-line-in-the-sand
Physical touch is such an important topic. From the work I do with children, I see the impact of a reduction in physical touch. It's no longer acceptable for professionals to hug children (even in a safe way), and children are encouraged not to have too much physical contact with each other. This, despite everything we know.
Great post Bruce. Iām a retired rugby player and I needed time away from the game too because the stress and pressure to perform was outweighing the enjoyment I got playing for my country.
Bruce - I feel moved by your thoughts and writing here. Thank you for such thoughtful ideas, reflections and aspirations.
THANK YOU for making the case for appropriate touch. So important! As an assault survivor, I can personally say that appropriate touch, IME, is also a helpful part of repair.
The connection and mental health link is a bit of a conundrum as a lot of people suffering from poor mental health retreat away from others. We see it in school children and have created safe youth club spaces which they find really challenging to attend. Itās safer to do more maths than connect with your peers. Debra
I definitely spend more than two full days per week on emails and meetings. Not sure whoās bringing the average down to that!