Data-driven inquiries into the psychophysiological effects of stress and crisis in middle adulthood
More 35-60 year olds report experiencing psychological and physical symptoms linked to chronic stress.
Successful crisis management involves recognizing threats to mediate physical and emotional responses that allow us to access “growth states” and improve our overall mental health and well-being.
Mental health matters—at every stage of our lives.
Given that so much goes on in midlife it is no surprise chronic stressors can send one into periods of crisis. Findings from studies during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic show +1 billion people, globally, suffer from a full-blown mental disorder and tens of millions more experience inconvenient and debilitating (undiagnosed) psychological symptoms that have been exacerbated by lockdowns and restrictive pandemic measures.
What did the data show?
This online study investigated if emotion regulation in midlife is associated with general improvements in mental health and well-being—and whether psychedelic experiences are helpful for managing episodes of crisis/stress. Participation was 100% anonymous and the survey was available between 26/07/2022 and 01/03/2023.
“Midway along life's journey I woke to find myself in a dark wood.”
- Dante Alighieri