The Polyvagal Theory & COVID-19: Towards Social Engagement

As we continue to navigate the uncertainty of the global pandemic, a silent mental health pandemic is occurring. Many people are feeling the effects of social isolation, disconnection, and impatience. In this informative talk, Megan Kirk Chang describes the social-emotional challenges we face by drawing on the wisdom of Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory. We explore why we feel withdrawn and shut-down and how we can move towards rebuilding a sense of safety, connection, and belonging.

Reviews

During the pandemic, we were asked to be part of a “virtual” July 1st celebration parade. At that time, it felt overwhelming with extra family living with us, home-schooling, etc…. It was close friends that encouraged us to make this leap of faith in making a “mini version” of our Bucket Drummers with them & our granddaughter! It was “play, creativity & self expression (which you pointed out in your talk of being so important). And it WAS!!!! Thank you!

I learned new things about the poly Vegas theory. Your insights about isolation during COVID were fascinating and you gave great options to reverse the negative effects of not seeing safety cues. 🙏🏼🌿🩷

This is so spot-on. Bless you for doing this talk. Invaluable. Thank you.

Brilliant! Provided great in formation about a big factor in why so many people are struggling with their mental health at this point in the pandemic and what we can do to heal and move forward. Thank you!

This makes so much sense. I own a yoga studio and during the pandemic I sent my students emails every other day checking in and giving them quotes that seemed appropriate. Once we got up & running on Zoom I would try to look them in the eye as they joined a class. We would yak and connect as best we could over a screen. I wish I could have listened to this then but I guess I intuitively did what I thought was best. I am concerned with the “life style fatigue” that I’m witnessing now. Folks seem stuck and not engaging as they did before the pandemic. Thank you and good luck in your future endeavors 🙏🏼