#13 Adult Loneliness: How Our Bodies Respond to Attachment Disruption Artwork

Good Enough Shrink

We are child psychiatrists practicing in the Los Angeles area on a mission to demystify psychiatry and mental health. The title of this podcast is a tribute to the psychoanalyst, Donald Winnicott, and his concept of the "Good Enough Parent.” This is the idea that the imperfect but sufficient provisions of a parent will build a resilient child in an imperfect world. We want to empower children and parents to embrace their strengths and flaws, and know that you are good enough.

We want to emphasize the power of holding difficult emotions from the lens of attachment theory. Attachment theory is based on the idea that humans need a social bond with another to survive. This bond, when it is “good enough”, serves as a secure base from which a child can explore the world. When this attachment is disrupted, it can lead to emotional issues, and sometimes full-blown psychiatric disorders. This is where therapists and psychiatrists come in.

This podcast is for the curious adults, parents, family members, mental health professionals and trainees. So we hope you join us in this adventure to explore science and mental health from a developmental perspective.

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Good Enough Shrink

#13 Adult Loneliness: How Our Bodies Respond to Attachment Disruption

February 12, 2025 • Dr. Jenna Cheng, Dr. Patrick Kelly • Season 1 • Episode 13

0:00 | 52:02

This is a long-awaited episode! We talk about the difference between feeling lonely and being alone, and the biological mechanisms that drive humans to connect with each other. After we intellectualize it all (as doctors do), we get to the root of the problem in loneliness -- the importance of fostering a sense of safety. Join us in this exploration on how loneliness is deeply rooted in your attachment experience!

Topics Discussed:

What is loneliness?
Biological mechanisms involved in connection: mirror neurons, oxytocin, stress response system
Physical impact of loneliness on the body
How insecure attachment styles lead to loneliness
What to do when you're feeling lonely
Explanation of therapy approaches

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