368: How To Create A Positive Mindset (Even If You Have A Negative Outlook Right Now) w/ Dr. Sue Varma

The Healthy Skin Show

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Ever feel like staying positive is impossible—especially when you're stuck dealing with painful, chronic skin rashes? You're not alone. And no, this isn’t about toxic positivity that ignores your reality.

There’s a mindset shift called practical optimism that might actually help. It holds space for pain, grief, and tough emotions, while giving you tools to better cope—and maybe even grow—from your challenges.

To explore how this works, I’m joined by Dr. Sue Varma—a nationally recognized psychiatrist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and author of Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being.

Dr. Varma shares how you can reframe your mindset in a realistic, grounded way—even if life feels overwhelming right now. If you’re navigating skin-related burnout or emotional exhaustion, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!

⭐️Mentioned in This Episode:

- Get Dr. Varma’s book Practical Optimism https://amzn.to/49vk1a3

- Dr. Sue Varma’s IG - https://www.instagram.com/doctorsuevarma/?hl=en

- Dr. Sue Varma’s Website - https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/

- Show references + transcript - https://www.skinterrupt.com/368

- Join in the conversation with Jennifer at http://instagram.com/jenniferfugo

- Stop My Rashes FREE eGuide - https://bit.ly/stopmyrashespod

- Fix your skin using Jennifer’s method (trusted by 900+ skin rash warriors)! Get started NOW 👉https://gutskintriggers.com

- Want personalized help to fix your skin? Get started here with Jennifer’s virtual clinic 👉https://bit.ly/4iWrq62 (We work with clients worldwide!)

🎙 This episode is brought to you by:

Quell Essentials Skincare + Supplements for Sensitive Skin 👉https://www.quellshop.com use code POD15 for 15% off

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Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. The devastating situation where Dr. Varma discovered optimism (00:03:40)

3. Are optimism and a positive mindset genetic? (00:05:22)

4. Toxic positivity vs. practical optimism for mental health (00:06:49)

5. Pessimism vs skepticism: what's the difference? (00:11:02)

6. Which personality type are you? (00:13:59)

7. The eight pillars of practical optimism to help improve mental health (00:20:08)

8. How to change your mindset even if you feel like you are “broken” (00:28:37)

9. How to know if you're emotionally dysregulated (00:34:44)

10. Mental health benefits of committing to therapy (00:37:15)

11. Final thoughts (00:46:22)

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