34. Unmasking Toxic Stress for a Longer and Healthier Life with Dr. Gala Gorman

Host Diane Gilman, delves into the critical topic of toxic stress with special guest Dr. Gala Gorman. Dr Gala discusses the nuances of how women uniquely experience and navigate stress, and shares insights into mitigating its toxic effects on your health.Join Diane and Dr. Gala as they uncover the layers of toxic stress, providing insights and strategies to help women over 50 reclaim their well-being. Remember, your health is your wealth, and it's never too late to prioritize yourself.Toxic Stress: A Gendered ExperienceDiane and Dr. Gala kick off the conversation by exploring the gendered nature of toxic stress. Dr. Gala highlights that women, who often juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously, generally experience stress differently than men who tend to compartmentalize. She emphasizes the impact on women's nervous systems, leading to issues such as autoimmune and digestive problems.Diane's Personal JourneyDrawing from personal experience, Diane opens up about her own encounter with toxic stress and its potential link to her battle with breast cancer. She distinguishes between normal stress and toxic stress, emphasizing how the latter can feel trapping and have severe health repercussions.Recognizing Toxic StressThe conversation expands to recognize toxic stress in various forms, such as toxic relationships or jobs that make individuals feel trapped and traumatized daily. Dr. Gala encourages listeners to develop strategies to mitigate the effects until they can extricate themselves from the situation.Health is WealthDr. Gala issues a powerful reminder that health is wealth, especially when ensnared in toxic situations. She acknowledges the possibility of PTSD during or after experiences of toxic stress, underscoring the importance of seeking help and dealing with the trauma when you can.Levels of Toxic Stress:The discussion deepens as Dr. Gala outlines different levels of toxic stress. She likens it to kryptonite, draining individuals of their energy. Recognizing that not all toxic stress is visible, she emphasizes the importance of identifying and distancing oneself from these invisible stressors.Mitigating Toxic Stress: Tips and StrategiesDr. Gala shares valuable tips for mitigating toxic stress, likening it to preserving your superwoman powers. She emphasizes the need to prioritize oneself, seek help, and change relationship dynamics and being your own primary caregiver.Dr Gala’s detailsWebsite: DrGala.com YouTube: @DrGalaGorman Connect with DianeFacebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilmanWebsite: thedianegilman.com