The Effects of Technology on Addiction & Mental Health with Dr. Rick Cziernik
In this episode, Roxanne chats with Dr. Rick Cziernik about the impact of technology on mental health, the significance of outdoor activities, and the changing landscape of mental health. They delve into addiction issues in workplaces, the role of neurotransmitters, and the importance of early mental health support. The discussion also covers secondary addiction, the increase in mental health issues, and employer's roles in promoting mental health. The conversation wraps up with the importance of connection and open conversations in workplaces.
Key Points
- The rapid pace of technological change and the constant influx of information are overwhelming for the human brain, which has not had time to adapt, resulting in increased stress and mental health issues.
- Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes genuine human connection and regular check-ins can help prevent mental health issues and substance misuse, ultimately saving costs associated with treatment and lost productivity.
- Employers should invest in prevention and early intervention strategies for mental health and substance misuse to benefit from a healthier, more engaged workforce and avoid the higher costs of addressing more severe problems later.
Technology has increased exponentially in the past decade...we are constantly bombarded with information and non-stop communication with our phones, computers, TV, etc... but are we as humans equipped to deal with it? On this episode of Authentic Living with Roxanne we welcome Dr. Rick Csiernik who will talk to us about the role that technology plays in addiction and mental health today.
Rick Csiernik BSc, MSW, PhD, RSW, CCAC, Professor, School of Social Work, King's University College has written and edited fifteen books, including Just Say Know: A Counsellor’s Guide to Psychoactive Drugs, Homeless, Housing and Mental Health, Practising Social Work Research: Case Studies for Learning, The Drug Paradox, and Responding to the Oppression of Addiction.
Authentic Touch Points
Why are addiction and mental health issues on the rise? 3:00
Are our patience levels dropping? 5:50
Is technology taking away our ability to communicate affectively? 7:55
Are anxiety and depression more prevalent in the workplace? 12:20
Is it biological, situational or environmental? 19:20
How “social norms” factor into addiction. 24:00
The role that human connection plays. 25:10
The ROI is in prevention. 27:30
Rick has authored over 200 peer reviewed articles and book chapters and has presented at over 200 conferences, workshops, and seminars. He has been part of research teams that have received over 3.8 million dollars in funding and has been recipient of both the King's University College and McMaster University Continuing Education Teacher of the Year awards as well as the Hugh Mellon Excellence in Research Award.
I encourage you to reach out at any time with thoughts or questions. Thanks!
Roxanne
Links:
Rick’s email: [email protected] Rick’s Info Online: https://socialwork.kings.uwo.ca/people/faculty-and-administration/member-profile/?doaction=getProfile&%3Bid=rcsierni Roxanne’s LinkedIn profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannederhodge/ Roxanne’s email: [email protected] Chat with Roxanne: https://roxannederhodge.com/chat/ Roxanne’s previous podcasts: https://roxannederhodge.com/blog/
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Transcript
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