Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts hosted a variety of speakers at City Hall Plaza throughout HUBweek, along with exhibits focused on the future of health, work and mobility through innovation, and diversity, and inclusion. The speakers include writers, Olympians and Paralympians, advocates, CEOs, doctors and more.
I was invited to join Blue Cross at HUBweek, and I had a chance to listen to Dr. Joseph Shrand, who is a psychiatrist focused on addiction medicine, especially for young adults. He is a founder of Drug Story Theater, an improv theater group which helps young adults interact and communicate through performance to share their stories of recovery from their addiction to drugs and alcohol.
The highlight of this session was Shrand’s explanation of the “Theory of Mind”. As humans, acceptance from those around us is very important and has a powerful impact on our lives. We need others to support us and give us positive thoughts about our life decisions. In fact, sometimes it's hard to ignore things that people don't like about us when people surrounding us don't support what we are doing. If we fail at something that we like or make a mistake, it can feel like nobody is there, leading to insecurity and loneliness that might make us choose a wrong path. The best lesson learned from Dr. Shrand is that sometimes we have to put ourselves in others’ shoes because people have different perspectives. There is always a reason behind any decision, and we can’t read someone else’s mind. Supporting each other and trusting one another is one small step that can make a big impact. The feeling of acceptance can make someone confident to start all over again. They may be motivated to take a step and try again even though they might fail. But if they have someone who supports them, it could motivate them. If you see someone close to you or someone you know personally who needs support, small support can leave a big impact.
To tackle this issue in society, Dr. Joseph Shrands introduces this approach of “Theory of Mind” which helps us to be empathetic and respectful over other people’s life decision. It’s the ability to appreciate someone else’s point of view or what they’re thinking and feeling. This might be a positive way in fighting the epidemic opioid crisis faced by our society today.
“When we feel respected, we feel valuable, and when we feel valuable, we feel safe. Respect is the foundation of trust, and trust the foundation of potential.”
The idea of Theory of Mind is treating people with respect and empathy. We can't read other people’s mind and there must be a reason behind every decision that has been made. Support each other and trust them is a one-small-step that can make a big impact in people’s life. The feeling of acceptance can help people build their trust. They will be motivated to take a step and try again even though their fail. Knowing the fact that we have someone behind our back who supports us,will definitely bring a positive vibe towards us. I was really impressed by this perspective, and it was very eye opening to think about human interactions this way. I walked away realizing that it is entirely true. What a great reminder to never give up on your dream!
Location: HUBweek - City Hall Plaza (@bcbsmainmo; @hubweek; @elevate_communications)
Written by; Gabriella Glady (@gabriellaglady) & Raissa Anasthasia (@sasanasthasia)
Edited by; Raissa Anasthasia (@sasanasthasia)