The City University of Macau (CityU Macau) held the second lecture of " Distinguish Professor Online Lecture Series" today (7) for comforting the students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The talk invited renowned psychologist, Prof. Heyong Shen, Dean of Institute of Analytical Psychology, to introduce coping method to anxiety and stress aroused from the pandemic and discuss ways on how to transform negative emotions to positive self-acknowledgement and mental development.
CityU Macau pays close attention to student's physical and mental health during this challenging time. The lecture series aim to enrich online education resources and encourage students to keep learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understanding psychology helps ease anxiety and overcome struggles aroused in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Prof. Shen pointed out during the virtual event that the word “pandemic” actually originated the same root with “panic” from “Pan”, the Greek mythological figure. “Pan”, the God of shepherds and hunters, is a religious deity other than “Psyche” (the Greek goddess of soul) and “Cupid” (the Greek God of love and affection), which carries significant ideology related to Psychology and mental studies. Prof. Shen went through several case-studies using Anna Freud’s psychology theory in the talk, introduced students to the test of Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and encouraged them to do the assessment to gain insights to learning more about their mental health.
Chinese pathways towards healthy mental development helps achieve peaceful mindset. Prof. Shen gave an overview on Zhuangzi’s method of coping with depression in the lecture. Zhuangzi, the Chinese classical philosophical figure, suggests focusing on breathing and listening to body’s need to improve sleep quality, by doing so to achieve anxiety relief. Prof. Shen sited Zhuangzi’s theory as saying that art activities, such as painting, music and dancing could help release negative emotions. Prof. Shen also explained leaning towards nature environment could help seek spiritual inspiration, comfort and peace of inner soul.
Listen to yourself tunes anxiety and stress to better mental health. Prof. Shen explained negative emotions, such as anxiety and stress came from self-defense mechanism to improve body’s resilience. He said, “it works just like fever”. Prof. Shen used charitable project as example to encourage students to embrace positive mindset in confronting challenges. He explained that seeking mental consultancy and assistance from professionals could help finding meaning of life.
After the virtual lecture, students had a thoughtful peer discussion behind the notion of Greek deity “Pan”. They said the lecture offered professional and practical advice which answered their needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you wish to review the lecture, please click here to watch the video.
