This week I spoke with Melbourne based psychologist and educator, Chris Cheers on a subject I’m sure we are all feeling to a degree in this present time; the anxiety of returning to life after lockdown.

Chris is passionate about creating accessible, accepting and safe spaces where people become empowered to live a meaningful life.

Through extensive training and lived experience, Chris has also developed an expertise in providing individual psychology services and workshops to artists and creatives, and the LGBTIQ+ community.

Part of his passion is making psychology accessible and understandable through commentary in media and social media.

Chris is an endorsed Educational and Developmental Psychologist and board-approved Supervisor. He has also developed an expertise and interest in sexuality and gender development, completing specialised training in supporting LGBTQI+ clients across all ages.

Chris is also a member of the Australian Professional Association for Transgender Health (AusPATH) and the Australian Association of Psychologists Incorporated (AAPi).

I know that today’s topic was one requested by many a few months ago when I put out a poll. Since then, here in Australia, we have entered and are, some of us, exiting an arduous lockdown.

With numerous restrictions, health warnings, safety regulations, and 11am press conferences, there has been a subliminal fear instilled within us to the dangerous of sustained, un-masked, face-to-face interaction.

Now, given we have some restrictions eased and there is more to come, it is inevitable that this has created the perfect tinderbox for our over-worked frontal lobes and kicked our over-protective amygdala’s in to drive.

Chris and I chat the reasons why we’re feeling this way, and how we can nurture our anxieties not only individually, but collectively without denying our existence or worth. Note that a key element to this whole process is self-awareness and curiosity.



MUSIC | Sampson

EDITOR | Podlike