Introduction Overview

What happens to our brains and bodies when we’re faced with stressful situations? In this module, we explore the science of stress and anxiety. First, we focus on how our bodies respond when we are facing a real threat. Then we go on to discuss the impact on ongoing stress that many of us are experiencing as a result of COVID-19.

Learning Objectives

After completing this module, learners will be able to…

• Explain what is happening in their brain and body when they are faced with stressful situations
• Describe the difference between healthy and unhealthy levels of stress and anxiety

Meet Your Instructor

In this introduction, you will also be introduced to the instructor for the course, Dr. Luana Marques.

Dr. Luana Marques is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and the Director of Community Psychiatry PRIDE at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Dr. Marques is a national and international expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBTs) and a leader in increasing access to scientifically rigorous mental health practices. Her decades of clinical and research experience implementing evidence-based practices encompass all types of roles and settings, from front-line staff to CEOs, diverse communities to organizations, both in the US and globally. Dr. Marques is the President of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and the author of Almost Anxious: Is My (or My Loved One’s) Worry or Distress a Problem?. Connect with her @DrLuanaMarques