Dr. Jud on the London Real Podcast: How to Stay Mentally Strong During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

In this London Real episode with host Brian Rose, Dr. Jud explores why anxiety surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and what individuals can do to build mental resilience. He explains how the brain processes threat and uncertainty, why social contagion — the emotional equivalent of viral spread — amplifies collective fear, and how these mechanisms create anxiety patterns that can persist long after the immediate threat subsides.

Dr. Jud offers a neuroscience-backed framework for staying mentally strong. Rather than relying on positive thinking or suppressing fear, he describes how to interrupt the anxiety habit loop using awareness and curiosity. The conversation covers how our ancient brain structures respond to modern threats, why scrolling through alarming content makes anxiety worse, and practical strategies for improving emotional well-being during periods of sustained uncertainty.

Key Takeaways

• Social contagion amplifies anxiety: Dr. Jud explains that fear spreads through social networks much like a virus. When you see panicked reactions in your feed, your brain mirrors that emotional state — creating anxiety even when you are not personally in danger.
• Interrupt the pattern, do not suppress it: Trying to push anxiety away often backfires. Dr. Jud recommends recognizing when you are caught in a worry loop and bringing curiosity to the experience instead of resistance.
• Build resilience through practice: Mental strength during uncertainty comes from repeatedly engaging awareness-based practices — short mindfulness exercises, physical grounding, and deliberate breaks from news consumption. These train the brain to recover from stress more efficiently.

Listen to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or online here.

Related Resources

• How Anxiety Becomes a Habit
• Curiosity: Our Superpower for Breaking Habits
• Mindfulness Exercises for Anxiety and Stress
• Unwinding Anxiety — Dr. Jud’s Book