As the first medical director and attending psychiatrist at the World Trade Center Mental Health Program at Bellevue/NYU, Sue Varma directly supported and treated civilian and first-responder survivors of the tragic 9/11 events. After years of working closely with individuals who had faced some of life's most profound challenges, she was moved to develop a philosophy of practical optimism, which happens to be the title of her new book. I spoke with her recently.

GHB: What is practical optimism? And how did the book and philosophy come to be?

SV: In the interactions with the 9/11 survivors, I witnessed the full spectrum of human response to stress and trauma. I saw people who were devastated and seemed to stagnate under the weight of their experiences. But I also witnessed remarkable resilience and growth in others, individuals who not only survived but thrived despite facing immense adversity. What explains the difference between those who crumble under the weight of stress and those who emerge stronger?

My fascination with these experiences and the questions they raised drove me to delve deeper into the realms of psychology, psychiatry, medicine, and neuroscience. I sought answers not only in academic research but also in philosophy and personal experiences. Over time, a powerful revelation began to take shape, which coalesced over time into a coherent set of principles behind practical optimism.

My work involves the fusion of two seemingly opposing ideas—optimism and practicality—that, when combined, can truly transform lives. It's about believing in the limitless positive potential within oneself and others while simultaneously mastering key behavioral skills that pave the way for healthy and rational decision-making. In creating practical optimism, my goal has been to offer a path to personal growth and success.

GHB: What does it........

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