Some people come through horrific events with grace. Sue Varma set out to discover why.

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Anyone can become more optimistic, says Dr. Sue Varma

September 11, 2001 was a sunny Tuesday, just like many early September days in New York City. Maybe you remember where you were that morning. Sue Varma was in med school nearby. She was training to become a doctor when, in a flash, her world changed.

I probably don’t have to tell you the details here: In a terrible terrorist attack, two planes flew into the World Trade Center’s twin towers. I was in grad school in California, and I remember watching on television as the second tower crumbled, toppling like a stack of blocks. First responders rushed downtown. Office workers rushed uptown. There was mayhem everywhere… especially in New York’s hospitals.

Sue Varma studied psychiatry. And as patient after patient came through, she threw herself into the process of learning about trauma and how to treat it. This was a long game. The PTSD that followed patients did not resolve quickly or fully, and Dr. Varma rose to become the very first medical director and attending psychiatrist for the World Trade Center Mental Health Program.

As she saw more and more patients, Dr. Varma began to wonder, why is it that some people can come through extraordinary challenges and survive, even thrive? 

Why is it that some people can come through extraordinary challenges and survive, even thrive? 

Dr. Sue Varma is a psychiatrist, author, and advocate for mental health. Her work extends beyond the clinic and the classroom: she has been a strong voice in promoting mental health awareness. You might have seen her on Good Morning America or The Today Show. Her new book is Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being.

Practical optimism is the term that Dr. Varna has coined to describe the type of resilience that allows some people to come through difficult situations with a lighter heart. And sure, some of us are more optimistic than others, but Dr. Varma says optimism is not just a personality trait; it’s a skill that can be developed. Practical optimists are resourceful, realistic, and thoughtful problem solvers. They possess inner resources to cope during crises and use adversity as fuel for growth. You can listen to the episode here, or below:

Transcripts available upon request

☕ Office Hours: finding your optimism

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