Why we Worry

Why we worry – ruminative disorders and the anthropology of planning and learning from past mistakes.

Part of the series on Anthropology and Psychiatry: Cultural Constructs of Mental Illness, commemorating Nathaniel Cotton, the 18th century pioneer in mental health, who lived, worked and died in St Albans.

🗓️ 24th April, 2025 at 7 pm | 📍 The Octagon, St Peter’s Church AL1 3HG | 🎟️ All welcome

Why do we worry? How do biology and culture shape our anxiety? Can we break free from cycles of rumination?

Join us for talks that bridge psychology, neuroscience, anthropology and psychiatry to explore:

🔹 The Evolutionary Roots of Worry – How your brain’s survival instincts can backfire🔹 When Reflection Becomes Rumination – The fine line between learning and self-sabotage🔹 Cultural Blueprints for Coping – Why some societies turn mistakes into wisdom while others spiral into shame🔹 Practical Strategies – Evidence-based tools to transform worry into resilience.

Featuring:🎤 Tim Boatswain, Professor of Anthropology and History, Chair of Conservation 50

Dr Florian Alexander Ruths MD FRCPsych PgDipCBT, Consultant Psychiatrist: Cognitive Behaviour Therapies (CBT) Trainer, Supervisor and Practitioner accredited with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)

Why Attend?✅ Understand why your brain gets stuck in worry loops✅ Discover how cultures worldwide navigate uncertainty✅ Leave with science-backed tools to break free from overthinking.

Nathaniel Cotton

There are no fees, and attendees can just turn up on the night.  The talks are aiming to raise funds to restore the gravestones of Nathaniel Cotton and his wives, Anne and Hannah, as they need some restoration and the inscription has become illegible, so donations (c.£10 per talk) will be most welcome.