Lively Minds, the UK Mental Health Podcast

Hello everyone, it’s Ellie here.Thank you so much to all of you for following our podcast over the last few years. It has meant the world to us, and we’ve loved every part of the podcasting process so far.Unfortunately, due to various health issues, we are going to take a slightly-longer-than-planned break from recording new Lively Minds episodes. We hope to return to your ears for a new season sometime in 2026.Thank you again to everyone who has listened, subscribed, downloaded and donated to us so far - we are looking forward to picking things up again with you when we can. In the meantime, Will and I both wish you all a safe and warm winter, and we look forward to reconnecting with you when we are able to. Bye for now!

What is a 'patient-centred approach'? What systemic challenges get in the way of making it a reality?What does the biopsychosocial model tell us about how to choose the best pathways for treatment?Alex Curmi, a consultant psychiatrist and trainee psychotherapist from The Thinking Mind Podcast discusses how he helps clients determine the best treatment plans based on a multitude of factors.He elaborates on his diverse experiences across various mental health settings and the importance of recognising biological, psychological, and social inputs in mental health. He also touches on the challenges and methodologies involved in acute and planned mental health interventions, patient-centred care, and the role of systemic integration in improving outcomes.The conversation highlights the need for a holistic, collaborative, and anti-tribalistic approach in mental health practice.Please note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.comFollow @livelymindspod on social media, or see our links at  https://www.bio.link/livelyminds 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:16 Guest Introduction: Dr. Alex Curmi00:44 Diverse Practice Environments 02:23 Challenges in Crisis Situations 04:52 Responsibilities in Patient Care07:39 Patient-Centered Care Approach21:59 Existential and Nihilistic Issues 27:41 Holistic Treatment Plans35:10 Collaboration and Integration in Mental Health41:03 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Elspeth Davies, a medical anthropologist from the University of Oxford, and Dr. Helen Salisbury, a GP and BMJ columnist, about their BMJ article: How do we talk about overdiagnosis of mental health conditions without dismissing people’s suffering?Our discussion explores the fine line between validating patients' experiences and the potential harms of unnecessary diagnostic labels. We examine the influence of medicalisation, the role of diagnoses in accessing care and benefits, and the broad societal implications.The conversation also highlights the need for improved communication between doctors and patients and the importance of considering alternative approaches to understanding mental health issues.Please note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.comFollow @livelymindspod on social media, or see our links at  https://www.bio.link/livelyminds 00:00 Introduction to Lively Minds Podcast00:20 Introducing the Topic of Over-Diagnosis00:27 Meet the Experts: Dr. Elspeth Davies and Dr. Helen Salisbury01:28 Defining Over-Diagnosis in Mental Health02:24 The Complexity of Diagnosing Mental Health Conditions04:39 The Role of Diagnoses in Accessing Support07:36 The Impact of Diagnoses on Patients09:48 The Debate on Over-Diagnosis and Medicalization25:52 The Influence of Pharmaceutical Companies26:26 Improving Conversations Between Doctors and Patients29:11 The Political Context of Over-Diagnosis31:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode we are joined by author: Caro Giles to talk about school and mental health.Caro has worked as a teacher across the education sector. She is winner of the inaugural BBC Countryfile New Writer Award, author of Twelve Moons, published by Harper North and writes a regular monthly column for Psychologies Magazine. Her latest book - Unschooled - published by Little Toller Books, is a memoir about her life as a single mother who was forced to educate her four daughters at home due to our underfunded school system being unable to cater for young people with special educational needs.In this episode we are going to discuss how conducive our current school system is for children’s positive mental health, the challenges that it can present for children with additional needs and what needs to change in order for school to become a place that supports everyone’s wellbeing.UNSCHOOLED is available in all good bookstores.Please note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.comFollow @livelymindspod on social media, or see our links at  https://www.bio.link/livelyminds

Depression isn’t just about a presence of sadness, it’s also about an absence of happiness. And whilst ceasing to function is a long-understood symptom of Depression, those that cope by never stopping aren’t necessarily in any less need of help. In this episode of Lively Minds we discuss High Functioning Depression with Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist and researcher. Dr. Joseph, who is also the founder and chief investigator at Manhattan Behavioral Medicine, discusses her groundbreaking research and the resulting book 'High Functioning: Overcoming Your Hidden Depression and Reclaiming Your Joy.' The conversation explores the distinction between high functioning depression and classic depression, the importance of early identification, and Dr. Joseph's innovative five V framework (validation, venting, values, vitals and vision) for cultivating joy and mental wellbeing. The episode emphasises the necessity of a proactive approach to mental health to prevent breakdowns and highlights the vital role of understanding trauma and anhedonia in managing depression.You can buy Dr Joseph’s book: High Functioning at all good bookstores or find out more by clicking herePlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.comFollow @livelymindspod on social media, or see our links at  https://www.bio.link/livelyminds 00:00 Introduction to Lively Minds Podcast00:16 Meet Dr. Judith Joseph01:15 Understanding High Functioning Depression03:23 Proactive Mental Health Approaches04:37 Defining High Functioning Depression05:38 The Role of Trauma in High Functioning Depression07:54 Identifying Anhedonia17:15 Listener Engagement Break17:59 Exploring Masochistic Behaviours19:46 Understanding People Pleasing and Trauma21:41 Masochistic Personality Disorder Explained22:27 Big T vs. Small T Trauma27:01 Coping Mechanisms in High Functioning Depression30:13 The Five V Framework37:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Professor Melissa Bateson, an expert in ethology, explains the biological functions of anxiety, its evolutionary importance, and how it prepares humans and animals to detect and respond to threats.The conversation covers the smoke detector principle, the optimal threshold for anxiety responses, and the potential impact of modern environments on anxiety levels.The episode also delves into how understanding animal behaviour can offer insights into human mental health.Please note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.comFollow @livelymindspod on social media, or see our links at  https://www.bio.link/livelyminds 00:00 Introduction to Lively Minds Podcast00:21 Meet Professor Melissa Bateson01:04 Understanding Ethology and Human Behavior01:58 Evolutionary Basis for Anxiety05:43 The Smoke Detector Principle06:56 When Anxiety Becomes a Problem18:00 Biological Perspective on Anxiety Thresholds23:46 Modern Threats and Anxiety27:54 Learning from Animals29:26 Conclusion and Farewell

We take a deep dive into SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), which is the most commonly prescribed form of antidepressant in the UK. We discuss with Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Alex Curmi what we know about the effectiveness of SSRIs, what we don't, and why there is so much debate about their use.Check out the Thinking Mind Podcast by searching for it wherever you get your podcasts.Or you can find it on Spotify by clicking hereIn particular, you might be interested in Alex's conversations withProf Joanna Moncrieff about her skeptisim of SSRIsProf David Taylor about SSRI research, their effectiveness and side effectsMark Horowitz's website can be found hereWeblinks are provided in good faith and Lively Minds is not responsible for the content of external sites.Please note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.comFollow @livelymindspod on social media, click here or links https://www.bio.link/livelyminds 00:00 Introduction to Lively Minds Podcast00:19 Today's Topic: Antidepressants and SSRIs00:47 Guest Introduction: Dr. Alex Kmy01:52 Understanding SSRIs: Mechanism and Function 03:21 Hosts' Personal Experiences with SSRIs09:39 Debate on SSRIs: Effectiveness and Over-Prescription22:19 Effectiveness of SSRIs: Research Insights25:34 Understanding Antidepressant Effect Sizes25:49 Comprehensive Depression Assessment26:20 Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Antidepressants27:23 SSRIs for Various Mental Health Conditions28:47 The Role of Psychological Interventions29:46 Personal Development and Mental Health31:20 Debating the Usefulness of Diagnoses32:28 Personal Journey with SSRIs34:36 Stigma and Medication37:11 Modern Life and Mental Health39:57 The Mystery of How SSRIs Work41:22 Supporting Patients in Tapering Off SSRIs44:47 Alternative Biological Treatments for Depression46:05 The Future of AI in Psychiatry46:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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What does it mean to live a happy life? Can happiness be more than just feeling good? And how might ideas like meaning, community, and values help us rethink wellbeing?In this second of a two part series, hosts Will and Ellie are joined by Dr Mark Fabian, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick and author of Beyond Happy. They explore happiness as something more complex than mood—touching on meaning, self-actualisation, nihilism, community, and the impact of culture and policy on our ability to live well. The conversation also reflects on how mental health and happiness intersect, and why moving beyond self-optimisation might bring us closer to fulfilment. Mark's book Beyond Happy is published by Bedford Square and available to buy now by clicking here.Follow @livelymindspod on social media, click here or links https://www.bio.link/livelyminds Please note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.com00:00 Introduction to Today’s Episode01:05 Beyond Feeling Good: A New Take on Happiness04:18 Wholeness, Fulfilment and Practical Wisdom09:31 Nihilism and the Search for Meaning15:58 Culture, Community and Belonging22:00 Mental Health, Self-Help, and Social Structures26:57 Concluding Reflections

What is happiness? How does it change across cultures? How might notions of happiness change for people with mental health challenges? What does it mean to live a “happy life”?In this first of a two part series, we revisit an interview from May 2023 with Professor William Tov of Singapore Management University. We discuss the broad and varied definitions of happiness, cultural differences in how happiness is perceived, and the role personality plays in happiness.The conversation also touches on the impact of mental health on happiness, the distinction between fleeting emotions and deeper life satisfaction, and how cultural norms can shape our understanding of what it means to live a happy life.Follow @livelymindspod on social media, click here or links https://www.bio.link/livelymindsPlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.com00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode01:03 Defining Happiness04:18 Cultural Perspectives on Happiness16:00 Personality and Happiness19:31 Mental Health and Happiness26:19 Concluding Thoughts

In this episode of 'Lively Minds,' Ellie discusses the importance of collective care and mental health through a conversation with artists: Charlie Fitz and Miss Jackie.They explore how their artist collective, Triad, created during the Covid pandemic, became a vital support system for their well-being.The shared experiences of disability and creativity fostered a unique bond among them, providing a space for emotional support, mutual understanding, and collective care.They also offer insights on how others can cultivate similar supportive networks.You can find out more about Triad and see examples of their work at https://www.triad.org.uk/exhibition/Charlie Fitz's website can be found at https://www.charliefitzartist.co.uk/ and Miss Jacqui's at https://www.missjacqui.co.uk/Follow @livelymindspod on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more at https://www.bio.link/livelymindsPlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.com00:00 Introduction and Content Warning00:18 Meet the Hosts: Will and Ellie00:36 Today's Episode: A Unique Approach1:45 Introducing Charlie and Miss Jackie03:08 How Triad Collective started05:07 Collective Care and Its Importance11:23 Boundaries and Respect in the Collective21:17 Creating Supportive Spaces25:34 Final Thoughts and Encouragement29:35 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

What is self-harm? Why can it be so uncomfortable to talk about? How do we best support those who self-harm?In this episode of Lively Minds, hosts Ellie and Will explore self-harm with Naomi Salisbury, a consultant and former CEO of Self Injury Support. They discuss the varied reasons behind self-harm, its misconceptions, and the importance of compassion and harm minimisation.Naomi shares insights on support strategies, the role of lived experience in policy, and practical tools for seeking help - both for those that self-harm and those that care about them.Links to support are provided in good faith. Lively Minds is not responsible for their content.Self Injury Supportwww.selfinjurysupport.org.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sisupportorguk/Helpline: 0808 800 8088Doc ReadyHelp for preparing to go to the doctor to discuss something mental health-relatedwww.docready.orgStem 4Calm Harm is an app that helps you manage or resist the urge to self-harm.https://calmharm.stem4.org.ukdistrACTIf you're supporting people who self-harm and your services are under strain, you can now provide easy access to wellbeing information, self-help tips and links to support with the award-winning distrACT app.www.expertselfcare.com/distract/ 00:00 Introduction to Lively Minds Podcast01:02 Understanding Self-Harm: Definitions and Perspectives02:03 Exploring the Reasons Behind Self-Harm06:10 Self-Harm as a Coping Mechanism11:30 Addressing Self-Harm: Approaches and Techniques20:31 Common Myths and Stereotypes About Self-Harm33:06 Final thoughts for those affected by Self-Harm35:33 Conclusion and ResourcesFollow @livelymindspod on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more at https://www.bio.link/livelymindsPlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.com

Ellie's just had a research paper published!In today's episode we discuss how can we learn from the impact that COVID-19 had on mental health peer support groups being forced to transition to online formats? Ellie shares insights from her research conducted at the University of Liverpool, focusing on the experiences of Hearing Voices Network facilitators.Key themes include the rapid shift to Zoom, issues of access to technology, changes in facilitator roles, and the dynamics of peer support. The conversation also explores the benefits and challenges of online peer support, digital exclusion, and the future of grassroots mental health care.You can read Ellie's full paper by clicking here.Follow @livelymindspod on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more at https://www.bio.link/livelymindsPlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find our more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.com

North East England has the highest per capita use of antidepressant use in England and Wales and has had the highest suicide rate in England for 3 out of the past 4 years.We are joined by Alasdair Cameron, co-director of Newcastle-based independent mental health charity ReCoco, to explore why.We explore regional socio-economic factors impacting mental well-being, the inflexibility in mental health services between urban and rural areas, and ReCoco's peer-led initiatives to support those struggling. The episode also touches upon the potential for regional solutions through increased devolution and the need for community-driven support systems.00:00 Introduction to Lively Minds Podcast00:46 Mental Health Challenges in North East England01:11 Interview with Alastair Cameron01:36 Understanding the Mental Health Landscape04:09 Socio-Economic Factors and Mental Health06:01 Bespoke Approaches for Mental Health10:10 The Role of ReCoco18:22 Devolution and Mental Health26:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsHere is the video Will mentions that talks about how reluctant London’s local authorities were to relinquish power to the London Region. Follow @livelymindspod on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more at https://www.bio.link/livelymindsPlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find our more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.com

How can art be used as a therepeutic tool to navigate types of grief that go beyond death and bereavement? This is just one of the questions covered in our conversation with Doll - an artist, who shares their story of using their artistic practice to navigate their mental health experience.Discussing their eclectic artistic practices—from sketchbooks to sculpture and crochet—Doll elaborates on how these forms of expression have helped them communicate their inner struggles, and become therepeutic practices in their own right.You can find out more about Doll and their work at https://www.instagram.com/dollwithabun/https://www.creatingconversations.co.uk/https://outsidein.org.uk/galleries/doll/Also a link to Doesthedogdie.comhttps://www.doesthedogdie.com/Follow @livelymindspod on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more at https://www.bio.link/livelymindsPlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find our more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.com

Will and Ellie - co-hosts of the Lively Minds mental health podcast, discuss what their ingredients are for good mental health.Follow @livelymindspod on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more at https://www.bio.link/livelymindsPlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find our more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.com

How might the impact of detachment from their mother and birth family affect care-experienced children and young people's behaviour and relationships? And how can we support care-experienced children and young people to process their feelings? We welcome back to the podcast Ciara McLelland, who specialises in working with children and families impacted by adverse childhood experiences, to find out more about the impact of grief and loss on the brain and body. Ciara is a trainer from Trauma Informed Consultancy Services. For this episode, we are partnering with The Creative Life Story Work Podcast who are posting it on their feed too! Head over to their show to hear more about how art, artists and creative activity can be used to help care-experienced children make sense of their past and build a brighter future.Follow @livelymindspod on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more at https://www.bio.link/livelymindsPlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find our more about the show and get signposting to support on our website anyamedia.net/livelyminds

What is mindfulness? What's the difference between mindfulness and doing things 'mindfully'? What does evidence about the positive impact of mindfulness tell us about the origins of our mental health struggles?We'll be discussing these topics with Dr Afrosa Ahmed, who has just written a book: "Mindful Healing, 5 Simple Steps to Transform your Life" published by Michael O'Mara Books.A practising GP in the NHS for over 20 years, as well as a Harley Street-based mindfulness coach, Afrosa launched life-coaching programme MindfulDoc in 2020.In her book, Afrosa shares her knowledge of how we can incorporate the ancient practice of mindfulness into our everyday lives. Mindfulness is now endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the NHS. "Mindful Healing, 5 Simple Steps to Transform your Life" is published by Michael O'Mara Books.Follow @livelymindspod on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more at https://www.bio.link/livelymindsPlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find our more about the show and get signposting to support on our website anyamedia.net/livelyminds

In 2022, a survey revealed that only 11% of people working in the UK’s film and TV sectors considered the industry to be a mentally healthy place to work.As the latest iteration of the “Looking Glass” survey is launched, we speak with Rupert Jones-Lee, Head of Research and Impact at the Film & TV Charity, about the mental health challenges faced by those in the film and TV industry.We talk about the reasons behind these mental health struggles, the measures currently being implemented to address them, and the further actions needed to create a healthier work environment.Do you work in the screen sector? You can complete the latest Looking Glass Survey by clicking here.Other links:If anyone has questions about the survey they can email research@filmtvcharity.org.ukLink to the Looking Glass 2022 report: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/research-impact/reports/looking-glass-22-report/Charity website: https://filmtvcharity.org.ukThe Film & TV Charity’s 24 hour support line is 0800 054 0000. Webchat and email can be reached via https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/24-hour-support-line/Whole Picture Toolkit: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/support-for-organisations/the-whole-picture-toolkit/Content WarningThere is a brief reference to statistics around suicidal ideation.Follow @livelymindspod on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more at https://www.bio.link/livelymindsPlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find our more about the show and get signposting to support on our website anyamedia.net/livelyminds

Australia’s nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award 2024, Matt Ottley, talks to us about his new work The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness, which explores experiences of bipolar and psychosis through art, word and music. Matt Ottley is an internationally acclaimed and multiple award-winning neurodiverse artist, author and composer from Australia, with more than forty picture books to his name.You can find out more about The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness by following these linksMatt Ottley’s websitePublisher: One Tentacle’s websiteFollow @livelymindspod on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more at https://www.bio.link/livelymindsPlease note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find our more about the show and get signposting to support on our website anyamedia.net/livelyminds