MQ Open Mind

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, a psychologist and neuroscientist from the University of Cambridge. They discuss the key neurological changes that occur during adolescence and why the teenage brain is distinct from both children's and adults' brains. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions, challenging the idea of adolescence as a period of chaos and instead highlighting it as a crucial stage of growth and development. Sarah-Jayne shares insights from her research on how understanding the teenage brain can reshape our perspective on young people and the opportunities this presents for supporting them more effectively. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Prof Willem Kuyken, a research clinical psychologist and author from the University of Oxford. They discuss Willem’s journey into mental health research and why he focuses specifically on mindfulness and its benefits for mental health. The conversation explores key findings from his studies on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and the impact it has on young people's mental health. Willem also shares insights from his work on whether mindfulness-based approaches could potentially help tackle structural inequalities in mental health. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Dr Maria Loades, a clinical psychologist and mental health researcher from the University of Bath. They discuss Dr Loades’ journey into mental health research and why she focuses specifically on depression and anxiety in young people. The conversation explores key findings from her studies on isolation, loneliness, and the impact of the pandemic on youth mental health.  Dr Loades also shares insights from her work on school-based mental health interventions in South Africa and reflects on her hopes for the future of prevention and treatment strategies. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies https://www.tiberone.com/

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor speaks to Professor Nav Kapur, a leading researcher in suicide prevention and self-harm, and a professor of psychiatry and population health at the University of Manchester. Nav's work has shaped policy and clinical practice across the UK and beyond, making him one of the foremost voices in understanding the complexities of suicide and self-harm. In this episode, we explore the challenges of designing effective interventions, what the data tells us about the epidemiology of self-harm, and why evidence-based approaches are so essential in this field. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies https://www.tiberone.com/

This 5th of July marks the third Research Appreciation Day. A day started by us at MQ to celebrate the hard work of health researchers from all disciplines. For this special episode of Open Mind, and since this year’s theme is ‘Careers in Research’, here are our esteemed guests explaining how they got their start in research. Open Mind will return in the following weeks, and we hope to see you again for more lived experience stories and more mental health research. https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/research-appreciation-day/

As we plan for next season, we want to hear your thoughts—what’s working, what could be better, and any new ideas you’d like to see. Take just 5 minutes to complete our survey and share your feedback! We’re also looking for volunteers to join our focus group for a deeper discussion about the podcast. If you're interested, let us know—we’d love to have you involved! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeft7lwJJh_RFtP58QuOsytco6Pbcw9kGPtN9yqvzvtqkLYlg/viewform

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to psychiatrist, and Director of the Division of Digital Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dr John Torous. John is active in investigating the potential of using mobile mental health technologies for psychiatry, using his expertise to support mindapps.org in building the largest database of mental health apps. As a leader in the field of digital mental health, John has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and 5 book chapters on the topic. In this conversation, they discussed the impact of technology on mental health, whether mental health apps can aid the diagnosis process, and how to make mental health technology more accessible.

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to author, trainer, UKCP-registered psychotherapist, and Professor of Psychology at the University of Roehampton, Professor Mick Cooper. Mick is an internationally recognised authority in the field of counselling and psychotherapy and a chartered psychologist. He is also a prolific writer, and has written about a range of subjects such as humanistic, existential, and relational approaches to therapy. Mick’s latest book, “Psychology at the Heart of Social Change: Developing a Progressive Vision for Society”, delves into the idea of using psychology to transform the political landscape. In this conversation, they discussed the rise of authoritarianism, using a person-centred approach to therapy, and using psychotherapy to foster societal well-being. You can find out more about Mick here: https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/therapist/Michael-Cooper-iAjIcAAK

Content Warning: This episode of MQ Open Mind has discussions about suicide, self-harm and sexual violence. In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation, Gemma Kelly. CEASE is a UK-based charity working to expose and dismantle the cultural and commercial drivers behind all forms of sexual exploitation in the UK. To achieve its mission, CEASE campaigns for new and better laws, advocates for policy change and holds the global sex industry to account. In this conversation, they discussed the societal implications of adult content, the effects of adult content on young people’s mental health, and plans to safeguard vulnerable people on the internet.

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to Professor of Health Psychology at Northumbria University and author, Professor Vincent Deary. In 2014, Vincent released his first book, “How We Are”, the first in the “How We” trilogy, where he brings together his clinical and academic interests, along with his interest in philosophy, literature and popular culture, to paint a portrait of human life, suffering and well-being. In this conversation, they discussed overcoming adversity early in life, understanding humanity from a researcher’s perspective, and what we really know about willpower.

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the Research Programme Lead at MQ Mental Health Research, Mariana Bolivar, and Research Associate and PhD student at the University of Oxford, Thomas Hakman. As the lines between the offline and online worlds blur, the impact of internet use on young people's mental health has become a critical concern. With an overwhelming amount of information available, it can be challenging to separate evidence-based knowledge from low-quality sources. In response, MQ Mental Health Research, in collaboration with Melbourne University and the Oxford Internet Institute, has conducted a comprehensive review to understand the true effects of the internet on youth mental health. In this conversation, they discussed the recent findings from the study, how to stay safe online, and whether the internet is truly harmful.

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, Dr Paul Harrison, and NIHR Clinical Lecturer also in the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford, Dr Maxime Taquet.  Max and Paul are a part of the MQ-funded PHOSP-COVID study, which is a consortium of scientists from across the UK, researching long-term health outcomes for patients hospitalised with COVID-19. In this conversation, they discussed the recent findings from the study, the new symptoms of Long COVID you should be aware of, and the long-term cognitive and psychiatric consequences of COVID-19 hospitalisation. Read more about the findings here: https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/long-term-cognitive-and-psychiatric-effects-of-covid-19/

Thank you so much for watching the first half of season 3. We hope you were able to gain further insight into the world of mental health research whilst understanding more about yourself and those around you. For this special episode of Open Mind, here are the important questions that our guests would love to be answered by mental health research. Open Mind will return in the autumn, and we hope to see you again for more lived experience stories and more mental health research.

In this episode, we speak to Prudence Trust Research Fellow at King's College London, Dr Josefien Breedvelt. Josefien’s research mainly focuses on preventing depression and anxiety. Her research on the effect of psychological interventions for relapse prevention for depression has directly informed the Dutch Multidisciplinary Clinical Guidelines for Depression. In this conversation, we discuss preventing the onset of depression and anxiety in young people, identifying the appropriate treatment for each person, and the price of ambition in mental health research.

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to journalist, political strategist and podcaster, Alastair Campbell. Alastair is best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Although he is still very much involved in politics, evidenced by his top-rated podcast, ‘The Rest is Politics’, Alastair is a keen writer, releasing nineteen books within sixteen years. His mental health memoir, Living Better: How I learned to survive depression, was a Sunday Times best-seller, and explored his experiences with depression and how it affected his personal and political life. In this conversation, they discussed the political nature of mental health support, living with a mental health condition whilst working in a highly stressful industry, and creating new interventions to manage your mental health. By Your Mental Health here: https://mqmentalhealth.myshopify.com/products/your-mental-health-understanding-depression-anxiety-ptsd-eating-disorders-and-self-destructive-behaviour

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Glasgow, Professor Helen Minnis. Helen’s research mainly focuses on young people’s mental health, such as examining the relationship between child maltreatment, neurodevelopment and mental illness across the lifespan. In this conversation, they discussed the impact of services for children’s mental health, supporting families before children are neglected and abused, and how diversity can create more opportunities in research. 

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to a Professor of the School of Psychology at the University of Nottingham, Professor Ellen Townsend. Ellen currently leads the Self-Harm Research Group, which researches psychological factors associated with self-harm and suicidality, and interventions that promote recovery, especially in young people. Recently, Ellen has been a part of the Digital Youth project, which is working to find practical solutions through understanding the complex risks and opportunities for mental health associated with young people’s engagement with the digital world. In this conversation, they discussed the issues young people may face online, current research into self-harm, and why lived experience is vital in research.

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to BBC broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist, Dr Sian Williams. Sian's career in broadcasting spans nearly forty years, in which she spent over a decade hosting 'BBC Breakfast'. Sian has also hosted major events for BBC including two royal weddings and the London 2012 Olympics. Currently, Sian is also a Chartered Counselling Psychologist working for both the NHS and in private practice, helping people manage anxiety, stress and trauma. In this conversation, they discussed the mental health of journalists, PTSD in emergency workers, and how change can create endless opportunities.

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the Head of the School of Academic Psychiatry at the Institue of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Professor Allan Young.  Allan’s extensive research focuses on the causes and treatments for severe psychiatric illnesses, particularly mood disorders. He was also ranked as one of the world's leading scientific minds in the field of Psychiatry and Psychology, according to the 2014 Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researchers list. In this conversation, they discussed common misconceptions about mood disorders, the latest interventions for bipolar disorder, and how jetlag can affect your mood.  

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the Regius Professor of Psychiatry at King’s College London, Professor Sir Simon Wessely. Simon is a psychiatrist and epidemiologist with a focus on military health and unexplained symptoms and syndromes. In 2017, the then-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, commissioned Simon to chair the review of the Mental Health Act based on his extensive knowledge and experience. In this conversation, they discussed Simon’s unique insight into the NHS, the process of reviewing mental health legislation, and his research on Gulf War veterans.