Ep. 64 - Dr. Corey Keyes on Languishing, Flourishing, and the Mental Health Continuum: Redefining What It Means to Be Mentally Well
Description
In this powerful conversation, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, sits down with renowned sociologist and author Dr. Corey Keyes — the pioneer who coined the term languishing. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the fog between burnout and depression but weren’t sure how to name it, this episode is a must-listen.
Dr. Keyes unpacks the groundbreaking Mental Health Continuum model and the five daily “vitamins” of flourishing — evidence-based habits that promote resilience, emotional healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. Diana and Dr. Keyes dive into the role of spirituality, social connection, and play in long-term mental wellness and why traditional models of therapy may stop short at symptom relief without addressing the deeper need for human flourishing.
This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to reclaim your sense of aliveness.
Topics We Cover:
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What is languishing, and why is it often mistaken for depression?
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The origin story behind Dr. Keyes’ research and his own trauma recovery
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The difference between mental illness and the absence of mental health
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The 5 “mental health vitamins” that support healing and growth
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Why spirituality, play, and helping others are essential—not extra
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How sociological frameworks reveal what psychology often misses
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Why therapy alone may leave clients “stuck” in languishing
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How faith leaders, clinicians, and community builders can promote flourishing
Mentioned Resources:
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Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down by Dr. Corey Keyes
Buy the book on Amazon - Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF):
Learn more and download -
Mental Health Grace Alliance
(Check out episode 57 with Joe Padilla!) - Learn about Acedia – the ancient desert monk concept linked to modern-day languishing
Powerful Quotes from the Episode:
“Most of us experience many deaths before the final one—and that’s the death of our sense of aliveness. That’s languishing.” — Dr. Corey Keyes
“We’re not just here to eliminate symptoms. We’re here to help people flourish.” — Diana S. Rice
“Spirituality isn’t fluff. It’s your dress rehearsal for when life throws you curveballs.” — Dr. Corey Keyes
Connect with Today’s Guest:
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Website: https://www.coreykeyes.com
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Book: Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down
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Follow Dr. Keyes’ work on flourishing, sociology, and public health via Google Scholar
Connect with Diana S. Rice:
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Instagram: @throughthevalleytherapy
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Podcast: The Holistic Counselor Podcast
United States
