Lively Minds, the UK Mental Health Podcast

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.com Follow @livelymindspod on social media, or see our links at  https://www.bio.link/livelyminds [https://www.bio.link/livelyminds]  00:00 Introduction to Lively Minds Podcast 00:21 Meet Professor Melissa Bateson 01:04 Understanding Ethology and Human Behavior 01:58 Evolutionary Basis for Anxiety 05:43 The Smoke Detector Principle 06:56 When Anxiety Becomes a Problem 18:00 Biological Perspective on Anxiety Thresholds 23:46 Modern Threats and Anxiety 27:54 Learning from Animals 29:26 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 here [https://open.spotify.com/show/6h2FCOoWZnUr88SQG0ytHn] In particular, you might be interested in Alex's conversations with * Prof Joanna Moncrieff [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1O2FUR0ZG6RxHF6i8zSqBz] about her skeptisim of SSRIs * Prof David Taylor about SSRI research [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vP694i75bj8kPSoRmlLFm], their effectiveness and side effects Mark Horowitz's website can be found here [https://markhorowitz.org/] Weblinks 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.com Follow @livelymindspod on social media, click here or links https://www.bio.link/livelyminds [https://www.bio.link/livelyminds]  00:00 Introduction to Lively Minds Podcast 00:19 Today's Topic: Antidepressants and SSRIs 00:47 Guest Introduction: Dr. Alex Kmy 01:52 Understanding SSRIs: Mechanism and Function  03:21 Hosts' Personal Experiences with SSRIs 09:39 Debate on SSRIs: Effectiveness and Over-Prescription 22:19 Effectiveness of SSRIs: Research Insights 25:34 Understanding Antidepressant Effect Sizes 25:49 Comprehensive Depression Assessment 26:20 Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Antidepressants 27:23 SSRIs for Various Mental Health Conditions 28:47 The Role of Psychological Interventions 29:46 Personal Development and Mental Health 31:20 Debating the Usefulness of Diagnoses 32:28 Personal Journey with SSRIs 34:36 Stigma and Medication 37:11 Modern Life and Mental Health 39:57 The Mystery of How SSRIs Work 41:22 Supporting Patients in Tapering Off SSRIs 44:47 Alternative Biological Treatments for Depression 46:05 The Future of AI in Psychiatry 46:57 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. [https://bedfordsquarepublishers.co.uk/book/beyond-happy/] 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.com 00:00 Introduction to Today’s Episode 01:05 Beyond Feeling Good: A New Take on Happiness 04:18 Wholeness, Fulfilment and Practical Wisdom 09:31 Nihilism and the Search for Meaning 15:58 Culture, Community and Belonging 22:00 Mental Health, Self-Help, and Social Structures 26:57 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/livelyminds [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.com [http://livelymindspod.com] 00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode 01:03 Defining Happiness 04:18 Cultural Perspectives on Happiness 16:00 Personality and Happiness 19:31 Mental Health and Happiness 26:19 Concluding Thoughts