Languishing vs. Flourishing: How to Feel Alive Again with Corey Keyes

20 snips

Feb 11, 2025

Corey Keyes, a researcher known for coining the term "languishing," discusses the emotional gray zone between thriving and mental illness. He emphasizes the importance of mindset in moving towards a fulfilling life. Keyes explores strategies to cultivate purpose and connection, highlighting the distinction between languishing and depression. He critiques existing mental health support structures and suggests a need for community-based approaches. The conversation ultimately serves as a guide to help individuals reflect on their well-being and reclaim their vitality.

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INSIGHT

Flourishing with Mental Illness

Flourishing can coexist with mental health conditions, potentially improving them.
It doesn't eliminate the condition but makes it more manageable and prevents relapses.

ANECDOTE

Personal Experiences with Mental Health

Corey Keyes and Eric Zimmer discuss their personal experiences with mental health and addiction.
Keyes emphasizes that recovery involves a new way of living, similar to managing depression.

INSIGHT

Lack of Depression Support Groups

Support groups for depression are less common than for addiction, potentially due to the involvement of experts.
People with depression may rely on experts, hindering the development of peer support.

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In this episode, Corey Keyes explores the concept of languishing vs. flourishing and how to feel alive again He delves into the often-overlooked emotional state that exists between mental illness and thriving and discusses how many of us can feel worn down by life and stuck in a gray zone of stagnation. Corey shares his insights on the importance of mindset and how changing the way we think about our daily tasks can lead us to a more fulfilling life. The discussion touches on the critical aspects of purpose, connection, and vitality, offering listeners strategies to move from languishing to flourishing.

Key Takeaways:

00:05:29 – The Role of Positive Psychology and Mental Health
00:06:46 – Corey’s Background and the Successful Aging Research Network
00:08:08 – The Purpose of Positive Psychology and Addressing Languishing
00:09:25 – Flourishing Despite Mental Health Conditions
00:10:08 – The Relationship Between Flourishing and Mental Illness
00:12:49 – The Challenge of Defining Recovery in Addiction and Mental Health
00:14:02 – The Lack of Peer Support Groups for Depression
00:15:05 – The Role of Experts in Mental Health
00:16:15 – The Difference Between Sharing with Experts and Peer Support
00:17:07 – The Importance of Having a Clear Program in Support Groups
00:18:04 – The Need for a New Approach to Mental Health Support Programs
00:19:01 – Defining Languishing and Its Distinction from Depression
00:20:36 – The Overlap Between Languishing and Depression
00:22:29 – The Impact of Languishing on Mental Health
00:23:39 – Personal Reflections on Eliminating Suffering and Seeking Joy
00:25:04 – The Challenge of Recalibrating After Addiction
00:25:58 – The Importance of Functioning Well
00:28:05 – The Nuances of Feeling Good vs. Functioning Well
00:30:09 – The Difference Between Satisfaction and Momentary Feelings
00:31:04 – The Role of Storytelling in Perceived Well-Being
00:32:49 – The Importance of Meaning and Values Over Mood
00:33:59 – Allowing Self-Assessment in Measuring Well-Being
00:35:53 – The Criteria for Flourishing and Languishing
00:37:08 – Encouraging Reflection and Integration for Listeners
00:38:18 – The Importance of Functioning Well in Achieving Flourishing
00:40:28 – The Difficulty of Achieving Social Well-Being
00:41:10 – The Five Vitamins of Flourishing
00:42:01 – Integrating Flourishing Activities into Daily Life
00:45:05 – The Importance of Mindset in Achieving Flourishing
00:47:09 – Research on Mindsets and Practical Applications

For full show notes, click here!

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