Dr. Brendan Kelly and Niall discuss redefining resilience post-Covid, lessons from history in mental health treatment, and stories from 'Asylum: Inside Grangegorman'. They emphasize innate resilience, societal interconnectedness, and the importance of person-centered care in building resilience in a post-pandemic world.
Resilience should be seen as an innate quality, not a constant goal to achieve.
Dr. Brendan Kelly's books highlight personal stories to humanize mental health work.
Reflecting on pandemic experiences is essential for processing emotional impacts and societal changes.
Deep dives
Introduction of Kelly Carrigan Podcast and the Academic Conference
The podcast episode discusses the upcoming presentation of an academic paper by the host at Trinity College and the nervousness associated with it. The guest, Dr. Brendan Kelly, a prominent academic in mental health, is introduced as a highly influential figure in the field. The episode highlights the impact of Dr. Kelly's work on the host's studies and praises his accessibility and contributions to mental health understanding. Dr. Kelly's extensive academic background and his recent books on resilience and asylum at Grangegorman are emphasized.
Dr. Brendan Kelly's Impressive Academic Background and Books
Dr. Brendan Kelly's exceptional academic achievements, including multiple degrees and a broad range of expertise, are highlighted. The podcast mentions his latest books focusing on resilience and personal stories at Grangegorman Asylum. The emotional impact of these stories and their role in humanizing mental health work are discussed. Dr. Kelly's efforts to bring empathy and understanding to institutions and mental health law are emphasized.
Resilience Amidst the Pandemic and Mental Health Perspectives
The episode delves into the concept of resilience during the pandemic, emphasizing the need to process rather than just move on from the experiences. Dr. Brendan Kelly's insights challenge the common misconception of resilience as pushing through hardships. The discussion highlights the psychological impacts of the pandemic, shifting societal perspectives on emotional well-being, and the importance of navigating normal human distress without unnecessary pathologizing.
Challenges and Progress in Mental Health Services
The podcast addresses challenges in mental health services, including lengthy waiting times and bureaucratic hurdles. Dr. Kelly advocates for a more integrated and person-focused approach to mental health care, encouraging collaboration among professionals and breaking down silos. The importance of early prevention and intervention, as well as a shift towards patient-centered funding models and electronic health records, are highlighted as key steps towards improving mental health services.
Hope, Reflections on the Pandemic, and Building Resilience
The episode concludes with messages of hope, reflecting on the lessons learned from the pandemic and the resilience shown by individuals and societies. The importance of self-reflection, societal awareness of emotional well-being, and the need for positive systemic changes are emphasized. Dr. Brendan Kelly's insights on post-pandemic resilience and the potential for societal transformation towards better mental health support are shared.
Although many of us want to leave the Covid-19 pandemic in the past, it’s important we reflect and really consider the impact it had on us individually and societally, and the incredible coping skills it highlighted in us all.
Niall is joined by Dr. Brendan Kelly, a psychiatrist and author with a list of degrees as long as your arm, including epidemiology, health management, history and Buddhist studies. Brendan’s new book ‘Resilience’ looks back on the profound impact that Covid had on our lives, but also the perseverance and growth it brought to the forefront. Niall and Brendan discuss the need to redefine how we use the word resilience, to see it as something innate in us and not something to constantly strive for. They also discuss the lessons we can learn from history in our mental health treatment, along with Brendan’s second recent book ‘Asylum: Inside Grangegorman’ which tells the stories of those who lived and worked in one of Ireland’s most infamous asylums.
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free.
