How to Practice Mental Health Hygiene With Sociologist Corey Keyes
Sep 24, 2024
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Corey Keyes, a sociologist and professor emeritus at Emory University, dives deep into the concepts of languishing and flourishing. He argues that true mental health isn’t merely the absence of illness but the presence of well-being. Keyes emphasizes the necessity of mental health hygiene and shares five essential practices for maintaining it. He critiques traditional therapeutic approaches for focusing only on symptoms, promoting instead proactive strategies that nurture personal growth and emotional connections.
Mental health hygiene, akin to physical hygiene, involves engaging in meaningful activities that combat languishing and promote flourishing.
Understanding the distinction between fleeting happiness and deeper fulfillment is essential for fostering a nuanced approach to personal well-being.
Deep dives
Understanding Languishing
Languishing is described as a state of mental weariness that erodes self-esteem, motivation, and a sense of connection to others. This phenomenon, while normal, requires attention as it can lead to more serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Individuals experiencing languishing may feel mentally fatigued, lacking significant interest or emotional engagement in their daily activities. It represents a form of mental unhealth that can escalate into more severe conditions if not acknowledged and addressed.
Mental Health Hygiene Practices
Mental health hygiene is essential for maintaining psychological well-being, similar to physical hygiene practices like brushing teeth. Practices such as learning new skills, helping others, engaging in transcendental activities, building connections, and play are highlighted as 'behavioral vitamins' that promote flourishing. By regularly incorporating these activities into daily life, individuals can combat feelings of languishing and strengthen their mental health defenses. This proactive approach emphasizes that good mental health encompasses more than just the absence of illness; it involves thriving through meaningful interactions and personal growth.
The Importance of Flourishing
Flourishing involves actively engaging in practices that foster well-being and positive mental health. It is suggested that even individuals managing mental illnesses like PTSD or anxiety can work toward flourishing through consistent engagement in meaningful activities. By focusing on growth, belonging, contribution, and acceptance, people can reduce their risks of relapse into poorer mental health states. Flourishing becomes possible when individuals prioritize these practices, transforming their experiences and interactions with the world.
Cultural Perspectives on Well-being
Cultural messages often equate happiness with well-being, which can be misleading and simplistic. The podcast discusses how various emotional states and accomplishments can contribute to a deeper sense of fulfillment beyond transient feelings of happiness. Engaging with life's challenges and building personal achievements can lead to a more solid foundation of function and satisfaction. It is emphasized that understanding the distinction between feeling good and flourishing is crucial for personal development, fostering a more nuanced view of mental health.
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Corey Keyes is a sociologist and professor emeritus at Emory University. He studies how people find satisfaction in their lives, and why achieving a sense of well-being is no easy feat.
On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Corey joins Leah to discuss his research on languishing, flourishing and how to move from one to the other. Corey argues that good mental health isn’t just the absence of mental illness but the presence of well-being. He also explains the concept of “functioning well” and why working towards that is more important than chasing happiness.