Lives Well Lived MURALI DORAISWAMY: the complexity of mental illness
Sep 19, 2024
Murali Doraiswamy, a Professor of Psychiatry and Physician Scientist at Duke University, dives deep into the complexities of mental illness. He discusses how economic instability and cultural differences shape mental health experiences globally. The impact of social media on teenage anxiety is another hot topic. The conversation also highlights the integration of positive psychology in psychiatry, the ethical challenges of treating terminal illnesses, and the blending of Eastern and Western views on happiness, especially as we age.
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Defining Mental Illness
- Mental illness is defined by changes in mood, personality, or behavior lasting over two weeks.
- These changes cause distress and impair functioning, differentiating them from normal mood fluctuations.
Rising Mental Illness
- Increased mental illness reports may be due to both reduced stigma and actual increases in prevalence.
- Economic instability, conflicts, and the pandemic have likely contributed to this rise.
Social Media's Impact
- Social media is a double-edged sword; its addictive algorithms can harm mental health, but it can also be leveraged for good.
- Independent oversight of mental health initiatives on these platforms is crucial.