Ed Hagen

In this discussion, Ed Hagen, a Professor of evolutionary anthropology at Washington State University, unravels the evolutionary roots of anxiety and depression. He explains how these feelings, often seen as disorders, may actually be adaptive responses to adversity. Hagen explores the complexities of postpartum depression, highlighting its social implications for new mothers. He also addresses gender differences in mental health and offers intriguing insights on how physical strength correlates with mental well-being and suicide patterns.

Ed Hagen, a professor of anthropology, discusses the evolutionary reasons for anxiety and depression, highlighting the correlation between grip strength and depression, hypervigilance and anxiety, and the differences in suicide rates between men and women. He challenges the common view of psychological ill-health as a chemical imbalance and encourages a deeper understanding using an evolutionary lens.