All in the Mind

Daryl O'Connor, a psychology professor, shares insights on environmental sensitivity and its ties to mental health issues like hoarding disorder. Clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Barrett discusses therapeutic strategies for individuals grappling with hoarding, highlighting the significance of addressing anxiety and shame. They explore Claire's journey through hoarding, its emotional origins, and gradual steps toward decluttering, offering a poignant look at the complexities of attachment and how trauma can influence our relationship with possessions.

Just looking at the news can give the feeling that today’s world is more polarised than ever. And the stats show that in Britain, the majority of people believe that society is divided. How can we go about bridging this divide? Paul Dolan, professor of behavioural science at LSE, has written a book called Beliefism on exactly this. He chats to presenter Claudia Hammond about how we can learn to get along with people we disagree with, and how doing this can impact our lives for the better.Also, The Celebrity Traitors starts this Wednesday on BBC One. To convince their fellow contestants that they’re innocent, the Traitors have to be pretty good at deception. But how can the Faithfuls successfully identify their lies? Claudia speaks to Sharon Leal, senior research fellow in forensic psychology at the University of Portsmouth, to scrutinise the psychological evidence on deceit – and Sharon’s research has real life impacts on how police conduct their interviews. And Claudia is joined in the studio by Pete Olusoga, senior lecturer in psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. Pete shares new research that suggests the bigger a problem is, the smaller it seems, and how being nosy at work could be causing undue stress. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Sophie Ormiston Editor: Ilan Goodman Studio Manager: Emma Harth Production coordinator: Jana Holesworth

Would you ever share your most intimate, personal circumstances with an AI - and then use its advice in your day-to-day life?If the answer is yes, then you are not alone. Many people are turning to human-like AI chatbots for help with their mental health. So we're going to spend the programme exploring the fascinating and growing phenomenon of AI therapists. We’ll find out how and why people are using it by listening in to some very personal AI ‘therapy’ sessions. How does it work - and can it be effective? As its real-world use far outpaces the evidence, we’ll find out the potential pitfalls – and positives.Can AI therapy really help us?Presenter: Claudia Hammond Presenter's friend: Professor Catherine Loveday Producer: Gerry Holt Researcher: Mohan Shi Content editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Jana HolesworthDetails of organisations offering support with mental health, or feelings of despair are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Dive into the vibrant world of mental health advocacy as unsung heroes are celebrated for their profound impact on recovery. Discover inspiring stories from community support groups that empower women and families. Hear about the transformative Kids' Time workshops, which foster understanding among families facing mental illness. Experience the journey of empathetic mental health care, highlighting stigma and compassionate support. The power of connection shines through personal accounts of resilience and kindness, showcasing the strength found in community.

Matthias Gruber, an associate professor of psychology, specializes in the neuroscience of curiosity, while Tim Peake, an astronaut and test pilot, shares his out-of-this-world experiences aboard the International Space Station. Gosia Goclowska, a psychology lecturer, explores emotions like awe and surprise. Together, they discuss the significance of curiosity in fueling exploration, the brain's reward systems, and amusing anecdotes from space that highlight the quirks of living in zero gravity. Their insights illuminate how curiosity shapes learning and innovation in our lives.

Daryl O’Connor, a psychology professor and twin, shares insights on the fascinating psychology of twins. Lisa and Rose Betts discuss their powerful bond, especially during Lisa's struggles with mental health and cancer. They highlight the importance of communication and support in their unique relationship. The trio also debunks myths like twin telepathy and emphasizes the often-unseen contributors to mental health. Their stories illustrate the resilience between twins and how their deep connection can provide strength in tough times.

Katrina Curtis, a senior doctor who overcame severe depression with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), shares her inspiring journey of resilience. She discusses the powerful role of supportive relationships in mental health recovery and the emotional complexities of her experience. Additionally, the conversation introduces 'lemonading,' a playful approach to cope with life's difficulties, emphasizing how joy can aid our healing processes. Katrina's insights shine a light on the importance of community and compassion in the path to flourishing.

What's going on in your brain when you experience an 'aha!' moment?Imagine you've been stuck on a problem for ages, but then the answer suddenly comes to you out of nowhere, like a bolt of lightning. Claudia Hammond is joined in the studio by professor of cognitive neuroscience Sophie Scott to understand how these 'aha' moments happen.Sophie also brings us her own research into contagious laughter and why some types of laughter are more likely to give us the giggles than others.And Claudia meets another All in the Mind Awards finalist. This time it's Flynn Mellor, nominated by his mum Janine for his unwavering care whilst she was unwell. Claudia visits the pair at home and hears from Janine how Flynn's support saved her life.The All in the Mind Awards ceremony takes place at the BBC Radio Theatre in London on 18 June, and there is a ballot for free tickets which closes at midday on 31 May. You can enter online by going to www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows.If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, including urgent support, a list of organisations that can help is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Sophie Ormiston, Hannah Fisher and Gerry Holt Studio Manager: Emma Harth Editor: Glyn Tansley

This week, we're taking a look at the state of mental health services in the UK. Claudia Hammond is joined in the studio by the BBC's social affairs correspondent Michael Buchanan to dissect how long people are having to wait for care and what is being done to tackle the issues. We also hear from two more finalists in the All in the Mind Awards.First up is Duncan who nominated psychiatrist Dr Ilenia Pampaloni, who in 2023 treated him on the UK's only inpatient OCD ward. Claudia hears how Dr Pampaloni's treatment has helped Duncan have his first year of stability in 20 years. And Claudia visits the group KidsTime Haringey, nominated by Chuks. KidsTime works with families where the parents have mental health disorders, and we hear how the group has helped Chuks rebuild his relationship with his children through specialised workshops and sessions.The All in the Mind Awards ceremony takes place at the BBC Radio Theatre in London on 18 June, and there is a ballot for free tickets which closes at midday on 31 May. You can enter online by going to www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows.If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, including urgent support, a list of organisations that can help is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Sophie Ormiston, Hannah Fisher, Gerry Holt Studio Manager: Tim Heffer Editor: Glyn Tansley

This week we’re talking about interoception. That's the way the brain interprets the many signals that come from the body. How useful is this skill, can you perfect it – and when might it have a more negative effect? In the studio with Claudia is health psychologist Professor Kavita Vedhara who explains why watching 15 minutes of the Two Ronnies, some Fawlty Towers and a bit of Elvis Presley, could boost how well your vaccine works. And Claudia meets a group from Essex who are finalists in this year’s All in the Mind awards. The group teaches women who are experiencing anxiety, depression or abusive relationships how to ride a bike. We’ll hear how this simple community initiative is connecting people and even transforming lives, and why they just can’t stop smiling.The awards take place at the BBC Radio Theatre in London on 18 June and there is a ballot for free tickets which closes at midday on 31 May. You can enter online by going to www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Gerry Holt, Hannah Fisher and Helena Selby Studio Manager: Jackie Margerum Production Coordintator: Siobhan Maguire Content Editor: Glyn Tansley