All in the Mind

Do you feel like you’re flourishing? If you’ve not heard that term before, it’s not just about wellbeing, it’s about your whole life being good. Guest psychologist Dr Peter Olusoga joins Claudia in the studio to discuss the results of the Global Flourishing Study, a huge new study of more than 200,000 people in 22 countries. What are the key takeaways on how we might help ourselves to flourish? Pete also brings the science on a new psychological term – ‘lemonading’. It’s all about bringing a playful approach to life to help us cope in difficult times. And we reveal more of our All in the Mind Awards finalists ahead of this month’s ceremony, including the story of a lifesaving breastfeeding group, and a nurse who was a rock for someone going through difficult psychiatric treatment. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Gerry Holt & Hannah Fisher Studio Manager: Phil Lander Editor: Glyn Tansley

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

In this engaging discussion, Catherine Loveday, a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Westminster, explores the nuances of asking 'Are you okay?' during distressing moments and its potential drawbacks. She reveals intriguing research on how eye movement can indicate memory precision, with implications for early Alzheimer's detection. The conversation also highlights the importance of empathy in healthcare, particularly in supporting mental health recovery, showcasing personal stories that illuminate the transformative power of compassionate care.

In this engaging discussion, Robin Ince, a stand-up comedian and recent adult ADHD-diagnosed individual, shares his personal journey alongside Dr. Jessica Eccles, a psychiatrist specializing in ADHD assessment and living with the condition herself. They delve into the alarming length of waiting lists for diagnoses, with some people facing up to eight years of waiting. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of diagnosis and medication, challenges societal views on ADHD, and emphasizes the need for improved support systems and community awareness.

Sophie Scott, a psychotherapist and author known for her insights on mental health, joins the discussion on how to encourage loved ones to seek help when they resist. She shares valuable strategies for compassionate communication and emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries. The conversation also touches on the psychological benefits of holidays, revealing that disconnecting from work and staying active can extend their positive effects on mental well-being. It's an engaging exploration of support, resilience, and the joys of taking a break.

Catherine Loveday, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, explores our ability to mentally travel into the future, emphasizing its impact on identity and daily tasks. The panel discusses how future thinking motivates us and how professional athletes use visualization techniques to enhance performance. Insights into children's perceptions of time, the importance of optimism for mental health, and the challenges of New Year's resolutions are also examined, offering fresh strategies for goal-setting and personal growth.

Agnes Arnold Forster, a historian and author of 'Nostalgia: A History of a Dangerous Emotion,' shares her expertise on the intriguing evolution of nostalgia, from a deadly disease to a source of joy. The discussion highlights how nostalgia can enhance relationships, uplift moods, and even motivate political action. Forster, alongside a panel of psychologists, explores the emotional layers of nostalgia, particularly during the holiday season, revealing its bittersweet sensations and profound impact on our lives and connections.

Could we be misunderstanding eating disorders for some patients? Research suggests that more than 30 percent of inpatients being treated for an eating disorder are also autistic. Claudia Hamond talks to Professor Kate Tchanturia from Kings College London, and Fiona Hollings, expert by experience, who helped develop a new approach to treating eating disorders in people with autism. What are your strongest memories from your teenage years? For good and bad Dr Lucy Foulkes, from Oxford University, argues that our adolescence shapes us. She talks to Claudia about taking teenage love more seriously, having empathy for risk-taking teens, and how to look back on your adolescence more fondly.And Professor Daryl O’Connor, from the University of Leeds, discusses new research which shows that focussing on positive memories can help people who have previously been depressed feel happier. He and Claudia discuss how this might be useful if you feel your mood start to drop.Producer: Lorna Stewart Editor: Holly Squire Studio Manager: Tim Heffer