All in the Mind

If you’re feeling demotivated and aimless, but you’re not depressed, you might be languishing. But what exactly is languishing, and what can you do about it? Claudia Hammond talks to the sociologist Dr Corey Keyes, who coined the term. He has some solutions that could help you move from languishing to flourishing, as well as poetic descriptions of how nature inspires his work and hopeful tales about the search for meaning in the modern world.We hope that the many children currently going through exams across the country are flourishing, but exam success is far from the only influence on their futures. A new study shows that children who perceive greater household chaos at the age of 16 are more likely to have poor mental health by the age of 23. The most fascinating aspect of the research is that it involved twins living in the same household, and their perceptions of chaos were often wildly different. So what can parents do improve their children’s perception of chaos? Professor Daryl O’Connor from the School of Psychology at the University of Leeds joins Claudia in the studio to look at the evidence.We also have the story of a survivor of child sexual abuse, who fell apart when a weekend away triggered memories of what had happened to him. He went to the police, and eventually his abuser was sent to prison. But the process of doing that destroyed his coping mechanism – to lock it away and ignore it. He tells us how the Salford-based charity We Are Survivors helped him put his life back together. He now encourages abuse survivors to seek help. Details of other organisations that can provide support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.And do you have an old friend you’ve lost touch with? Why don’t you get back in touch? New research shows that we’re often reluctant to do so. Claudia and Daryl dig into the detail and wonder whether it could even help us stop languishing.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Ben Motley Content Editor: Holly Squire Production Coordinator: Siobhan Maguire

On this podcast, Claudia Hammond discusses how gardening helps cope with grief and features a unique garden space for conversations on loss. The episode delves into the role of objects in memory and coping mechanisms. They also explore summer seasonal affective disorder and anxiety in older individuals post-pandemic, shedding light on societal stereotypes impacting mental health.

Jess Robson, founder of 'Run Talk Run', advocates for exercise as a powerful mental health tool. She explores how gentle running fosters community and conversation, helping participants tackle stress. The discussion unveils the intricate link between exercise and conditions like depression. They also examine the endocannabinoid system's role in inducing a 'runner's high', while emphasizing the importance of supportive environments for mental well-being. Insights reveal how exercise can enhance motivation and cognitive function, making it a key ally in mental health.

Professor Francesca Gino, an eminent Harvard researcher in the field of dishonesty, is accused of fraud, sparking discussions on hypocrisy and trust in scientific findings. The podcast also explores the concerning suicide rates among men aged 45-54, emphasizing the need for proactive suicide prevention efforts and safety planning. Additionally, the psychological impact of awe on well-being is discussed, highlighting how experiences of natural wonders can reduce stress and increase happiness.

Dr Karen Kirby, Dr Kevin Mitchell, and Sinéad Moriarty discuss the psychology of hope at the Northern Ireland Science Festival. They explore the role of hope in medical scenarios, learning to be hopeful, and holding onto hope in the modern world. Audience questions include whether we should lower our expectations.

This podcast explores the impact of changing seasons on our moods and behaviors, delving into the research findings. It also discusses the importance of teaching hope as a skill for mental health, showcasing inspiring programs. Additionally, it sheds light on the gender disparity in citing experts in psychology and its implications for diversity in the field.

Dr. Lampros Perogamvros, a psychiatrist from the University of Geneva specializing in dreams and nightmares, explores the intriguing link between overcoming phobias and experiencing vivid nightmares about them. He delves into the complexities of how our subconscious fears manifest during sleep. Additionally, Dr. Maja Bergman shares insights from her research on treating post-cardiac arrest PTSD through mindfulness, fueled by her own heart scare, while also discussing emotional healing narratives from survivors.

These days we see a lot of negative stories related to screen time – how we’re addicted to our phones and social media is damaging our mental health. But is our panic about screens justified? Pete Etchells, professor of psychology and science communication at Bath Spa University, talks Claudia Hammond through the latest evidence in this field – and it turns out it’s all a lot more complicated than we think.Many of us will often get catchy tunes stuck in our head, or have an inner monologue narrating our experiences. But this isn’t the case for everyone – some people have what they describe as a silent inner world. This inability to hear sounds in your head has been named anauralia, which PhD student Sang Hyun Kim experiences, and he describes his inner life to Claudia. We also hear from Professor of Psychology Tony Lambert, who has been running studies into anauralia at the University of Auckland. And Claudia is joined in the studio by Catherine Loveday, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Westminster, who has also recently published a study on anauralia – and puts Claudia’s auditory imagery skills to the test. And Catherine also talks us through a new study on how live music can amplify emotional responses in the brain.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Sophie Ormiston Studio Manager: Tim Heffer Production Coordinator: Siobhan Maguire Editor: Holly Squire

The podcast delves into the rising mental health issues among teenage girls, revealing alarming statistics that show a higher prevalence than boys. Social media, academic pressures, and societal expectations are examined as contributing factors. Experts discuss the systemic challenges in youth mental health services, advocating for preventative approaches. Personal stories highlight the unique struggles girls face, emphasizing the need for supportive environments and early interventions to foster resilience.

Dr. Ellen Smith, a researcher from Northumbria University, explores the fascinating connection between diet and brain health, spotlighting Lion's Mane mushrooms and their purported cognitive benefits. She examines how social media is shaping perceptions about food's impact on memory and mood. Additionally, Claudia Hammond discusses the powerful new play, 'This Might Not Be It,' which vividly portrays the struggles of NHS mental health services, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in fostering empathy and bringing attention to mental health challenges.