Lively Minds, the UK Mental Health Podcast Podcast By Ellie Page & Will Sadler cover art

Lively Minds, the UK Mental Health Podcast

Lively Minds, the UK Mental Health Podcast

By: Ellie Page & Will Sadler
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About this listen

 Lively Minds is a monthly podcast about mental health challenges that go beyond the ebb and flow of the everyday. Led by people with lived experience, the show looks at how developing an understanding of our mental health influences how we address the challenges we face.

Episodes are released on the first Friday of each month.

Find out more at www.anyamedia.net/livelymindsEllie Page & Will Sadler Hygiene & Healthy Living Philosophy Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • S3E13 - The evolutionary basis for anxiety, with Professor Melissa Bateson

    S3E13 - The evolutionary basis for anxiety, with Professor Melissa Bateson
    Jul 4 2025
    Professor Melissa Bateson, an expert in ethology, explains the biological functions of anxiety, its evolutionary importance, and how it prepares humans and animals to detect and respond to threats.

    The conversation covers the smoke detector principle, the optimal threshold for anxiety responses, and the potential impact of modern environments on anxiety levels.

    The episode also delves into how understanding animal behaviour can offer insights into human mental health.

    Please note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.com

    Follow @livelymindspod on social media, or see our links at https://www.bio.link/livelyminds

    00:00 Introduction to Lively Minds Podcast
    00:21 Meet Professor Melissa Bateson
    01:04 Understanding Ethology and Human Behavior
    01:58 Evolutionary Basis for Anxiety
    05:43 The Smoke Detector Principle
    06:56 When Anxiety Becomes a Problem
    18:00 Biological Perspective on Anxiety Thresholds
    23:46 Modern Threats and Anxiety
    27:54 Learning from Animals
    29:26 Conclusion and Farewell
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    30 mins
  • S3E12 - Antidepressants, with Dr Alex Curmi

    S3E12 - Antidepressants, with Dr Alex Curmi
    Jun 13 2025
    We take a deep dive into SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), which is the most commonly prescribed form of antidepressant in the UK. We discuss with Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Alex Curmi what we know about the effectiveness of SSRIs, what we don't, and why there is so much debate about their use.

    Check out the Thinking Mind Podcast by searching for it wherever you get your podcasts.
    Or you can find it on Spotify by clicking here

    In particular, you might be interested in Alex's conversations with
    • Prof Joanna Moncrieff about her skeptisim of SSRIs

    • Prof David Taylor about SSRI research, their effectiveness and side effects
    Mark Horowitz's website can be found here


    Weblinks are provided in good faith and Lively Minds is not responsible for the content of external sites.

    Please note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.com


    Follow @livelymindspod on social media, click here or links https://www.bio.link/livelyminds


    00:00 Introduction to Lively Minds Podcast
    00:19 Today's Topic: Antidepressants and SSRIs
    00:47 Guest Introduction: Dr. Alex Kmy
    01:52 Understanding SSRIs: Mechanism and Function
    03:21 Hosts' Personal Experiences with SSRIs
    09:39 Debate on SSRIs: Effectiveness and Over-Prescription
    22:19 Effectiveness of SSRIs: Research Insights
    25:34 Understanding Antidepressant Effect Sizes
    25:49 Comprehensive Depression Assessment
    26:20 Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Antidepressants
    27:23 SSRIs for Various Mental Health Conditions
    28:47 The Role of Psychological Interventions
    29:46 Personal Development and Mental Health
    31:20 Debating the Usefulness of Diagnoses
    32:28 Personal Journey with SSRIs
    34:36 Stigma and Medication
    37:11 Modern Life and Mental Health
    39:57 The Mystery of How SSRIs Work
    41:22 Supporting Patients in Tapering Off SSRIs
    44:47 Alternative Biological Treatments for Depression
    46:05 The Future of AI in Psychiatry
    46:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    48 mins
  • Sorry for the delay

    Sorry for the delay
    Jun 6 2025
    Sorry for the delay
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    1 min
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