How do clinicians view mental illness?

How many mental health problems are there?

How common are these disorders?

This episode describes three patients with severe depression. It concludes with the view that depression is amongst the worst of all conditions.

The objective and scope of future podcasts are outlined. Maintaining good mental health is essential for everyone.

Stress has both positive and negative benefits.

In itself, stress is not an illness.

However, stress can precipitate disorders such as depression.

How can we deal effectively with stress, and what impact does it have on our physical and psychological well-being?

What is depression?

What can we do to reduce the risk of depression and to improve treatment outcomes?

The episode focuses on diet and exercise.

Gut microbes influence our brain and psychological makeup. How?

Are gut microbes altered in depression and other psychiatric states?

How can we optimally configure our gut microbiota?

Cognitive behaviour therapy is the most widely used psychological intervention. It is particularly effective in treating depression and anxiety. Here, the basic principles underlying the technique are explained.

This episode surveys the large array of supplements in health food stores and pharmacies.

It concludes that most healthy individuals on a balanced diet do not require supplements.

It warns about the large number of supplements with little or no scientific backing.

Supplements are the Wild West of marketing, and buyers need to be cautious.

What is optimal nutrition for good mental health?

What is optimal nutrition if we suffer from depression?

How do exercise and good nutrition positively impact our mental health?