The following book reviews contain a mental health study on personality disorder. The first is mummy’s boy Norman; seconds out, round two is a private gentleman's club activity swirling out of control; after all, men will be men. We begin by exploring Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”, the psychological thriller, by providing various perspectives and interpretations that can better enhance your exploration of the film’s resilience and understanding of mental illness. Robert Bloch’s Psycho, published i...
Jan 08, 2024•25 min•Season 7Ep. 329
To Kill a Mockingbird, a 1960 novel by Harper Lee, is an iconic masterpiece set in the 1930s Deep South that confronts American society's deep-seated prejudices and injustices. Positioned in the racially divided town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the story follows Scout Finch, a young girl coming of age in a world filled with racial tension and injustice. Whose father, Atticus Finch, defends an African-American accused of raping a white woman. Through the lens of Scout's inno...
Dec 25, 2023•8 min•Season 6Ep. 328
Have you ever found yourself at the mercy of a situation, feeling like a leaf tossed in the wind? This is where the dichotomy of control steps in, offering a lifeline to clarity and calm in the chaos of life. It's a simple yet profound principle that can revolutionise how we handle our daily struggles. In this lesson, we'll unravel the layers of this Stoic wisdom, guiding you toward serenity in a world that often feels out of control. Join us as we explore the roots, principles, and practical ap...
Dec 22, 2023•48 min•Season 6Ep. 327
Today's articles look at the darker side of love with abuse that requires reflection and consideration for the reader to contemplate. The 1955 novel Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov, a Russian-American novelist, handles the controversial subject of hebephilia, a profoundly unsettling and controversial exploration of obsession and the demonic aspects of human nature. The second is a 1994 movie, A Child's Cry For Help, which also tackles the sensitive subject of mental health in a dramatic and thought-...
Dec 04, 2023•24 min•Season 6Ep. 326
Our previous session discussed how literature and the media manipulated public opinion and shaped people’s beliefs and behaviours. Today, we have a closer look at Fake News. The Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Spectrum and a book reflecting the counterculture movement and challenges the traditional values, institutionalisation and incarceration in the 1960s. Can you guess what it is? Propaganda has historically shaped public opinion by disseminating information or ideas to promote a particular age...
Nov 16, 2023•20 min•Season 6Ep. 325
Obsessive love can be described as an intense and overwhelming feeling of love towards someone, which can lead to controlling behaviour and possessiveness. It often involves an unhealthy attachment to the other person and can have negative consequences for both the lover and the loved one. Idolatry, infatuation, and erotomania are terms used to describe different types of intense feelings or obsessions towards someone or something. Here’s a brief explanation of each: 1. Idolatry: Idolatry refers...
Oct 22, 2023•14 min•Season 6Ep. 324
The previous article briefly discussed how the power of literature was a deadly weapon through newspapers, radio, and other media outlets, used in antisemitic propaganda by Adolf Hitler to dehumanise and vilify his enemies, primarily the Jews he called parasites. But for additional groups such as communists and non-Aryans, the word was used in Germany to describe a future genius race and then later labelled by philosophers as Social Darwinism to justify their despicable acts. [cited: Mein Kampf]...
Oct 22, 2023•25 min•Season 6Ep. 323
I proposed that books allow the individual to learn from their reading experiences and bibliotherapy to be the focus of therapy and self-reflection. Photography was suggested as a tool for conveying emotion and channels for self-expression. Then, like a vision, I observed a review by Andrew Pettigrew, which combined both aspects together. The premise of this work was a historical and cultural insight into the Second World War. It demonstrates the power of literature as a deadly weapon during com...
Oct 15, 2023•10 min•Season 6Ep. 322
Although health professionals often use the term mental health, physicians recognise that many psychological disorders have physical roots. And this is why loneliness can significantly affect both your physical and mental health. In today’s fast-paced and connected world, it may seem counterintuitive to think loneliness is a prevalent issue. Loneliness is a serious problem that can significantly impact individuals. It is often referred to as the “ loneliness epidemic ” due to its increasing prev...
Oct 13, 2023•17 min•Season 6Ep. 321
Our previous article briefly looked into the World of literature on mental health. We considered the early inclusion of mental health literature available to our young minds by viewing Christopher Robin’s friends and his mental state of mind. Leaving the door open for discussion concerning his imaginary friendship was either a coping mechanism or schizophrenia . Then, to whet your appetite, I introduced you to some stars in this field of work. One example was the Yellow Wallpaper (1892). This wa...
Oct 08, 2023•10 min•Season 6Ep. 320
What is Bibliotherapy? Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses literature to support mental health and wellbeing. It involves using books, poems, and other written materials to help individuals understand and cope with their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Bibliotherapy can be used in various settings, including schools, libraries, hospitals, and therapy sessions. Words and images in literature and poetry connect us to the past, showing that others have faced and overcome similar e...
Oct 07, 2023•13 min•Season 6Ep. 319
Mental health is an important and often misunderstood topic affecting millions worldwide. Raising awareness and promoting understanding of mental health issues is crucial to creating a more inclusive and supportive society. In recent years, literature has emerged as a powerful tool for exploring and shedding light on mental health experiences. Through relatable characters and thought-provoking narratives, texts and their emergence into film enable nonmedical individuals to gain insights into var...
Oct 01, 2023•9 min•Season 6Ep. 318
The continuous presence of intrusive thoughts can create a constant sense of unease and fear. They have the power to make you question your own morality and sanity. The toll they take on you is not only mental but physical as well. The exhaustion caused by these persistent thoughts can affect your concentration, making it difficult to complete tasks or make decisions. Sleep disturbances may also occur due to the constant rumination induced by intrusive thoughts. The emotional impact of intrusive...
Sep 24, 2023•23 min•Season 6Ep. 317
Is there a misunderstanding about anxiety in teenage girls? Anxiety is a common emotion experienced by people of all ages, but have we misunderstood its impact on teenage girls? In today's fast-paced, high-pressure world, it is essential to understand the unique challenges that young girls face. This article aims to shed light on the misconceptions surrounding anxiety in teenage girls and explore ways to support their mental health better. Over the past decade, the number of American children an...
Sep 17, 2023•13 min•Season 6Ep. 316
Why do you struggle to resist a sugary snack or struggle with anxiety? The answer lies in our genes. Our genetic makeup plays an important role in shaping who we are and how we behave. Could it be possible that our genes are responsible for our circumstances? Genes are the segments of DNA that provide instructions for the development and functioning of our bodies. They determine our physical attributes, such as eye colour, height, and hair texture. However, genes also influence our behaviour and...
Sep 17, 2023•12 min•Season 6Ep. 315
A healthy mind is essential for overall well-being. It enables us to cope with the challenges of everyday life and maintain a positive outlook. But what does it mean to have a healthy mind? It goes beyond just being free from mental illness; it encompasses having good mental health and emotional resilience. A healthy mind is characterised by clarity of thought, the ability to manage stress effectively, and the capacity to maintain balanced emotions. It involves cultivating positive habits such a...
Sep 10, 2023•13 min•Season 6Ep. 314
Paranoid Schizophrenia: Learning and Managing this Condition Paranoid schizophrenia is a complex and often debilitating mental illness that affects approximately 0.5% of the population. Portrayed by a combination of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking, it can drastically impact a person’s ability to function in daily life. In this article, we delve into the essential aspects of paranoid schizophrenia, including its symptoms, causes, and available treatments. The term “ paranoid ...
Aug 06, 2023•11 min•Season 6Ep. 313
In the world of neuroscience and psychology, there are intriguing conditions that challenge our fundamental understanding of perception. One such condition is agnosia, which disrupts somebody’s ability to recognise or interpret sensory information. Agnosia usually affects only a single information pathway in the brain. If you have this condition, you can still think, speak, and interact with the world. While it may sound like a relatively simple concept, delving into the complexities of agnosia ...
Jul 31, 2023•41 min•Season 6Ep. 312
In our quest to unravel the complex workings of the human mind, we often encounter enigmatic conditions that confound our understanding. One such condition is Alexithymia, also known as (AKA) emotional blindness. This fascinating yet little-known phenomenon profoundly affects one’s emotional well-being. Unlocking the secrets of this mysterious condition is essential for gaining insight into the intricate mechanisms underlying our emotions and paving the way towards improved psychological health....
Jul 26, 2023•24 min•Season 6Ep. 311
A Comprehensive Guide To Mind-Wandering Do you often find yourself lost in your thoughts, utterly detached from the present moment? If so, you’re not alone. This phenomenon is known as mind-wandering, a common occurrence for many people. Here’s an article explaining everything you need to know about mind-wandering. Mind wandering is associated with many appellations, and you may recognise the term as daydreaming, off-task thinking, spontaneous stimulus-independent thought, or even a task-unrelat...
Jul 03, 2023•16 min•Season 6Ep. 310
Procrastination And Getting Things Done Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks or activities that need to be done. It is the tendency to put off important or demanding tasks in favour of more pleasurable or easier ones. It is a common trait many people struggle with, and research suggests that about 20% of individuals can be classified as procrastinators. What exactly causes people to procrastinate? Procrastination can be described as the gap between intention and action. It ...
Jul 02, 2023•8 min•Season 6Ep. 309
Gaslighting in Relationships: How to Heal and Move Forward. Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which an individual manipulates another person to doubt their own perceptions, feelings and thoughts, ultimately leading them to question their sanity and sense of reality. Do you ever find yourself questioning your own memory, feelings, or sanity in your relationship? Does your partner try to convince you that your thoughts and emotions are wrong or even ‘crazy’? If so, you may be a victim of...
Jun 11, 2023•9 min•Season 6Ep. 308
Echoism vs Narcissism: What’s the Difference? Have you heard of Echoism? It’s a term that describes individuals who tend to repeat what others say to avoid conflict or assert their own opinions. In a world where narcissism often dominates our social media feeds, a lesser-known term offers a refreshing alternative: echoism, the other side of Narcissism Echoism being the opposite of narcissism, and it describes people who prefer to remain in the background and pursue a quieter, more empathetic way...
Jun 11, 2023•21 min•Season 6Ep. 307
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is often called the “silent killer” because it can go unnoticed until it causes severe health problems. In fact, hypertension affects over 1 billion people worldwide and is responsible for an estimated 7.5 million deaths annually. Understanding the risks of hypertension and how to prevent it is crucial for maintaining good health and longevity. What is Hypertension? Hypertension is a condition that occurs when the force of blood pushing agains...
May 22, 2023•20 min•Season 6Ep. 306
When Mental Health Neglects Physical Health: The Risks Involved, And Here’s Why? A new study by a King’s College London team confirms an association between psychological and physical health. People with mental illness age faster and die younger compared to their peers. The potential impact of illnesses like anxiety , depression and bipolar disorder on conditions like stroke, heart attack and cancer is often underestimated. The association exists across the spectrum, with the most powerful effec...
Apr 30, 2023•5 min•Season 6Ep. 305
Have you ever experienced anxiety about your health, even when there’s no medical reason to do so? Perhaps you worry about having a severe illness, despite your doctor reassuring you that you’re healthy. This anxiety could be a sign of illness anxiety disorder . Illness anxiety disorder (IAD), formerly called hypochondria or hypochondriasis, is a type of anxiety disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause individuals to become overly concerned about their health, often to th...
Apr 23, 2023•26 min•Season 6Ep. 304
How to Make the Most of good stress and Manage the Bad by Marissa Downes Stress, or more accurately distress, occurs when the demands on a person exceed their abilities, skills, or coping strategies. “Stress is a response to a threat in any situation and is the body’s way of protecting you,” says Laura Kampel, a Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Black Dog Institute. It’s essential to recognise that stress is ‘designed’ to be a short-term experience and can even be helpful in many situations (m...
Apr 10, 2023•10 min•Season 6Ep. 303
Lying on a mat around a fire in the Costa Rican jungle, I was too terrified to speak. I had just taken iboga, a psychedelic plant medicine native to Central Africa, in a desperate attempt to avoid taking my own life. It was 2015, two years after I had retired from international rugby, where I was a celebrated full-back, playing for Glasgow Warriors, Sale Sharks and Toulon, and had represented Scotland in two World Cups. This wasn’t the first time I’d tried psychedelics . I’d tried psilocybin (ma...
Apr 09, 2023•9 min•Season 6Ep. 302
Do I have Misophonia? Have you ever felt a strong adverse reaction to sounds that most people find insignificant, such as someone eating or tapping their feet, becoming unbearable? If so, you may be experiencing misophonia, a relatively unknown auditory disorder that affects a small percentage of the population. What is Misophonia? Misophonia, or selective sound sensitivity syndrome, affects one in five people. Many people may not recognise they have this condition, characterised by an intense e...
Apr 02, 2023•5 min•Season 6Ep. 301
I took magic mushrooms to relieve the stress of motherhood. Do you know that saying about the Sixties? If you remember them, you weren’t there? My parents remember the Isle of Wight Festival in 1969, where Bob Dylan headlined. They popped by out of curiosity and left at 8 pm. My folks were — and still are — wonderfully straight. Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to know that I was brought up as a sensible, law-abiding, rule-following citizen, and I was no hippy kid. So, what I’m abou...
Apr 01, 2023•15 min•Season 6Ep. 300
