Empowering Minds

On this episode of Empowering Minds we learn how data practices, digital rights, and today’s online environments shape your mental health. We take look at who's at risk, what the problems are, and who's responsible for building a healthier digital future. Watch (or listen) to learn what policymakers, platforms, and communities can do to build a digital world that respects rights and suppor...

In this episode we talk to Natalie Porias, CEO of Red Noses International, about the work they do, how clowning can bring light to the darkest of places and how this all relates to mental health. Interested in learning more about the work of Red Noses International? Check out their website at https://www.rednoses.org/ Red Noses International, alongside more than 70 organisations, are members of th...

This podcast episode explores the question: Are psychedelics the new frontier in mental health? thanks to our two guests, Prof. Sara Tai and Prof. Joanna Moncrieff. The integration of psychedelics into mental health support has recently emerged as a widely discussed and intriguing subject.  It appears that the utilisation of psychedelics has captured both hope and apprehension, sparking diverse op...

The psychosocial model of mental health understands mental health as the dynamic interplay of diverse factors, including socio-economic background, education level, challenging or traumatic life events, and the surrounding environment. Rather than concentrating on an individual’s alleged predisposition to mental health issues, this model focuses on the barriers that each person faces throughout th...

In this episode, you will hear the voices of Mental Health Europe's Brussels-based team as they talk about their work, the goals of the organisation, and the activities that MHE leads for members. Who is organising the European Mental Health Week, and how? What opportunities can members be part of? What is the difference between the communication and the policy team? Listen to learn more about...

In this episode, Jr. Communication Officer Margi Marchetti summarises the main points of discussion during the event "Migrants, Refugees & Mental Health" hosted by MEP Estrella Dura Ferrandez and MEP Tilly Metz at the European Parliament for World Mental Health Day 2022. Different experts raised concerns and practices to support migrants' mental health and to promote tailored programs for each...

MHE Jr. Communication Officer Margi Marchetti interviews Dr. Mark Horowitz , one of the authors of the paper " The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence ," published in the scientific journal Molecular Psychiatry on the 20th of July 2022. The review shows that “ there is no convincing evidence that depression is associated with, or caused by, lower serot...

MHE Policy Officer Jonas Bull and his guests talk about the complex intersections between climate and the environmental issues, mental health and overall well-being.  Carys Richards is a climate activist, finishing her Master's degree in Environment, Politics and Society at UCL and soon to be leading the Interlinked Campaign for Generation Climate Europe.  Hannah Harrison is the coordina...

MHE Policy Officer Jonas Bull is joined by three experts to talk about the history of psychiatric diagnosis and how to develop a human rights-based perspective on mental health labels.  Dr. Lucy Johnstone, consultant and clinical psychologist, explains how psychiatric diagnosis manuals were established and she explores other ways we can think about experiencing distress.  Lea Labaki, hum...

What is normal in the mental health experience? MHE Policy Manager Laura Marchetti is joined by four experts to unpack the understanding of normality and mental health.  Dr Zsófia Demjén, Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the UCL Centre for Applied Linguistics in London explores how language influences the way we frame and understand mental (ill) health. Professor Peter Kinderman...

Policy Manager Marie Fallon discusses the use of coercive measures in mental health services and existing solutions to end it. This episode's guests are: Jane Buchanan, Deputy Director for Disability Rights at Human Rights Watch and Stephanie Wooley, Board Member of Advocacy France and of the European Network of Users, ex-Users and Survivors of Psychiatry. 

Advocacy and Policy Officer Marcin Rodzinka talks about the conflict of interests between the pharma industry and doctors with two experts: the Polish GP Dr. Marta Piotrowska, and Prof. Klaus Lieb, a leading academic and psychiatrist from the Mainz University Medical Center in Germany. This episode explores mental health, transparency and the relations between doctors and the pharma industry.

How do young people deal with mental health? In this episode, Mental Health Europe has teamed up with OBESSU - the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions. Representatives from Ireland, France, Germany and Finland share their experiences with mental health, depression, anxiety and other difficulties they encountered on their journey.