MQ Open Mind

MQ Mental Health Research
  • 4.8 (27)
  • SCIENCE
  • TWICE MONTHLY

MQ Open Mind looks at the science behind mental health and its potential to transform lives. The show digs deep into the cutting-edge research taking on mental illness and speaks to the people it could help. Hear conversations on a range of different conditions, from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar. Brought to you by the mental health research charity, MQ: Transforming Mental Health

  1. 2 DEC

    What Will It Take to Strengthen Mental Health Research? with Rethink Mental Illness

    In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor is joined by Brian Dow, Deputy CEO of Rethink Mental Illness, Aphra Tulip-Briggs, Lived Experience Expert and Trustee at Rethink, and Mariana Bolivar, Research Lead at MQ Mental Health Research. They discuss the new joint report from MQ and Rethink Mental Illness, which outlines ten key changes needed to transform mental health research in the UK. Their conversation explores how the sector can shift toward earlier intervention and prevention, how research can be made more inclusive and accessible to people with lived experience, and what systemic changes are required to ensure research truly meets the needs of those most affected by mental illness. Brian, Aphra, and Mariana share insights from their collaborative work, highlighting the importance of co-production, equitable funding, and a research system that prioritises both scientific progress and lived experience expertise. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

    57 min

  2. 18 NOV

    Can Sharing Your Story Change Lives? with Jordan Lees

    In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor speaks with Jordan Lees, a lived experience expert and research volunteer who has worked with the National Institute for Health and Care Research Mental Health Translational Research Collaboration. They discuss the importance of public and patient involvement in mental health research and the crucial role lived experience plays in shaping meaningful, impactful studies. The conversation also explores Jordan’s experience volunteering for a clinical trial, offering insight into what participation is really like and why it matters. Jordan reflects on the challenges of developing new interventions, highlighting the gaps that still exist in mental health treatment and the need for research that is driven by the voices of those directly affected. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

    27 min

  3. 4 NOV

    Fixing the Inequalities in Mental Health Care With Prof Kam Bhui

    In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Kam Bhui, a leading expert in public mental health and policy at the University of Oxford. They explore how structural inequalities impact mental health care, particularly for marginalised groups, and discuss the role of adverse childhood experiences in shaping long-term mental health outcomes. The conversation also delves into the intersection of public mental health and policy, highlighting the need for systemic changes to create more equitable access to care. Kam shares insights from his research on how mental health services can be redesigned to better address these inequalities and the importance of integrating mental health into broader public health policies. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

    49 min

  4. 20 OCT

    The Teenage Brain Explained with Prof Sarah-Jayne Blakemore

    In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, a psychologist and neuroscientist from the University of Cambridge. They discuss the key neurological changes that occur during adolescence and why the teenage brain is distinct from both children's and adults' brains. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions, challenging the idea of adolescence as a period of chaos and instead highlighting it as a crucial stage of growth and development. Sarah-Jayne shares insights from her research on how understanding the teenage brain can reshape our perspective on young people and the opportunities this presents for supporting them more effectively. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

    1 hr

  5. 7 OCT

    The Power of Mindfulness for Mental Health with Prof Willem Kuyken

    In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Prof Willem Kuyken, a research clinical psychologist and author from the University of Oxford. They discuss Willem’s journey into mental health research and why he focuses specifically on mindfulness and its benefits for mental health. The conversation explores key findings from his studies on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and the impact it has on young people's mental health. Willem also shares insights from his work on whether mindfulness-based approaches could potentially help tackle structural inequalities in mental health. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

    1h 3m

  6. 23 SEPT

    Why is Depression Rising Among Young People? with Dr Maria Loades

    In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Dr Maria Loades, a clinical psychologist and mental health researcher from the University of Bath. They discuss Dr Loades’ journey into mental health research and why she focuses specifically on depression and anxiety in young people. The conversation explores key findings from her studies on isolation, loneliness, and the impact of the pandemic on youth mental health.  Dr Loades also shares insights from her work on school-based mental health interventions in South Africa and reflects on her hopes for the future of prevention and treatment strategies. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies https://www.tiberone.com/

    48 min

  7. 9 SEPT

    Designing Research That Saves Lives with Professor Nav Kapur

    In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor speaks to Professor Nav Kapur, a leading researcher in suicide prevention and self-harm, and a professor of psychiatry and population health at the University of Manchester. Nav's work has shaped policy and clinical practice across the UK and beyond, making him one of the foremost voices in understanding the complexities of suicide and self-harm. In this episode, we explore the challenges of designing effective interventions, what the data tells us about the epidemiology of self-harm, and why evidence-based approaches are so essential in this field. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies https://www.tiberone.com/

    53 min

  8. 3 JUL

    How We Got Our Start in Research

    This 5th of July marks the third Research Appreciation Day. A day started by us at MQ to celebrate the hard work of health researchers from all disciplines. For this special episode of Open Mind, and since this year’s theme is ‘Careers in Research’, here are our esteemed guests explaining how they got their start in research. Open Mind will return in the following weeks, and we hope to see you again for more lived experience stories and more mental health research. https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/research-appreciation-day/

    1h 16m
See All (68)

4.8
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

MQ Open Mind looks at the science behind mental health and its potential to transform lives. The show digs deep into the cutting-edge research taking on mental illness and speaks to the people it could help. Hear conversations on a range of different conditions, from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar. Brought to you by the mental health research charity, MQ: Transforming Mental Health

Information

  • Creator
    MQ Mental Health Research
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2017 . All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    MQ Open Mind

You Might Also Like