The Mental Wellbeing College

Indi Dissanayake
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  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Each episode is a deep-dive into the evidence of different mental wellbeing practices. We discuss this with researchers and practitioners themselves. We tease apart the research for you in an applicable way so you can implement strategies and tools to improve your own wellbeing.

  1. 02/04/2025

    Media Portrayals of Mental Illness | Dr. Anna Ross | 68

    Media Portrayals of Mental Illness. In this video, Dr. Anna Ross and I discuss the role of the media in influencing mental representations of people with mental illness, responsible media reporting and stigma in mental illness. Dr. Anna Ross is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne. Anna is co-convenor of the 2023 Mental Ill-Health Stigma Researchers Australia Network symposium. Anna has published widely on media reporting of serious mental illness, particularly in Australia. Chapters 0:00 Stigma in Complex Mental Illness 4:15 Stigma Perpetuated in the Media 8:30 Incentives of the Media 18:40 Responsible Media Reporting 26:15 Media Reporting in Australia Show Notes SANE Australia- https://www.sane.org/ StigmaWatch- https://www.sane.org/get-involved/adv... Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma- https://dartcenter.org/ "Experiences reporting on mental illness and suicide: Findings from interviews with Australian news professionals" by Ross et al., 2024 "Evaluation of the StigmaWatch Program's Impact on Media Portrayals of Suicide and Mental Illness" by Ross et al., 2024 "Examining the quality of news media reporting of complex mental illness in relation to violent crime in Australia" by Ross et al., 2023 "“Hotspots” and “copycats”: a plea for more thoughtful language about suicide" by Owens, 2016

    37 min

  2. 12/12/2024

    Exercise in Psychotherapy | Dr. Kristin Szuhany | 67

    Exercise in Psychotherapy. In this video, Dr. Kristin Szuhany and I discuss the benefits of integrating exercise into traditional talk therapy, how psychologists can promote exercise with clients, the latest research on exercise in anxiety disorder treatment and much more... Dr. Kristin Szuhany is a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at New York University Langone. Kristin is the Assistant Director of the NYU Langone Anxiety, Stress, and Prolonged Grief Program. She is a leading researcher in exercise and psychotherapy field. Chapters 0:00 Kristin’s Research Journey 2:55 Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health 10:10 Exercise in the Therapy Space 15:20 Why Exercise May Help With Exposure Therapy 22:50 Integrating Exercise in Psychotherapy 37:20 An Example of Exercise in Therapy 45.00 Barriers to Engaging in Exercise 55:40 Making Exercise More Feasible Show Notes "Efficacy evaluation of exercise as an augmentation strategy to brief behavioral activation treatment for depression: a randomized pilot trial" by Szuhany and Otto (2019) "A meta-analytic review of the effects of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor" by Szuhany et al., (2015) "The impact of exercise interventions on sleep in adult populations with depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress: review of the current evidence and future directions" by Szuhany et al., (2024) "Exercise for Mood and Anxiety: Proven Strategies for Overcoming Depression and Enhancing Well-Being" by Otto and Smits (2011) "Exercise Augmentation of Exposure Therapy for PTSD: Rationale and Pilot Efficacy Data" by Powers et al., (2015) "Aerobic exercise and consolidation of fear extinction learning among women with posttraumatic stress disorder" by Crombie et al., (2021) "Anxiety symptom interpretation: A potential mechanism explaining the cardiorespiratory fitness-anxiety relationship" by Williams et al., (2016) "The relationship between physical activity and anxiety and its disorders" by Utschig et al., (2023) "Clarifying the Link Between Distress Intolerance and Exercise: Elevated Anxiety Sensitivity Predicts Less Vigorous Exercise" by Hearon et al., 2012

    1h 4m

  3. 11/25/2024

    Mental Health in Developing Countries | 15min Lifestyle Psych

    In this episode, we discuss the plight of mental illness and unique risk factors for mental illness in developing countries, the poverty trap and much more... Chapters 0:00 Show Intro 1:54 Is MI a Western Problem Only? 3:10 Risk Factors in Developing Countries 8:30 Mental Health Stigma 11:30 The Poverty Trap 16:48 Possible Solutions Show Notes "The Lancet Commission on global mental health and sustainable development" by Patel et al., 2018 "Mental Health Service Provision in Low- and Middle-Income Countries" by Rathod et al., 2017 "World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all" by WHO, 2022 "Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017" "Brain drain among Sri Lankan psychiatrists" by Chandradasa and Kuruppuarachchi (2023) "Why are we still living in the past? Sri Lanka needs urgent and timely reforms of its archaic mental health laws" by Hapangama et al., 2023

    21 min

  4. 11/09/2024

    Building Healthy Habits That Last - A Masterclass | 66

    In this Masterclass, we dive into all things healthy habits with 4 leading researchers and experts. We explore how to build healthy habits, the importance of intrinsic motivation, how long it takes to build a habit and much more...

    32 min

  5. 11/01/2024

    The Adonis Complex | 10min Lifestyle Psych

    The Adonis Complex. In this episode, we discuss the mental illness of Muscle Dysmorphia, otherwise known as Bigorexia, Reverse Anorexia and The Adonis Complex. Chapters 0:00 What is Muscle Dysmorphia? 4:10 Why is Muscle Dysmorphia Increasing? 6:30 Who is At Risk of Muscle Dysmorphia? 9:35 Disordered or Dedicated? 15:30 Treating Muscle Dysmorphia Show Notes "Change in sociocultural ideal male physique: An examination of past and present action figures" by Baghurst et al., 2006 "Evolving ideals of male body image as seen through action toys" by Pope et al., 1999 "‘The day you start lifting is the day you become forever small’: Bodybuilders explain muscle dysmorphia" by Underwood et al., 2022 https://youtu.be/rVHVqoXLwgE?si=gF-zRgxlr74T1ll4 "Body Image" The Mental Wellbeing College Podcast episode with Dr. Nick Galli

    19 min

  6. 10/24/2024

    Nutrition, Gut Microbiome & Mental Health | Prof. Ted Dinan | 65

    Nutrition, Gut Microbiome & Mental Health | Prof. Ted Dinan | 65 In this video, we discuss the gut-brain relationship, how our diet impacts our mental health, what a 'healthy' gut microbiome is, the role of prebiotics and probiotics on our gut and much more... Ted Dinan is a Professor of Psychiatry and Psychiatrist at University College Cork. Prof Dinan is one of the most highly cited researchers and a global expert on the relationship between the gut microbiome and mental health. Chapters 0:00 Show Intro 2:05 What is the Gut Microbiome? 07:10 A Healthy Gut Microbiome 11:25 Diet, Gut and Mental Health 22:00 Gut Microbiome and Serotonin 28:00 Psychobiotics Show Notes "The psychobiotic revolution: mood, food, and the new science of the gut-brain connection" by Anderson, Dinan and Cryan (2017) "The microbiota-gut-brain axis" by Cryan et al. (2019) "Melancholic microbes: a link between gut microbiota and depression?" by Dinan and Cryan (2013) "Nutritional Psychiatry: A Primer for Clinicians" by Dinan (2023) "The Prolongation of Life: Optimistic Studies (Classics in Longevity and Aging)" by Metchnikoff "Clinical and cost-effectiveness of remote-delivered, online lifestyle therapy versus psychotherapy for reducing depression: results from the CALM non-inferiority, randomised trial" by O'Neill et al. (2024) "Gut microbiota composition correlates with diet and health in the elderly" by Claesson et al. (2012)

    32 min

  7. 10/18/2024

    The Know-Do Gap in Health Behaviours | 10min Lifestyle Psych

    The Know-Do Gap in Health Behaviours | 10min Lifestyle Psych Chapters 0:00 Know-Do Gap 4:25 The Missing Piece 9:10 Solutions My name is Indi Dissanayake and I am a PhD Candidate investigating the implementation of exercise-based psychotherapy into mental healthcare, and a Provisional Psychologist. Check out the channel for deep dives into all things Lifestyle Psychiatry. I hope you find our content valuable. Show Notes "National, regional, and global trends in insufficient physical activity among adults from 2000 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 507 population-based surveys with 5·7 million participants" by Strain et al., 2024 "Is it fun or exercise? The framing of physical activity biases subsequent snacking" by Werle et al., 2016 "Acute affective response to a moderate-intensity exercise stimulus predicts physical activity participation 6 and 12 months later" by Williams et al., 2008 OnePoll 2021 Survey on Exercise https://www.freeletics.com/en/press/news/half-of-americans-find-no-joy-in-physical-exercise-according-to-new-research-/ "Making and Breaking Habits" Podcast Episode with Dr. Pippa Lally https://youtu.be/w6bDPS3IrM8?si=kXm_Ymd6cjtAcWD4" "Increasing Mental Health Benefits in Exercise" Podcast Episode with Dr. Megan Teychenne https://youtu.be/i3OiCAdjH4A?si=vxiN7a9Osfc46WyK "Science of Making Exercise Enjoyable" Podcast Episode with Prof. Ryan Rhodes

    15 min

  8. 10/12/2024

    Increasing Mental Health Benefits from Exercise | Dr Megan Teychenne | 64

    Increasing Mental Health Benefits from Exercise with Dr. Megan Teychenne. In this video, Dr. Megan Teychenne and I discuss the benefits of exercise for mental health, the best types, domains, environments and social contexts of exercise for mental health, the benefits of exercise for Postpartum Depression and much more... Chapters 0:00 Show Intro 1:50 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise 5:55 Using Exercise to Treat Mental Illness 8:35 Exercise in Postnatal Depression 17:00 Domains of Physical Activity 25:00 Types of Physical Activity 27:00 Social Context of Physical Activity 32:00 Physical Environments 37:00 Mental Illness as a Barrier 38:55 Training Healthcare Practitioners Associate Professor Megan Teychenne is an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow and behavioural epidemiologist at Deakin University's Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition. She has an international profile for her research in the area of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and mental illness (particularly anxiety and depression), with a key focus on targeting 'at-risk' population groups including women (including postpartum and prenatal women) and socio-economically disadvantaged adults. Show Notes Food, Move, Sleep for Postnatal Mental Health www.fomosprogram.com.au "Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: an overview of systematic reviews" by Singh et al., 2023 "Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and postnatal depressive symptoms: a review" by Teychenne & York, 2016 "Modifiable barriers to leisure-time physical activity during pregnancy: a qualitative study investigating first time mother’s views and experiences" by Connelly et al., 2015 "Physical Activity and Exercise for Pregnancy Guidelines" by Aust. Dept of Health and Aged Care https://www.health.gov.au/topics/phys... "Optimising the effects of physical activity on mental health and wellbeing: A joint consensus statement from Sports Medicine Australia and the Australian Psychological Society" by Vella et al., 2023 "Domain-Specific Physical Activity and Mental Health: A Meta-analysis" by White et al., 2017 "Mood disorders clinical practice guideline" by Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (2020)

    43 min
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About

Each episode is a deep-dive into the evidence of different mental wellbeing practices. We discuss this with researchers and practitioners themselves. We tease apart the research for you in an applicable way so you can implement strategies and tools to improve your own wellbeing.

Information

  • Creator
    Indi Dissanayake
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Indi Dissanayake
  • Show Website
    The Mental Wellbeing College