Episode 26 – ‘Default Depression: How we now interpret human distress as mental illness’ with Anthony Smith.

Hello Listeners,

Welcome to the Social Work Discoveries podcast. I’m your host Ben Joseph and I’m so happy to have you with me today.

The rise of the biomedical approach to treatment of depression and anxiety among other mental health issues for Australians has been swift, expansive, and for many, completely all-consuming. It is the dominant lens through which we as a society believe mental illness can be administered and recovery be found, but is it the only answer? In today’s Social Work Discoveries episode, I speak with a man on a mission to expand the conversation, by asking questions about the status quo of the biomedical approach in mental health treatment and offering perspective on additional, if not alternative, approaches towards a life of recovery from mental illness.

My guest today is Anthony Smith, author of the recently released book ‘Default Depression: How we now interpret human distress as mental illness’, published through Wakefield Press (the link for more information is below). Anthony is a former board member of Suicide Prevention Australia. He is co-author of papers and reports promoting the ‘Situational Approach’, a concept that offers a fresh way of considering mental health by taking situational factors (such as economic and social disadvantage, and workplace stress) into account when diagnosing and treating depression and anxiety disorders. For more than two decades Anthony has worked across Australia with networks such as primary health, the life insurance industry, men’s sheds and human resources, and at the community level in suicide prevention and research.

If you live in Australia and this conversation has led to any adverse thoughts or feelings and you think you might benefit from a discussion with someone about it, please contact Lifeline on 131114. If you live overseas, please seek support from a health or counselling professional, you deserve it for yourself and your family to reach out.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Ben.