A User’s Guide to the Mind

With special guest: 

• Prof Ian Hickie AO
  … in conversation with Bill Kable

We often hear about the rise in the rate of depression and anxiety in our community. The stigma of poor mental health has been reduced significantly so that sports stars such as Greg Inglis can now go on television and discuss their personal battles with depression without fear of any repercussions.

But even when so many people are opening up about their mental health battles there are questions we are left with. These might include what can be done to improve mental health without lining up for perhaps a year to see a Psychiatrist? What are the signs to be wary about?

This is where Professor Ian Hickie enters the picture as we speak with him today. This new book A User’s Guide to the Mind is written along similar lines as a good health guide for our physical health. It is written with all ages in mind and can be dipped into for particular topics.

We often hear about good mental health. But what does that mean? From Ian’s answer we can readily see that this is not a set and forget condition. There are lots of helpful suggestions from the authors on how we can nurture and protect this precious asset.

Ian and his co-author James O’Loghlin have a Podcast and this book encapsulates the best of the questions and concerns raised by listeners. One such provocative question is “Who are you?’” When confronted by this question many people launch straight into what their job is, where they live, their family and maybe a hobby or interest. But how would you go if those responses were not allowed? How would you describe yourself? Would your description be critical or complimentary?

A problem too is that even when at an objective level a lot has been achieved there is something called the Imposter Syndrome which might threaten to bring it all down. This is that little voice in your ear telling you that really you are no good. How can we deal with that?

Most of us are aware of whether we fall into the group described as extrovert or introvert. It might surprise you to know how Ian and James describe themselves. If you fall into the introvert camp there could be a problem of increased sensitivity leading to more vulnerability.

In the show today we delve into a lot of areas of practical application from a recognised expert in mental health who also happens to be a gifted communicator.

Prof Ian Hickie

Professor Ian Hickie is a psychiatrist and Co-Director of Health and Policy at The University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre. He is one of Australia’s leading advocates for, and commentators on, mental health.

He was the first CEO of Beyond Blue, the national depression initiative, and an inaugural Commissioner on Australia’s National Mental Health Commission.

Ian is also an internationally renowned researcher in suicide prevention. His most recent book co-written with James O’Loghlin is A User’s Guide to the Mind – Strategies for a better you.

Song selection by our guest: Ain’t No Cure For Love by Leonard Cohen

Podcast (mp3)