Behind the Stigma

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In this episode of Behind the Stigma, host Seiara Imanova speaks with Hari Sewell, founder and Director of HS Consultancy, about the intersection of social justice, ethnicity, and mental health.

Hari, a leading voice on institutional racism and unconscious biases in mental health, shares his insights on the systemic factors contributing to racial disparities, the impact of social perspectives on patient outcomes, and the importance of addressing these issues in practice. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how we can foster more equitable mental health care.
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About Hari Sewell
Hári is the founder and Director of HS Consultancy and a former executive director of health and social care in the National Health Service in the UK. He has worked for the Department of Health in regulation and policy, and is a writer and speaker in his specialist area of social justice, equalities and ethnicity, race and culture in mental health.
Hári is a Specialist Guest Lecturer at the University of Bradford and Visiting Lecturer at Christ Church Canterbury University. Hári worked with another local campaigner to secure services for survivors of sexual violence and currently runs a campaign “Men Supporting Women’s Rights” including “Men Against Rape”. He is increasingly studying forms of masculinity and the possibilities in practice and employee relations to recognise the intersections between masculinity and other aspects of identity. I’m delighted to speak with him.
Website: https://www.hsconsultancy.org.uk/about/
Twitter: https://x.com/consultancy_hs?lang=en
Working with Ethnicity, Race & Culture in Mental Health: https://www.amazon.com/Working-Ethnicity-Culture-Mental-Health/dp/1843106213

Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/

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 Ever wondered why we sometimes stand in our own way?  In this week's episode,  Dr. Alex Curmi breaks down the psychology behind self-sabotage and offers practical tips to overcome these patterns. We explore key concepts like evolutionary instincts, personality traits, repetition compulsion, avoidance compulsion, and fear of change.

We also dive into why we sabotage others and how envy and jealousy play a role. Tune in for an insightful conversation that can help you understand and break free from self-sabotaging behaviors.

About Dr. Alex Curmi:
Dr Curmi is a Consultant Psychiatrist with over 10 years’ of medical experience. He specializes in General Adult Psychiatry with a subspecialty in Addictions and has trained as a Psychotherapist for three years as well. Dr Curmi obtained his Medical Degree at the University of Malta and completed his psychiatric training at the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

Website: https://maudsleylearning.com/dr-alexander-curmi/
The Many Paths to Self Sabatoge  (Thinking Mind Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-many-paths-to-self-sabotage/id1466932169?i=1000657345609
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkingmindpodcast

Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/

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In this week's episode, I have an in-depth conversation with a former psychiatric nurse, Neseret Bemient, on returning to wholeness and alternative ways of healing. Neseret shares her journey as a psychiatric nurse and what her role entailed, her diagnosis of medication-induced bipolar disorder, and how her childhood experiences as a refugee were an integral part of her journey. She also talks about the benefits of holistic medicine, including the ketogenic diet, and shares her insights on spirituality in healing and the issues she witnessed  in psychiatric care.  Chapter Markers Added!

About Neseret:
Neseret has 17 years of experience as a Psych Registered Nurse. She currently offers holistic coaching programs that provide the skills and support needed to overcome mental ill health and addiction concerns. She speaks openly online about navigating the current mental health system without losing your sanity and how to nurture your brain with metabolic therapies, including the ketogenic diet, for optimal brain functioning. As a holistic Mental Health Advocate, she uses her years of service and experience as a Mental Health and Addiction Nurse/RN in the conventional mental health system to support individuals.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/neseretbemient?app=desktop
Twitter: https://x.com/JourneyofHope4U

Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/

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In this week’s episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of nutrition, social prescribing & community care in psychiatry with Dr. Ally Jaffee,  a Multi-Award Winning NHS Junior Doctor.

Dr. Jaffee shares her journey into psychiatry, the realities of being a junior doctor, and the inspiring story behind Nutritank. We go into the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry, discussing the profound connection between diet and mental health. Dr. Jaffee sheds light on key research findings and share her insights on using diet as a potential first-line therapy.

We also delve into the challenges faced by NHS doctors and the importance of self-care for healthcare professionals. Dr. Jaffee emphasizes the significance of social prescribing and creative outlets in mental health care, offering practical tips and lifestyle changes to enhance mental well-being.

About Dr. Ally Jaffee
Dr. Jaffee is a Multi-Award Winning NHS Junior Doctor who is passionate about mental health and proactive preventative healthcare. She co-founded Nutritank, an organization dedicated to providing accessible education on nutrition and lifestyle medicine for health professionals. Dr. Jaffee is a familiar face on BBC news and an active advocate for mental health wellness on social media.

Website: https://www.drallyjaffee.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drally-jaffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drallyjaffee/?hl=en

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In this week’s episode, we dive into the intriguing world of psychedelics and intimacy with Tommaso Barba, a PhD student at Imperial College London. Tommaso brings to light his recent research on how psychedelics may revolutionize clinical outcomes outcomes for sexual function in depressed patients—offering an alternative to traditional SSRIs (antidepressants).

We explore the long term effects of these substances on sexual functioning, examining how psychedelics reshape our understanding of intimacy. We also explore the cultural and therapeutic implications of their use; delving into broader impacts on relationships and conflict resolution.  Finally, we discuss whether psychedelics should become mainstream and what the future holds for them in mental health care.

This episode is intended for educational and scientific purposes only.

About Tomasso:
Tommaso is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Psychedelic Research in Imperial College London. He is researching the potential of psychedelics for well-being and human flourishing, focusing on the long-term effects of psychedelics on sexual and relationship satisfaction in healthy and depressed people. He has a background in neuroscience and psychoanalysis and completed a Master of Research in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience from Maastricht University.

Research Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-49817-4
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tommaso_barba

About Behind the Stigma: https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/

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In this week's episode on Behind the Stigma, I speak with Adil Hussain, a men's development coach and the Founder of Brotherhood UAE on Men's Mental Health. We delved into the importance of men's emotional expression, the challenges men face in seeking help, and the impact of societal expectations on masculinity.

Adil shares insights from his own journey of healing and empowerment, highlighting the need to redefine masculinity and break free from toxic norms. We also explore the role of men's circles in providing a safe space for men to connect, share, and support each other. Throughout the conversation, Adil emphasizes the importance of communication, self-awareness, and seeking help when needed.
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About Adil Hussain
Adil is a men’s development coach and the Founder of Brotherhood UAE, a community of like-minded men committed to personal growth, meaningful connections, and holistic wellness. Brotherhood UAE hosts a weekly Men's Circle where men can freely express themselves, share experiences, and learn from the wisdom of each other. Adil’s mission is simple: to empower as many men as possible to embody their true selves and live their best lives.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adilcoachesmen/
Brotherhood-UAE: https://www.instagram.com/brotherhooduae/
Website:  https://adilhussain.me/

About Behind the Stigma: https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/

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In this week’s episode, I speak with Dr. Awais Aftab, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University on the Critique and the Opposition to Psychiatry.

We discuss the emergence of philosophy in psychiatry as a distinct discipline, and it's historical evolution  from psychoanalysis to biomedical models. We go into the critiques of disorder classifications, debates surrounding biological explanations and medication use, and the importance of fostering trust and collaboration within the mental health community and society.

The conversation offers insights into the complexities of psychiatric practice and the ongoing dialogue surrounding its theoretical foundations and clinical applications.
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About Dr. Aftab
Dr Aftab is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University and he is interested in critical and conceptual issues that involve the field. He has been actively involved in initiatives to educate psychiatrists and trainees on the intersection of philosophy, psychiatry, and history.

Dr. Aftab led the popular interview series “Conversations in Critical Psychiatry” for Psychiatric Times, and a book adaptation is forthcoming from Oxford University Press. He is an executive council member of the Association for the Advancement of Philosophy and Psychiatry, and a senior editor for Philosophy, Psychiatry, & Psychology.

Website: https://www.awaisaftab.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/awaisaftab
Substack: https://www.psychiatrymargins.com/ 

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In this week's episode of the Behind the Stigma Podcast, I speak with members of the Student Advisory Committee from Student Minds, including Aglaya Freccero, Dom Smithies, and Mahbub Alom Shuhag, in light of  University Mental Health Day. We delve into the challenges and lived experiences of students, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity and diversity in mental health policies. We also explore the role of peer support networks, digital interventions, recent initiatives by Student Minds, and personal self-care practices. The aim of the episode was to raise awareness and foster positive change within university communities.

About Guests (in alphabetical order)
Aglaya Freccero
Aglaia is a PhD candidate in the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London and her research focuses on developing novel digital interventions to improve mental health in young people. She is an experienced science communicator and a passionate mental health activist where she uses her lived experience to spread awareness around mental health. Aglaia volunteers at Student Minds as part of the Student Advisory Committee.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aglaia-freccero-b14781155/?originalSubdomain=uk

Dom Smithies
Dom is the Head of Influencing & Communications at Student Minds. He has interest and experience in higher education, mental health, youth engagement and equality & diversity. As the Influencing & Advocacy Lead he is strategically responsible for the organizations' influencing, policy, insights, communication and student engagement work. He’s worked with Student Minds for over 6 years focusing on various projects such as the LGBTQ+ students’ mental health, Men’s Mental Health Project and is now part of the Senior Leadership Team.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dom-smithies/?originalSubdomain=uk

Mahbub Alom Shuhag.
Mahbub currently serves as a Campus Officer at Coventry University London, and he completed his undergraduate degree in Global Business and Management at Coventry. He has established a noteworthy reputation for effectively representing and advocating for students at all levels and has held this responsibility for the past two consecutive years. He also volunteers at Student Minds, along with Aglaia, and myself, as part of the Student Advisory Committee.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahbubalomshuhag/?originalSubdomain=uk

Student Minds Website: https://www.studentminds.org.uk/
Student Space: https://studentspace.org.uk/

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In this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Hipolito, an Assistant Professor at Macquarie University, on artificial intelligence, cognition and mental health.
We discuss:
- The philosophical realism of AI: whether AI systems are seen as seperate from us
- Digital mental health apps: their advantages and concerns about data privacy, reliability, and the potential for algorithmic bias.
- Smart virtual environments, and their advantages and drawbacks that come with it.
- The future of virtual environments for mental health

About Dr. Ines Hipolito
Dr. Hipolito is an Assistant Professor at Macquarie University, specializing in philosophy of mind and cognitive science. She has co-founded the International Society of the Philosophy of the Sciences of the Mind and has served as an elected member of the Diversity Committee and Women in Philosophy Committee at the Australasian Philosophy Association. Dr. Hipolito is passionate about bridging the academic-industry divide to maximize the societal impact of research and also serves as an AI ethics advisor/architect for Verses, a cognitive computing company.

Website: https://ineshipolito.my.canva.site/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ineshipolito
Paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S138904172300133X

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In this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Nicola Byrom, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at King’s College London. We discuss the importance of lived experience in research as well as collaborative research for student mental health. Dr Byrom shares how she founded Student Minds, the UK's biggest mental health charity, and how her personal experience drove her to want change in the higher education sector. We also discuss virtual learning environments both for on-campus and distance learner students and the medicalizing of distress. 

About Dr. Nicola Byrom
Dr. Byrom is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at King’s College London. She studies mental health and wellbeing in emerging adulthood with a focus on public health and exploring the institutional, social, and cultural factors that shape individual mental health. Prior to developing her research career, Dr Byrom founded Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity. She completed her DPhil at the University of Oxford, and was awarded an MRC Centenary Award to further develop her work.

Website: https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/nicola.byrom
Twitter: https://x.com/NicolaByrom?s=20
Research Paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/13/7/749

About Host:
Seiara Imanova is the host and producer of Behind the Stigma Podcast. She has a Master of Science in Psychology & Neuroscience  of Mental Health from King's College London. She started "Behind the Stigma" to make a meaningful contribution in the field, by providing awareness for a variety of perspectives within each topic.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/seiara_imanova