What We Get Wrong About Depression with Prof Catherine Harmer

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Emily Holmes, a clinical psychologist and mental health researcher at Uppsala University, whose work explores the role of mental imagery in mental health and how psychological research can inform new approaches to treatment. They discuss why everyone’s imagination is different and how the way we picture things in our minds can influence our thoughts, emotions and mental health. The conversation also explores the relationship between art and science, and how creative approaches can help researchers better understand the mind and develop new ways to support people experiencing mental health difficulties.Emily shares insights from her research on mental imagery and reflects on the potential for bringing together psychology, creativity and science to improve our understanding of mental health.

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews broadcaster, author, and psychologist Claudia Hammond. Known for her work presenting All in the Mind on BBC Radio 4 and other science and psychology programmes across radio and television, Claudia has spent much of her career making psychological research accessible to wider audiences. They discuss the ideas explored in Claudia’s latest book, Overwhelmed: Ways to Take the Pressure Off, including why so many people experience overwhelm in modern life and how openness to change can positively shape our mental health and well-being. The conversation also explores Claudia’s passion for psychological research, what continues to excite her about discoveries in the field, and why curiosity remains so important in understanding ourselves and others. Claudia also reflects on how psychology can help people navigate uncertainty and the practical ways research can be applied to everyday life.Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Dr Daisy Singla, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, a clinical psychologist and researcher whose work focuses on global mental health and improving access to evidence-based psychological treatments. She is also a member of the MQ Science Council. They discuss women’s mental health, exploring the unique social and structural factors that shape mental health outcomes for women across different contexts. The conversation also examines global mental health, highlighting the importance of culturally appropriate interventions and the need to expand access to care, particularly in underserved communities. Daisy also shares insights from her research on scaling psychological treatments and what more can be done to ensure that effective mental health support reaches those who need it most. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

What is trauma? Conversations about trauma often focus on individual experiences. But trauma can also be shaped by social and political contexts, affecting entire communities as well as the people within them. In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Orla Muldoon, Head of Department and Professor of Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research explores the links between identity, conflict, and trauma, with a particular focus on how social and political contexts shape psychological experiences. They discuss how trauma can be understood not only as an individual experience but also as something shaped by social and collective contexts. The conversation explores what makes social trauma distinct, how it can affect communities as well as individuals, and what the latest research reveals about its long-term impacts. Orla also shares insights from her work on how understanding the social dimensions of trauma can help inform more effective responses in research, policy, and mental health support. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Andrew McIntosh, a psychiatrist and researcher specialising in the genetics of mental health at the University of Edinburgh. They discuss Andrew’s background in psychiatry and genomics, and how his work aims to better understand the biological underpinnings of mental health conditions. The conversation explores the growing role of genomics in mental health research and the importance of patient and public involvement in shaping meaningful, impactful studies. Andrew also shares his commitment to ensuring that research includes underrepresented communities and why broadening participation is essential to improving outcomes and reducing inequalities in mental health care. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com