What are tips to improve mental health? What kind of impact does social media have on your well-being?
On the Huberman Lab, mental health is a grave topic of importance. With guest Paul Conti, Andrew Huberman dives into the problems with mental health treatments, technology’s impact on mental health, and more.
Read more for Dr. Conti and Dr. Huberman’s advice on improving mental health, even when treatments may feel unhelpful.
1. Treat Mental Health Like Your Physical Health
While the Huberman Lab’s mental health coverage includes critiques of mental health care systems, the specific example from Dr. Conti’s emphasis on the importance of patience in mental health practices addresses the limitations of standard treatments. The critique highlights the problems with the expectation of quick solutions in mental health and underscores the necessity for allowing time for intrusive thoughts to naturally weaken and fade.
Dr. Conti’s tip to improve mental health includes treating mental health with the same patience and persistence that one would apply to physical healing or skill development, thus pointing out a significant gap in how standard mental health treatments often operate.
2. Take a Holistic Approach to Mental Health Care Strategies
The speakers elaborate on the mutable nature of our primary motivators and the potential for individuals to adapt these drives through concerted effort and self-awareness.
They recommend a balanced approach where the Generative Drive is central, supported by the Aggressive and Pleasure Drives, to achieve optimal mental health outcomes.
A holistic approach in mental health care considers understanding the balance between these drives as a cornerstone for effective remedial actions and personal development.
3. Reduce Social Media and Technology
Dr. Paul Conti introduces a thought-provoking metaphor likening the misuse of technology and social media to historical mishandlings, such as with gunpowder or nuclear power, indicating the potential for similar destructive outcomes if these tools are not responsibly managed.
This misuse can lead to an environment where overconsumption of digital platforms results in negative self-comparisons and detriments to mental wellness, prompting a call for more responsible use of such influential technologies.
4. Challenge What You Know About Mental Health
Dr. Conti addresses the importance of reflecting on intrinsic values and beliefs, drawing a parallel to mathematical analysis, where problematic formulas require scrutinizing the base assumptions. According to Dr. Conti, just like in math, if the analysis of mental health issues doesn’t yield results, it’s essential to revisit and possibly challenge the fundamental assumptions that have been internalized.
This approach is particularly valuable for deconstructing false beliefs and narratives that individuals carry, often stemming from authoritative figures in their lives, and that are at odds with their current capacities and achievements.
Context
In the present day, mental health has become an increasingly important topic of discussion and focus. Andrew David Huberman, a renowned neuroscientist and host of the Huberman Lab podcast, delves into this critical subject matter. Listeners are encouraged to have a basic understanding of mental health and the significance of self-care, including concepts such as therapy, antidepressants, and talk therapy.
The podcast series explores various themes related to mental health awareness and management. It emphasizes the importance of self-nurturing practices and provides access to resources for mental health support. Huberman discusses different therapeutic modalities and their effectiveness in managing mental health while examining lifestyle factors like diet and exercise’s impact on well-being. Additionally, he highlights the role of social support networks in mental health management.
The podcast series also considers alternative angles by addressing societal and cultural factors that contribute to mental health issues. It explores how these factors can be addressed effectively. Furthermore, it examines the intersectionality between mental health and other aspects of identity such as race, gender, and sexuality.
