logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2021
27m 52s

Connecting older people to cut lonelines...

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

New research using weekly video or phone calls to help older people to identify which activities boost their moods does help to reduce loneliness and depression. Our studio guest Professor Daryl O'Connor from the University of Leeds is impressed by the pilot study which used a form of talking therapy - behavioural activation - to help people with long-term health conditions during lockdown.

Can we "catch" moods from our friends? We hear from the researcher who has studied teenage choirs and orchestras to see if bad or good moods can be passed on.

The latest finalist in the All in the Mind Awards 2021 and we hear from listeners about the noises which irritate them and their families, following our recent feature on misophonia.

And how ten minutes of expressing gratitude every week can help to improve students' grades and wellbeing.

Up next
Nov 2025
Navigating the Pacific without technology
<p>How well can you remember the details of your childhood? Sometimes, the memories are there, but a little hazy. But what if you could trick your brain into thinking you looked like your younger self again? Would that help you recall more childhood memories? A new study has trie ... Show More
28m 6s
Nov 2025
Asylum hotels and mental health
<p>More than 32,000 asylum seekers are being housed in hotels in the UK, the latest figures show.</p><p>There's been intense political debate in recent weeks focused on the cost – both financially for the government and for local communities. </p><p>But what about the cost to the ... Show More
28m 14s
Nov 2025
Are mental health classes in schools working?
It is now compulsory for schools across the UK to teach children about mental health and wellbeing. Whilst it might seem like classes for everyone on these topics might be helpful, a new study has found that in some cases, they may actually be worsening mental health problems. Ho ... Show More
28m 8s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2023
How Changing Your Lifestyle Can Fix Your Mental Health & Why Depression and Anxiety Are Not Disorders with David Bidler #408
“It’s not that exercise is an antidepressant, it’s that not exercising is a depressant.” So says this week’s guest – and he’s redefining youth mental health education for the 21st century in line with this powerful belief. David Bidler is a social entrepreneur dedicated to reinv ... Show More
2h 9m
Feb 2021
How to Be a Better Human: The emotional support you need right now | Guy Winch‪
Today we're sharing another podcast from TED: How to Be a Better Human. Have you been feeling isolated or emotionally vulnerable lately? Loneliness is universal and while we can experience it at any point in our lives, we may be feeling it now more than ever. In this first episod ... Show More
29m 33s
Apr 2022
Notice Your Emotions
<p>When you try to stay curious about your feelings, you can learn a lot about what they have to say. Join Joy Ofodu in an exercise to help you build up your emotional immunity today.</p> <p>Shine has a new podcast—introducing: Friends with Mental Health Benefits</p> <p>From the ... Show More
9m 58s
May 2022
How to build healthy friendships
In continued celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, psychologist Todd Kashdan joins Ofosu and Leah to discuss how the people we surround ourselves with affect our mental health — both positively and negatively. About Todd Kashdan A professor of psychology and the director ... Show More
18m 58s
Apr 2022
Treat Yourself With Care
<p>When things don’t go our way, or we feel disappointed in ourselves, we can learn to ease up instead of buckle down. Join Joy Ofodu for a visualization exercise to help you do just that.</p> <p>Shine has a new podcast—introducing: Friends with Mental Health Benefits</p> <p>From ... Show More
8m 3s
Apr 2022
Introducing: Friends with Mental Health Benefits
<p>Hear a preview of Shine’s newest podcast, “Friends With Mental Health Benefits.”</p> <p>From the Shine app’s co-founders Marah Lidey and Naomi Hirabayashi, Friends With Mental Health Benefits highlights the untold mental health stories of founders and senior leaders. <br> <br> ... Show More
11m 33s