How Neuroplasticity Could Help with Depression, with Ruby Wax | Big Think

TL;DR

• Using mindfulness and cognitive therapy, one can change brain wiring for a happier life.

Transcript

About eight years ago in the U.K. I was outed by a mental health charity because they asked me if they could take a photo of me to raise money in one of their little, you know, pamphlets. And I said yeah and I thought it was going to be a tiny fingernail clipping of a picture but they were huge posters all over the U.K. – gigantic. And I looked lik... Read More

Key Insights

• 💱 Personal experiences with mental illness can inspire impactful and positive changes.
• 🖐️ Mindfulness and cognitive therapy can play a crucial role in changing brain wiring.
• 🥺 Researching and understanding neuroplasticity can lead to significant improvements in mental health.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Mental health discussions and destigmatization efforts are crucial in creating a supportive environment.
• 🧠 Brain function and mental health are interconnected, and one's thoughts and experiences shape brain wiring.
• 🥺 Pursuing education and knowledge about the brain can lead to personal growth and positive changes.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Empirical evidence and scientific research can provide valuable insights into mental health treatments.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the comedian's experience with mental illness lead to creating a show in mental institutions?

The comedian's unfortunate outing by a mental health charity inspired them to create a show that was initially performed in mental institutions, aiming to destigmatize mental illness and spark conversations about it.

Q: Why did the comedian decide to research brain function and neuroplasticity after experiencing severe depression?

The comedian was driven to understand the brain better, having seen how every other organ receives sympathy when sick except the brain. This led to research into how mindfulness and cognitive therapy can change brain wiring.

Q: How did the comedian's pursuit of brain research lead them to pursue a Master’s degree?

The pursuit of knowledge about neuroplasticity and brain wiring led the comedian to study and graduate with a Master’s degree, gaining a deeper understanding of how thoughts and experiences can shape and change brain function.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Comedian shares experience with mental illness outing, creates show in mental institutions.

• Show expands to theaters globally, sparking important mental health discussions.

• Personal struggle with severe depression leads to pursuit of brain research and neuroplasticity.