We all know what to do to keep physically fit, but few of us think about what we need to do to keep our minds fit and healthy. Writer and mental-health and body image campaigner, Natasha Devon argues that just as there is mental illness, there is also mental fitness. She believes that mental illness is no different to physical illness – the mind and body do not exist in silos. She talks about her campaign to get parity of treatment for mental illness and require workplaces to have mental health first aiders – just as there are physical health first aiders. We talk about body image for both men and women and the role of social media. We also discuss why debating is excellent for building resilience in children. Finally, Natasha gives her top tips for maintaining mental fitness. This is a really informative and thought-provoking conversation – I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.*

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Find out more about Natasha:

Website    Twitter     Instagram

• Campaigning and Awards
• Sign the petition to support the mental health of British people at work – Where’s Your Head At Website
• Watch ‘Naked Beach’, the groundbreaking experiment to change the nation’s attitude to body image Thursdays, 8pm on channel 4 (starting 11th April).

Natasha’s books:

• A Beginner’s Guide to Being Mental, an A-Z
• Life Honestly: Strong Opinions from Smart Women
• Portrait Positive
• Fundamentals: A Guide for Teachers & Parents on Mental Health and Self-Esteem

Further learning:

• www.tes.com – articles by Natasha Devon
• www.tes.com – Debating empowers pupils – but it needs funding
• Huffington Post – 7 Things Campaigner Natasha Devon Wants You To Know About ‘Being Mental’
• Action for Happiness – Natasha Devon on Mental Health
• TEDx talk – Is Our Society Breaking Children’s Brains?

Dr Chatterjee’s resources:

• The Guardian – Six ways to raise a resilient child
• Podcast #41 – Stress – The Health Epidemic of the 21st Century with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
• Podcast #51 – Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression with Johann Hari PART 1
• Podcast #52 –Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression with Johann Hari PART 2
• Podcast #15 – Treating Anxiety and Depression with Dynamic Running Therapy with William Pullen 
• Find Dr Chatterjee’s 4 Pillar of Health in The 4 Pillar Plan
• Available in the US & Canada with the title How to Make Disease Disappear
• Order Dr Chatterjee’s book The Stress Solution.

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*DISCLAIMER: Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.