Bonus episode: Depression & Micro-adventure - Restore Podcast

In this wide ranging conversation with Will Duffin - a passionate GP, educator, adventurer, innovator and polymath we define the current problem around depression and then examine different states of depression. We also look at why people get caught in the cycle of depression and current modalities of treatment for depression (chemical intervention, groups, social prescribing, referral pathways).

We then look at the concept of micro-adventure & the benefits of these together with Will’s perspective on optimising mental health and balance (work/life). We look at how do Will achieve's balance in his life and regimes that works for him. We also examine ways in which he has changed his mindset and approach to mental health over the past 10 years both as a GP and as an adventurer.

We dig down into some of the statistics on Mental Health and why this is such an important topic - such as (Figures from MIND and MHFA England 2020):

• 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues each year
• 792 million people are affected by mental health issues worldwide
• At any given time, 1 in 6 working-age adults have symptoms associated with mental ill health
• Mental illness is the second-largest source of burden of disease in England.
• Mental illnesses are more common, long-lasting and impactful than other health conditions
• Men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK
• 70-75% of people with diagnosable mental illness receive no treatment at all
• Half of mental ill health starts by age 15 and 75% develops by age 18

I hope you enjoy this conversation with an insightful and thoughtful colleague and friend.