Why Are We Feeling Lonely? with Dr. Brendan Johnson

In this episode of "SSRI’M OK," hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident doctor, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by the perceptive Dr. Brendan Johnson. Dr. Johnson was a Visiting Research Scholar at Blackfriars Hall, Oxford, where he conducted research on 'the mental commons' and its enclosure as a paradigm for explaining worsening mental health in society at large. He is the co-host of the “Social Medicine On Air” podcast. 

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore how the structures and pressures of capitalism contribute to widespread unhappiness and anxiety. Dr. Johnson explains why people are more unhappy and anxious than ever before, delving into the societal factors driving these troubling trends. We discuss the increase in deaths of despair and the pervasive feelings of loneliness affecting many individuals today. 

Central to our discussion is the concept of the "mental commons" and how it is being stolen, leading to negative impacts on mental health. Dr. Johnson emphasizes how climate change contributes to anxiety and a sense of hopelessness about the future, framing it as a thief of our collective future. We also touch on the critical role of social determinants in shaping mental health outcomes and provide practical advice and strategies to help individuals feel less isolated and more connected.

Additionally, we delve into the history of the enclosure of the commons and its relevance to today's mental health landscape. The importance of finding a "third place" outside of home and work to foster a sense of community and belonging is discussed, along with why traditional psychiatric answers often fall short in addressing the deeper "why" behind mental health issues.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between society and mental health, and learn how we can work towards a more holistic approach to mental well-being.

Resources Mentioned:

• https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/23/surgeon-general-issues-new-advisory-about-effects-social-media-use-has-youth-mental-health.html
• https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html
• Bo Burnham’s interview about social media
• Case A, Deaton A. Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism. Princeton UP; 2020.
• Fairlie S. A Short History of Enclosure in Britain. The Land. 2009;(7).
• Hardt M, Negri A. Commonwealth. Belknap; 2009. 
• Seo H. America Is Getting Lonelier and More Indoorsy. That’s Not a Coincidence. The Atlantic. 2023.
• Smith AB, Johnson CD. Private Equity Ownership in Health Care Linked to Higher Costs, Worse Quality. JAMA. 2023;320(24):2567-2569.
•  Wu T. The Attention Merchants: The Epic Scramble to Get inside Our Heads. Knopf; 2016.