If everything is traumatic, is anything traumatic? The power of labels

If everything is traumatic, is anything traumatic? The power of labels

Author: ABC Australia November 22, 2025 Duration: 29:36
We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health. But while diagnoses like depression and anxiety can empower people to seek help and support — they also influence how we see ourselves and how others might see us, too. Today, we investigate 'concept creep.' It's the idea that the labels we use to describe mental health are expanding and being applied to an ever-wider array of human behaviours. We look at what's causing this, the impacts it might have (both positive and negative), and what it means for how we understand mental health conditions. This episode first aired in November 2024. Guest: Professor Nick Haslam Professor of Psychology, University of Melbourne Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. More information: Concept creep: Psychology's expanding concepts of harm and pathology

Ever wondered what's really happening inside your head? Each week, All In The Mind from ABC Australia ventures into the complex landscape of human thought and feeling. This isn't just a dry science lecture; it's a thoughtful exploration of the experiences that shape us, hosted by curious minds who know how to tell a compelling story. You'll hear conversations that bridge the gap between scientific research and the messy reality of daily life, delving into topics as diverse as the mechanisms of memory, the challenges of breaking an addiction, or the ethical puzzles posed by artificial intelligence. The discussions are grounded and accessible, making the inner workings of the brain relevant to anyone interested in health, behaviour, or simply understanding themselves a little better. By tuning into this podcast, you join a community considering how our mental universe influences everything from our personal fitness to our social connections. It’s a weekly opportunity to pause and reflect on the fascinating forces-both biological and psychological-that drive what we do and who we are. The production brings together expert insights with genuine human stories, creating a space where complex ideas about the mind and behaviour are unpacked with clarity and depth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

All In The Mind
Podcast Episodes
Dissecting the brain - live at the World Science Festival Brisbane [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:37
The brain might be an undiscerning blob that makes up just two per cent of your body, but what it does for you is extraordinary. How much about the day-to-day workings of the brain do we fully understand, and what does t…
How the housing crisis is warping people's view of the future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:05
Madi's had 25 rental applications rejected. Seen absolute horror houses while searching for a rental. It's all driving her to despair. Today, how housing insecurity can alter our sense of agency and how we perceive the w…
Fighting for focus in the age of distraction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:02
Be honest, how many times have you checked your notifications in the last hour? Or opened a new, totally unrelated tab? Or stopped what you're doing even though you really need to do it? Distractions are everywhere. And…
The magic of memory - live at Podfest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:17
How strong is your memory? Whether you're frequently forgetful or eager to improve, there are ways you can train your brain to recall faster and remember better. This week, we bring you our live show from Podfest at the…
Could AI keep you company as you age? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:46
Dementia usually involves a decline in your ability to remember, think and reason over time. And those with dementia are at a high risk of feeling socially isolated, lonely and depressed. As artificial intelligence syste…
The ick: dating, disgust and evolutionary psychology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
Have you ever experienced "the ick"? It's that sudden, visceral feeling of being put off by someone you're dating. Maybe it's their hat, a hobby or even the way they laugh. Stories of the ick are prolific online, but it…
Can humans make it to Mars without losing their minds? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
NASA wants to send humans to Mars in the next decade or so. But can our minds handle it? We talk to a NASA psychologist and retired astronaut about the psychological challenges people already face on long-duration space…
Do you hate yourself? Healing from self-hatred [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:44
Join us for a live episode of All in the Mind at Podfest in Adelaide this March. You can enter to win tickets here. Many of us have felt self loathing at some point in our lives — maybe when you've failed at an important…
The baby decision — how to decide when you can't decide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:51
There are some decisions in life that can be trickier to navigate. Do you want to get married? Should you change careers? Do you want a baby? Parenthood is a choice more vexed than ever in a world threatened by climate c…