A new podcast series looks at not only the practical aspects of psychiatry, but also its purpose, and shares a broader view on the service and outcomes it provides to society. The series, Beyond Madness, hosted by founder and editor in chief of South African Psychiatry Professor Christopher Paul Szabo, shares the narrative of the discipline and also demystifies both psychiatry and the plight of those afflicted with mental illness.
“The idea of a podcast came as a natural extension of the work related to South African Psychiatry, which provides a platform for content that is not only for the discipline of psychiatry but importantly about the discipline,” says Szabo. “The written word is one thing, the spoken word another. Moreover, the interactive nature of the podcast medium allows for the emergence of thoughts and ideas beyond a published piece.” He hopes that the podcasts will reach clinical professionals as well as resonate with the general public.
“If patient care is at the centre of our efforts, then information impacting on such care should be accessible. Patients have families, friends, colleagues – all of whom are impacted by patient well-being. In this sense, patients impact communities and society at large,” he said. And October is Mental Health awareness month.
Szabo selected the title of the podcast series carefully. It is intentionally slightly provocative but at the same time intended to highlight that there is a narrative to mental illness, and it is a layered story. “This is a serious podcast, one that takes you ‘beyond madness’ and delves into issues beyond the immediate clinical reality of psychiatry but integral to its practice,” he says. “In a sense it will take you behind the scenes through the voices of selected individuals, and while their work may appear to have specific relevance to psychiatry, each issue raised will ultimately share broader societal implications.
“Psychiatry is a fascinating discipline and sharing insights will not only enhance the field among professionals, but it is intended to bring to the fore and demystify as well as destigmatise many preconceptions. It’s also about providing insight to third parties like friends and family who are affected in some way or another by psychiatric challenges faced by a loved one.”
Adcock Ingram OTC Sponsors of Brave spokesperson Nicole Capper says the pharmaceutical company has sponsored a podcast like this because people have to be brave in facing the challenges of the mental well-being of themselves and their families. “We also hope to spread more enlightenment on mental health issues, launching in October as it’s Mental Health Month.”