This episode features two members of Women in Neuroscience UK, Ginevra Sperandio and Riya Verma, discussing their journeys into neuroscience, the importance of women's health research, and the mission of their organization. They explore the challenges faced by women in neuroscience, the need for better representation, and the significance of patient voices in research. The discussion also highlights innovative ideas for future research and how individuals can get involved with Women in Neuroscience UK.

Check WiNUK out here: https://www.womeninneuroscienceuk.org

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Dr. Zoe Swithenbank, a senior research associate at Lancaster University, delves into her work at the intersection of mental health, addiction, and public health. Zoe's research focuses on treatment pathways for individuals with alcohol use and mental health challenges. She highlights the structural barriers in accessing care and the need for long-term support in smoking cessation, which is often not included in core treatment services. Zoe advocates for a more integrated approach to addiction and mental health services, emphasizing the role of lived experience in shaping effective interventions. Her work also explores the social norms around smoking within recovery communities and the importance of empowering individuals to make choices that support their recovery journey.

00:00 Introducing Dr. Zoe Swithenbank
02:18 The Role of Smoking Cessation in Recovery
08:55 Barriers in Addiction and Mental Health Care
11:55 The Intersection of Mental Health and Addiction
25:19 Qualitative Research in Addiction Studies
33:57 Navigating Diverse Perspectives in Qualitative Research
37:00 Balancing Scientific Rigor with Human Experience
40:10 Understanding Service Provider Perspectives
42:52 Challenging Stigma in Addiction and Mental Health
49:40 Rethinking Smoking Cessation Outcomes
50:42 Long-Term Studies in Substance Use Treatment
54:30 Future Directions in Research and Service Delivery

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Dr. Ellie Rukuwai of Victoria University of Wellington, discusses her research on perfectionism and self-injury within the Māori community, exploring how cultural perspectives shape these experiences. She emphasizes the importance of understanding perfectionism not just as a psychological construct but as a culturally bound experience that can differ significantly from Western definitions. The discussion also touches on the impact of colonization on Māori identity, the challenges of mental health diagnosis, and the necessity of qualitative research in capturing the nuances of individual experiences. Ellie shares her personal journey of reconnecting with her Māori heritage and the importance of community support in mental health.

https://people.wgtn.ac.nz/ellie.rukuwai

Support the show

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