By Alicia Ramkarran '23
An important question in mental health shouldn’t be “What’s wrong with you?” but, rather, “What’s happened to you?” ― Eleanor Longden, Learning from the Voices in My Head
Over the past 20 years and since the 1900s, mental illnesses in young adults have increased. With growing stressors involving politics, climate change, academics, and money, many members of the younger generations feel overwhelmed. As a result, many teenagers and young adults increasingly experience mental health issues at least once in
their lifetime. Although there has been more awareness around mental health in recent years, many suffering from mental health issues still face societal stigmas and discrimination. What they need is a support system.
Eleanor Longden was born in 1983 in England to her father, John Longden, a retired research chemist, and mother, Shirley Longden, a teacher. Her older sister, Livia, is a nurse. At 18 years old, she attended the University of Leeds in Britain. While there, she started to hear voices in her head. After seeking medical attention from a psychiatrist, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. These voices made daily life hard for her as feelings of anger and guilt would overwhelm her. Even though Longden struggled with mental health, she still completed her BSc and MSc in Psychology from the University of Leeds and has continued working on her Ph.D.
Longden is a psychological researcher most notably known for her TEDed speech, “The Voices in My Head.” During her career, she uses her own experience from her psychosis, a severe mental disorder leading to difficulties distinguishing reality, to inform others and highlight the importance of mental health. Longden’s research and writings have helped patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, a severe mental illness, see a road to recovery is possible while staying strong and patient. Because of her successful work surrounding mental health, she a notable figure in psychology and for the general public. Longden holds a managerial position at the Psychosis Research Unit and won an award for her collaboration in the short film “Compassion for Voices: A Tale of Courage and Hope.”
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