Museum of Science, Boston Publishes Thought-Provoking Interview on Mental Health

BOSTON, MA — Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Museum of Science, Boston, in partnership with the American Psychiatric Association (APA), today released a new video interview delving into the mental health crisis in the United States and worldwide, and the role psychiatry must play in helping individuals who struggle with mental health conditions.

According to a 2022 survey by the American Psychiatric Association, the ongoing mental health impacts of the pandemic have created an unprecedented high demand for mental health practitioners, including those specializing in trauma- and stress-related disorders as well as substance use disorders. Populations of color, younger people, and health care workers are particularly in search of treatment.

During their hour-long discussion, Dr. Insoo Hyun, director of the Center of Life Sciences at the Museum of Science, and Dr. Rebecca Brendel, president of the APA, focus on the need for public mental health infrastructure, the scarcity of diverse mental health professionals, and the major impact that the global COVID-19 pandemic, social media, and misconceptions all have on mental health. They also both share their firsthand experiences with mental health struggles and the need to debunk the myths of psychiatry.

“As we face an ongoing global mental health crisis, it is important that we not only understand how it impacts our lives and those around us, but also recognize the importance of seeking help and support,” said Dr. Hyun. “My conversation with Dr. Brendel highlights the need to continue having open conversations about how mental health affects us and prioritizing mental health as an essential aspect of personal health.”

“It was an incredible opportunity to have such a wide-ranging conversation about mental health in our community and across the world,” said Dr. Brendel. “My hope is that the viewers of this video will leave with a better understanding of how important it is to keep mental health in the spotlight, so our patients get the care that they need. We know treatment works and it needs to be accessible to everyone.”

Earlier this year, the Museum of Science featured the temporary exhibition, Mental Health: Mind Matters, to build understanding and awareness by offering visitors the opportunity to see how mental health has been treated in the past, as well as the chance to better understand what it is like to live with mental conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The Museum also hosted Building Balance: A Mental Wellness Event and invited community groups, guest speakers and interactive activities to promote conversation and provide resources to visitors.

The video is part of the Museum’s “The Big Question” series, which aims to spark conversations about critical issues in science and technology. To watch the interview, visit bit.ly/MOSMentalHealth.

About the American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world, with more than 38,000 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA's vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.