In this episode of Perspectives, we explore the complex experience of loneliness, and how it's growing and shifting in a modern landscape of digital platforms, working from home and a decline in our sense of community.

Host Colin Quick is joined by Priory experts Dee Johnson (Senior Therapist), Dr Victoria Chamorro (Consultant Psychiatrist), and Debbie Longsdale (Clinical Pathways Director) to discuss why we feel lonely, how modern life has changed our ability to connect, and what loneliness really means for our mental health.

Together, they explore:

• The difference between loneliness and isolation
• Why parasocial and online connections don’t replace in-person contact
• How loneliness affects different groups, including men, neurodivergent people, and older adults
• The impact of remote working, imposter syndrome and social media
• Practical steps for reconnecting – for yourself or someone you care about

This is an unfiltered conversation about a growing epidemic. The panel dig into the realities of modern life – how we’ve lost the art of connection, why community spaces are vanishing, and answers audience questions on how this relates to neurodiversity.

LINKS TO SOURCES:

ONS data on loneliness: Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain - Office for National Statistics

WHO declares loneliness a global health threat: WHO declares loneliness a ‘global public health concern’ | Global development | The Guardian

Onward report into young people's loneliness: Age of Alienation: Young people are facing a loneliness epidemic | Onward

State of American Men 2023: equimundo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/STATE-OF-AMERICAN-MEN-2023.pdf

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Looking after your mental health should be high on everyone's priority list. At Priory, we strive to help everyone take control of their mental health, building a brighter future for themselves and those around them. For more insight, explainers and, advice on managing your mental health, head to the Priory blog: https://www.priorygroup.com/blog

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This video is designed to be informational, but its content is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or a loved one are experiencing difficulties with your mental health, please contact a medical professional or a licensed mental health provider for tailored advice for you.

If you or a loved one are in crisis and need immediate support, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department. For information on relevant crisis support lines, visit https://www.priorygroup.com/crisis-support

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Priory is the leading independent provider of mental healthcare and adult social care in the UK. We have two divisions, which together support the needs of over 35,000 people every year. We currently treat more than 70

Why are more people than ever being diagnosed with ADHD and autism? Is it better awareness, or are we over-pathologising natural differences in how people think and behave?

In this episode of Perspectives, Priory’s expert panel explores ADHD and autism—two conditions that have seen a dramatic rise in diagnoses in recent years, while discussing the evolving understanding of neurodiversity, the role of diagnosis, and the impact on mental health.

On this episode:

🔵 Why women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed – and how it presents differently

🔵 Social media’s role in ADHD and autism awareness (and misinformation risks)

🔵 Should ADHD and autism be considered ‘superpowers’ – or does this minimise real struggles?

On the panel:

▶️ Dr Samir Shah, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director

▶️ Dr David McLaughlan, Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-Founder of Curb

▶️ Debbie Longsdale, Priory's Therapy Director

LINKS TO SOURCES:

In 2021, a study found a 787% rise in the number of diagnoses between 1998 and 2018 in the UK:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/04/uk-increase-autism-diagnoses-neurodiversity

In 2023, ADHD was the second-most viewed condition on the NHS website.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3ejky0dy47o

TikTok and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study of Social Media Content Quality

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/07067437221082854

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Priory offers fast access to autism assessments. Find out more and book yours here 👇

https://www.priorygroup.com/mental-health/autism/autism-assessments

Ketamine use is on the rise - so is it the UK's next drug crisis?

In this episode of Perspectives, our panel of experts tackle the issues behind ketamine’s rise and delve into the risks and consequences of this drug.

On the show:

🔵Why ketamine is today’s drug of choice for young people

🔵Ketamine bladder and the real physical consequences of this drug

🔵Using the ‘joker’, the ‘table turner' or the ‘diplomat’ to deal with peer pressure

On the panel:

▶️ Dr David McLaughlan, Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-Founder of Curb

▶️ Debbie Longsdale, Priory's Therapy Director

▶️ Claire Rimmer, Lead Addiction Therapist

INKS TO SOURCES:

Priory has seen a 34% increase in treatment enquiries for ketamine addiction:

https://www.priorygroup.com/media-centre/freshers-week-guidance-ketamine-is-not-a-safe-drug

Government data shows a 350% increase in people entering treatment for ketamine problems in the past 8 years: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2021-to-2022/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2021-to-2022-report

Find out more about Curb:

https://www.curb.health/