The Gordian Knot of Mental Illness (Rachel Aviv)

In this episode of "Pulling the Thread," Elise Loehnen interviews Rachel Aviv, author of "Strangers to Ourselves," exploring the complexities of mental illness, diagnosis, and treatment. Aviv discusses how psychiatric interventions and the stories we tell about ourselves can shape our identities and life trajectories, sometimes liberating and sometimes trapping us. The conversation delves into the stories of four individuals from Aviv's book, each representing different cultural and personal lenses through which mental distress is understood, including the impact of cultural forces, the challenges of psychiatric care, and the influence of personal narratives on mental health outcomes. They also touch on Aviv's personal experiences with anorexia and how early diagnosis can impact one's identity.