Between calm and chaos: mental health

Alright, today we’re diving into a topic everyone talks about but rarely takes the time to truly understand: mental health. Because yes, everyone’s quick to tell you to “take care of yourself,” but seriously, who has time for that? And more importantly, how are we supposed to do it? Does it mean buying a yoga mat, meditating at dawn for Instagram, or downloading the latest app promising serenity in five minutes flat? Spoiler alert: mental health is a bit more complicated than that.

In this episode, we’re going to break down all those little things sold to us as essentials for feeling okay. First up, let’s get clear on what we actually mean by “mental health.” Because if green tea and a few deep breaths were all it took to melt away stress... well, we’d all know by now, wouldn’t we? Then, we’ll talk meditation and relaxation—yeah, I know, the words that often make people roll their eyes. But hang on before you judge; we’ll look at how these practices can bring something concrete, even for those of us who don’t exactly have the soul of a Tibetan monk.

We’ll also tackle that famous “self-care” everyone keeps banging on about. Don’t worry, we’re not about to tell you happiness lies in a scented candle or a chia seed smoothie. Here, we’re talking real self-care, the kind that sometimes means turning off your phone or saying no to toxic people—no small feat, but wildly effective.

And finally, to spice things up a bit, we’ll wrap up with an ultra-trendy topic: digital psychiatry. Yep, we’re talking about artificial intelligence waltzing into the world of therapy. Think a chatbot can replace a therapist? Let’s take a look at just how far this goes.

So, ready for a bit of honesty and a reality check on well-being, minus the fluff? You’re listening to Cappuccino & Croissant, and today, we’re not here for illusions but for the real questions.

Understanding mental health today

So, mental health... It’s a term we hear everywhere, almost like a miracle recipe for a “balanced” life—but concretely, what does it actually mean? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about waking up in a good mood or finding meaning in every Pinterest quote on positivity. Mental health is much more nuanced, and it weighs heavily on our overall well-being.

Let’s start with some context: mental health is one of the pillars of the World Health Organization (WHO), which defines it as “a state of well-being in which a person realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to contribute to their community.” In other words, WHO is telling us that being mentally healthy means handling life’s chaos, staying the course through tough times, and somehow remaining socially functional. Easy, right? Well, in reality, not so much. It’s not a box to check off—it’s an ongoing balance we lose and find again, a continual process.

We could also take a more philosophical view on mental health. Consider Viktor Frankl, author of Man’s Search for Meaning. According to him, the pursuit of meaning lies at the core of mental stability. It’s not enough to “feel good”; it’s about finding meaning, even in hardships. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, argued that what matters is not suffering itself but the significance we give it. In essence, mental health isn’t the absence of problems; it’s our ability to find meaning that helps us move forward. It’s a radical view, shaking up the feel-good wellness talk, but it highlights how crucial the quest for meaning really is.

Now, let’s look at reality: stress, anxiety, and depression have become almost modern plagues. According to WHO, depression is now one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Yes, “disability,” because these conditions limit millions from living fulfilling lives. And this is where things get concerning: we live in a world where it’s increasingly hard to cope with everyday pressures. Our culture glorifies productivity, overwork, to the point where admitting you’re struggling can feel like a failure.

Yet, symptoms of mental health issues are anything but vague: chronic insomnia, unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite, a lack of interest in things we used to enjoy… All of these warning signs are very real. The French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) reminds us that mental health is as much biological as it is psychological. Neural circuits, neurotransmitters—all that chemical chaos in our brain plays a huge role in regulating our mood and well-being. So, when someone suffers from depression, it’s not because they’re “weak” or “lazy”—their brain is simply sending distress signals.

Beyond biology, our environment also has a crushing role. Think about it: we live in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images of perfect lives on social media, where everyone seems to have flawless wellness routines, perfect relationships, goals achieved before they’ve even finished their morning coffee. This pressure to constantly succeed and be happy is a real factory of misery. Psychologist Barry Schwartz talks about this in The Paradox of Choice, explaining that this relentless quest for perfection often backfires: anxiety, frustration, and a deep sense of dissatisfaction.

So, what do we do? We start by stopping the guilt. Admitting that you need help or that you’re not at your best is an act of honesty, not failure. And no, happiness isn’t just a state of constant well-being. Philosopher Susan David nails it in her book Emotional Agility: mental health is also about accepting the full range of emotions, both the pleasant and the not-so-pleasant. It’s about adapting to what we’re going through, staying flexible, and not getting stuck in some illusion of “perfect happiness.”

So, mental health isn’t about “strength” or “weakness.” It’s a continuous effort to recognize our limits, know when to stop, and have the courage to ask for help. Because yes, the brain is complex, and we don’t control it as well as we’d like. We can care for our body, but it’s just as crucial to care for our mind, giving it the attention it needs. Even if it’s invisible, it’s felt—and it ends up impacting us much more profoundly than we might imagine.

So, before diving into wellness practices and practical tools, let’s take a moment to consider mental health as a cornerstone of our well-being. And maybe it’s time we start giving it the importance it truly deserves.

Meditation and relaxation practices

Alright, let’s talk meditation. Yes, that word that makes some people smile and others roll their eyes. We hear about it so often that you’d think all it takes is sitting cross-legged and breathing deeply to make life’s problems vanish. Spoiler: it doesn’t quite work that way. But when used well, meditation can be a truly powerful tool. So let’s dive into what it really is, without falling into the clichés of sanitized wellness.

To start, what is meditation? Beyond the popular image of “zen attitude,” meditation is, first and foremost, a mental discipline going back thousands of years. We’re talking about a practice used by Buddhist monks, ancient Indian yogis, and many others long before meditation apps got involved. Its purpose? To train the mind to focus, observe, and, most importantly, find a bit of peace amid the chaos. Nothing magical—just a technique to develop a state of inner calm.

Neuroscience has been curious about meditation too—and surprise! Some studies have shown that meditation actually changes the brain. Yes, literally. A study at Massachusetts General Hospital led by Sara Lazar found that after just eight weeks of meditation, significant changes appeared in brain areas linked to emotional regulation, attention, and even memory. So the idea that “meditation changes the brain” isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s an observable fact. And while it’s no miracle cure, the benefits are very real for those who practice consistently.

So, how can you start meditating without feeling like a Buddhist monk in the middle of the city? There are a few options. The simplest is mindfulness meditation. The idea? Focus on the present moment—on breathing, body sensations—and accept whatever comes up without judgment. Sounds easy, right? Maybe in theory. But in practice, when your phone buzzes or your brain starts thinking about tomorrow’s to-do list, that’s when the real challenge begins.

And if classic meditation isn’t your thing, there are other relaxation practices. Conscious breathing, for example, is ultra-simple and accessible. No yoga mat or energy crystals needed: just take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and focus on that breath. It’s not just a quick-fix gadget for calming down—it actually sends a signal to the brain to trigger the relaxation response. It even has measurable physiological effects: it slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and helps reduce stress in just a few minutes. So, yes, conscious breathing is simple, but it works.

For those who prefer a bit of movement, yoga can be a fantastic alternative. Unlike what we often see on Instagram, yoga isn’t just a contortionist’s workout. It’s a complete discipline that combines movement, breath, and, sometimes, meditation. The goal is to calm the body to free the mind. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine even found that yoga significantly reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Ancient practice or modern antidote? Maybe a bit of both.

Are these techniques a miracle cure for the ailments of our hyperactive society? Probably not. But they offer a tool—a kind of internal pause—that can make a real difference for many people. Because let’s be honest: in a world moving at top speed, where we’re expected to be productive, performant, and happy all at once, finding a practice that allows us to slow down and reconnect is invaluable. You don’t need to become a zen master; just take a few minutes to breathe, refocus, and, who knows, find a little calm amid the storm.

Finally, if you’re looking for an easy way to start, there’s a whole range of apps and resources to guide you: Headspace, Petit Bambou, Insight Timer... Some might say it’s all wellness business, while others see it as a useful way to begin. That’s up to you to decide, honestly. The most important thing is finding what works for you. So why not give it a try, without pressure or unrealistic expectations? Because meditating isn’t about “succeeding” or “failing”—it’s just a moment to be, outside of stress, busyness, and distraction.

So, ready to give yourself this moment, just to breathe and refocus a little?

The importance of self-care

Alright, let’s talk about “self-care.” If you’ve read any article or scrolled through Instagram on the subject, you’ve probably seen endless images of bubble baths, scented candles, and chia-seed smoothies. Because apparently, taking care of yourself today means grabbing a clay mask and essential oils. But… is personal well-being really as simple as that?

Self-care is much more than candle marketing. It requires being honest with yourself, recognizing what truly recharges you, and leaving the rest behind without shame or guilt. Need a solo day with zero human interaction? That’s self-care. Need to say no to yet another dinner with people who drain you? Also self-care. Sometimes, taking care of yourself is a little chaotic, not exactly Instagram-friendly, and doesn’t always please others. But it’s exactly what we need.

Stepping back a bit, both psychology and philosophy remind us that self-care is essential. Aristotle, for instance, talked about “eudaimonia,” or “fulfillment.” It wasn’t just about “being happy”; it was about living in line with your values and needs. In other words, knowing yourself, respecting yourself, and acting in accordance with what truly matters to you. It wasn’t about visible success or social performance. What mattered was authenticity—acting for yourself in alignment with your true nature. A concept that, honestly, feels almost revolutionary today.

And now, science backs up the idea that self-care isn’t a luxury but a necessity. Studies show that chronic stress, exhaustion, and burnout have very real effects on our bodies and minds. Burnout is even recognized by WHO as a work-related phenomenon, marked by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness. In short, it’s the mind yelling “stop” when it’s been stretched too thin. And no, this isn’t solved with a quick spa day. In this context, self-care means reevaluating—and sometimes even reducing—your commitments. Sometimes, it also means learning to say no, making choices that don’t align with what others expect of us.

So, how can you take care of yourself in a truly meaningful way? Start by identifying your needs. For some, it means physical rest, like real restorative sleep (yes, the kind that isn’t interrupted by checking notifications at 3 a.m.). For others, it means spending time with people who make them feel good, who genuinely listen without judgment. And sometimes, it’s the opposite: spending time alone, to reconnect without constantly answering to others’ expectations.

Self-care is also an art of disconnection. With social media, nonstop news, and constant demands, it’s crucial to give yourself digital breaks. Sure, it might seem hard to put down your phone, but remember: notifications and messages can wait. Taking care of yourself also means giving yourself space to breathe, to just be, without distractions. And for many, this starts with a “digital detox,” if only for a weekend.

And be careful: “self-care” doesn’t mean chasing comfort at all costs. It’s not about avoiding everything that bothers us but rather about knowing ourselves, recognizing what genuinely nourishes us long-term, not just what brings momentary satisfaction. Sometimes, it means sorting things out, removing what drains us without giving anything back. This “sorting” might include people, habits, activities… anything that ultimately weighs us down.

So yes, buy candles if they soothe you, but remember that real self-care doesn’t come in a kit. It’s not about treating yourself to a wellness break only to dive back into the usual chaos. Self-care is about making choices that allow you to maintain balance over the long term. It’s learning to recognize what’s genuinely good for you, even if it doesn’t align with current wellness trends.

Ready to see self-care differently? Let’s go beyond the clichés to discover what truly matters to each of us.

Digital psychiatry – ai in mental health care

And now, let’s talk about something that feels straight out of a Black Mirror episode: artificial intelligence in psychiatry. Yes, you heard that right—we’re talking about therapist robots and “empathetic” chatbots ready to listen to our inner struggles. Apparently, AI could soon become your new therapist. But here’s the question: can an algorithm that has neither emotions nor life experience truly understand us? Are we not entrusting our mental health to machines that lack a soul?

On one hand, there are some advantages to AI in psychiatry. We’ve all heard of apps designed to “support” mental well-being by analyzing our emotions based on our responses. Chatbots like Woebot or Wysa, for example, use algorithms to “chat” with you, asking questions and offering suggestions to manage stress and anxiety. Imagine a personal assistant that tracks your mood, helps you refocus your thoughts, and, if necessary, sends you a reminder to take a deep breath. On paper, it’s appealing, and for people who hesitate to see a therapist, it can be a first step. Accessibility, lower cost, and 24/7 availability: in short, AI is there when the human therapist isn’t.

But before we get too excited, let’s remember that these AIs are not therapists. They don’t understand our emotions—they analyze them. The difference is subtle but significant. When you tell a chatbot you’re feeling stressed, it’ll probably respond with pre-programmed phrases and suggest relaxation exercises. Practical, sure, but does it have the same effect as talking to a real person, capable of reading between the lines and picking up on the nuances of human expression? Not quite. The chatbot hasn’t experienced difficult moments, can’t empathize, and its “listening” is purely simulated.

In reality, digital psychiatry raises serious ethical questions. For instance, all that highly sensitive data we share with therapeutic chatbots—where does it go? Who’s storing it, and for what purposes? These details about our mental state, our stress levels, our personal habits—are they really secure? Most apps promise total confidentiality, but we know that the digital world and privacy rarely go hand in hand. Entrusting your mental state to an algorithm also means surrendering some control over some of your most personal information.

We could also question the drift towards automation. If a chatbot can handle our anxiety attacks, why not an AI managing full psychiatric follow-ups or even prescribing medication? Yes, researchers are already considering developing AIs capable of analyzing symptoms and suggesting treatments. Imagine a robot diagnosing you based on standardized responses. And this is where we reach the limits: AI doesn’t account for the entirety of a person; it relies on data, predefined models. It risks missing the subtlety, the human connection that enables a therapist to truly understand and support a patient.

For some, these technologies represent the future of mental health care—offering quick, accessible support, without judgment or geographic constraints. And in some cases, for people who are isolated or waiting for an appointment, it’s already a valuable aid. But for others, the idea of replacing human contact with a machine is simply unthinkable. It’s clear that AI will never have that sensitivity, that human insight, that compassionate listening. In short, AI may offer temporary support, but emotional companionship remains, for now, beyond its reach.

So, how far do we go with digital psychiatry? Perhaps one day, AI will help us detect disorders early, monitor mood fluctuations, and adjust our well-being on a daily basis. But before we entrust our emotions to machines, maybe we should ask ourselves where the limits are—and, more importantly, if these virtual assistants can ever provide what only real human exchanges can offer. Technology can assist us, but it will never replace that connection, that subtle understanding, that human gaze we all need.

So, what do you think? Ready to trust a chatbot with your moods?

Conclusion

And there you have it—we covered a lot today, didn’t we? We took a deep dive into mental health from every possible angle—from those somewhat fuzzy but essential definitions and concepts, to relaxation practices that might make you smirk, to a self-care approach stripped of its marketing clichés, and finally, that futuristic digital psychiatry that raises some serious ethical questions. If this episode inspired you even a little, maybe it’s time to take away a lesson or two for yourself… and without necessarily rushing out to download the latest meditation app.

The real question is this: what do we truly want for our mental health? Are we content with wellness trends, the “instant calm” sold in three clicks, or are we willing to dig a bit deeper? Because yes, taking care of yourself is much more than a pretty post on social media; it’s about understanding what you genuinely need, sometimes even despite yourself. And just because an algorithm reaches out doesn’t mean it’s truly ready to understand us.

So, I’ll leave you with this thought: between meditation, self-care, and artificial intelligence, which practice speaks to you the most? Maybe well-being isn’t about following every trend but finding what really works for you.

Don’t forget—you can react to this episode, share your favorite practices, or even tell me why you find digital psychiatry fascinating… or downright scary in the comments, on social media, or at cappcroissantmedia.com, the official podcast website. And if this episode resonated with you, pass it on—it might just help someone else. Alright, take care!