This Anthro Life

The traditional view of mental health often focuses on the absence of mental illness, but a new theory is emerging that emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity and individual differences in the pursuit of long-term happiness. The question is, how can we reconcile the medicalization of mental health with the idea of neurodiversity and the unique strengths that come with different neurotypes?In this episode of This Anthro Life, we dive into a new perspective on mental health and well-being and how traditional models of mental illness focus only on treatment, not optimization of wellness. Ryan's work, which is detailed in his new book "Become Who You Are," offers a fresh perspective on how ancient philosophy and modern psychology intersect to address issues like anxiety and depression. He introduces the concept of "virtue signaling theory," which views traits like courage and compassion as evolutionary adaptations that helped humans navigate social hierarchies. Self-esteem evolved as a way to track social st