Head First: A Psychiatrist's Stories of Mind and Body

Dr. Alastair Santhouse's Head First is a collection of clinical stories that explore how our emotions are inextricably linked to our physical wellbeing. It examines difficult cases that illustrate some of our most puzzling and controversial medical issues, such as suicide, obesity, and chronic fatigue, and finds that our medical model has failed us by promoting specialization and overlooking the single most important component of our health: our state of mind.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: Atlantic Books

Wise, timely, and eloquent... A joy to read.


The Guardian's article titled "What does it mean to be well? Is it something in our body? Or, is it rather something subjective - something of the mind?" delves into the profound connection between our emotions and physical well-being. In this collection of clinical stories, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Alastair Santhouse draws on his extensive experience treating thousands of hospital patients to demonstrate how our emotions play a crucial role in shaping our understanding and response to symptoms, influencing the treatments we receive and ultimately impacting whether they are effective.


The author writes with brutal honesty, deep compassion, and a wry sense of humor, examining difficult cases that shed light on some of our most perplexing and controversial medical issues. From the tragedy of suicide to the stigma surrounding obesity and the ongoing suffering of chronic fatigue, Head First offers a thought-provoking exploration of these pressing concerns.


What emerges from the article is a compelling argument that our medical model has failed us by promoting specialization and overlooking the single most important component of our health: our state of mind. The author suggests that our emotions are not just a byproduct of our physical health but an integral part of it, and that addressing our mental well-being is essential to achieving true health and wellness.


The article emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to healthcare that recognizes the interdependence of mind and body, and encourages individuals to take responsibility for their mental health as well as their physical health. It challenges the notion that mental illness is a weakness or a stigma and promotes the idea that seeking help and support for mental health issues is a sign of strength and courage.


Overall, The Guardian's article "What does it mean to be well? Is it something in our body? Or, is it rather something subjective - something of the mind?" is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the complex relationship between our emotions, physical health, and the medical system. It offers valuable insights into the importance of addressing mental well-being and encourages individuals to take a more holistic approach to their health and wellness.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 166 x 240 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838950316
Edition number: Main