Ep. 64 - Dr. Corey Keyes on Languishing, Flourishing, and the Mental Health Continuum: Redefining What It Means to Be Mentally Well
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In this powerful conversation, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, sits down with renowned sociologist and author Dr. Corey Keyes — the pioneer who coined the term languishing. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the fog between burnout and depression but weren’t sure how to name it, this episode is a must-listen.
Dr. Keyes unpacks the groundbreaking Mental Health Continuum model and the five daily “vitamins” of flourishing — evidence-based habits that promote resilience, emotional healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. Diana and Dr. Keyes dive into the role of spirituality, social connection, and play in long-term mental wellness and why traditional models of therapy may stop short at symptom relief without addressing the deeper need for human flourishing.
This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to reclaim your sense of aliveness.
Topics We Cover:
What is languishing, and why is it often mistaken for depression?
The origin story behind Dr. Keyes’ research and his own trauma recovery
The difference between mental illness and the absence of mental health
The 5 “mental health vitamins” that support healing and growth
Why spirituality, play, and helping others are essential—not extra
How sociological frameworks reveal what psychology often misses
Why therapy alone may leave clients “stuck” in languishing
How faith leaders, clinicians, and community builders can promote flourishing
Mentioned Resources:
Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down by Dr. Corey Keyes Buy the book on Amazon
Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF): Learn more and download
Mental Health Grace Alliance (Check out episode 57 with Joe Padilla!)
Learn about Assidia – the ancient desert monk concept linked to modern-day languishing
Powerful Quotes from the Episode:
“Most of us experience many deaths before the final one—and that’s the death of our sense of aliveness. That’s languishing.” — Dr. Corey Keyes “We’re not just here to eliminate symptoms. We’re here to help people flourish.” — Diana S. Rice “Spirituality isn’t fluff. It’s your dress rehearsal for when life throws you curveballs.” — Dr. Corey Keyes
Connect with Today’s Guest:
Website: https://www.coreykeyes.com
Book: Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down
Follow Dr. Keyes’ work on flourishing, sociology, and public health via Google Scholar
Connect with Diana S. Rice:
Instagram: @throughthevalleytherapy
Podcast: The Holistic Counselor Podcast
65 episodes