Welcome to a quick event review, which I attended on the 29th of January 2025. The event was James Longman’s book launch for The Inherited Mind was a deeply moving and insightful conversation about mental illness, personal struggle, and the power of community.

The event took place at Ladbroke Hall over in West London, where the evening included drinks and refreshments, for the much anticipated conversation with James and BBC News’ Tina Daheley.

During the conversation, James challenged the way mainstream discussions often reduce mental health awareness to hashtags and social media movements, emphasizing that conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder require a much deeper understanding and support. Through his own family’s experiences, particularly his father’s struggles with schizophrenia, James book explored the gaps in mental health care—arguing that his father actually received better treatment in the 1990s than many do today. He expressed a desire to break the stigma surrounding serious mental illness, highlighting the need for more open and honest conversations.

During the discussion, James reflected on his personal journey of discovery, from learning the truth about his father’s death to grappling with his own fears about genetic predisposition to mental illness. He described the profound impact of uncovering his father’s medical records and meeting those who had cared for him, which gave him a clearer picture of both his father’s suffering and the limitations of the mental health system. James also discussed the science behind inherited mental health conditions, emphasizing how genetics and environmental factors intertwine. His research sheds light on the ways individuals can manage mental health risks through lifestyle choices and support systems, offering a message of hope rather than inevitability.

One of the key themes of the event was the importance of community. James spoke about how his mother’s sacrifices, his friendships, and his career which provided him with a support network that helped him navigate his own struggles. He acknowledged many individuals that added to the book including myself who provided my own experience on caring for my mother, where I continue to advocate for carers and families affected by mental illness. This helped reinforced the idea that no one should feel isolated in their experiences.

James discussion also touched on alternative approaches to understanding and managing mental illness, including the potential connections between psychosis and extreme meditation practices, the role of gut health, and the overlooked biological aspects of schizophrenia.

Ultimately, The Inherited Mind is not just a personal memoir—it is a call to rethink how we approach mental health as a society. James highlighted how people with severe mental illnesses are often pushed to the margins, despite the growing public conversation around mental well-being. His book seeks to bridge the gap between personal experience and scientific understanding, offering a perspective that is both deeply personal and universally relevant.

The event left a lasting impression, reminding me that while mental illness may be shaped by genetics and environment, hope, healing, and community play a crucial role in shaping our futures.

You can purchase The Inherited Mind from Amazon below