Brain Plasticity - A Mental Health Renaissance - Hani Akasheh - TEDxPSUT

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Brain Plasticity: A Mental Health Renaissance | Hani Akasheh | TEDxPSUT

  1. Background and Personal Experience: Hani Akasheh and his brother grew up in a household that prioritized academic achievement over emotional development. Despite growing apart, they reconnected after their studies and discovered shared mental health challenges. Their mutual love for science, especially topics intersecting mechanical engineering and the human brain, led them to a transformative understanding of brain plasticity.

  2. Understanding Brain Plasticity: Contrary to the belief that the brain is static and unchanging, brain plasticity (or Neuroplasticity) emphasizes the brain's dynamic nature. Continuous stimuli can lead to "Neurogenesis" or the creation of new Neurons. Conversely, unused neural pathways undergo "synaptic pruning" and weaken over time. This concept is supported by real-world examples, such as cab drivers having an increased volume in their posterior hippocampus due to their reliance on visual-spatial memory.

  3. Implications for Mental Health: Recognizing the brain's plasticity can transform one's perspective on mental health. Hani and his brother's understanding of this concept helped them overcome their own mental health challenges without medication. The idea that the brain can change and adapt offers hope for those struggling with mental health issues, suggesting that many mental health problems might be the result of conditioned neural pathways that can be reshaped.

  4. Applications in Education: Hani and his brother launched a neuroeducation company in Jordan to teach people about brain plasticity. They found that when children understood this concept, they adopted a growth-oriented mindset. Recognizing the impact of this knowledge, they initiated a non-profit program to train kindergarten teachers in neuroscience, leading to increased empathy and understanding towards children's development.

  5. Conclusion: Understanding the brain's plasticity can lead to a personal "mental health renaissance." By grasping how the brain functions and changes, individuals can develop empathy for themselves and others. Hani suggests that the realization that we can change ourselves might be the key to changing the world.