Unlocking insights: Dr Vivek Murthy's impactful talk on youth well-being at UCL

Initially feeling like an outsider, as a non-medical student with limited expertise in mental health, attending this public talk made me realise I was just like everyone else. We were all in awe of Dr Murthy's expertise, united in our struggles against feelings of loneliness, isolation, and the weight of low mood.  

The fireside chat at UCL with Dr Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, was a powerful exploration of youth well-being, spotlighting the pressing mental health crisis. Taking place at UCL’s Sir David Davies Lecture Theatre on 19 March 2024, the hour-long session delved into Dr Murthy's personal journey and offered invaluable insights on loneliness and strategies for inner peace.  

Before the talk, there was a private roundtable to discuss mental health, particularly loneliness, and to share experiences. Seven students who are studying different subjects at different years at UCL were carefully chosen by the Students’ Union to participate. Selected based on academic involvement, they contributed to a rich conversation about this important issue.  

After 30 minutes of the roundtable, Mary McHarg, the president of UCL’s Students’ Union, welcomed Dr Murthy for the public talk. Mary emphasised that their discussion would focus on building relationships, which are crucial for addressing loneliness; and maintaining social connections for our overall well-being.  

At the start of the talk, Dr Murthy engaged the audience by asking who experiences loneliness, and over 90% of the audience raised their hand. This highlighted the prevalence of loneliness, echoing Dr Murthy's earlier remarks on mental health as the foremost health crisis in the US. Dr Murthy then emphasised that loneliness can eventually impact performance, engagement, and societal well-being.

So, here are Dr Murthy's key tips for tackling loneliness:  

1. Surround yourself with people: Being in the company of others can uplift your mood.  
2. Practise social interaction: Like hitting the gym, it may feel awkward at first, but it gets easier with time.  
3. Seek support: Open up to someone you trust, including professionals. By the way, UCL offers accessible well-being support for all students!  
4. Understand the root cause. In my personal experience, I recommend journaling.  

Dr Murthy shared stories from his youth when he struggled with social interactions and making friends. Recognising this, his parents encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone by knocking on neighbours' doors and initiating conversations with other children. Initially, he felt frustrated by this suggestion, but as he matured, he came to understand the value of taking risks and facing potential rejection. Importantly, he learned that amidst these challenges, there are always opportunities to find acceptance and form meaningful connections with others.   

Then he shared this touching story with us: Once, two of his friends were driving together, and unfortunately, had a car accident where one of them passed away, the other survived. Dr Murthy's parents encouraged him to visit the survivor but he was not even close to this friend. They dropped him off at this friend's house, where they finally spent two hours together without mentioning the accident. Ultimately, it's a powerful reminder of the impact of human connection and being there for one another in times of need.  

Near the end of the event, Mary asked Dr Murthy about three changes for a happier life, and here's his advice that you can implement daily:  

1. Spend 15 minutes daily reaching out to someone.  
2. Focus on the person you're with by putting away your phone and giving them your full attention.  
3. Do one small act of kindness, like checking on your surroundings or helping someone in need.  

The talk ended with Dr Murthy asking us to do the 5 for 5 connection challenge and students were asked to do the first challenge to reach out to someone and send them gratitude. After they were done, they were asked to light up their phone’s flashlight. As the room filled with the glow of phone lights, a sense of unity and connection permeated the space. Dr. Murthy encouraged everyone to continue spreading kindness and fostering meaningful connections, emphasizing the transformative power of simple gestures in combating loneliness and enhancing well-being.  

Participants also got the opportunity to take pictures with Dr Murthy and Mary once the session ended.  

This seminar has truly been a highlight for me among all the events held by UCL. The opportunity to meet Dr Murthy, someone whose work I deeply admired, was beyond my wildest dreams. And I hope, through sharing this experience, not only myself but also those who attended and you, dear reader, can find inspiration to prioritise your well-being.  

Remember, UCL offers a wealth of activities and resources to support us on this journey. Take a look at the Students and Support Wellbeing section, where they're currently running a campaign focusing on loneliness, isolation, and low mood.  

Plus, have you heard about dog therapy? It's one of my favourites – those furry friends are simply adorable and can do wonders for lifting your spirits! Furthermore, as Mary highlighted during the talk, the Students’ Union provides a myriad of clubs and sports activities waiting for you to explore! So, let's take a moment to invest in our well-being and maybe even find a new passion along the way.