Languishing to Flourishing

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 Acedia – 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

• Website: https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com