Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider

When being alone isn't a choice you make for a quiet weekend, but something that's forced upon you for days, weeks, or even years.

In today's TED-Ed lesson, psychiatrist Dr. Terry Coopers takes us into that reality and unpacks what happens inside the brain and body when isolation goes from peaceful to punishing, and why without human contact, even the healthiest minds can start to unravel.

It's a powerful look at how much we depend on one another and a reminder that caring for our mental and physical health means caring for our connections too.

And now, your TED-Ed lesson of the day.

This TED-Ed lesson was created by Terry Coopers and directed by Camille Beauvy.

Thanks again to Dr. Vivek Murthy for joining us.

And that's it for today's episode.

Thank you so much for listening.

TED Health is a podcast from TED, and I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode.

Send me a message on Instagram at ShoshanaMD.

This episode was produced by me, Shoshana Ungerleiter, and Jess Shane.

Edited by Alejandra Salazar and fact-checked by Vanessa Garcia Woodworth.

Special thanks to Maria Lages, Farrah DeGrange, Daniela Balarezo, Constanza Gallardo, Tansika Sangmarniwang, and Roxanne Highlash.

This is TED Health, a podcast from TED, and I'm your host, Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider.

Speaking up for what's true, especially when it's personal, isn't easy.

But in a world where misinformation about health spreads fast and loud, choosing to use your voice can be a powerful act of courage.

Today we're kicking off a special mini-series on vaccines.

And in a time when misinformation spreads quicker than facts, understanding vaccines has never been more critical to our personal and public health.

This mini-series explores how trust in science is built and how it's broken through real stories, expert insights, and what we can all do to stay informed.

As our public health systems face mounting challenges, this series offers the clarity and context everyone needs to make confident, evidence-based choices.