Psychiatry & Society
## A Landmark APA Annual Meeting: From Lifestyle to Rallying
This week, the atmosphere is electric as we broadcast live from the **2025 American Psychiatric Association (APA) Annual Meeting**! Renowned psychiatrist **H. Steven Moffic, MD**, along with his esteemed colleagues, are at the forefront of what could be a transformational event in the realm of psychiatry.
### Why This Year’s Meeting Is Different
Moffic boldly states, **“This is one of the most important, and even landmark, psychiatric annual meetings in history.”** What sets this year’s gathering apart? There are **two pivotal themes** that are capturing the attention of both practitioners and the general public:
#### Lifestyle Psychiatry: A Dual Focus
The primary theme is **lifestyle psychiatry**, addressing the urgent need for mental health professionals to not only treat patients but also prioritize their own well-being. Given the widespread issue of physician burnout, this theme resonates deeply with psychiatrists and their patients alike.
#### A Call to Action: The Public Rally
In an unprecedented show of unity, nearly **50 to 100 psychiatrists gathered** to voice their concerns about the escalating “polycrises” affecting mental health—from **war** to **climate change**. Participants brandished signs, passionately expressing their sentiments. Moffic commented, **“There’s been a lot of psychiatric activism in the past, but nothing collective that I have known of like this.”**
### Engage with Us!
Was the APA Annual Meeting special for you? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your experiences at [[email protected]](https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/mailto:[email protected]).
## Meet Dr. H. Steven Moffic
**Dr. Moffic** is not just a prominent figure; he is an award-winning psychiatrist known for his in-depth understanding of the cultural and ethical dimensions of psychiatry. Currently in retirement, he dedicates his skills as a **private pro bono community psychiatrist**. As a prolific writer and speaker, he has been capturing critical issues through his weekday column titled “Psychiatric Views on the Daily News” and his weekly video series, “Psychiatry & Society,” born out of the challenges posed by the **COVID-19 pandemic**.
### Recognitions and Contributions
Dr. Moffic’s contributions to psychiatry have not gone unnoticed. He is the recipient of prestigious awards, including the **2024 Abraham Halpern Humanitarian Award** from the American Association for Social Psychiatry. His previous accolades include:
– **Administrative Award** (2016) from the American Psychiatric Association
– Title of **Hero of Public Psychiatry** (2002)
– **Exemplary Psychiatrist Award** (1991) from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
### Advocating for a Brighter Future
With a commitment to mental health issues linked to **climate instability, physician burnout, and xenophobia**, Dr. Moffic’s work extends beyond practice. He is currently editing the final volume in a pivotal four-part series on **religions and psychiatry** for **Springer**, delving into critical topics like **Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, Christianity, and Eastern Religions**.
Dr. Moffic also contributes his expertise to the **Editorial Board of Psychiatric Times**, influencing the future discourse around mental health and treatment.
### Conclusion
The **2025 APA Annual Meeting** is not just another event in the calendar; it is a **call to action** for psychiatrists and mental health advocates to engage deeply with the **intersections of lifestyle, activism, and wellbeing**. This year’s gathering encapsulates a moment of awakening in the field of psychiatry that promises to leave a lasting impact.
For more insights on mental health and innovations in psychiatry, stay tuned to **Psychiatric Times** and engage with our community as we navigate these critical conversations together.
