<description>In this in-depth radio interview with The Times, Jan Gerber, CEO and Founder of Paracelsus Recovery, discusses a growing psychological pattern we are increasingly observing in clinical practice: when the pursuit of longevity shifts from healthy living into anxiety, obsession, and loss of psychological wellbeing.

While not a formally recognised diagnosis, what Jan refers to as longevity fixation reflects a broader mental health dynamic seen among high-performing and high-responsibility individuals. In an era shaped by global uncertainty, technological acceleration, and post-pandemic anxiety, many people attempt to regain control by hyper-focusing on health optimisation, biohacking, and measurable self-improvement.

In this conversation, Jan explores:

•⁠  ⁠Why extreme longevity obsession is often driven by anxiety, not health
•⁠  ⁠How fear, uncertainty, and loss of control fuel over-optimisation
•⁠  ⁠When self-care becomes a psychological burden
•⁠  ⁠The difference between living well and trying to control life
•⁠  ⁠Why effective mental health treatment must address root causes, not surface behaviours

At Paracelsus Recovery, we take a deeply individual, root-cause-focused approach to mental health. Obsessive behaviours, whether related to longevity, success, substances, or control, are rarely the core issue. They are symptoms pointing to underlying anxiety, trauma, or unresolved psychological needs.

This discussion offers an important reflection on modern wellbeing and a reminder that true health is not about living longer at all costs, but about living with meaning, balance, and psychological safety.

About Paracelsus Recovery

Paracelsus Recovery is a world-leading mental health and addiction treatment centre based in Zurich, Switzerland. We provide one-client-at-a-time, fully confidential treatment, combining medical excellence with a compassionate, humanistic approach.

Learn more: https://paracelsus-recovery.com
Subscribe for expert conversations on wealth &amp; mental health, addiction, and modern life.</description>

In this in-depth radio interview with The Times, …

In this in-depth radio interview with The Times, Jan Gerber, CEO and Founder of Paracelsus Recovery, discusses a growing psychological pattern we are increasingly observing in clinical practice: when the pursuit of longevity shifts from healthy living into anxiety, obsession, and loss of psychological wellbeing.

While not a formally recognised diagnosis, what Jan refers to as longevity fixation reflects a broader mental health dynamic seen among high-performing and high-responsibility individuals. In an era shaped by global uncertainty, technological acceleration, and post-pandemic anxiety, many people attempt to regain control by hyper-focusing on health optimisation, biohacking, and measurable self-improvement.

In this conversation, Jan explores:

•⁠  ⁠Why extreme longevity obsession is often driven by anxiety, not health
•⁠  ⁠How fear, uncertainty, and loss of control fuel over-optimisation
•⁠  ⁠When self-care becomes a psychological burden
•⁠  ⁠The difference between living well and trying to control life
•⁠  ⁠Why effective mental health treatment must address root causes, not surface behaviours

At Paracelsus Recovery, we take a deeply individual, root-cause-focused approach to mental health. Obsessive behaviours, whether related to longevity, success, substances, or control, are rarely the core issue. They are symptoms pointing to underlying anxiety, trauma, or unresolved psychological needs.

This discussion offers an important reflection on modern wellbeing and a reminder that true health is not about living longer at all costs, but about living with meaning, balance, and psychological safety.

About Paracelsus Recovery

Paracelsus Recovery is a world-leading mental health and addiction treatment centre based in Zurich, Switzerland. We provide one-client-at-a-time, fully confidential treatment, combining medical excellence with a compassionate, humanistic approach.

Learn more: https://paracelsus-recovery.com
Subscribe for expert conversations on wealth & mental health, addiction, and modern life.

Jan Gerber warns: the obsession with living forever is fuelled by anxiety, not health

<description>In this powerful and heartfelt episode, our CEO Jan Gerber sits down with The Duchess of York to reflect on her time at Paracelsus Recovery and what it means to truly heal from the C-PTSD she developed after loss, and how she came to depend on food as a coping strategy for her pain. 

Together, they explore the impact of trauma, the stigma around mental health, and how a compassionate, anti-normative and non-pathologising approach can help someone feel seen after years of hiding. The Duchess speaks openly about the immense grief she’s carried and the pressure to keep going in silence as so many of us do.

If you’ve ever felt like your pain was too much to name or like healing might not be possible – this one is for you.</description>

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, our CEO J…

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, our CEO Jan Gerber sits down with The Duchess of York to reflect on her time at Paracelsus Recovery and what it means to truly heal from the C-PTSD she developed after loss, and how she came to depend on food as a coping strategy for her pain. 

Together, they explore the impact of trauma, the stigma around mental health, and how a compassionate, anti-normative and non-pathologising approach can help someone feel seen after years of hiding. The Duchess speaks openly about the immense grief she’s carried and the pressure to keep going in silence as so many of us do.

If you’ve ever felt like your pain was too much to name or like healing might not be possible – this one is for you.

What It Means to Heal After Loss – With The Duchess of York

<description>In a compelling interview on Times Radio, host Ed Vaizey engages with Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, to explore the pressing issue of mental health among business leaders. Gerber, who brings personal experience and professional expertise to the discussion, reveals the increase in mental health referrals he receives each April, a time when CEOs face immense pressure to meet financial targets. The conversation delves into the causes of executive stress and burnout, strategies for prevention and recovery, and the different ways men and women handle stress at the top. Through candid insights and shared experiences, this interview shines a light on the hidden challenges of leadership and the critical importance of addressing mental health in high-pressure roles.</description>

In a compelling interview on Times Radio, host Ed…

In a compelling interview on Times Radio, host Ed Vaizey engages with Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, to explore the pressing issue of mental health among business leaders. Gerber, who brings personal experience and professional expertise to the discussion, reveals the increase in mental health referrals he receives each April, a time when CEOs face immense pressure to meet financial targets. The conversation delves into the causes of executive stress and burnout, strategies for prevention and recovery, and the different ways men and women handle stress at the top. Through candid insights and shared experiences, this interview shines a light on the hidden challenges of leadership and the critical importance of addressing mental health in high-pressure roles.

Ed Vaizey from Times Radio interview with Jan Gerber on mental health

<description>In a revealing discussion on Sky News, Ian King delves into the pressures faced by chief executives, particularly during financial reporting periods. Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, sheds light on the mental health challenges that leaders often encounter, especially around the deadline for first-quarter results. Paracelsus Recovery, renowned for treating business executives, observes a notable increase in referrals of CEOs during these times. Gerber discusses the typical conditions these leaders suffer from, including burnout and anxiety, and explains the tailored, pragmatic treatment approaches his organization employs to help them cope while maintaining their professional responsibilities. The conversation highlights the paradox of leadership roles: the isolation and intense pressure hidden behind a facade of success and capability.</description>

In a revealing discussion on Sky News, Ian King d…

In a revealing discussion on Sky News, Ian King delves into the pressures faced by chief executives, particularly during financial reporting periods. Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, sheds light on the mental health challenges that leaders often encounter, especially around the deadline for first-quarter results. Paracelsus Recovery, renowned for treating business executives, observes a notable increase in referrals of CEOs during these times. Gerber discusses the typical conditions these leaders suffer from, including burnout and anxiety, and explains the tailored, pragmatic treatment approaches his organization employs to help them cope while maintaining their professional responsibilities. The conversation highlights the paradox of leadership roles: the isolation and intense pressure hidden behind a facade of success and capability.

The Hidden Struggles of Leadership: A Conversation with Jan Gerber and Ian King from Sky News

<description>Our CEO – Jan Gerber, sat down with Dr. Med. Thilo Beck to discuss why #ultrawealthy clientele can experience as much stigmatisation and isolation as those at the far end of the socioeconomic spectrum. His insights from over 30 years of experience are sure to surprise you. 

Paracelsus Recovery is the world's premier treatment provider for mental health, substance abuse, eating disorders and other afflictions. At our lake-front residential penthouse, you will also have a housekeeper, dedicated driver, and personal chef, amongst many other amenities and complementary therapies. Treatment programmes include a four-week residential programme, a seven-day Executive Detoxification programme and a fully online treatment programme. Dr. Med. Thilo Beck is our chief consultant psychiatrist. 

#LuxuryRehab #mentalhealth #addiction</description>

Our CEO – Jan Gerber, sat down with Dr. Med. Thil…

Our CEO – Jan Gerber, sat down with Dr. Med. Thilo Beck to discuss why #ultrawealthy clientele can experience as much stigmatisation and isolation as those at the far end of the socioeconomic spectrum. His insights from over 30 years of experience are sure to surprise you. 

Paracelsus Recovery is the world's premier treatment provider for mental health, substance abuse, eating disorders and other afflictions. At our lake-front residential penthouse, you will also have a housekeeper, dedicated driver, and personal chef, amongst many other amenities and complementary therapies. Treatment programmes include a four-week residential programme, a seven-day Executive Detoxification programme and a fully online treatment programme. Dr. Med. Thilo Beck is our chief consultant psychiatrist. 

#LuxuryRehab #mentalhealth #addiction

How Does a Lead Psychiatrist Treat the Ultra-Wealthy?

Welcome to The Paracelsus Recovery & Guests Podcast, where we offer insights into how wealth can impact our mental health. In each episode, we invite guests to share their mental health journey and some of the life lessons they’ve learnt along the way.

Paracelsus Recovery & Guests

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