Depresh Mode with John Moe

There have been ten million contacts, via phone calls, texts, and chats, with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline since it first launched in July of 2022. As its third anniversary approaches, we check in to see how the system is holding up, what the funding and capacity issues are, and what the future might look like with our guest, Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). We also examine the potential threat to the LGBTQ specialized services line after a leaked document from the Trump administration proposed cutting funding for it. And we debunk an internet meme involving cutting all 988 funding and Canada stepping in to pick up America’s slack.Thank you to all our listeners who support the show as monthly members of Maximum Fun.Check out our I’m Glad You’re Here and Depresh Mode merchandise at the brand new merch website MaxFunStore.com!Hey, remember, you’re part of Depresh Mode and we want to hear what you want to hear about. What guests and issues would you like to have covered in a future episode? Write us at depreshmode@maximumfun.org.Depresh Mode is on BlueSky, Instagram, Substack, and you can join our Preshies Facebook group. Help is available right away.The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255, 1-800-273-TALKCrisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.International suicide hotline numbers available here: https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines  

Dr. Nicholas Jacobson, an associate professor at Dartmouth and director of the AIM-HI lab, explores the groundbreaking Therabot—a generative AI psychotherapy chatbot. He reveals surprising results from clinical trials, including a 51% reduction in depression symptoms among users. Jacobson discusses how users form emotional bonds with Therabot and its unique ability to personalize therapy. He addresses concerns about AI in mental health, emphasizing that while Therabot won’t replace human therapists, it serves as a valuable supplement to care.

If you were brought up in a family or a culture that never recognized, discussed, or processed things like depression and trauma, you may have learned to simply hide those difficult feelings away and simply act as if everything’s great. You can be a high achiever, striving perfection, all to keep away demons that you’ve never really faced. Your act can be so good that it even fools you. For a while, anyway. Until it doesn’t. And then things can get very ugly. Psychologist Dr. Margaret Rutherford coined the term Perfectly Hidden Depression several years ago in a blog post that instantly went viral, filling her inbox with people shocked to recognize their own lives in what she described. She joins us to talk about PHD, how to recognize it in yourself, and what to do about it.Thank you to all our listeners who support the show as monthly members of Maximum Fun.Check out our I’m Glad You’re Here and Depresh Mode merchandise at the brand new merch website MaxFunStore.com!Hey, remember, you’re part of Depresh Mode and we want to hear what you want to hear about. What guests and issues would you like to have covered in a future episode? Write us at depreshmode@maximumfun.org.Depresh Mode is on BlueSky, Instagram, Substack, and you can join our Preshies Facebook group. Help is available right away.The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255, 1-800-273-TALKCrisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.International suicide hotline numbers available here: https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

Cameron Esposito, a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and podcast host, shares her journey after a recent bipolar disorder diagnosis. She discusses the transformative effects of medication on her social life and creative expression. The conversation dives into her rehab experience, highlighting the balance between recovery and career pressures. Cameron’s new special, 'Four Pills', reflects on using humor to navigate mental health challenges, showcasing how personal experiences heavily influence her comedic style. It’s an enlightening and humorous exploration of life with bipolar disorder.

Dr. Helen Ouyang, a physician and associate professor at Columbia University, dives into the heavy topic of mental health in the aviation industry. She highlights the stigma airline pilots face when dealing with mental illness and the fear of job loss if they seek help. Ouyang shares compelling stories of pilots who've navigated these challenges and discusses the urgent need for reform in mental health support within aviation. The conversation shifts to self-care and wellness, offering listeners practical tips and a fun look at resources like the Finch app.

Hanif Abdurraqib, a MacArthur Fellow and acclaimed poet, opens up about his journey with depression and anxiety. He emphasizes the vital role of community and support networks in mental health care. Hanif shares personal anecdotes about how basketball has shaped his identity and offers strategies for managing anxiety, including the importance of routines and physical activity. He encourages listeners to find joy in small moments and highlights the significance of recognizing and nurturing supportive relationships.

Open Mike Eagle, a talented rapper, comedian, and podcast host, dives into the current turmoil affecting society. He discusses how chaos in the news influences creativity and mental health while highlighting the struggles within the entertainment industry. Open Mike also emphasizes the significance of community and intentional self-reflection in navigating emotional well-being during tough times. The conversation culminates in a call for connection and support, showcasing the power of reaching out to friends and sharing experiences.

New listeners are warmly welcomed as the discussion dives into universal mental health challenges. The hosts emphasize the importance of open dialogue and personal stories, making everyone feel included. They aim to create a supportive community that blends humor with heartfelt conversations. Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on future topics while participating in a fundraising drive to enhance the show's reach and impact. It's about connection, openness, and embracing the journey together.

Jim James, the lead singer of My Morning Jacket, shares his candid journey through depression and alcoholism, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion. He reflects on seeking validation and how intense therapy, including EMDR, has reshaped his outlook. James discusses the therapeutic power of music, mindfulness on tour, and the struggles of finding the right therapist. With a focus on gratitude and support, he encourages listeners to embrace their journeys to mental wellness.

In this bonus content edition of Depresh Mode, We’re joined by some Maximum Fun all-stars for some very light-hearted and delightfully competitive games that are as informative as they are silly. Our competitors:Justin McElroy of My Brother, My Brother, and Me, Adventure Zone, and SawbonesHal Lublin of Tights & Fights and We Got ThisLaura Swisher, senior producer overseeing about a million Max Fun podcastsWho will win the game Antidepressant, Pokemon, or State Fair Food? Who will emerge victorious in Google Scholar or Member of Parliament/Funkadelic? Can our panel tell the difference between an emo band lyric, a quote from The Simpsons’ Moe, or a line heard on Depresh Mode? Tune in and find out!