John Moe Is Fighting Mental Health Stigma With Humor
Apr 26, 2021
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John Moe, a writer and radio personality known for his work on mental health, shares his journey with humor and vulnerability. He discusses how making mental health conversations less intimidating can significantly reduce stigma. John emphasizes the importance of storytelling in fostering community and support. He also examines the unexpected decline in suicide rates during 2020 while recognizing the continuing struggles many face post-pandemic. His approach highlights the transformative power of humor and open dialogue in healing and understanding.
John Moe emphasizes that humor can help alleviate the fears surrounding mental health, fostering easier conversations about personal struggles.
Through open discussions and sharing personal stories, individuals can find community support that encourages timely help for mental health issues.
Deep dives
Understanding Mental Illness Stigma
Many adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, with higher rates among multiracial individuals and the LGBTQ community. Despite the increasing awareness and conversation around mental health, individuals often wait an average of 11 years before seeking help. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness is crucial, as it can prevent individuals from acknowledging their struggles and finding treatment. By openly discussing their experiences, people can encourage others to seek assistance sooner and improve their overall wellbeing.
John Moe's Personal Journey
John Moe lived with undiagnosed depression for decades, masking his struggles due to fear of judgment and misunderstanding. His turning point came after his brother died by suicide, prompting him to recognize the importance of speaking out and seeking help. Moe emphasizes that mental illness is not a personal weakness but a chronic condition that deserves treatment just like any other illness. After seeking help, he learned various coping mechanisms, which he uses to manage his mental health and encourages others to do the same.
Creating a Supportive Community
Moe highlights the value of open conversations around mental health, which can foster community and support among those affected. By sharing personal stories, individuals can find common ground and encourage one another to seek help, potentially altering the trajectory of their lives. Emphasizing inclusivity, he encourages listeners to create spaces where people feel safe discussing their mental health. This collective approach is essential for combating the isolation that often accompanies mental health struggles.
Navigating Post-Pandemic Mental Health
The episode discusses the ongoing mental health challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased anxiety and depression rates. As collective trauma lingers, it is essential for individuals to be kind to themselves and others during the healing process. The conversation also touches on the importance of recognizing when mental illness becomes a disorder that interferes with daily life, signifying a need for professional help. Moe encourages proactive engagement with mental health resources and offers reassurance, explaining that seeking help is both a courageous and necessary step.
John Moe (“Depresh Mode,” “The Hilarious World of Depression”) is bringing humor to mental health. The writer and radio personality’s work often centers on his mental health journey, and his writing has appeared in numerous humor anthologies as well as The New York Times Magazine, McSweeney's, The Seattle Times, and many more publications. For two decades, he hosted nationally distributed public radio programs.
Following decades of living with undiagnosed depression, John is now using his platform to break down the stigma of mental illness. In his new podcast “Depresh Mode,” he interviews comedians, musicians, authors, and actors about living with depression, anxiety, and other common disorders. Through their honest, relatable conversations, listeners can learn more about their options for facing mental illness and feel less alone.
In this episode, John shares the power of sharing your story, how humor can make things less scary, and how we can all follow his example in breaking down mental health stigma by talking about it.