Strategies for Conquering Your Fears of Awkward Feelings with Paul Gilmartin

Ever felt overwhelmed by emotions that make you want to curl up in a blanket and hide away? Paul Gilmartin, a seasoned comedian, and podcast host, has been there. In a candid interview on the Verywell Mind Podcast with Amy Morin, LCSW, Paul shares his insights and strategies for facing uncomfortable emotions head-on.

Paul's Journey with Mental Health and Addiction

Behind Paul's humor lies a deeply personal story of struggling with depression and alcoholism. However, in 2003, he made the life-altering decision to pursue sobriety and seek treatment for depression. Today, Paul openly shares his journey, aiming to build a supportive community for those facing similar challenges.

Key Insights from the Podcast

• Comedy and Depression's Complicated Relationship: Paul delves into the intricate connection between depression and the tendency toward comedy, shedding light on the underlying dynamics.

• Receiving Compliments While Depressed: Paul reflects on his experiences of receiving compliments while battling depression, providing a unique perspective on how such gestures were perceived during his challenging times.

• Humor in the Face of Depression: Paul shares his experiences performing comedic acts while struggling with depression, highlighting the complexities of maintaining a humorous façade amidst emotional turmoil.

• The Road to Sobriety: Paul recounts the pivotal moment when he decided to pursue sobriety, elaborating on the factors that influenced his choice and the transformative impact it had on his mental well-being.

• Overcoming Depression and Alcoholism's Complex Connection: Paul candidly discusses the intricate relationship between depression and alcoholism, emphasizing the profound effect that quitting drinking had on his depression symptoms.

• Finding Hope and Inspiration: Paul shares the sources of hope and inspiration that sustained him during his darkest times, offering valuable insights into finding resilience in the face of adversity.

• Seeking Treatment for Depression: Paul sheds light on the treatment modalities that have proven effective in managing his depression, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional support and adhering to recommended treatment plans.

• The Power of Social Support: Paul underscores the pivotal role of social support in promoting good mental health, highlighting the transformative power of human connection and belonging.

• Recognizing and Changing Negative Thinking Patterns: Paul emphasizes the importance of recognizing and actively changing negative thinking patterns, offering practical strategies for developing a healthier mindset.

• Embracing Challenges: Paul asserts that stepping outside one's comfort zone can be a catalyst for personal growth and emotional healing, encouraging listeners to embrace challenges as opportunities for transformation.

Key Mental Health and Mental Strength Takeaways

• Mental Illnesses Can Be Hidden: Paul's story reminds us that mental illnesses often remain hidden, challenging conventional perceptions of what depression "looks like."

• Mental Strength Isn't Always Evident: Paul exemplifies the idea that mental strength is not always apparent, challenging assumptions about individuals' mental well-being based on their outward appearance.

• Internal Battles Remain Hidden: Paul's experiences underscore the fact that people often become adept at concealing their emotional struggles, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding.

Quotes from Paul Gilmartin

• "I heard somebody say one time that comedy is a socially acceptable way of expressing anger."

• "Anxiety and depression are like the Skipper and Gilligan. You usually usually find them together."

• "The psychiatrist said to me, 'I can't deal with your depression when you're pouring a depressant down your throat every night.'"

• "Sitting in your recliner, obsessing about yourself, is not going to make your life better."

• "The brain is neuroplastic and it can be rewired."

Additional Podcast Information

The Verywell Mind Podcast is available on multiple streaming platforms. Leaving a review on Apple Podcasts is greatly appreciated if you find the podcast informative and impactful.

Reviews and ratings play a significant role in encouraging more listeners to prioritize their mental health and embark on their own journeys toward mental well-being.