The Joshist: Recent Episodes
Joshua Merritt
Host Joshua Merritt talks candidly about mental illness and more — including tips for healing and fighting the stigma, plus his own experience with PTSD, major depression, and bipolar II.
Men aren't always quick to admit they are depressed, or to see psychiatric treatment. In this episode, Joshua talks about how he resisted taking antidepressants — and shares the 9 reasons he is glad he did.
Trauma tells us over and over that we can’t. But we already did. We lived through it. I am here, and so are you. Joshua recounts a painful trauma involving gun and sexual violence — and shares how far he has come, ways he is healing, and hopes and optimism for others who are suffering from traumas.
We talk a lot about invisible illnesses: it's a common phrase for mental illnesses and even physical ailments like fibromyalgia. The truth is, these illnesses AREN'T invisible: some people are just choosing not to see and acknowledge them. Joshua shares 6 tips for finding people who can see your suffering — which is a critical step to living a more fulfilling life.
Worms? Yes, worms. Listen as Joshua talks about the different ways people comfort themselves no matter what mood disorder they may be suffering from — and hear his personal favorite comforts.
Everyone agrees: our country needs to invest more in mental health. So where are the walk-in mental health clinics? Joshua talks about the pressing need for quick, affordable mental healthcare — and what politicians have (and haven't) done to make it possible.
Fighting depression can feel impossible. Joshua introduces "No Zero Days" - his simple method for taking small, manageable steps to combat debilitating lows.
Bipolar II creates some unsafe highs. Here’s what they feel like for me — and tips for how I catch mania before it gets out of control, and how I avoid the lows that follow.