Emergency Intercom Episode Summary Episode Title: Being Depressed Without Sadness
Release Date: March 17, 2023
Hosts: Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips
Podcast: Emergency Intercom by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the episode titled "Being Depressed Without Sadness," hosts Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips delve into the nuanced and often misunderstood facets of depression. Contrary to traditional perceptions, this discussion centers on experiencing depression without the accompanying typical sadness. Through a blend of candid conversations, personal anecdotes, and humor, the hosts explore the complexities of mental health, societal expectations, and personal coping mechanisms.

Understanding Depression Without Sadness

The episode opens with Drew sharing a profound personal insight:

Drew [01:41]: "I'm depressed but I'm not sad because I've been wearing the same outfit for seven days without even realizing it."

This statement sets the tone for the episode, highlighting how depression can manifest in subtle, non-traditional ways. Instead of overt sadness, individuals might exhibit signs of disengagement or lack of motivation in daily activities.

Signs and Indicators of Unconventional Depression

Kai contributes to the discussion by outlining three unconventional signs of depression:

Kai [02:35]: "I have not been shopping for like five weeks, which sounds like you should."

Despite appearances, Kai elaborates that refraining from shopping isn't out of sadness but rather an addictive vice previously used to gain small serotonin boosts. This behavior underscores how depression can lead to changes in habits and interests that aren't immediately recognizable as symptoms.

Drew further explains:

Drew [03:00]: "I was just choosing not to brush my teeth at night... I'm low key depressed, but I'm not sad."

These examples illustrate the subtle shifts in daily routines and self-care practices that can indicate underlying mental health struggles without the presence of sadness.

Coping Mechanisms and Social Withdrawal

The hosts discuss various coping strategies and the resultant social withdrawal:

Kai [03:03]: "I can't make a decision on anything. I don't want to... It just brings me anxiety."

Drew adds context by linking increased gaming hours:

Drew [03:45]: "My Fortnite hours have gone up even more and it's pissing me off... something dark sided is going on that I cannot explain."

This segment emphasizes how individuals might turn to activities like gaming or isolate themselves as a means to escape or manage their emotions, inadvertently deepening their sense of disconnection.

External Influences Affecting Mental Health

The conversation shifts to external factors influencing mental health, such as seasonal changes and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic:

Drew [05:00]: "It could be because after Covid, everybody was cooped up... now we're in withdrawal."

Kai adds:

Kai [05:49]: "For some reason now, it's like, oh, I have to go do this... it's like, oh, I have to go see this person."

These insights highlight how societal shifts and extended periods of isolation can contribute to feelings of burnout and exacerbate mental health challenges.

Personal Anecdotes and Humor

Throughout the episode, the hosts interweave personal stories and humor to navigate the heavy topic:

Drew [10:22]: "We went to the park to play basketball... Kai was like, I have to go do work."

Kai [11:18]: "I didn't even get into the murder. He was just a weirdo..."

These anecdotes serve to lighten the conversation, making the discussion more relatable and engaging while still addressing serious underlying issues.

Addressing Puff Bar Allegations

A humorous segment ensues as the hosts mockingly address allegations related to puff bar usage:

Drew [13:32]: "It wasn't real. I don't smoke that. Never have."

Kai [14:02]: "You're like, no, it's a new puff bar. But I don't even own one, so I don't know what you're talking about."

This back-and-forth showcases the hosts' ability to blend humor with personal topics, making the conversation both entertaining and insightful.

Dreams, Memories, and Childhood Stories

The discussion takes a nostalgic turn as Drew recounts a dream involving Shawn Mendes:

Drew [19:37]: "He pushed me over and started beating on me and spit on me... Yes, this is a Shawn Mendes you're talking about."

Kai responds with disbelief:

Kai [19:54]: "How big you. Bigger than you. Come here, Bobby."

These stories not only provide comic relief but also offer a glimpse into the hosts' personal lives and experiences, fostering a deeper connection with the audience.

Media and Entertainment Discussions

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts engage in conversations about media and entertainment, discussing artists like Imagine Dragons and movies such as "Creed 3":

Drew [43:23]: "Why are they selling out stadiums?... he is like, the hottest man alive."

Kai [44:12]: "His body is, like, lit, I guess... he kind of just looks like a guy."

These segments reflect the hosts' diverse interests and provide listeners with a well-rounded understanding of their personalities beyond discussing mental health.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Drew [01:41]: "I'm depressed but I'm not sad because I've been wearing the same outfit for seven days without even realizing it."

• Kai [02:35]: "I have not been shopping for like five weeks, which sounds like you should."

• Drew [03:00]: "I'm low key depressed, but I'm not sad."

• Drew [05:00]: "It could be because after Covid, everybody was cooped up... now we're in withdrawal."

• Drew [10:22]: "We went to the park to play basketball... Kai was like, I have to go do work."

• Drew [13:32]: "It wasn't real. I don't smoke that. Never have."

• Kai [14:02]: "You're like, no, it's a new puff bar. But I don't even own one, so I don't know what you're talking about."

Conclusion and Insights

The "Being Depressed Without Sadness" episode of Emergency Intercom provides a unique exploration of depression that doesn't fit the conventional narrative of sadness. Through honest conversations, the hosts shed light on how depression can manifest in everyday behaviors and thought patterns, sometimes masked by humor and self-deprecation. By addressing both personal experiences and broader societal factors, Enya and Drew offer listeners a multifaceted understanding of mental health, emphasizing the importance of recognizing diverse signs of emotional struggles beyond traditional indicators.

The episode stands out for its ability to balance depth with levity, making the conversation both impactful and approachable. It serves as a reminder that mental health is a complex and individualized experience, deserving of nuanced discussion and empathy.