Long Winded with Gabby Windey: Episode Summary – "Mentally Ill with Brooke Averick"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Long Winded with Gabby Windey
• Host/Author: Dear Media
• Description: Gabby Windey delves deep into contemporary topics such as dating, sexuality, mental health, and pop culture with her guests, aiming to move past surface-level discussions to uncover their true selves. Drawing from her diverse background as an ICU nurse, NFL cheerleader, and The Bachelorette, Gabby offers unique perspectives infused with relatability, heart, and humor.
• Episode: Mentally Ill with Brooke Averick
• Release Date: January 16, 2025

Introduction and Initial Banter

The episode kicks off with Gabby Windey and her guest, Brooke Averick, engaging in light-hearted conversation about pets and upcoming events. This casual exchange sets a comfortable tone for the deeper discussions to follow.

Brooke Averick [00:10]: "I know, but did you see that LA Times thing where it's like, tomorrow night there's gonna be something."

Brooke’s Podcasting Journey and Upcoming Book

Brooke introduces her podcast, "Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast," discussing her transition from podcasting to writing her first book, slated for release in 2026. The book centers on a protagonist battling intimacy anxiety, aiming to overcome personal barriers within thirty days.

Brooke Averick [05:06]: "So the book is basically... she's gonna get laid. And so the book is kind of just her trying to do that."

Navigating Dating and Intimacy Anxiety

The conversation delves into Brooke's struggles with dating, particularly her deep-seated anxiety stemming from traumatic experiences in her youth. She discusses her reliance on dating apps like Hinge and her contemplation of exploring same-sex relationships for comfort and ease.

Brooke Averick [06:29]: "I haven't been on a date probably since middle school."

Personal Mental Health Journeys

Brooke shares her extensive mental health journey, highlighting the onset of severe OCD and anxiety triggered by the events of 9/11 when she was five years old. She recounts how these struggles have persisted into adulthood, manifesting as intrusive thoughts and generalized anxiety.

Brooke Averick [18:49]: "I thought my thoughts were much more powerful... I thought I could start terrorist attacks in my head."

Medication and Coping Mechanisms

Both Gabby and Brooke discuss their experiences with various psychiatric medications, including Paxil, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Lamictal, and Gabapentin. They explore the benefits and side effects they've encountered, such as weight gain and anhedonia (a loss of pleasure). The conversation also touches on non-pharmacological coping mechanisms like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which Brooke finds ineffective due to deeply ingrained, irrational anxiety.

Brooke Averick [20:44]: "I'm on Cymbalta and Wellbutrin. A cocktail. I'm not sure. Still kind of working out..."

Gabby Windey [22:36]: "I've tried CBT, but it doesn't work for me. The anxiety might be so irrational..."

Substance Use and Its Effects

The discussion moves to coping mechanisms involving substances like alcohol and marijuana. Both admit to using these as attempts to manage their symptoms, though with mixed results. They acknowledge the complexities and potential downsides of these methods.

Gabby Windey [25:08]: "I feel like if you hit rock bottom, then you could be like, okay, nothing bad..."

Brooke Averick [24:46]: "I try. I'm not a very good drinker. But sometimes it hits in a great way..."

Humorous Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Adding levity, Gabby and Brooke share humorous childhood stories related to social anxiety and embarrassing moments, such as unfounded accusations about farts in class. These anecdotes serve to humanize their struggles and emphasize the importance of finding humor amidst challenges.

Brooke Averick [49:58]: "I was answering a question in computer class and in the middle, I farted, like really obviously and very loudly..."

Reading, Writing, and Recommendations

Both guests express their love for reading and writing, discussing fan fiction and favorite authors. Brooke recommends authors like Abby Jimenez for romantic comedies that incorporate mental health themes and mentions "Idlewild," a book inspired by her experiences at a Quaker school.

Brooke Averick [43:06]: "Abby Jimenez... she writes a lot of rom coms, and they have a lot of mental illness woven in."

Relationships and Friendships

The dynamic between Gabby and Brooke underscores their deep friendship and mutual support systems. They discuss maintaining relationships while grappling with mental illness, emphasizing open communication and understanding to navigate their respective challenges.

Brooke Averick [27:06]: "I'm always very communicative and being like, I'm depressed. I need this amount of time."

Transition to Advertisements

Midway through the transcript, the conversation shifts to advertisements for products like Lumi Deodorant, Aria, and others. These sections are integral to the episode but are treated separately to maintain focus on content.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its end, Gabby and Brooke reflect on the depth and breadth of their conversation, expressing a desire to continue their dialogue in future episodes. They emphasize the importance of community, open dialogue, and personal growth in managing mental health.

Brooke Averick [67:45]: "Thank you so much, Gabby. That was so fun."

Gabby Windey [67:47]: "Oh, my God. So fun."

Key Takeaways

• Mental Health is Multifaceted: Both Gabby and Brooke share their personal battles with mental illnesses, highlighting the complexity and individuality of each person's journey.

• Medication is Not One-Size-Fits-All: They discuss the varied effects of different medications, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment plans.

• Humor as a Coping Mechanism: Sharing embarrassing yet humorous stories underscores the role of humor in managing and alleviating mental health struggles.

• Importance of Support Systems: Open communication with friends and family plays a crucial role in navigating mental health challenges.

• Creative Outlets are Vital: Writing, podcasting, and reading serve as therapeutic outlets for both guests, showcasing the importance of creative expression in mental health.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing valuable insights into Brooke Averick's experiences with mental health and her journey towards healing and self-discovery. For those interested in in-depth conversations about mental health, coping mechanisms, and personal growth, this episode serves as a meaningful listen.