Podcast Title: Smosh Mouth
Episode: S2: #52 - Destigmatizing our Mental Illnesses
Release Date: February 26, 2020
Hosts: Shayne Topp, Amanda Lehan-Canto, and rotating Smosh friends
Description: Join Shayne Topp (short), Amanda Lehan-Canto (tall), and a rotating Smosh friend as we discuss what’s on our minds, what we’ve found on the internet, and other dumb ideas we’re cooking up.
Introduction to the Episode
In episode #52 of Smosh Mouth titled "Destigmatizing our Mental Illnesses," the Smosh team delves deep into personal experiences with mental health issues, aiming to break down stereotypes and reduce the stigma surrounding conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and OCD. The episode blends heartfelt discussions with the group's characteristic humor, creating an engaging and insightful listen for both regular fans and newcomers.
Personal Experiences with ADHD
Kevin Rigg takes center stage in the discussion, opening up about his struggles with ADHD. He explains the dual nature of his ADHD—both hyperactive and inattentive—and how it affects his daily life.
Kevin Rigg [31:05]: "I have ADHD, and I have the ADHD that's the most fun in the sense of. So there's like, three kinds. You can have the hyperactive, or you can have inattentive, and then there's one that's a combination of both, and that's me."
Kevin shares anecdotes illustrating the challenges ADHD poses, such as his tendency to forget essential items repeatedly, leading to multiple trips out the door. He emphasizes that ADHD is often misunderstood as merely a personality trait, rather than a legitimate condition.
Kevin Rigg [33:05]: "I'll walk out the door, shut the door, keys were in there day after day after day."
Navigating Anxiety and Relationships
The conversation shifts to how mental health issues impact relationships. Kevin recounts how ADHD affected his romantic relationship, leading to misunderstandings and emotional strain. Through mutual recognition and research, both partners were able to understand each other better and support one another.
Kevin Rigg [47:09]: "We just cried. We just held each other and cried."
Keith Leake Jr. adds his perspective on anxiety, describing how societal pressures and the inability to say "no" can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. He shares a personal story about experiencing intense anxiety before meeting friends, despite regular interactions.
Keith Leake Jr. [11:18]: "I hate to get, like, pressure to do stuff. If I say no, it means no."
Overcoming Stigma and Self-Acceptance
The hosts discuss the societal stigma attached to mental illnesses and the importance of self-acceptance. Damien Haas emphasizes the value of open communication and setting personal boundaries to manage mental health effectively.
Damien Haas [21:49]: "You are not terrible for setting boundaries. I think that's part of the pressure..."
Keith Leake Jr. shares his experiences with others minimizing his struggles by attributing them to superficial traits, highlighting the pervasive nature of stigma.
Keith Leake Jr. [39:20]: "People be like, I must be ADHD too. I forgot. It's like. It's like, man, it comes out in so many small ways."
Managing Mental Health in Creative Roles
Balancing mental health with creative responsibilities is another focal point. Kevin Rigg discusses the demands of his role as the producer ("Shredder") for Smosh and how he manages his ADHD without medication by relying on habits and a supportive partnership.
Kevin Rigg [35:03]: "A lot of it is pure force of will. Like, once again, unmedicated. I don't medicate. So a lot of it is pure force of will."
Damien Haas relates by sharing his own journey with OCD and anxiety, detailing how transitioning to a less structured YouTube environment increased his anxiety levels. He underscores the importance of honesty and self-awareness in overcoming these challenges.
Damien Haas [34:31]: "I have to make sure ... I want everybody to know that this is the way that it's going to go, and you're not taking my word for it."
Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems
The hosts explore various coping strategies that help them manage their mental health. Kevin Rigg highlights the significance of exercise in channeling his hyperactive energy and maintaining mental balance.
Kevin Rigg [39:20]: "The big thing that I find for myself now too, that really helps boost me personally is like exercise of some sort."
Damien Haas talks about utilizing support from friends and online communities to navigate his OCD and anxiety. He also emphasizes the role of partners in providing stability and understanding.
Damien Haas [37:56]: "And you know my OCD stuff... I have to like, I'm so sorry, man. Can you stop just crunching?"
Breaking Down Stereotypes and Encouraging Dialogue
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to debunking common misconceptions about mental illnesses. The hosts address how terms like ADHD and OCD are often trivialized or used inaccurately in everyday conversation, urging for more informed and respectful dialogue.
Damien Haas [40:16]: "But I think it's so ... you've got to just ... communicate that honestly."
They also discuss the importance of challenging others gently when they exhibit insensitive behavior, fostering a more supportive environment for those with mental health conditions.
Keith Leake Jr. [42:04]: "But you still have to watch that. You have to watch that."
Advice and Encouragement for Listeners
Towards the end of the episode, Kevin Rigg offers heartfelt advice to listeners dealing with ADHD, emphasizing self-worth and community support.
Kevin Rigg [47:31]: "While your ADHD is a part of you, you are not your ADHD. You are an awesome person... you can do it and just work hard and know that you're not the only one out there. Come on, dude."
Damien Haas echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of shifting one's perspective to view mental health challenges as potential superpowers rather than limitations.
Damien Haas [39:55]: "Whatever someone deals with mentally, there are ways you can sort of shift it to be more like a superpower."
Conclusion
Episode #52 of Smosh Mouth provides a candid and compassionate exploration of mental health issues among the Smosh team. Through personal anecdotes, honest conversations, and mutual support, Shayne, Amanda, and their guests effectively destigmatize mental illnesses, offering listeners both understanding and practical advice. The episode serves as a testament to the power of openness and the importance of addressing mental health in all facets of life.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Kevin Rigg [31:05]: "I have ADHD, and I have the ADHD that's the most fun in the sense of..."
- Kevin Rigg [33:05]: "I'll walk out the door, shut the door, keys were in there day after day after day."
- Keith Leake Jr. [11:18]: "I hate to get, like, pressure to do stuff. If I say no, it means no."
- Damien Haas [21:49]: "You are not terrible for setting boundaries. I think that's part of the pressure..."
- Keith Leake Jr. [39:20]: "People be like, I must be ADHD too. I forgot. It's like..."
- Kevin Rigg [35:03]: "A lot of it is pure force of will. Like, once again, unmedicated. I don't medicate..."
- Damien Haas [34:31]: "I have to make sure ... I want everybody to know that this is the way that it's going to go..."
- Kevin Rigg [39:20]: "The big thing that I find for myself now too, that really helps boost me personally is like exercise of some sort."
- Damien Haas [37:56]: "And you know my OCD stuff... I have to like, I'm so sorry, man. Can you stop just crunching?"
- Kevin Rigg [47:31]: "While your ADHD is a part of you, you are not your ADHD. You are an awesome person..."
- Damien Haas [39:55]: "Whatever someone deals with mentally, there are ways you can sort of shift it to be more like a superpower."
Final Thoughts
This episode not only provides an intimate look into the lives of the Smosh team but also serves as an educational platform for listeners to gain a deeper understanding of mental health. By sharing their vulnerabilities and triumphs, Shayne, Amanda, and their guests foster a more empathetic and informed community. Whether you're battling similar issues or simply seeking to broaden your perspective, episode #52 is a valuable listen.