Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show Episode: AMY: Gaslighting, Trauma Bonding & Other Things That Got Popular on Instagram
Release Date: July 13, 2025
Host/Author: Premiere Networks
Description: In this episode, Amy and Kat delve deep into the nuances of mental health terminology as popularized on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They explore concepts such as gaslighting, trauma bonding, and more, distinguishing between their pop psychology interpretations and their clinical definitions. Through personal anecdotes and therapeutic insights, the hosts aim to educate listeners on the importance of understanding these terms accurately to foster better mental health awareness.

1. Introduction to Feelings and Personal Struggles

Timestamp: [02:13] – [07:36]

Amy and Kat begin the episode by sharing their current feelings and personal struggles. Amy opens up about feeling physically tired due to taking an Adderall pill after being Adderall-free for a year. She expresses a mix of shame and relief upon using the medication to accomplish her tasks, highlighting the internal conflict many face when relying on prescribed medications.

Notable Quotes:

• Amy [03:08]: "I got it all done, but then I couldn't go to sleep because my body just wasn't used to it."
• Kat [05:17]: "Most days you have to work harder to function the way a neurotypical person functions. And you don't complain about it. You do it."

2. Adderall Use and Emotional Impact

Timestamp: [07:05] – [17:28]

The discussion deepens as Amy and Kat explore the emotional ramifications of using Adderall. They address the stigma associated with taking medication for mental health issues, emphasizing that such medications level the playing field rather than serve as a form of cheating.

Notable Quotes:

• Kat [07:05]: "But it's just when you put it that way, it's like you are working harder. I'm gonna say this, and you tell me what you think."
• Amy [16:11]: "I felt compassion for myself. I don't think."

3. Sky Journaling Exercise

Timestamp: [09:09] – [20:08]

Amy introduces the concept of sky journaling, an exercise designed to help process emotions through artistic expression. Both hosts participate by drawing clouds and writing poems about them, sharing their creative outputs to illustrate their emotional states. This segment underscores the therapeutic benefits of guided journaling activities.

Notable Quotes:

• Amy [10:26]: "Sky journaling... are going to have their own interpretation of how to draw or what to draw."
• Kat [17:28]: "If you are tired of being a good cloud all day, maybe you should just be."

4. Pop Psychology vs. Clinical Definitions

Timestamp: [38:20] – [55:42]

A significant portion of the episode focuses on dissecting popular mental health terms as they appear on social media versus their clinical definitions. Amy and Kat discuss terms like trauma bonding, gaslighting, triggered, intrusive thoughts, and bipolar disorder, clarifying misconceptions and providing accurate explanations.

Subsections:

a. Trauma Bonding

Notable Quotes:

• Amy [38:40]: "When you are bonded with somebody through a trauma that you experience together."
• Kat [40:49]: "It's a situation where someone develops a strong sympathy, loyalty or dependence or attachment towards their abuser."

b. Gaslighting

Notable Quotes:

• Amy [42:09]: "Someone telling you their truth, but it's not the truth... making you feel crazy."
• Kat [43:01]: "It's an abuse tactic where you are manipulated to question your reality, memory, or sanity."

c. Triggered

Notable Quotes:

• Amy [44:32]: "You're having a response to something that has happened because of something that has happened to you in the past."
• Kat [44:46]: "A trigger is something that causes a sudden increase in symptoms, like flashbacks and PTSD or compulsions, like OCD."

d. Intrusive Thoughts

Notable Quotes:

• Amy [46:01]: "Thoughts that are taking over... they're interrupting what I have going on."
• Kat [47:59]: "Unwanted or involuntary thoughts that go against your real values and desires."

e. Bipolar Disorder

Notable Quotes:

• Amy [51:16]: "I've been guilty years back in the past of being like, oh, I'm so bipolar right now."
• Kat [52:24]: "People say they're bipolar when they're hot and cold, but that's not what bipolar disorder is."

5. Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Perceptions

Timestamp: [26:37] – [29:01]

Kat highlights a study indicating that over 80% of mental health information on platforms like TikTok and Instagram may be misleading. This segment emphasizes the necessity for critical thinking and seeking information from reliable sources to avoid confusion and potential harm.

Notable Quotes:

• Kat [28:19]: "If someone thinks that we're breaking ethical guidelines, they can report us to a board."
• Kat [29:01]: "I saw an analysis of 500 TikTok videos with the hashtag #mentalhealth or #mentaltips found that more than 80% were misleading."

6. Encouraging Critical Thinking and Responsible Sharing

Timestamp: [30:03] – [55:42]

Amy and Kat discuss the importance of critical thinking when consuming mental health content online. They caution against adopting self-help advice without understanding its context and encourage listeners to seek professional guidance when necessary.

Notable Quotes:

• Amy [32:01]: "I'm glad you can be honest and be like, Amy, you don't need to fall for every single person you see on."
• Kat [34:32]: "We protect their privacy, but we just have different information than a doctor would have."

7. Wins and Positive Reinforcement

Timestamp: [56:05] – [60:38]

The episode concludes with Amy and Kat sharing their personal "wins" of the day, promoting a positive mindset. They encourage listeners to recognize and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

Notable Quotes:

• Amy [56:05]: "What's a win for you? Oh, that you showed up."
• Kat [57:20]: "For me, it was to do that exercise because I don't usually do journaling."

Conclusion

In this enlightening episode of The Bobby Bones Show, Amy and Kat provide valuable insights into the complexities of mental health terminology as influenced by social media. By sharing their personal experiences and professional knowledge, they bridge the gap between pop psychology and clinical understanding, urging listeners to approach mental health discussions with nuance and critical thought. The episode serves as both an educational resource and a compassionate conversation, promoting mental well-being and informed awareness.

Additional Notes:

• Homework for Listeners: Engage in sky journaling by drawing a cloud and writing a poem about it. Listeners are encouraged to email their creations to feelingthingspodcast.com for a chance to have them featured on the show.
• Upcoming Episodes: A deep dive into Mel Robbins’ teachings is hinted at, aiming to analyze and critique popular self-help strategies.