How to Face Uncomfortable Emotions With Comedian Paul Gilmartin By Amy Morin, LCSW facebook twitter linkedin instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, the author of the bestselling book "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," and the host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. Learn about our editorial process Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on April 26, 2021 Print Verywell / Julie Bang Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Meet Paul Gilmartin Why Paul Gilmartin Is Mentally Strong What You’ll Hear on the Show What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength Quotes From Paul More About the Podcast Every Monday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews experts, authors, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life. Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Meet Paul Gilmartin Paul Gilmartin is a comedian. He was the longtime host of the TBS show Dinner and a Movie. He’s also appeared on Comedy Central, MTV, HBO, and VH1. He’s now the host of a popular podcast called The Mental Illness Happy Hour. He interviews celebrities, experts, and everyday people about their trauma, mental illness, addiction, and negative thinking. Why Paul Gilmartin Is Mentally Strong Beneath Paul’s humor was a darkness that he hid for many years. He struggled with depression and alcoholism. He chose to get sober in 2003. And when he did, his depression treatment began to work. He continues to talk about his depression and the steps he now takes to stay mentally healthy. He launched his podcast as a way to help people feel less alone in their struggles. He says his podcast is like a psychiatrist’s “waiting room” where people can gather and learn from one another. What You’ll Hear on the Show Why people with depression are often drawn to comedy How compliments felt when Paul was battling depression What it was like to “act funny” when feeling depressed What made Paul decide to get sober What happened to Paul’s depression when he quit drinking The things that gave him hope in life How Paul’s depression is treated Why social support is vital to good mental health The emotions everyone experiences The power of prayer even if you don’t believe in God How to start recognizing and changing your negative thinking patterns Why you have to get outside your comfort zone to feel better What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength Sometimes, people have an image in their heads about what depression “looks like.” And Paul doesn’t fit that description. He was a comedian with a successful TV show. He made other people laugh, and he looked like he was enjoying life from the outside. But mental illnesses are often hidden. And just because someone doesn’t “look depressed” doesn’t mean they aren’t. You also can’t tell whether someone is mentally strong simply by looking at them. While you might assume that person who exercises regularly is “self-disciplined,” they might actually have serious body image issues. You never know what types of internal battles someone is facing. And Paul is proof that people often get really good at hiding their emotional struggles. Quotes From Paul Paul Gilmartin I heard somebody say one time that comedy is a socially acceptable way of expressing anger. — Paul Gilmartin Anxiety and depression are like the Skipper and Gilligan. You usually usually find them together. The psychiatrist said to me, ‘I can't deal with your depression when you're pouring a depressant down your throat every night.’ Sitting in your recliner, obsessing about yourself, is not going to make your life better. The brain is neuroplastic and it can be rewired. More About the Podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too. Links and Resources Follow The Mental Illness Happy Hour on Instagram Check out The Mental Illness Happy Hour website Is it Possible to Have Functional Depression? 5 Things I Wish More People Understood About Mental Strength What Happens in Substance-Induced Mood Disorder? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Speak to a Therapist Online Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.