Jeff Tweedy interview (Hilarious World of Depression)

Long before Jeff Tweedy was the founder and leader of the enormously popular band Wilco, he was a kid in Illinois with severe migraines and a tendency toward anxiety and depression.
He cycled through alcohol, marijuana, and, finally, opioids to try to get to the point of feeling normal and okay, even relying on a fan who worked at Walgreen’s to score him the pills he wanted. Finally, a stint in rehab and a return of self-confidence got him back on track.
Our colleagues at APM's Hilarious World of Depression interviewed Tweedy at Wilco's Loft in Chicago. The Current's videographer Nate Ryan accompanied them on the trip and filmed this video.
Download the full Hilarious World of Depression episode here: www.apmpodcasts.org/thwod/201...

[@a.p.b5520]

Oh man...migraine headaches and depression led to a long heroin and xanax addiction for me. 8 years sober!

[@ktmtxt]

Aaron Baranek fuck yeah dude, congrats!

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

That is great news for yourself

[@donny_doyle]

Good work, I hope you're still sober...🖖🏽

[@SolamenteVees]

I just finished Jeff's book; he delves deeper into everything mentioned here. A great read and a seemingly-genuine, likable human. Oh, he knows how to write songs too.

[@thomasrainbow]

Being this honest helps everyone everywhere including yourself. Thanks so much for this.

[@heeeeThor]

Heavy. He's very brave for sharing all of this and being so vulnerable. It does make me look closer at my own mental health issues, which has been a bit difficult, I'll be honest. Because here's someone who is exposing depression and anxiety, and calling out the light on to it, and it raises it to the surface. For myself. Ugh. But, thank you.

[@dennisrocker]

Jeff, About 17 years ago you and your work became the most respected bone in the area of my body in which depends on music, writing and musical direction to sustain a viable worth living way of life to me.lol Arrangements of words put into the form of a song that are so life felt and said with a special music to carry them along in order to find the ears of the regular Joe or Linda is a gift that only a few of people still living can do. Jeff Im 65, I do some writing and jam in a loud crazy band. My peeps in Fayetteville Ga. consider me to be the word guy with tunes to go along but Jeff, you are my #1 go to guy that shapes my stuff into something that always sparks a 'lets play it again' response. Dont you dare stop shining for me as Johnny Cash did and does. I dont mean to sound silly or girly as I tell you that you are now the holder of Johneys place , however you also grew from his creations and added new fortune to be found. PS, I sometimes have to prepare the newbys for the directional out take style that you do in most songs so that they too will say,,yea,yea thats cool. You got me to doing it ,,somewhat !!! Peace Jeff

[@MrPeterkrueger]

So many great takeaways from this interview -- thank you for posting

[@markholter5687]

I really appreciate this interview.

[@LewisCollard]

That was raw. Thank you Jeff and APM

[@cAnthonyL]

This is fantastic! Thank you both for the honesty and the inspiration.

[@kennethbishop3188]

Thank you Jeff for telling us your story. So much honesty.

[@flowerdoodle2438]

Great interview! I can relate! It's good he's so honest and revealing. So important for his fans to see

[@chuzzrocket]

Bless you Jeff for speaking this openly about this.

[@Joel-ls6fn]

This is great. Thanks for doing this Jeff.

[@lindakingshields1126]

Thank you for this testimony Jeff!

[@desireegaleski9257]

Thanks for this interview. I am dealing with depression and love music. This video really helps me understand my own depression.

[@cgraugaard]

So many great insights. Thank you

[@Luke-er6mr]

such an honest soul. Love you Jeff

[@greacen]

"you've got something" love that moment. I appreciate Jeff's honesty & transparency here- great interview.

[@aryzner]

This is an incredible interview and Jeff's willingness to share his problems and experiences trying to treat them so honestly and articulately is beautiful. I've never had the addiction issues but when he describes going through your day in a constant state of panic, I can totally relate with. His thoughts on the matter are very comforting to hear. Thank you for this.

[@scottrose8417]

Thank you Jeff! This interview was so helpful to me on a whole bunch of levels. Thanks so much ; )

[@andreasrys883]

Thank you very much, Jeff!

[@marie3ification]

Thank you for sharing.

[@DaveGoodwin0com]

Ive suffered from migraines, anxiety, and depression since I was a young child as well. I've always had the same theory about the connection between them as well. Jeff you're awesome. Thank you for your transparency. You have always been such an inspiration to me.

[@JonTate]

This is healing honesty both for the listener and, most encouragingly, for the teller. Thanks to Jeff Tweedy for the courage to sit down and expose the backstage self for the benefit of anyone who can identify with what he is describing. It means so much to me.

[@glmeyer227]

Killer, authentic, honest interview with real questions...if depression, anxiety and/or addiction has touched your life or anyone you love or care about, please watch this. 'Dual diagnosis' is a big thing to ponder here. Also...where he says 'Being sad isn't the worst thing a person can suffer from' and "you can't 'choose' to stay or be in one emotion all the time" is brilliantly spoken... It also doesn't hurt that I absolutely adore this spiritual being for so many real reasons aside from his musical talent. He is a truth seeking troubadour who croons from, often painful reality❤that has helped me understand, not only who and what I am and how I feel through his heartfelt music and words, but also those I love. He is a rare gentle gift to us all. Since I never knew what the hell I was/am doing with my sons...I have actually parented my 2 boys with some ideas he's presented throughout the years in hopes that their path will be less arduous due to their creative tender souls than mine is..His candor is his greatest gift.... Thank you Mr. Tweedy. You are my creative inspiritation in so many meaningful ways...I enjoyed our 1 song we sang together...you are my muse...

[@codieodie6376]

Jeff Tweedy, you are one smart man who follows his heart. Your creativity somewhat saved you. We all thank you for that.

[@jgoodell77]

Jeff's candor on mental health and addiction is brave and refreshing. His experience is in seeking treatment informing and important to hear for everyone. Thank you Jeff for telling your story.

[@tacogladiator7503]

Thank you Jeff

[@andreapicchi990]

I love the loyalty of this conversation. I think it's what lacks most to to the human being. These words are so precious...

[@davshavu]

Thank You for the maturity and lack of pretense presented in this interview. A serious condition that millions of people suffer from daily. Plus, "Kudos" on the title of this clip! Made my day. Keep on keeping on Jeff, your art is uniquely American, like listening to a friend who understands my view on life.

[@jeremycharbonneau9727]

I really appreciate you speaking out about this. As a musician who suffers from bi-polar 2 disorder, I've felt the need to address it in the music I write and it's been a helpful catharsis.

[@mickeyhynes]

Thanks for being so open, Jeff. It's some small comfort to know your heroes are going through similar things to yourself. We all need to talk more, especially men.

[@citrixman]

A very honest and honorable interview ... thank you for doing this.

[@rubenbachmann3285]

thanks for this honset interview!

[@jeffwhite3055]

They all are with him

[@jessek437]

This really helped me today. Thanks.

[@cucknorris6497]

Love you Jeff! Your the man.

[@matthewgaffney1955]

Really wonderful.

[@barbprindle8418]

thank you for sharing your story so honestly Jeff. blessings to you and your family. great job with the interview, Interview Guy, whoever you are (also, i'm from Minnesota too, and now googling what's on your T Shirt :p)

[@cynthiamadrid1430]

Such a real human being.... So honest. Honesty is the first Step in recovery. Jeff miraculouusly found a very Complete rehabilitation Program. Combining mental and physical treatment at once in the 28-30 day process. JEFF is a Genius. His music says everything About him. Clearly he has A wonderful life partner, his wife. His music is powerful at the same time wise and beautifully REAL, just like his soul. THANK YOU.

[@morelia21701]

Great interview.

[@Alamoth]

Thank you.

[@lennidog2000]

I posted this because it's the most right on and truthful expression of depression I have heard so far.

[@WolfieMusic70]

Those rugs really tie the room together.

[@colin3983]

donny, please.

[@naylik2562]

shut the fuck up donn-when do we play?

[@NanaYawAforo]

lol

[@NanaYawAforo]

well played.

[@davidmatthews3131]

The Big Tweedowski : the Dude abides

[@kennethbishop3188]

Jeff you have always been a beacon of hope, especially in my worst depression. It's true, as I once heard Doug Stanhope say at a gig, if you're depressed, then probably you're just right. Sadness should not be shunned as an abnormal state of being, especially in this effed up world!

[@caseyapgar1153]

Wow, Thank you!! One of my heroes...very inspired and... I just don't know what to say.

[@jonathanhardy4002]

I watched this because I am a fan of his songwriting. That said, his personal life and his depression is his business and he is brave to share his story with the world. I learned a little about Jeff and that was cool. What is better is that I learned quite a bit about how one man has handled his illness. Sharing this kind of information helps us all deal with our own issues. It adds to the body of information about depression. Hopefully we can all draw from each others experience.

[@JimiR41]

Wow. What an incredible interview with an incredible artist. Really illuminating and helpful to all of us dealing with this ugly thing called depression... Highly recommended watch!

[@anodyneforever3996]

Did not know Jeff had these demons. Very raw and honest interview. God bless.

[@ellestudio7182]

Clear-eyed and articulate p.o.v. Thanks. Interviewer is also exceptionally skilled.

[@daanje1062]

Way to go Jeff Tweedy. Best wishes for continued recovery.

[@Barry101er]

Very good talk.

[@REVMuscleCars]

I trust a man who has faced his dragons and can admit where he is burned. Humility, Honesty, and Candor- thank you for sharing your story, Jeff. Keep going, it gets better.

[@annmestres4614]

So sorry to hear about his bad experience in therapy. I have been clean and sober for 23 years and just recently graduated from SLU with my BSSW. I understand from my experience and education that trauma i.e., the migraines or possible toxic stress from living in the turmoil of an alcoholic family can create a "reactive" autonomic nervous system. Anywho-social workers are supposed to follow a code of ethics but there are some sick people out there in this world. This is why it is necessary to be rigorously honest within ourselves and others as alcoholic/addicts. I had a psych try to prescribe me benzo's but I knew I couldn't use an addictive substance to take care of my emotions. There are other ways to regulate the nervous system but it takes work. Yoga is amazing. If anyone is interested in the concept of "reactivity" there is a book by Bessel Van Der Kolk M.D. "The Body Keeps The Score" which is a game changer.

[@j.b.walken1613]

this is an enjoyable watch for people with depression and wilco fans, not in that order . me not a big fan of meds but jeff seems happy and well balanced

[@andrebouchard6222]

Everyone should watch this interview.

[@tiggerthecat5525]

Thanks for sharing. I am struggling with panic attacks and depression at the moment. The doctor has offered me Valium but i don't want to become addicted to them and I do not want antidepressants as they make me like a zombie. I am scared to sleep as i keep waking up unable to breathe and then have a full blown panic attack. I am trying to find a good cbd strain to see if it works. I cant cope with too much thc as it makes me paranoid and can trigger a panic attack. I am glad to see you are coping. Respect.

[@worksupermodel]

What a great talk. My daughter and I listened together reflecting on her struggle with depression and she couldn’t agree more with you. Her best resolve has been to accept that maybe her perception of the world makes her a bit sad. Our world is kind of a sad place. It doesn’t mean that we can’t have happy times too. But the acceptance that she leans toward sad and there may never be a time where she doesn’t lean toward sad doesn’t mean there is something wrong with her. Accepting her feelings has allowed her to walk the earth a little more empowered. Better than than hiding away and fighting a losing battle trying to get happy the way everyone believes she “should” be.

[@SmittenKitten.]

One of the things that helped me start to pull-away from depression was doing very small "good" things as often as I could. I started super small - a smile while passing people on the street/store aisles - writing notes saying things like, "To whoever finds this, I hope you know you're amazing," and leaving them in random places (books in the library, on store shelves, on car windows, in random mailboxes, etc.). These things made me feel like I was bringing a tiny amount of light into a dark world. I started doing other things, like getting half a dozen hot chocolates from Starbucks when it was super cold and passing them out to homeless people, police and firefighters, construction workers, etc., until I finally worked up enough "energy" to volunteer at animal shelters. I know depression zaps your energy, so starting small helps. Once you start physically changing the bad in the world, even if it's on the smallest, most "insignificant" of scales, it makes you feel a little more in control. The most difficult part is realizing how selfish depression really is. It makes you turn into that which you despise - an impotent person complaining about the world. As difficult as that is to hear, that's the truth. I was a miserable, selfish person. I'm not 100% better, but I would say I feel like my life means something to me when it didn't before, which is A LOT. I'm also not suggesting that slapping a smile on your face can get rid of depression, because in many cases, you need MUCH more help. What I _am_ saying is that you have to realize the truth - you _need_ help, you must realize the selfishness of depression, seek the help (with qualified professionals), and WORK. Wishing your daughter, who has an incredibly beautiful heart, all the best.

[@flowerdoodle2438]

worksupermodel I love that you and her shared this and have an open dialogue about her mental state. Great comment!

[@christophermcguire7480]

SmittenKitten Amazing insight, SK. Thank you for sharing.

[@ShanOakley]

Good stuff, Tweedy! Maybe your best work yet.

[@jimmyjawbone]

Like a great blues song, this made me feel somewhat better about the world.

[@rogerl6220]

This interview really bookends the Wilco film "I am Try To Break Your Heart". It sheds light on a lot of the conflict and uncertainty that the band and Jeff were going through. Glad Jeff is managing his conditions. Now being about the same age as Jeff I'd like to say get some weight off don't want to loose him to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, etc... And I hope he quit smoking too.

[@telecasterbear]

My first migraine was in the 7th grade. Lost vision in the left eye, left arm went numb, I got chills, then nausea and vomiting. Comprehension was gone. Then useless for 1/2 a day. Then slamming headache for a few days. Not fun.

[@HurricaneForceGaming]

As someone who has struggled with serious anxiety and signs of depression my whole life, this was encouraging. Mr. Tweedy, it's difficult, and it sucks, but I'll pray that you both find the Lord and you find peace

[@abbyrupert5555]

Nice job by the interviewer.

[@1022rebelreddog]

one of the better songwriters today....

[@johnnypaul826]

16:15 "You know, you got something." He does. Coming from a guy that has been inspired for yrs. by a guy based on his musicianship. The 1st time I saw Tweedy live was without Wilco in Eugene OR., & he mentioned his addiction to a fan that kept yelling some shit out about whiskey. He (Tweedy) was so clear minded and funny. The perfect mix between musician and comedian. To all musician or prospective artists of any kind, u don't need the drugs. It might be fun, but as the Verve said the "drugs dont work."

[@777666777MICHAEL]

Wise man!!! 22:00 Really deep thougts

[@jefferydaniels5672]

Weird... I suffered from intense migraines as a child and now suffer from depression. Interesting theory, definitely worth looking in to.

[@haydensoltvedt180]

Curious about the last topic of choosing emotion cuz that’s something I’ve learned from therapy that there is a huge role of choice in what thoughts u cling to and take meaning from

[@steveregnier7317]

Now I really want to be in his band... going on 5 years no drinks.

[@HangtownTactical]

Fuck I needed this

[@HangtownTactical]

I have battled and currently battle the exact same issues.. and I’m also a musician/ songwriter .

[@skulleagletartat]

this helped

[@MrBasso69]

Read his book. It's great.

[@chrisjohnssolarcross]

I basically suffer from almost the same exact stuff that you do Tweedy. I'm checking out this dual diagnosis treatment thing in Chicago online right now but there seems to be so many options available! Which one would you recommend? How does one choose? I've been on benzodiazepines for almost 6 years now...always looking to feel normal, drinker, all that shit. You feel normal now? I don't how I'll ever feel normal again, I'm almost forgetting what it felt like as a child... Anyways, nothing works anymore- booze, pills, (don't like pot cuz same anxiety issues). Try to meditate and go to AA and shit but something is missing, cuz I relapse at least once a week at the expense of my job, wife, and life. Jesus, don't cry.

[@nickwindt3881]

get recommendations, just like anything, and listen to your gut, which I know is a hard thing to do when you're in early recovery. But you're right, all programs/therapists/treatment providers are not created equally. Also, check out Psychology Today - it tends to have extensive listings. Most importantly, keep good people around, and lots of structure. Doesn't matter what you're doing, just that you're doing it and that it's not making things worse (ex, volunteer, church/synagogue/whatever, meetings, etc). Hang in there!

[@barrysullivan39]

Don't give up.keep showing up til u hear the message AA is great get a sponsor to help u work the steps.critical.only thing that will make u change.give it a real shot.Sobriety is God's greatest gift God bless. Remember Action

[@michaelharacopos6550]

Why are they sitting so close together in that huge rehearsal space lol

[@jeffdawson2786]

An interesting person.

[@wouterdeheus3626]

If I were Jeff Tweedy I'm not sure I'd want to spill the beans on all my emotional problems and addictions. It's just none of their business!

[@lindadiane8705]

some people with migraines have had them completely resolved with Ayahuasca

[@motomuso]

Does this interviewer have more work available? He is good.

[@chipfla933]

11:00 About here Jeff sounds like he was being treated by Dr. Landy.

[@crucifire9224]

Anyone think the thumbnail was Jonathan davis?

[@ghantika3543]

His take on Social Workers is pot on. Mental Health is scary in America.

[@lisacolbert5987]

"...good and clear and warm...and I can concentrate." Yup . Does make you wonder why such a seeming panacea would exist that offered these effects and then turn on you, like pure evil .

[@RMTmusic1]

Depression will fuck you up...

[@jeremycharbonneau5102]

Is that a Loog behind Jeff?

[@cozycottagehome3104]

Man... I love this guy. I hope people are keeping a CLOSE eye on him. Jeff looks to be bipolar and WILL swing back to better than normal soon....

[@imperor76]

First time I've seen Tweedy interviewed in years. He's really packed on the lbs.

[@MattieCooper10000]

Wait....I love Jeff, but many alcoholics will never "graduate" to other harder drugs....but many alcoholics will drink themselves to the limit and some will only ever experience the need for 12 beers a day and they're still alcoholics...I'm confused about his confusion. Oh well.

[@mattgohlke8216]

That was hilarious.... still taking pills orally I'm the depths of an opiate addiction, yeah ok. Not trying to be mean, it's different for everyone, it all sucks, it's all a hopeless spot to be in. Good luck to everyone suffering.

[@mattgohlke8216]

In

[@mathewhogan6946]

Sort of an uncomfortable interview - I'm not sure if they were speaking before the taping and I'm not very aware of this series, but it seemed more like a counseling session than an interview. Definitely some interesting perspective and information about mental health, though.

[@chrisjohnssolarcross]

Woah, his psychiatrist tried to do the same exact thing Brian Wilson's psychiatrist did! Fucking weird! How much does this happen with "celebrity psychiatrists"???

[@super78cult]

woah is 12 beers a day alcoholic status?

[@sergehandfeld1290]

It is. It is.

[@JonTate]

Amounts are different for everyone and really aren't the root of the issue. Ask yourself if you can both control AND enjoy your drinking. With that question in mind you could then go try some controlled drinking. Then reexamine the question. Ultimately, you answer this question of alcoholism, but hey, if you're already asking it here . . .

[@barrysullivan39]

Must become abstinent of everything.Admit your powerless over alcohol n drugs. Must become brutally honest with yourself.Humble yourself by turning Ur will n life over to a Power Greater than urselve on a daily basis. Proud to be a brother of yours Jeff as I've suffered thru dual-diagnosis for 30 years.But the good Lord took me in 4 yrs.ago May and gave me my life back.l wouldn't give it up for anything.

[@scottblack9213]

Come on .. Jay Bennett was coldly fired, by Jeff. Jay was so broke he couldn't afford standard medical procedure on his hips. Jay died, on his own, of a high dose of fentanyl patch that was prescribed for his pain.

[@cozycottagehome3104]

I identify with everything Jeff said... Jeff's nose is red, he bloated - he's still fighting everything obviously.... Hope he makes it.

[@historynerd85]

This guy is forcing him into things

[@atree88]

They are way too close to each other

[@edwidgewhatsosons1727]

Go to Vegetariian foods.

[@patmcdonagh748]

Mmm.so he was drunk everyday until he was eighty .and ur nit sure if he was alcoholic.mmm.i mean this in a nice way. ur honesty is great but your problem i guess was the same as mine and everyone who seeks oblivion no matter what they take.fear

[@jeffstasi4453]

Kind of silly Jeff...