Wil Wheaton: Trauma, Depression & Self-Discovery

[@JohnPierre-lz6vb]

As a bullied , sexually assaulted and abused black man i've gotta admit this felt good listening that i am not alone. Keep spreading positive energies people. 🇭🇹💚🤝🏿🕊️

[@emilyflotilla931]

Consider it done. I'm sorry you dealt with that. 😢

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I see you. Sending peace and gentleness.

[@sallyjayne444]

Love, comfort, and healing vibes, from me to you! I know you’re an amazing person and have a purpose! We all do! I hope you find yourself and your journey is less painful daily!

[@NemosDreamscapes]

Wil Wheaton, Thank you so much for your words about my channel and for recommending it! 💜 Btw, I am a guy that's behind all the work and videos :) and I am very happy to see that my work is helping you and so many people out with their work, relaxation and sleep. I really appreciate what you did and once again THANK YOU! 🙏 Much Love! 💜

[@whitmaca]

Love your videos. Thank you.

[@questioneverything7582]

The end of WWI had absolutely everything to do with the Flu and lung TB outbreak that occurred killing millions. In nature, the biological conflict linked with a territorial fear (just what it means-a fear in your territory, you’re home, you’re community, etc.) is a widening of the bronchia (tissue loss). Your body attempts to widen your bronchia in order to allow more air into your lungs to give you more strength and energy to fight to keep your territory safe. Stay with me.......The biological conflict linked with a death fright impacts the lungs. The lungs attempt to grow larger in order to allow more air in because breath equals life, as we all know. No breath equals death. While you are in the fear or death fright conflict, you notice no symptoms of “disease”, except you have cold hands, cold feet, you can’t sleep, you awaken at 3 AM every night, you have little appetite. During the war, millions of people were in fear of the bombing of their homes and cities where the war was most active. Fearing for their lives, their loved ones in the war, their ability to survive. The food in the stores was sparse due to shortages. This lasted for 4 long years! The longer the conflict, the worse the healing phase. Within 2 weeks of the German Chancellor announcing the end of WWI, these millions of people ALL went into the healing phase all at the same time. It is during the healing phase that you experience symptoms of illness! What is the healing phase of the bronchia widening? Severe bronchitis, pneumonia. The body attempts to refill this lost tissue and you experience inflammation, fever, coughing, body aches, fatigue, etc. What is the healing phase of the extra lung tissue that grew? Decomposing of the tissue by TB bacteria and fungi. The symptoms of this healing phase are: severe coughing up of blood and tissue, fever, inflammation, severe mucous, body aches, fatigue. During this decomposing of the extra tissue (tumor), the body expels a lot of protein, and without replenishment, severe protein loss can result in death. Antibiotics did not exist yet. If TB bacteria does not exist in a person or they have been vaccinated against TB (big mistake), then the tumor will simply encapsulate and become dormant and not harm you. Who died during the Spanish Flu? Mainly the poor who could not afford to buy meat and proper nourishment, and the people who were directly impacted by the bombings and destruction of their homes. Millions of people suffered fear and death frights during the fighting of WWI, and millions of people all went into healing at the end of it. Not everyone was affected because not everyone suffered the same way. It’s not a “flu”, it’s not something you “catch”. It’s biological, meaningful, and unavoidable.

[@TheCarlScharnberg]

I love them, too. So nostalgic - even though I didn't live in that era.

[@argusfleibeit1165]

@@questioneverything7582 America was not bombed or saw any warfare on its shores. Millions of Americans died from the influenza epidemic, not from "stress" on their immune system. Your pseudo-science bullshit is shameful, being posted on the site of an actual scientist (Ms. Bialik). The 1918 "Spanish" Flu epidemic was caused by a virus, which modern-day scientists have rediscovered in frozen corpses found in permafrost in the Arctic regions. It is true that many people were living with chronic TB infections, which already weakened their lungs. It is also true that the crowded conditions of soldiers in barracks, on troop ships across the ocean returning from war, were super-spreader events in the midst of the out break of this viral infection. The rest of your screed is bullshit. There was no vaccine for TB until 1921, after the war was over, so vaccines did not cause in the epidemic, but instead helped to keep it from recurring, after which (surprise, surprise) there was no reemergence of TB epidemics over vaccinated people in the developed world. Again, your pseudo-scientific bullcrap is way out of line. You anti-vaxxers ought to be rounded up and sent to a reeducation camp, as a public nuisance and danger to public safety. Abusing your right to Free Speech by telling lies and nonsense in a public forum is something else you should be ashamed of.

[@cthornton523]

@@TheCarlScharnberg Exactly!

[@GregulatorOG]

I'm glad Wil made it through his childhood. The world is a better place because of him.

[@mislavsplitski7522]

No it's not; he's a hate monger. I'm sorry what happened to him but he is not mentally healthy. Mentally unstable people should neither make policy nor should they tell others how to live.

[@erisedstraeh1]

I have ADHD and can be quite time blind. I realized fairly early on in this episode that it was after 9 and I hadn't taken my pills or eaten anything yet, but I thought to myself "I'll do that when the episode is over." Then Wil got to the part where he was going over the self-care checklist, and I decided that was not just permission, but INSTRUCTION to pause the video, go take my pills, and get myself some breakfast, so thank you for that!

[@lyndahammond8883]

Excellent insight, Maria, and decision making! We all definitely need our Self-parenting skills to override our thoughts of putting things off! It's cool that Wil Wheaton inspired you to make that decision to take care of yourself! Good job, girl!

[@monicaterry2829]

Right on

[@Nargle19.]

Nice

[@susankelley1427]

As someone who's father is a legit narcissist I thank you so much for this episode. I relate to so much Wil has said, "No matter what I did he was never going to love me." Rings true to my own experience. And that he had to end his relationship with his parents, I too ended my relationship with my dad and it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Any time I have talked about that it is always met with, "I can't believe you would do that to your dad!" You are judged and treated like you somehow had a part in the break down of the relationship, when in reality you were just done being abused. So to hear someone else say those things was validating and comforting. Thank you for sharing your truth Wil.

[@CarniBarbie]

I ended my relationship with my mom. We have to do what is healthy for us. Good for you for taking care of you!

[@sheilalopez3983]

Ditto. Your life story could be mine. Like serial killers, narcissists seem to follow a pattern.

[@westflerchinger]

I put my dad in prison after 40 years

[@parkcaro]

@@sheilalopez3983 They really do, don't they? The part he said about being the person he needed really resonated with me. Sharing our stories helps others and that's why we do it. Also, it's cathartic to share vs. hiding in shame and keeping their secrets.

[@Ashley-xu1lk]

It's an unfortunate and harmful that leaving your parent(s) is taboo. It's socially okay if it's a non-relative like a friend or boss, but when it's family suddenly you are seen as the bad person. Leaving your parent(s) when they are physically, emotionally, mentally, and/or spiritually harmful should be more than acceptable, it should be nearly expected and met with support that you've gone and survived trauma caused by ppl that should have protected you from having to experience it in the first place.

[@roxannetracy2931]

I've never cried during your podcast, but today that changed. I so relate to Will's familial history. As a Mental Health Professional who has GAD and depression, I found this episode to be another brick broken in the stigma wall that has hidden so many of us. I lost my mother to suicide, but not before I was early parentified and traumatized again and again. Thanks Mayim. More so, thanks Will. Bravo for your courage and honesty.

[@MayimBialik]

💜💜💜💜

[@bikerfirefarter7280]

@@MayimBialik Your description of 'depression' , i.e. 'I don't need to exist, there is nothing beyond this', sounds just like someones inability to handle reality as compared to the fantasies that are rammed down our throats from day one that so many people either accept as gospel (pun intended) or they struggle with the contradictions it presents against reality. THIS IS IT! You are born- stuff happens -then you cease to exist, QED. Sometimes shit happens, sometimes it's good; accept it, deal with it. The vast majority (or all) of psychological definitions and 'therapy' are false logic (detailed and convincing) but nonetheless fundamentally FALSE. Many long held 'theories' have been debunked after many years of touted 'truth', all were/are suspect to start with; they are/were used and abused to support the other false logic. Reject EVERYTHING 'taught' or touted as absolutes, then do the work/investigations yourself. 'Depression' caused by the mental/mind-set conflicts will evaporate. If you are then still depressed, you have a chemical problem. Live your life, not someone elses. Peace.

[@jules7730]

@@MayimBialik Hi there Mayim.. I'm new to your channel & so far what i have watched, it has been very interesting, inspiring,uplifting especially the Interview with Will Wheaton 🙂👍 So will definitely will be turning in more & keep up the fantastic work/videos.. Enjoy your Week from julz in Australia 🙂🌻🦘

[@earth7268]

Can't believe this kind of content is free.. Love all the support that you guys provide to millions of people around the world..made my day..it's like talking to my best friend ☺️🤗

[@NuLiForm]

Best thing we can do to show our Gratitude is to Pass it On..they are showing us an Example we can All follow...imagine..what a world it would be, could be..if this caught on?

[@MayimBialik]

Well, this comment made my day💜 Thank you for listening!!!

[@earth7268]

@Phil Tanner 1.When I say free I am saying we need not pay to view it ,it's necessary for them to have ads ,to have some kind of income to continue doing this ,who's gonna pay them for the work and effort they put in are gonna do that(rhetorical) ,and 2.Its not completely inanimate,they do reply back so even if it's .000001% I don't care, they are just communicating and we are here to listen ,,and why I said that it's "LIKE " talking to my best friend is that it gives me a sense of closure when your away from your family and you aren't able to contact them when u feel low sometimes,, wisdom makes a person better and not worse..And have ever heard of something called a SIMILE , please go check your skills in grammar before trying to pour your overflowing knowledge of crap into others, and btw I am dealing with reality and so is everyone ,I know you might ask how are you dealing with reality,and for that stupid question ,,I just do not wanna explain or even try to make you understand....,,as I can understand how you think by just your comment ...and don't type shit like this in this beautiful Channel it deserves the people who need it not people like you,,just if you don't like anything just leave ,,it's none of your business to open people's mind ,when there's more in life that you should experience..and don't even try to say that you have experienced everything in life...and millions of people ,,are you fucking so dumb that you cannot see the number of subscribers to this channel,,it's obvious that this content as helped at least millions of people who watched it ,,okay even if a single video has helped people people it's fine...,and I don't think people are so stupid to subscribe to a Channel if they thought it wasn't useful to them,,Or people like you maybe subscribers just to find fault in other people,,,,, And the MAIN MESSAGE FROM MY COMMENT WAS THAT the love I wanted to convey through words to this channel,,I cannot express it perfectly in my words but I try to ....so in this pandemic when people are at homes not everyone is rich enough to go find a therapist or not everyone is close to each other to be there for others ,so try ,I know it wouldn't fit because of all the crap in your head...,but try ,and understand that not everything needs to be perfect even if it makes someone smile and gives them some courage to move on further ,,it's worth something,,so try and appreciate the effort and the love behind the messages rather than to point the fault in it,,,..And Don't waste my time again by replying shit with you stupid comebacks keep them to yourself..!! BTW I didn't dislike your comment so ,learn something at least from it...!!

[@earth7268]

Sorry anyone who sees this,,it was because someone called Phil had commented , He/she said that this content wasn't free ,blah blah,,and how did I know whether whether it helped millions of people,,and it was an inanimate thing,,blah blah,,and I don't know what reality is ,,I should go get checked, etc....BUT WHICH WAS Deleted just after I replied to the person..so sorry, for that..and Phil tanner if you are reading this , sorry for my language,ur comment just made me want to talk like that...I hope u too have a good day.and also the people who read this..

[@NuLiForm]

@@earth7268 ...ehh...don't sweat it...just try to remember, for your own feelings, the phil tanners of the world complain if their ice cream is too cold ;-)

[@e.s.8238]

"We are not always matched with caregivers who can love us in the right way..." What a perfect explanation of some of our experiences.

[@candaceion9622]

Incredible

[@Dojustdoandbe]

Well she said ‘not in the way he wanted’ but I’d say ‘not in the way he needed’

[@joedub4789]

Will... if you see this. I am that one person. Thank you to both of you for coming along at the right time (2 years later was the right time for me). If you've touched me this way, you've done the same for others. On behalf of all of us, THANK YOU.

[@lady_tivona]

Thank you SO much for this. I grew up abused, I became an alcoholic, and I'm 51...I've gotten sober, cut my "family" out, and I'm in therapy. So, this touched me deeply...

[@kiraleestengel4745]

This is the official "We need an episode with Jim Parsons" - button.

[@dkecskes2199]

When he is ready, I agree.

[@robfab5204]

@@dkecskes2199 has he declined an offer from her before?

[@taichiixsan4619]

Is something the matter with Jim? I live under a rock im sorry. Hope none.

[@toxickittn7558]

@Taichii XSan isn’t there something the matter with all of us?

[@vinylnerd1544]

Sure, if they want to

[@AJ_Dunn]

No wonder Will's performance in Stand By Me when he cries over his emotionally abusive father is so real and affecting. That breaks my heart.

[@melisadawne]

I notice similarities with each of the cast members within current life. Chris, tried to keep peace and died. River was an amazing human, and he died. Will and his journey, corey and his wild life.

[@terrymortensen8004]

Right?! When he was describing his father, I thought, oh my gosh, I bet that's where all his emotions from Stand By Me came from!

[@constancemiller3753]

"I couldn't give s shit about my old man and he hadn't laid a hand on me since I was three and that was for eating bleach under the sink." That line always rang out as his character's truth too. So sad to think it was method.

[@pechaa]

Who was the casting director who saw those things in them, and what are their thoughts now, I wonder.

[@simulationdisruptor6033]

@@pechaa casting directors and others in the industry are often energy vampires. Jim Carrey talks about how his director encouraged him to stay depressed and not heal so that he could play his part better in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind

[@dawnstevens5356]

Will "buddy, you did nothing wrong it was them" omg 😭 thank you. I needed to hear that and I send you and this whole platform love and gratitude

[@lysafeymooncyclewellness4173]

Thank you Will Wheaton for saying it! “I am doing my very best to be the person I need in this world.” Thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏

[@cr3kids]

This brought tears to my eyes. To cut off a toxic parent is hard, especially when you grow up in dysfunction.

[@Hotobu]

Shut up Wesley.

[@noc1891]

i did this with both of my parents, first dad than mom, sometimes you have to make such a hard desition even if the heart hurts, wouldnt be were i am today if i hadnt cut ties with them.

[@sammi-joreviews1135]

@@noc1891 I understand & relate. I emancipated at 16, after leaving home, tho the word home is used loosely.

[@VioletEmerald]

So much harder to cut off BOTH parents. I say as someone who only had to cut off contact with my abusive mom by still have my wonderful dad.

[@hilarypotter3334]

Absolutely. I had to cut off my dad and still have my very emotionally absent mother in my life. It was extremely hard to cut off my dad bc that was the parent that I had the emotional connection with but I couldn’t handle the Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde of it all anymore.

[@suefinney426]

What happened to Wil happened to a lot of child actors especially during the beginning of filmography. A reason why so many committed suicide and fell into drugs and drinking. So glad Wil Wheaton is speaking out about this and making it OKAY to get help.

[@cathyray6030]

I am 62 years old and have suffered and struggled with depression for most of my life and this discussion was so helpful!! Thank you!!

[@MikeKanner1]

I'm 65 and only recently realized that my life has been filtered by my depression and anger at the world.

[@tessarix]

Oh my gosh, Will is describing my childhood and beyond until my parents died. I breathed a big breath of relief when they were gone, and shed no tears. Why? I was the last of seven girls born in the 1950s and my father hated my guts the moment I was delivered in the hospital. Why? Because he wanted a boy to be born and when I came out female, he lost interest in me. I was their seventh try for a boy and it didn't happen. His hate of me being a girl turned into to many beatings, like being knocked unconscious at the dinner table for fidgeting (I was 10 years old) or him putting a loaded gun to my forehead one late night and locked eyes that told me he was struggling not to pull the trigger. You know, loving fun things like that. Not. I never got anything close to love from him in any way or shape, or form even though as a kid I tried being a tomboy so he'd love me, which didn't work of course. He just hated me in every way! Consequently, I grew up determined to be the opposite of my folks' on parenting and today I have two grown daughters that I deeply adore and cannot live without. They tell me every single day how much they love me. I didn't hit my girls ever. I simply couldn't do that to them. They turned out to be fantastic human beings that I am so, so, so proud of! Thank GOD for them!! They are my reason for living. Their words "I love you" from them, are like gold to me.

[@rhyfeddu]

It's so difficult to stop the cycle and you did it. Bless you for sparing your kids that "inheritance". Well done.

[@riflegurlsmom]

God Bless you and kudos for you breaking the familial pattern. Happy Holidays!

[@annajacob7981]

I so admire your resilience. Thankfully, you were able to NOT repeat the horrifying abuse you suffered. Imho, women are able to do this - break the cycle of familial abuse - far more often and better than men. This is just one of countless reasons why women should serve as role models for living a healthy, joyful life. Again, thanks for sharing your story. 💙

[@ifinditinteresting.8709]

Aww

[@nancyayotte2297]

Those " fantastic human beings " came from you.🌺💮🌹

[@taylors4243]

In a childhood that was lonely and full of sadness Wil and Mayim always made it better. They were my happy place growing up, and they still help me out today. Binging the same shows for years is good, but thank you, thank you for having these podcast shows helping even more

[@blusteryday1602]

This interview made me cry. The pain was so raw. It's heartbreaking that Wil had to go through this and, at the same, time I am so amazed that he worked through this and became the person he is today. What an inspiration!

[@impoisonivy88]

I want to be Mayim's and Wil's friend. I understand so much of Wil's pain.

[@lorcanmcglinchey5344]

I want to be their friend too. But I think I would end up talking about The Big Bang Theory all day long. Despite that, those two are inspirations

[@impoisonivy88]

@@lorcanmcglinchey5344 lol! I totally understand. I'd also be talking to Wil about Next Generation. 😂 But, really, I think they'd both be amazing people to have as friends. Not for their fame, but for who they are. They are both amazing and strong people.

[@screenwritersscreenwriting6388]

You won't want that. They'll always call you for rides to the airport...or to help them move...

[@amycarrington4545]

When you said, "She didn’t love me the way I needed to be loved…The notion that we are not always matched with caregivers who can love us the right way is incredibly painful, and it impacts people differently depending on their genetic predisposition", it was like you were summing up my life in one concise statement. I have always felt a mismatch and not felt loved by my primary caregiver and it has negatively impacted my life for as long as I can remember. I took notes and replayed this part over and over as it really resonated with me. I feel seen, I feel heard. Thank you, Mayim and Jonathan for another week of amazing content. This is so much more than a podcast to me!! ♥️

[@mollyb2414]

“You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.” ― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

[@kathyeubanks5524]

Molly, Molly, Molly! Thank you so much for this quote!

[@SydSyd1024]

Love that book, absolutely great quote. Thank you for sharing it here

[@jennifercgraf5304]

Just needed to ditto the replies! This is a GREAT quote - thank you!

[@KellyLaneYoga]

👏👏👏👏👏Thank you for this.

[@annchristie5203]

I love that quote way too much. Thank you

[@danielleeriksson7065]

The way Will talks about his wife is so heartwarming 🥰 I'm so glad they found eachother 💗

[@sarahrogers9911]

This episode was so powerful. Thank you Wil Wheaton for sharing your life experiences with us. You were so eloquent and descriptive of your experiences and your healing. Thank you 🙏

[@ld7939]

And courageous.... Thank you!❤️

[@weedthepeople2795]

I was in my late teens 18 19 when When it got out to my family that I had mental problems.....everyone started treating me like a retard....so Im not as open about it.....I was astonished at how open he was

[@Samtasticlife37]

For children of dysfunctional families; Unconditional Love is the most foreign and alien construct to comprehend... Learning to Love Unconditionally is difficult for us because we have severe trust issues....

[@BernadetteTheRealest]

Facts!

[@tuesdayskittens]

True!

[@franciet99]

Amen!

[@glo3139]

Ok, I’m just going say it. I may be criticized for doing so, but here goes….. No One, in my opinion should have to “LEARN” how to love unconditionally. Unconditional LOVE should be/feel natural to you, if Love is indeed the emotion that one is feeling. Unconditional love should feel as natural as the act of breathing. You don’t think about doing it, you don’t learn how to, you just do. If you truly feel unconditional love for anyone, your children, parents, spouse or friend, that would be an unequivocal emotional response to any person in your life. That being said, can That feeling of unconditional love dissipate with time and circumstances? I would assume that it can and would naturally happen in, for example, a marriage that didn’t work out the way you may have hoped it would. You may start out feeling unconditional love for a spouse and yes sadly, I assume that would change, but My belief is that, that particular emotion that is unconditional, is natural, it’s not learned behavior.

[@mza2195]

@@glo3139 When you grow up hearing that you’re stupid, worthless, too stupid to be in public, how you shouldn’t have been born because you would never make it in the world, then no, you don’t know unconditional love. I speak from experience here. From my first memories I don’t remember love from my egg donor at all. In public she was perfect, everyone said she was so awesome. I’m a Disney adult because it’s the only place she pretended to be a family. As I hit puberty I was told that I was a slut and a whore, even though I had never touched a boy. She however had an ectopic pregnancy and my dad had gotten a vasectomy right after I was born. I am an anchor baby, so that her family could come over from Korea. My Korean grandma loved me so much, but she wasn’t my egg donor. I didn’t come out with blonde hair and blue eyes so I was bad. Genetics be damned. I met my husband at 18 and a year and a half later we got married. I couldn’t believe someone loved me for me. Just because I was a weird, geeky, curious, funny, caring, he said beautiful, and I was just me. I loved him for his confidence, love of life, gentle nature, and he saw me and heard me. We were two broken people who came together and made each other whole. My cat who hated everyone loved him. When he came over for the first time she woke up and ran to his lap to get love. That’s when I knew it was good. We raised our kids with unconditional love and it was worth it. I cut my egg donor off 20 years ago to keep her from hurting my kids. I realized that I had fully healed a few months ago. I looked at my husband and told him a couple weeks later and told him about it. He was driving and we were alone, he smiled and said, “We did good stuff babe. Our kids are awesome.” So yeah Gloria, some of us have to learn unconditional love.

[@Prettymapleleaf]

So sorry Wil had to experience such generational pain through his parents. I’m glad he’s in a good place now and cut them out of his life, super empowering. This show is important Mayim. Love you all! 💗💗💗

[@shirleypena4133]

@Prettymapleleaf Wheaton IS NOT in a good place now, because anyone who-like himself- is a self-hating racist is hardly in a "good place."

[@Prettymapleleaf]

@@shirleypena4133 what are you even talking about Shirley? Take a seat.

[@relens2]

It's hard to imagine what it must be like to be raised not as a son but as a commodity. I hope Will continues his healing.

[@ChrisMcCarroll]

I like your description “as a commodity”. Having been in a near identical situation as Will that is a perfect descriptor

[@screenwritersscreenwriting6388]

"Commodity" is a good word. At best, a parent doing that is misguided. Unfortunately I also believe that we all look at each other through the eyes of "marketing" and as a "commodity" to a certain extent. But that's a much longer story.

[@snoozyq9576]

@@screenwritersscreenwriting6388 I agree. We're all out to get something from one another in some way or other. Gotta try to let go of the compulsive need for more more more

[@Likelive123]

happens alot....such an evil thing to do....

[@joanpascal7745]

He is around the horn and all healing to him and all survivors.

[@westflerchinger]

I love this! I’m a trauma survivor, a Star Trek nerd, and a psychiatrist, thank you

[@JeffDamas]

Thank you Wil, Mayim, and Jonathon for letting us know that there are people who have similar life challenges. It's difficult when no one understands you, hears you, or sees you. Wil... thank you for sharing your experience. It meant a lot to me.

[@inesreis6463]

Tcw

[@wendye6500]

I appreciate Will's willingness to share his story with us.

[@marystrenke3050]

Thank you!!! Kindred spirits ..

[@yvonnevanhek5199]

Mary, don't respond to the people pretending to be the lovely Leslie Jordan. I got conned into making contact with them and gave my email and mobile number 🤦‍♀️ They sent an email offering me a position as a marketing consultant and I deleted and blocked them. These are true scammers who I fell for. Please don't make the same mistake 🤞

[@yvonnevanhek5199]

Also, if in any doubt, click on the picture and you'll see that they joined in January.

[@calisongbird]

@thelesliejordan♪ why are you scamming people? 😡

[@dalemurray4083]

I had a great therpist once who often repeated This maxim, "When the pain of NOT changing exceeds the pain of change, THEN I will change"

[@Dowlphin]

Imagine if the pain is being virtuous and changing would mean become more like the rottenness around you? Then the therapist will say 'goodbye, I cannot help you' - but with much less sincere words. The loneliest place is where everybody becomes an enemy once you show who you really are, and who you really are being far from a monster; quite the opposite. Shows just how deeply enslaved so many people are that they are afraid of looking at that fact.

[@bev9708]

THAT's good, thanks so much for sharing that!! Dr Phil always says, "When you're sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, then you start making changes" I've found it's like feeling sick and tired of telling myself that I'm sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. 😂😂

[@carolsteinberg5584]

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” My favorite quote from Anais Nim ❤️

[@Tempeststudioss]

I will listen to Wil speak about this (and any) topic everyday. He is so articulate and compassionate. Thanks Wil and Mayim.

[@MayimBialik]

Thank YOU for listening 💜

[@thestrwbrrygirl]

I love that Wil Wheaton wanted a “redo” of the interview!! I appreciate him bringing his real self and sharing. Can totally relate!

[@bella3829]

The description of coming out of depression & healing was so powerful to me I cried. I so desperately want to have my mind senses & heart come alive again. I want to feel, see, touch, smell & taste life again. To hear the birds & breathe crisp air &feel sun on my shoulders & be in awe of the sky & trees around me sounds heavenly. Thank you for the reminder that life can be like that.

[@linden5165]

My heart just goes out to anyone let down by their parents. Every child deserves unconditional love and acceptance. I can't imagine the battle to build that emotional foundation for yourself after not having it in your early life. Everyone who manages to do that for themselves is incredible and a real testament to human strength. Fortunately parents are not the only source of love.

[@snoozyq9576]

I had this breakthrough moment once where I looked in my mirror and felt compelled to say "you are enough. You have always been enough". And just started sobbing. Healing is so beautiful and so painful all at once

[@JohnPierre-lz6vb]

Celeste. You made me cry.

[@aksez2u]

I adore that Will has embraced his character from Star Trek, and had some fun with it, especially considering his rough relationship with acting as a child. His appearances as himself on TBBT were some of the best episodes.

[@calisongbird]

He was absolutely one of the best things about TBBT. I wish they had used him more.

[@debiepritchard1820]

Will’s airport story really hit home with me. I had a similar experience at an airport when there was a mixup during boarding. When I meltdown, I go deaf and blind. As my anxiety built, I must have became more unhinged because the next thing I knew I was surrounded by 3 TSA agents. I don’t know what I said or did, but their presence was enough to pull me back to reality and I was able to calm down enough to finally get on the plane.

[@OceanLover1188]

That's so scary! I'm glad that the agents treated you okay and that you were able to make your flight. My parent had that happen it was so bizarre because it was like their eyes went blank when they reached that point and it was like another person was in their body.

[@j-zee-bee]

I feel this on such a deep level. My Dad and I fixed things between us years ago after my mom destroyed our relationship. I have a 3 year old and 1 on the way. My mom and siblings don't even know I'm pregnant since they don't speak to me. They used to talk to me, if they needed something, but since I started saying no and taking care of myself, I'm nonexistent to them. So I've cut them off and my mental health has gotten so much better. Like Wil said, I'm better off with no mom than one who will constantly disappoint and disrespect me and the family I built. I'm proud of you, Wil, for having the strength to cut them off and take care of yourself!

[@janettucker3196]

This is one of the best things I've ever seen on KZbin (and I'm an addict). Wil Wheaton is a massive individual for allowing the world into his most personal reality. And Mayim Bialok is her usual amazing.

[@carasmussen27]

Agreed. For him as a very well known person to say I have these things and I am NOT ashamed is so inspiring. Thank you Wil and Mayim!!

[@Holypikemanz]

Mayim is an annoying spazz . Will is gold.

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

He is not a massive individual. He is not obese. Her usual amazing????

[@BleedingLiar17]

@@Michelle-pn9xt they mean great, not obsese

[@karisaxe6324]

"I have a right to my life." Thank you for that.

[@babsr8479]

This was the BEST Podcast of yours I have watched lately. I really appreciate Wil Wheaton's honesty and sharing of such private and painful experiences.

[@MayimBialik]

Thanks for listening! xo

[@candaceion9622]

Mine as well!

[@mattrasmussen3232]

He's full of crap. It's so obvious, it's gross. He's Amber Heard in a man's body.

[@MiotaLee]

"Depression robs you of the lens of hope." couldn't agree more. I've had major depressive disorder for a long time, I even got diagnosed with hypomania. I have ideation and actual attempts under my belt. I've been seeing doctor after doctor but I have yet to see a therapist. I don't know how to cope with this overwhelming meandering sadness. I spend most of my days on KZbin because it keeps my mind occupied. As soon as the world around me goes quiet there comes those intrusive thoughts again. I don't really want to die but I can't trust myself not to try it again. I want to be able to see myself in the future but I can't. I can't even picture myself doing the tings I used to love. ..

[@Yknotdostuff]

Love to you ❤️

[@bella3829]

I haven't attempted suicide but I can relate to most everything you've said. Have you tried anything for treatment resistant depression? I'm realizing that'd the next step for me. I do hope you find a compatible therapist. Be well.

[@sandramedina9482]

Me too

[@nataliedickens1289]

I’m not sick enough for a diagnosis or rather, no “professional” I’ve ever talked to cares enough to give me a proper diagnosis, but I have depressive episodes, not without reason, there’s always a trigger, but the only thing that gets me out of it is being able to talk to a friend who just listens. Not even solutions, just listening. I’ve found that that connection is so much more valuable than anything I could experience in an office. Mostly because I’ve never had a really good therapist that actually gave a proper shit about me. But even just talking about my honest feelings with someone who I know loves me helps tremendously. Do you have anyone like that?

[@squarepeg9546]

Told my doctor-fill in (only saw this person once) my uncle was actively dying and I started tearing up… she told me I was only crying because I was going off anxiety meds. 🤦‍♀️

[@ediemedeiros2608]

I'm at awe with you all. For someone who struggles with anxiety, depression and PTSD watching this pod cast made me feel that I'm not alone. Thank you all 💕

[@anotherrant6688]

Me and my husband too.

[@randybeeman7823]

@ Edie ,same here . An old man now ,but that "circus" still revolves in my head since early childhood . Getting ready to try Spravato . Don't like the meds , but ?

[@TheTiayahi]

I have tremendous respect for Wil raising the children of another man and calling them "his kids" instead of calling them his stepkids. He obviously has been a great dad and has a great relationship with them. Kudos, Will Wheaton! Will didn't have parents, he had "parental units".

[@jonnym4670]

trying to replace the father isn't a good thing unless he is not in their life

[@VioletEmerald]

​@jonnym He explains in the interview his kids' bio dad was awful and he actually adopted his step kids at their request as soon as he legally could.

[@XKS99]

@@VioletEmerald everyone but poor Will is “awful”.

[@sherryolive257]

It isn't about trying to replace anyone. It is about being what the children needed in their lives. I think a step parent that intentionally trys to not replace or step into the role of parent causes more damage to the children. The absent or currently not present parent's feelings shouldn't be more important than them wanting the step parent to be there for their children. Personally, my step dad did the job and deserves the title. He is my dad. Period! My mother was all about her. If I did something she could tout, she did. But not because I did it, but because HER child did it. For my mental health, I had to distance myself from her for many years years. Now that she has passed, I finally get to spend time with my dad again. All families are complicated.

[@layla8647]

Some ppl don’t deserve to be Parents. What an awful childhood it was 😞! Those two Selfish two ppl damaged him. Shame on them. God Bless you Will for Breaking the cycle with your own children. I Wish you love ❤️ and Joy for the rest of your life Will 🙏🏾🥰!

[@suranjana9625]

This is so true

[@OA2605]

"every child deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a child."

[@AmberDClevenger]

This video is 2 years old, and I’m just seeing it. I have 4 autoimmunes, cPTSD from childhood abuse, am now in a wheelchair (for 6 months now…4 months of which I was in passive self-unalive ideations…)….and anti-depressants have saved my life. 2 weeks ago, I went back to work at the company I own, and I credit that to therapy, doing the work, and anti-depressants. Thank you for talking about all this! #StopTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters

[@peterah7957]

I have so much respect for people who open up about their issues....Well done Will !❤

[@markmacatee4602]

I used to describe it as being covered with one of those heavy heavy wool army blankets that has been soaked through. Dark, damp, heavy, lonely. I will be forever grateful to my husband who finally urged to me seek out a psychiatrist and get the proper medication. Talk therapy just wasn't enough. Granted, it was painful and tormenting during the process of finding the right medications, but once I did hope returned and I was able to start living my life for the first time in 30+ years.

[@suzanneochs1543]

I am 61 and have a Mother who is exactly like Wil's Father. I was extremely emotionally abused ! She hated everything about me. This video was a God send !! I finally at my age realized my Mother was never going to be what I needed and I let her go. I also stopped drinking. The pain and sadness is real. The work is hard. He is so blessed to have Anne. Thank you Mayim for this wonderful episode.

[@donnaroberts34]

I'm 60 and both my parents were narcissists and still are. My father hated everything about me and my mother tried to make up for it, but as she got older she became like him . I can so relate to Will's story. Hope you are well.

[@lilymack4028]

Been peeling my "onion layers" of my Mother's narciscism, abuse & dislike for decades. Now, in my early '70s have stopped contact. She's in early dementia so confrontation would be pointless. Additionally, my brothers have all bought into her "sweet Southern Mother" gaslighting act. All 4 of them! After recently getting her letter (another "I love you so much & pray for you.") & immediatly feeling nauseous, walked to my recycling & dropped it in-unopened, I was done. Relief, finally.

[@randomcommenterfromdownund8949]

"The fact that my kids exist is enough for me." Wow, great comment, Wil Wheaton! Your kids are very lucky.

[@mirfir]

As thru should!

[@tattoo6548]

A real man with priorities ❣

[@shirleypena4133]

@Random Commenter from Down Under No kid is lucky who has a self-hating, racist heart like Wil Wheaton.

[@susancham6025]

@@shirleypena4133 ?

[@dr.wolfstar1765]

No they aren't Wil doesn't understand humor and is attacking a black man and calling him a racist because wil doesn't understand humor. He's pathetic

[@roboludens9874]

Around 1h 20min as Mr Wheaton goes into (is guided by Ms Bialik into) increasingly deeper territory, microscopic split-second facial ticks begin popping up frequently; perhaps "Hulk wants to smash" impulses arising and instantly overridden. Super authentic conversation, big thanks to everyone involved.

[@deniseblanchard2156]

I’m so glad that Will mentioned antidepressants making it possible to work with a therapist on the whys, how’s, and solutions to his depression. It’s so true!

[@marisamartinezolivera]

Thanks, Mayim & Jonathan for delivering such a FABULOUS EPISODE! Thank you Wil for being able to bare your soul and mind so bravely and in so open and so deep way! I have my eyes full of tears now (and I swear you that I am not easy at them) and want to go back in time and space and hug the boy and teenager who Wil was. And returning to present bow myself in front the brave man in constant battle against demons he’s not guilty of that he’s become now.

[@beats2476]

I could not say it any better. Hugs fromNC.

[@marisamartinezolivera]

@@beats2476 Hugs back from Barcelona, Catalonia! 🙅🏼‍♀️

[@timothydelaney9675]

My wife suggested for me to listen to this because I have no relationship with my parents. They are not in our life at all because of some of the things said and the abuse from them. Then I decided to watch this because I wanted to see Will’s expression when he shared this information and I found myself in tears often. I often felt very alone in the abuse I went through. I appreciate how he shared his story and how it has made him a better person.

[@franciet99]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mariannesouza8326]

🤗

[@mexicanspec]

You should never excuse bad behavior because they are family. You need to decide how you want to be treated in life.

[@bentnickel7487]

It's taken me a lifetime (I'm 72) to figure out my Dad was a shitty father because HE HAD a shitty father. I broke the cycle by not having any children. My Brother had two sons and their lives are dysfunctional because my Brother didn't know how to be a good father.

[@MuiTube12]

I'm glad Wil found his other half. It makes all the difference to find someone to love you unconditional.

[@MayimBialik]

💜

[@ebonypegasus9864]

Wow this was quite overwhelming for me. I am a fan of Wil Wheatn before this podcast, but now even more of a fan listening to his struggles with depression, especially when he said about people saying things like "Just cheer up" and "You're being too sensitive" yeah I have had that advice too... and it didn't help. What does help, is seeing people like Wil who have over come all this and gone on to be sucessful and find happiness.

[@dorothyzwerk3392]

1

[@zafiro80]

Thank you Ms. Bialik and Mr. Wheaton. This has helped me to understand what my teen is going thru.

[@Carolina-ji8pp]

The way he talked about his wife omg... Made me cry. Wow, what a life story. It's crazy that he met such a wonderful woman and exactly who he needed, that's awesome!! It's also crazy that two people like his parents met and actually stayed together. Apparently made for each other. Emotional and of course another great episode!!

[@bsbznumber1fan]

I had to pause the video when will said there's someone out there right now who's going through what i went through 4 yrs ago and i started crying so hard because everything he said hit me on an emotional level. I love mayim and I've loved will Wheaton i will never forget him in stand by me it was a huge movie that helped me through my teenage years that were just horrible. But i want to say thank you to will because everything he said made me realize i need to call my therapist and make another appt and that's a very good thing because I'm at a place in my life where i don't think i need to exsist anymore but I'm still here it's hard to describe and talk about. But when will talked about the plane where he wouldn't fly because he always thought the plane was gonna crash or something else bad would happen on the plane that is how I've felt for a long long time 100% and for me it's embarrassing to talk about cuz i get laughed at and made fun of. I have a mother that is kind of like wills parents except i didn't become a child actor but my mom never loved me she said it to my face she stuck up for a guy she dated that abused me sexually from age 11 to 13 and when i tried to tell her her exact words were you're a liar why do you always have to ruin things for me? Why can't you just be happy for me. Booze and men were what she cared about in life. I was one of the things in her life that wasn't important. I have ptsd anxiety bpd and bpd 2 different mental illnesses bipolar and borderline. But i could tell by watching and listening to will that he's in a really good place in his life and I'm so happy for him. He truly deserves it. I'm basically in a really bad place right now mentally physically emotionally its bad. So i cried almost this entire episode for one reason or another. I'll end by saying this I'm so greatful to Mayim for doing this podcast and to Will for sharing his story. This touched me in a way that i never thought it would so even though I'm certain Mayim will never see my comment but still want to say ty anyways. You're an amazing woman and i look forward to future episodes of the breakdown with you as it's always a pleasure. Sincerely a huge fan,Heather Lynn💕💕💕💕💕

[@AngiesCousin]

This was therapeutic and I was so touched by Will's love and respect for his wife.

[@herahagstoz6934]

I love how much Will loves his wife and how happy he clearly about this. I’m also deeply touched that the experience of working on Star Trek gave him unconditional love. This is mainly because I grew up watching Star Trek with my dad who had the same effect on me and this makes me feel happy.

[@ChewieCatt]

I'm late to the party here, but thank you for doing this episode. I am a K-8 school counselor and want nothing more than to be there for my students. Someone they can talk to and be real with during times where they are dealing with issues that they should never have to go through. This episode gave ME more of a toolkit for depression and mental abuse/trauma that I can refer back to for these kids. I already respected and was fans of both of you, but this video tripled that respect. Thank you for being real. Thank you for being you.

[@ChiTownPulse]

I found it a relief when I accepted that my parents are just people, and I am free to remove them from my life like how I would for anyone else.

[@catcain5119]

Yes! It took a psychiatrist and counselor to help me reach that point, but it's when everything changed for me. Also, part of me realizing that and forgiving my father, was finding out more about how he grew up, which was TERRIBLE. He tried to and achieved raising us better than he was raised. I then realized he did the best he could and I did know that he truly loved me, despite the abuse. I then set boundaries and he abided by them and was able to stay in my life, until he passed away a few years later.

[@screenwritersscreenwriting6388]

Yes, far too many times people entwine themselves and their value through their parents. A parents love can do tremendous things for a child's development. But at the same time, that stray parent(s) who is abusive or negative could hopefully be identified by the adult child and considered separate and irrelevant. I'm always amazed how adults who were put up for adoption or abused still ask themselves, "What did I do?" when no child in history was to blame.

[@bikerfirefarter7280]

@@screenwritersscreenwriting6388 Not always true. I've met a few little shits that were born that way and despite excellent/loving parents/environment just got consciously/deliberately worse as they aged. Some became killers and evil of the worst kind. In hindsight, they should have been adopted by a bucket of water or a hard concrete floor, day one. I make no apology for believing that having seen the misery and harm they cause/caused.

[@pechaa]

@@bikerfirefarter7280 Wait. What? Are you sure? I am surprised.

[@bikerfirefarter7280]

@@pechaa Never been more sure of anything. I stand by what I said. Sometimes things are just born 'wrong'. Deal with it. I'll always give anyone/anything a chance and benefit of the doubt, but sometimes it's a wasted effort. Observe - decide - act. "Be Pure, Be Vigilant, Behave".

[@sharonbaker3007]

Wil’s story is eerily familiar. I’m so very happy he found his way. Sometimes your family of chance fails you. As a child, it is never your fault. It’s your caregivers’ responsibility to keep you safe and love you unconditionally. Thank you so much for reinforcing this truth. I hope this brings more attention to C-PTSD.

[@wwrk25]

I love the Jack Nicholson line, "What if this is as good as it gets?" within the psychiatrist waiting room. Thank you both for this dialog. I had a bully for a stepfather who wouldn't call me my name. I was called Amazon because I was overweight and as big as the Amazon River. Your story shows me that I was not alone in the world.

[@bikerfirefarter7280]

Sorry you took it so badly, sometimes shit happens. Some deserve it, some don't. If you don't like something, change it if you can, at least make a real effort. Peace.

[@Likelive123]

so sorry!!! I hope you know he didn't like himself so he didn't know how to like or love you. I hope you love yourself and forgive him.

[@franciet99]

❤️❤️❤️

[@joeygames_5]

This podcast has literally changed my life. Changed my brain. Changed the way that I see my own life experiences and mental health. Thank you both so so much for your honesty. You are truly making a difference ❤

[@MayimBialik]

🥹🤯

[@littlemommabird]

I'm so glad Will mentioned how he felt the shame. You don't hear people struggling with depression how the shame compounds it. I'm so happy he's finding peace.

[@nixhixx]

Wil Wheaton, I love you. I had an abusive mother, and my former father enabled that. Hearing you speak about it, helps a lot. Thank You.

[@candaceion9622]

I am right there with him. A horrible abusive childhood. SA from the age of 6 until my late teens, a mother and family that turned a blind eye, in order to protect her family...not her young child. She dressed me in the nicest clothes, hair was always perfect, but I was never ever good enough. Like Wil, I believed my mom did all those things, because she loved me. It wasn't that at all. I was a doll. Her Toy. She got attention from my appearance. It was all about her. None of it was done out of her love for me. She died in 2016. It has taken me to the age that i am now, to say that my mom was a horrible mom. My dad, was a beautiful kind soul, but sadly he lost his voice to her and thus sat idly by, and did nothing. He just passed in March. I have C-PTSD, PTSD, treatment Resistant Depression etc. I have done everything. Meds, therapy. Inpatient, outpatient, I have done everything. As Kelly Clarkson said "wealthy people can get well" thank you for bringing to light a topic as dark as Depression. I am 53, and have been in therapy since the age of 18. Medication hasn't helped me at all. I had a brain map done, and it appears that I have had a serious concussion. Another example of how trauma or stress can negatively affect on the body. Every day is a struggle. So many people think feeling sad, is the same as Depression. Not even close. Thank you again

[@rebeccairmen9322]

I am so glad to get to see the Internet open a door for abused children to get the escape they need I was molested and I was kept on the ranch as a child and I had no escape from the family that would have no admit a fault and I have paid for it i was worked all my child hood housewoork feeding animals digging a well by hand building the house and on i went to school and home on the weekends I was not allowed to go to anyone's house or birthday party and by third grade I was no longer asked to attend i was grounded for a year for learning to swim at age eight by eiight grade I was another's Year for going on ditch day I was a throwaway and I was not allowed to go anywhere I have two siblings who never had to work and they were able to go anywhere they wanted no one in my family ever asked why I kept running away i was a screwup and that was how I was treated I dropped out of highschool as I was to go and come back home no matter what I got pregnant by s venteen and they were so disappointed and I was the worst when at ewentyone the truth came out and my mother dot has call and told me to mever ttalk to them ever I waarpedi now know what is wrongs being stalked and they would not help m I was using frugs and I lost my two childre and they were mad at me for seeling help I didn't speak to him or snyone him twentyfive years I had a husband children three and lived there where i grew up i was never even thought of I never had any help until I wareal person I cheer you on and am so proud of all of you that give them a way out so thnd I was seeing a Dr for a year and they my husband died and I have been facing the stuff I have kept yin me I am sixth one and I have been facing the first pain as I try healrng myself I am sad that I have been wasting all my time being with and I will get it done and be a redal a good life go

[@katherinetutschek4757]

Have you tried therapeutic psychedelics? There are treatment centres in some countries now, like Canada. It may offer a different approach. Either way, I hope your soul finds some peace❤

[@darnitthelma4247]

Thank you for sharing. You look beautiful in your photo. Wishing you happiness ❤

[@lotusgamescrafts538]

Will's Analogy of the lead apron for Xrays being the equivalent of what depression makes you feel is SOOOOOO spot on! I have never thought of that before but it's just the perfect way to describe how deep depression makes you feel. I'm so sorry for the things he's had to go through and so inspired by how much he's overcome!

[@heidiklessard8440]

Wil, you're so real - authentic and intelligent. You have risen above what you easily could have become from your past experiences with abuse. Keep talking, it is helping others heal themselves.

[@tahiyamarome]

Thank you Wil for being open about going no-contact with your narc parents. You are not only brave but setting a great example for other abuse victims w CPTSD. I have no-contact w my mother and it has made my whole life better in every way. You are help in ng people by being public about this. THANK YOU!

[@t3hsis324]

As someone who has many parallels to Wil (minus the good looks and fame), I just want to say a huge thank you and express my gratitude for opening up and sharing his story. He is completely right - breaking off your connection with your family is going to be rough, and you will want to have emotional support through friends, a therapist/counselor to help you work through it, and possible medication. Trying to do it on your own is going to be incredibly rough. I really, truly wish that access to mental health services were easier to access and affordable as sadly there are so many people who I'm sure to have gone through very similar circumstances and aren't as privileged to have that access. When you grow up with toxic parents who aren't able to be the loving, supporting caregiver you deserve and need it severely impacts you... for a lifetime. You can heal, but you will always carry that scar and like Wil said you will have moments of relapse. Please don't beat yourself up, dear reader, and know you are not alone if you're suffering. To those out there who have lived through it, I wish to extend virtual hugs and my condolences for all you've endured. Never give up. You can beat this.

[@candaceion9622]

I am there too. So many parallels, and I lost over 47 family members in seconds. That was over 30 years ago.

[@anotherrant6688]

@@candaceion9622 My husband has been ostracized. They set him up for failure but he's now healing and things are going REALLY well for us.

[@anotherrant6688]

@Seven Inches of Throbbing Pink Jesus I love your user name and agree. His family is from the deep south. That explains some of it, I think.

[@anotherrant6688]

@@candaceion9622 Maybe if we think of it as lightening the load, it would help. :)

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

Good looks?

[@Carol-D.1324]

My mom was what Will’s dad was. It took me until I was 42 before I realized I actually DIDN’T need her in my life and I stopped every form of contact with her for 1 year. It was amazing.

[@lindamoses3697]

My mom was horrible. I was estranged from her and Dad 17 years. They were the best years of my life in regards to her.

[@saracrispi9081]

God Bless Will Wheaton. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 As someone who has struggled my whole life with depression as well, this was therapy for me. ❤️❤️

[@andriamsimpsonrussell]

My egg donor/incubator was verbally and emotionally abusive with me as a child when I was around her up to a phone call when I was in my mid 30s and she actually told me to prove I was her daughter, she was my mother (after I updated my original birth certificate to add HER name as my original had NO PARENTS listed) and then later she said (incubator)"It's YOUR fault you were born". At THAT point I knew she was flucking nuts and I was so HAPPY she abandoned me at six months old leaving me with my savior, my (maternal grand)MOM. I've spoken with her twice since 2008 after MOM died with me filing her nails and via a few texts messages.

[@mexicanspec]

Isn't it amazing how much of a failure a lot of parents are? Their job is to make you ready to go out into the world at 18 and be there if you fail to have a safe place to go back to. Somebody that needs their parents in their life on a daily basis didn't learn what they needed to learn.

[@alisonticknor7509]

This was so great. Thank you to Mayim for moderating and pulling this together, and to Wil who is willing to tell his story so honestly. I can't thank you both enough.

[@raquelcardenas2809]

Thank you, Wil, for sharing your story. My mother, similar to yours, enabled my abusive step-father. She also cherrypicked the children she liked and loved. My older brother and I, unfortunately, were not her chosen recipients. In addition, she dismissed my hurt and my sadness on a regular basis. Words and phrases like "sissy," "drama, queen" and "too sensitive" were free-flowing. I remained broken for many, many years. Thank God for the therapist I sought out at 27 years of age and the medication regiment I began in my late 30s. I still hurt and have times when I am thrust back into painful past memories. However, I am capable, now, of using the tools I've acquired to pull myself into a more positive and loving headspace. Thank you, Wil, Mayim, and Jonathan for seeing and acknowledging me.

[@Lisa_Soli]

You two are wonderful people. I was hospitalized for depression and I remember a sign with a couple of words on it. I tried to read the words and couldn't understand them because all the concentration was gone. When I felt better, I read the sign again and was so happy it made sense now. Lots of love from Germany 💕

[@bonzimmer]

I am your age (1973) and recently (2016) divorced after 20 something years of marriage ... I met my ex when Iwas a senior in high school. I've followed both you and Will since I was a kid. I really appreciated this video as someone who was diagnosed with anxiety who also self-diagnosed herself as someone with depression. It's helpful to know it's a process to go towards a better us and to set those boundaries we need to in order to protect ourselves

[@virgilnusbaum993]

Wow crying I feel half of Wil's pain. I too had a father who treated me the same way. However my mother did what she could to protect me (other than staying with him). Thank you all for sharing this with us.

[@danielaberlin4548]

One of the best things for me about the Breakdown episodes is the use of words to explain health problems, Mayim and Jonathan both have a beautiful use of language to really comunicate, and Wil in this episode has a great way to describe emotions and thoughts. That is really a gift and a science. As a physician who understands most of the themes presented in the show, I really enjoy this channel and has made me learn new things, aproaches and improve my own way of comunicating with my patients. Thank you!

[@Dowlphin]

In a better world I would probably make a great psychotherapist, or so many other things, but the sensitivity that opens up such paths is also a massive problem for making it happen.

[@joleneumentum3923]

I'm crying. My doctor told me it is unusual to get panic attacks in my sleep. I held my ground because it happens to my mom and sister, but if someone is not dealing with genetic mental health issues they probably feel like they are imagining it. Thank you for sharing this.

[@nancykludt7377]

Holy cow! Just happened on this podcast. For a plethora of reasons, thank you for your candor and honesty in sharing your stories. Many neural doors opened as I listened. I’m grateful to you all for this important opportunity. Self awareness is as important as compassion for oneself. I’ve earmarked this podcast and will pay it forward as often as necessary. Grateful 🙏

[@Michael_robertson]

I no longer feel alone. Thank you to all that where involved in the making of this episode.

[@denises9426]

I’ve never heard depression described so well. If you listen to nothing else, you’ll learn so much from just the first part of the video. Great job Mayim! 💐

[@csillafel8226]

Better than Hamlet, The Bell Jar and even "Darkness Visible" Great job Mayim

[@jennifersinclair5988]

I thought how Wil described the effect of the anti-depressant was so amazing - it is so great to see my own experience described so beautifully. Thank you Wil.

[@catherinemakohn6141]

This was honestly one of my favorite episodes that has been done. thank you Wil for sharing so boldly your experiences with depression. It was incredible to listen and truly heartbreaking. I loved when Wil was talking about being the person you needed. His parents were not who he needed them to be. Part of healing from depression is being that person that you needed all along and it is really hard. One of the ideas I struggle with the most. That statement really hit me hard though. This whole episode did. Thank you to Mayim for your neurobiology knowledge and for your personal experiences. Thank you to Wil for sharing. Thank you to Jonathon and everyone else that made this episode possible. It is truly appreciated. Love to all.

[@danniyordanova9838]

I am a single mum…. It’s been 5 year since I gave up on my ‘love live’ . I cannot imagine a man love my son as it’s their own. Will just have me a hope… maybe just maybe I will allow myself to go back out there. Thank you guys…. Thank you so much. And thank you Ann !!!!! I now have hope!!!!! Till today I thought this is impossible… ❤❤❤

[@sharonhall1909]

Thanks for this conversation. Wishing all the best for you. Many years ago, I was watching an interview with the great actor, Tony Randall (remember The Odd Couple?), & he said the exact same thing Will said & in the same way that Will said it. He remembered the moment he realized his father had never loved him and It was liberating to him. It was his father's problem & not his.

[@kelormz8785]

I really appreciate Will being honest about the abuse he endured as a child by his parents cuz I grew up with an emotionally and physically abusive mother. And I have had depression and anxiety issues as a result. Tho I have been able to make peace and forgive my mom as an adult … for the most part. Some people think I’m even too forgiving. But it’s SUPER validating to hear others who have been through similar things.

[@susanmontgomery3968]

As a person with an abusive, professionally-diagnosed NPD, HPD, and BPD family member, this really hit home for me. Thank you for sharing your pain and your on-going healing with us. I've been struggling a lot lately and this helped immensely.

[@jennifersinclair5988]

Courage to you Susan.

[@sparky711choc]

Who needs drugs when you can just watch Mayim and feel better? In all seriousness though, you really know your stuff and you present it in a way that makes it accessible for others. You are so knowledgable! Anyone who only thinks of you as "that girl from Blossom and Big Bang" is missing out!

[@AmRose-pr4wn]

She is the biggest walking book of knowledge and constant conversation. She is who I wish I was ❤❤❤❤❤

[@hanzomerdijk4965]

Wow 🎉 This was such an impactful episode for my family and me that I’ll be sharing it with them. It explains so much of the underlying motives and behaviors that run rampant through our lives. I’m a 73 yr old widower, and it wasn’t until my wife passed, I lost my job and Covid hit that I had the mental space and time to do a life assessment. The one saving grace for me is that I’ve always had tremendous internal optimism and a huge curiosity to understand. Now I’m working on understanding me like Will Wheaton does, with an open mind and not avoiding the pain points. Thank you! ❤️🙏🏻🤩

[@johncrespeno9157]

Mayim- To begin, I have been a big fan of yours for many years and I am slowly making my way through these videos. This one with Wil Wheaton really took me by surprise. My heart aches for all the hell he was put through and I am also cheering for his recovery. Please keep up the good work that you are providing for your audience.

[@annebiggins9549]

Very impress Will's son asked for his father needed therapy help. Shows Will is a wonderful parent! One must not allow getting stuck because of negative experiences. Learn from Will.

[@kristilisakleiner9384]

Honesty honesty honesty God how I appreciate all y’all’s openness, self awareness and respect of self and life

[@lorenalaurens5842]

Here in Argentina we are now more open about talking about depression. You are so brave putting this themes on the table. God bless you all

[@laurencemartin2797]

This was SO GREAT. I don't have depression but hearing Wil speak the truth about his parents is real! My mother was a Narcissist and my Dad let mother destroy me, and he still alive at 93 and I'm his caretaker.