Explore how friendship and peer support can be lifelines in the face of mental illness with my guest, Ryan Manning.

In this candid episode about mental health, we delve into how the quiet presence of friends can make a world of difference. Discussing schizoaffective storms, the awkwardness of showing up without trying to "fix" problems, and the importance of empathy and accountability, we highlight simple habits that strengthen support.
Key discussions include:

• How long-term friendships endure the challenges of secrecy and symptoms
• The value of simply being present versus trying to solve problems
• Utilizing humor as a connecting force when things get tough
• Practical actions that genuinely help—and what to avoid

If you or someone you know struggles with mental health, join this intimate chat to uncover the quiet yet powerful ways friendship sustains recovery. Don't forget to reach out for support when needed.

Post one support move you’ll try this week on our Discord "The Struggle Bus"—we’ll help you refine it so it actually lands. (link below)

Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! is a candid mental health podcast with lived experience—schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that fights stigma.

Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros, ("IndyPocket"), we talk serious mental illness, psych wards, religious trauma, bad therapy, meds, disability, and messy real-world coping.

New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am ET.

Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA

All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI

Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning