SSRI’M OK

The Mediterranean Diet Might Change Your Mood—Here's How with Matt Durndak

In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by their favorite comedian and skeptic, Matt Durndak, to talk about the Mediterranean diet—and why it’s one of the best things you can do for your mental health.
They break down what the Mediterranean diet actually is (spoiler: it’s more than just olive oil and red wine) and why it’s considered the healthiest diet in the world. They cover how it supports brain health by reducing inflammation through folate, omega-3s, and antioxidants—and yes, they explain what antioxidants actually are.
They discuss:
The SMILES trial and how diet can support depression treatment
How to get started with the Mediterranean diet (even if you're overwhelmed)
10 quick tips to make the switch more doable
Why gut health is so important—and how fiber and fermented foods play a role
What you should and shouldn’t eat (hint: whole wheat, not white bread)
If cheese and eggs are allowed (Matt eats six eggs for breakfast—so we get into it)
Whether you can lose weight on the diet
Why eating slowly, socially, and mindfully matters
Their favorite Mediterranean snacks
Also, plants should be at the center of your plate. And yes—red wine is okay in moderation.
Resources Mentioned: 
https://www.thedoctorskitchen.com/
 
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Art by Zoe Zakson
Music by Raul Garcia
Edited by Katie Hettenbach
 
Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com
Follow us on IG: @ssrimokpod
Contact us: ssrimokpod@gmail.com
 

Bonus: Misery Loves Mental Health from Misery Loves Mandy

Here is a special bonus episode! Dr. Bijan Zarrabi and Macey Isaacs were guests on the podcast "Misery Loves Mandy" for episode number 146 titled "Misery Loves Mental Health." We loved it so much that we wanted to share it here on our feed. Below are the show notes taken from Misery Loves Mandy.
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They are miserable about the stigma that antidepressants kill creativity, performance anxiety, and the struggle to stay productive without burning out. In this special episode of 'Misery Loves Mandy' for Mental Health Awareness Month, Mandy sits down with Macey Isaacs and Bijan Zarrabi, hosts of the podcast 'SSRI'M OK.' The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including mental health, depression, anxiety, and the stigmas associated with these conditions. Bijan, a psychiatrist, shares professional insights while the group also explores the intersection of mental health and creativity, how antidepressants affect people, and tips for achieving a balance between personal life and professional ambitions. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation that also touches on personal anecdotes and the challenges of life in comedy. 🌟Support the pod and join us for Misery Loves Mandy Unfiltered in Patreon:   / miserylovesmandy   📩 Email YOUR "Misery Loves Company" story to miserylovesmandypod@gmail.com
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Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!
 
Art by Zoe Zakson
Music by Raul Garcia
Edited by Katie Hettenbach
 
Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com
Follow us on IG: @ssrimokpod
Contact us: ssrimokpod@gmail.com
 

How to Find the Right Therapist—Even Without Insurance

In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, talk about how to find a good therapist—even if you don't have insurance.
They break down the steps, starting with figuring out how you’re going to pay and whether you’re using insurance. If you're not, don’t panic—there are still affordable options like sliding scale therapists and training clinics.
Bijan shares insights from his recent trip to the APA (American Psychiatric Association) conference, including what he learned about mental health and social media. They also get real about how just starting the search is often the hardest part.
They discuss:
Tools that can help you actually sit down and start the process (like body doubling and setting timers)
How to choose a therapist based on your goals
Why ACT or CBT might be helpful—but why you shouldn’t stress too much about the specific modality
The importance of connection over credentials
Red and green flags to look out for
What to ask during a first call (which you should always do)
What Macey personally looks for in a therapist
Why it’s completely OK to prefer certain therapist traits—like gender, sexual orientation, or therapeutic approach
And a reminder that you’re not stuck with the first therapist you meet—you’re allowed to shop around
Also, Bijan has a great furrowed brow. That’s not helpful for finding a therapist, but it is true.
Resources Mentioned: 
https://psychologytoday.com/
https://zencare.co
https://www.zocdoc.com/
https://www.therapyden.com/
https://therapymatcher.org/
https://openpathcollective.org/
https://www.focusmate.com/
 
Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!
 
Art by Zoe Zakson
Music by Raul Garcia
Edited by Katie Hettenbach
 
Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com
Follow us on IG: @ssrimokpod
Contact us: ssrimokpod@gmail.com

Using Humor to Cope: When It Helps—And When It Hurts with Mandy Martino

In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by fellow comic Mandy Martino (from Misery Loves Mandy) to explore the psychology of humor:👉 Is humor always a healthy coping mechanism—or can it sometimes be harmful?
We dive into research on humor, mental health, and defense mechanisms, and explore how the jokes we make can reflect deeper emotional patterns.
Topics include:
Mandy’s childhood trauma (yes, involving hamsters) and how comedians often turn pain into punchlines
How using humor as a child can be a coping strategy—and whether that pattern evolves or gets stuck in adulthood
The "sad clown" archetype in comedy: from Chris Farley to cult classics like Superstar and Joe Dirt
Are comedians actually more mentally unwell than the average person?
Coping mechanisms vs. defense mechanisms: what makes a defense “mature” or “immature”?
Self-deprecating humor: why comedians  use it, and when it becomes empowering—or toxic
How humor can be adaptive or maladaptive—and what to do if your humor style isn’t serving you anymore
We also talk about what it means to bring purpose to pain and how comedy can be a powerful tool for healing—but only if it’s rooted in honesty rather than avoidance.
🎧 Whether you’re a fan of stand-up, a therapist, or someone who jokes their way through hard times, this episode offers real insight into how and why we laugh—and what that laughter might be covering up.
Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!
 
Art by Zoe Zakson
Music by Raul Garcia
Edited by Katie Hettenbach
 
Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SSRIMOKPod
Follow us on IG: @ssrimokpod
Contact us: ssrimokpod@gmail.com
 

Sleep Apnea: The Snore You Ignore with Scotty Cav

In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by standup comedian Scotty Cav to talk about sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is surprisingly common, yet many people don’t even realize they have it. We break down exactly what sleep apnea is — a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep — and discuss the two main types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the more common form caused by physical blockage of the airway, and central sleep apnea, which happens when the brain doesn't send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. We also cover the serious health risks that can come with untreated sleep apnea, including high blood pressure, heart problems, and cognitive issues. Interestingly, sleep apnea can sometimes mimic symptoms of ADHD, making it even trickier to spot. We introduce listeners to the STOP-BANG questionnaire, a simple screening tool that can help identify potential sleep apnea risk. Scotty Cav shares his personal journey of undergoing a sleep study, getting diagnosed, and adjusting to life with a CPAP machine and mask. We also touch on different types of CPAP masks and explore alternatives for those who struggle with CPAP therapy. If you think you might be dealing with sleep apnea, this episode is a reminder to talk to your doctor and take the first steps toward better sleep — and better health.
Resources Mentioned:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2764461
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24443-obstructive-sleep-apnea-osa
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459252/
 
Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!
 
Art by Zoe Zakson
Music by Raul Garcia
Edited by Katie Hettenbach
 
Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com
Follow us on IG: @ssrimokpod
Contact us: ssrimokpod@gmail.com

Therapy Talk: Boundaries with Leah Bonnema

In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by the hilarious Leah Bonnema (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Don’t Tell Comedy) for a deep—and deeply funny—conversation about boundaries. What are boundaries, anyway? They break it down with examples of physical, emotional, and time-based boundaries (yes, even Howie Mandel’s famous fist bump counts). They explore why boundaries are essential—not just for maintaining your own well-being, but for preventing resentment and burnout, and striking that delicate balance between your individual needs and the needs of others.
They also talk about the how: how to actually set a boundary using “I” statements, how to be consistent, and why it’s okay for boundaries to evolve over time. Plus, they unpack tricky territory like the weaponization of boundaries and how to tell the difference between a real boundary and just being selfish.
Leah also shares wild stories from her time growing up in rural Maine in the lawless ‘90s, and Bijan offers some practical tips for people pleasers who struggle with setting limits. It’s honest, funny, and might just give you permission to say “no” with love.
Resources Mentioned:
Mayo Clinic Health System – Setting Boundaries for Well-Being
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/setting-boundaries-for-well-being
UC Davis Health – Why Boundaries Matter for Your Mental Health
https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/how-to-set-boundaries-and-why-it-matters-for-your-mental-health/2024/03
Psychology Today – Setting Boundaries: Self-Care or Selfish?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/meaningfull/202209/setting-boundaries-self-care-or-selfish
DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) – 8 Tips for Setting Boundaries for Your Mental Health
https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/young-adults/8-tips-on-setting-boundaries-for-your-mental-health
“Gift of Fear” by De Becker
 Potato gun
 
Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!
 
Art by Zoe Zakson
Music by Raul Garcia
Edited by Katie Hettenbach
 
Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com
Follow us on IG: @ssrimokpod
Contact us: ssrimokpod@gmail.com

Therapy Talk: Gaslighting

Warning: There is talk of Santa Claus in this episode. Listener discretion advised. 
In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, delve into the concept of gaslighting—what it actually means and why people do it. They start by breaking down the origin of the term “gaslighting” and how it got its name before exploring the many tactics people use to manipulate others in this way. 
They also discuss what to do if you realize you’re being gaslit, the connection between narcissism and gaslighting, and how Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” music video portrays emotional manipulation. To help listeners distinguish between a simple misunderstanding and actual gaslighting, they go through a practical checklist and highlight the importance of using “I feel” statements in difficult conversations. 
Finally, Macey throws some real-life scenarios at Bijan, and he decides whether they qualify as gaslighting or not. Tune in for a mix of insight, humor, and practical advice on navigating manipulation in everyday life! 
Resources Mentioned:
“Gaslighter” by The Chicks
https://www.thehotline.org/resources/what-is-gaslighting/
“All Too Well” Music Video
NAMI provides free, confidential help for mental health challenges. They can guide you to therapy, support groups, educational resources, and more.
Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Website: nami.org
Crisis Text Line
If you’re in emotional distress or just need someone to talk to, you can text HOME to 741741 anytime, 24/7. You'll be connected with a trained crisis counselor for free, confidential support.
Website: crisistextline.org
Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!
 
Art by Zoe Zakson
Music by Raul Garcia
Edited by Katie Hettenbach
 
Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com
Follow us on IG: @ssrimokpod
Contact us: ssrimokpod@gmail.com

Bonus: Self-Care Tips for The Holidays

In this bonus episode of “SSRI’M OK,” hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, share practical tips for practicing self-care during the holiday season. Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you’re the first to know when Season 2 drops!
Resources Mentioned:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9873947/
https://www.calm.com/blog/mindfulness-exercises
 
Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!
 
Art is by Zoe Zakson. 
 
Music is “As I Figure” by Kevin MacLeod.
 
Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com
 
Follow us on IG or X: @ssrimokpod
 
Contact us: ssrimokpod@gmail.com

Season Finale With Macey, Bijan, and Zoe

Thanks for listening this season! We cannot wait for season 2! For updates on future episodes, follow us on X or Instagram @ssrimokpod. In the meantime, feel free to send in your mental health questions or topics you'd like discussed in our next season.
 
Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!
 
Art is by Zoe Zakson. 
 
Music is “As I Figure” by Kevin MacLeod.
 
Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com
 
Follow us on IG or X: @ssrimokpod
 
Contact us: ssrimokpod@gmail.com

Defining DEI: What It Means and Why It Matters With Dr. Jason West

In this episode of “SSRI’M OK,” hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, delve into the fascinating intersection of mental health, diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI.) They are joined by Dr. Jason West, the DEI and Belonging chair at Brigham Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
The discussion begins by defining DEI and its essential role in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have fair access to opportunities and resources. Equity is framed as an ethical issue, one that is not just a moral imperative but also crucial for the well-being of society as a whole. The conversation then shifts to the practical side of DEI—how these principles can be effectively implemented within institutions, and the common misconceptions that often hinder progress.
The hosts and Dr. West also address the apprehensions many people have when discussing DEI, acknowledging that these conversations can be uncomfortable but are necessary for meaningful change. They explore the concept of homophily, the tendency of people to associate with others who are similar to them, and its relationship to happiness and social cohesion. Dr. West shares his perspective on the wish some have for a world without DEI initiatives, noting that this could lead to less social cohesion and more division within communities.
Finally, the episode delves into the specific challenges of implementing DEI in the mental healthcare setting, where systemic issues and biases can significantly impact patient outcomes. Dr. West offers insights into how mental health professionals can navigate these challenges to create more inclusive and supportive environments for all patients.
 
Resources Mentioned:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38662413/
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/racialethnic-differences-mental-health-service-use
Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!
 
Art is by Zoe Zakson. 
 
Music is “As I Figure” by Kevin MacLeod.
 
Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com
 
Follow us on IG or X: @ssrimokpod
 
Contact us: ssrimokpod@gmail.com