Joe is mad that Marvel TV shows don’t completely connect to the Marvel Cinematic Universe/

Joe and Lauren talk about mental health in relation to the recent suicide deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain.

They talk about how Anthony Bourdain encouraged you to explore the world through other culture’s food. Joe and Lauren talk about their personal experiences traveling.

Lauren talks about her own personal experiences being their for friends who felt suicidal.

How to get help if you’re feeling suicidal – call 911, go to an ER, college students can go to counseling or student health center on campus, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Joe talks about his own personal battle with depression.

Post concussion syndrome can cause suicidal thoughts.

New mental illness symptoms can manifest in your 20s and 30s.

If you’re feeling new mental illness symptoms, check the side effects of medication you’re taking. Sometimes medication for depression and other mental illnesses can cause suicidal thoughts.

Friends and family are a reason to live and to take your recovery journey seriously.

The NeuroNerds are here to help – Joe and Lauren are here for you if you need someone to talk to to.

Joe discusses going to therapy every week.

Lauren relates the inner monster that is depression to Bruce Banner battling his inner monster – The Hulk.

Joe relates depression and inner monsters to The Dark Phoenix.

Try to create out of darkness instead of falling into it – write, draw, create music. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just be artistic to make you feel good.

Ways to improve mental well-being – Get out of the house, meditate, get some sun (vitamin D deficiency can affect brain chemistry and lead to depression) and sitting in the rain can make you feel better.

Reach out and check in with your friends to make sure they’re doing ok.

Public figures like Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain are under a large amount of pressure to be an example/role model. And this goes for anyone who is a role model or inspiration to others. Everyone is allowed to be vulnerable and not perfect so check in with your friends who seem like they have it all together publicly/on social media just to make sure they’re really doing ok in private.

Go to a local pet store or animal shelter and pet a dog, cat or other furry animal because it is so therapeutic and can help you feel better if you are down.