During a recent episode of Conan O'Brien's talk show, "Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend," comedian Maria Bamford shared a shocking and somewhat amusing story about a former psychiatrist who Googled her during a therapy session.
Bamford, known for her candid and relatable comedy, revealed that the retired psychiatrist not only searched for her online but also played some of her stand-up material back to her during the session. The psychiatrist's flippant comment about her being "pretty funny" left Bamford feeling somewhat perplexed and questioning his professionalism.
The conversation took an interesting turn when Bamford discussed her experiences with bipolar disorder and the different psychiatric wards she has been in, including Glendale Adventist Psychiatric Medical Center and West Psych. She admitted that she had an unfortunate experience at the now-closed Encinas, which she joked about giving a bad Yelp review (though she noted that she generally avoids giving negative reviews).
Bamford's account of the retired psychiatrist's behavior during therapy sheds light on the sometimes questionable practices within the mental health industry. It also highlights the struggles that individuals with mental health conditions face when seeking professional help.
During the interview, O'Brien asked Bamford if she ever thought about comedy while in a psychiatric crisis. Bamford responded with a definitive "no," explaining that when someone is in such a state, they are in a completely altered mindset and not thinking about anything else. She described the experience as "every moment being excruciating" and expressed her gratitude for the medications that helped alleviate her pain during those times.
Bamford also shared her admiration for comedian Jonathan Winters, who was known for his hilarious performances but also battled depression and had a few episodes of psychosis. She regretted not taking the opportunity to meet Winters when she had the chance, revealing that a friend of hers had a close relationship with the comedian.
Towards the end of the interview, Bamford reflected on her own struggles with suicidal depression and how it has given her empathy for those who have taken their own lives. She emphasized the importance of understanding the depth of someone's suffering before passing judgment.
The story of Bamford's former psychiatrist Googling her during a session certainly adds a bizarre twist to the already fascinating conversation. It serves as a reminder that even in vulnerable moments, individuals deserve respect and professionalism from their mental health professionals.
