The joyous laughs and on-air jokes are familiar to fans of the “The Matt and Ramona Show” on Charlotte's 107.9 The Link, but, some may not know that behind the mics, Matt Harris, Ramona Holloway, and “Bandy” struggled with anxiety and depression.
"It's about a condition that I am treated for that makes it very hard for me sometimes to see the bright side. There's a darkness that you battle with depression each and everyday. Depression for me became about helping other people feel better about how bad I felt,” said Ramona Holloway.
"They don't realize it's one thing to be funny on the radio, or funny not even on the radio, but one-on-one or whatever, but how it freaks me out to go into a group of people, they're like really,” said Matt Harris.
“Bandy” who can often be heard on the show, says it’s important to get help if you are suffering. "You think you are the only one that's suffering and there's so many other people out there that are dealing with the same issues and the most important step is to reach out and get help,” said Bandy.
For Harris, it says it can come out nowhere. "I'll spin down that rabbit hole of worry and worry and negativity, but it will come out of nowhere,” said Harris.
Holloway says using tools and support to help is crucial"We've all faced it at one point, you think I got it, it's good, but that's not how you manage mental illness,” said Holloway.
The biggest message they say is you are not alone and getting help is key. "Let's ruin this stigma, talk about it, talk about it with your friends, talk about it with your family, and don't be afraid,” said Bandy.
Holloway echoes the same message, saying, "It's a mountain that absolutely can be moved, in the moment, it's looks immovable; there are people, there are professionals who can help you."