How ‘Jersey Shore’ Unexpectedly Helped My Mental Health

Who here remembers “Jersey Shore?” Those fist pumping, fighting, drama-thriving Guidos and Guidettes were a staple in my house every Thursday night for the whole six seasons it was on. I watched them hit the shore for four seasons and even watched them party in Miami and Italy in the other two. You could say I was a fan. It was the best distraction for me and my college roommates around any midterm or final.

This weekend, I got caught up in a random “Jersey Shore” marathon. There was one episode I remember watching all those years ago. I remember feeling uneasy with my friends as they watched it too. It felt like this particular episode was directed at me and all these years later I still identify with it.

So, you’re asking yourself right now what this particular reality TV show that’s known for some pretty silly story lines could have possibly struck me in an unshakeable way? Well let me explain.

My favorite person on the shore was Vinny Guadagnino. He was witty and his bromance with Pauly D was hilarious. The second episode of the fourth season, the gang had just arrived back from Italy. Vinny wasn’t being himself and everyone was starting to notice. After trying to hide it for a bit he finally opened up to his boss about his struggle with clinical anxiety.