Giving Voice to Depression: Recent Episodes

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When depression steals your motivation, even the smallest task can feel impossible.Getting out of bed. Answering an email. Folding laundry. Starting a work project.From the outside, it may look like procrastination or laziness. From the inside, it can feel like trying to move through wet concrete.In this practical episode, Terry and Bridget welcome writer Sarah Fielding, whose article on staying motivated while struggling with mental health inspired a conversation full of realistic, compassionate strategies for navigating days when depression makes everything feel harder.Together they discuss simple tools that can make overwhelming days feel more manageable, including:* Why getting started is often the hardest part * Breaking large projects into small, achievable steps * Creating realistic to-do lists that build momentum * Planning your day around your natural energy levels * Giving yourself permission to adapt when depression or burnout hits * The difference between being busy and being productive * How changing your environment can improve focus * Why self-compassion often leads to greater productivity than self-criticism

Whether you're working from home, returning to the office, managing a household, or simply trying to make it through the day, this episode offers practical ideas you can try the next time depression makes even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.Because sometimes the hardest part isn't finishing—it's taking the first step.Primary Topics Covered:* Depression and motivation * Depression and productivity * Executive dysfunction * Breaking tasks into smaller steps * Time blocking * To-do lists and momentum * Burnout and mental fatigue * Self-compassion * Managing work with depression * Practical depression coping strategies

Timestamps:00:01:24 Why motivation can disappear during depression00:02:23 Meet Sarah Fielding and the inspiration behind today's practical tips00:02:58 Why getting started is often the hardest part00:03:54 Planning your day to reduce overwhelm00:04:16 Time-blocking, prioritizing, and choosing your "Big Three"00:05:05 Why writing everything down reduces mental clutter00:06:09 Breaking large projects into manageable steps00:07:08 Working with your natural productivity patterns00:07:47 How changing your environment can improve motivation00:08:35 Checking in with yourself instead of pushing through burnout00:09:50 Advice for employers supporting employees with depression00:11:25 Why it's normal not to perform at 100% every day00:12:23 Busy versus productive00:13:11 Adapting your routine to match your mental state00:13:54 The "big rocks" prioritization metaphor00:14:43 Why small accomplishments create momentumExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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Hundreds of thousands of people know Shannon for making them laugh.Her videos have gone viral. Her social media is full of humor, energy, and outrageous comedy.What most people didn't see was that behind the camera, she was learning one of the hardest lessons of her life: she couldn't heal from depression alone.In Part 2 of Shannon's story, she shares the biggest changes she's made since seeking treatment—and why asking for help became one of the most powerful tools in her recovery.She talks candidly about learning to accept help from friends and family, finding a community that noticed when she was struggling, becoming more honest with her husband, and discovering that vulnerability strengthened her relationships instead of weakening them.Shannon also describes her experience with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and the unexpected relief she felt after beginning to process a painful memory in a new way.In this episode, you'll hear about:* Why asking for help is often the hardest—and most important—step * Finding supportive friendships after years of feeling alone * How honesty transformed her marriage * Why depression convinces us we're a burden * What her first EMDR session was actually like * How therapy changed her relationship with a traumatic memory * Free mental health resources when therapy isn't financially possible * Why hearing other people's stories reminds us we're not alone

Whether you're living with depression yourself or supporting someone who is, Shannon's story is a reminder that healing rarely happens in isolation.Sometimes the bravest words we can say are:"I need help."Primary Topics Covered:* Asking for help with depression * Depression support * Therapy for depression * EMDR therapy * Feeling alone with depression * Finding supportive friendships * Marriage and mental health * Vulnerability and healing * Mental health resources * Hope after depression

Timestamps:00:01:26 Continuing Shannon's story and the tools helping her manage depression00:02:36 Going public about depression on social media00:03:17 How honesty online became part of her healing00:04:15 Why depression makes so many people feel alone00:05:03 Breaking the stigma by talking openly00:06:35 Learning to ask for—and accept—help00:07:25 Why asking for help is worth the vulnerability00:08:43 Finding supportive friendships after opening up00:09:34 Becoming more honest with her husband about depression00:10:46 Making therapy a regular part of recovery00:11:16 What EMDR therapy is00:11:53 Shannon's first EMDR session00:13:08 Replacing self-criticism with self-compassion00:13:53 How EMDR changed her relationship with a traumatic memory00:15:22 Finding free mental health resources when therapy isn't affordable00:16:15 Why changing our relationship to painful memories matters00:17:07 Asking for help is an act of courage00:17:52 What to do if your first attempt to get help isn't successfulExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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Nearly a decade ago, Davey shared one of the darkest depression stories we've ever featured on Giving Voice to Depression. He was living with relentless depression, frequent suicidal thoughts, and believed he simply couldn't do life anymore.Today, he comes back with a very different story.After years of searching for answers, one conversation with a physician led to a diagnosis of Complex PTSD (CPTSD)—a discovery that completely changed how he understood his depression, his childhood, and, ultimately, himself.In this powerful follow-up, Davey shares how understanding the root of his pain opened the door to self-compassion, healing, and something he once thought was impossible: waking up happy to be alive.In this episode you'll hear about:* How childhood trauma contributed to years of depression * Why understanding Complex PTSD changed everything * The connection between perfectionism and childhood abuse * Learning that your value isn't based on your productivity * Recovering from years of believing you weren't lovable * Finding hope after years of suicidal thoughts * Setting healthy boundaries with toxic people * Why healing is a journey—not a finish line * The importance of self-compassion in trauma recovery * A hopeful message for anyone who feels like they're beyond help

Davey's story won't be everyone's story, but it offers something many people living with depression desperately need to hear:Things really can change.As he says during this conversation:"I'm through the tunnel. I'm in the sunshine."
Primary Topics Covered:* Complex PTSD (CPTSD) * Childhood trauma * Depression recovery * Suicidal thoughts * Emotional neglect * Self-worth and self-compassion * Perfectionism and trauma * Trauma-informed healing * Healthy boundaries * Hope after depression

Timestamps:00:01:14 Understanding depression through the lens of Complex PTSD00:01:34 Why Davey wanted to return after nearly ten years00:02:55 A doctor's encouragement to share his recovery00:03:16 Living with severe depression and suicidal thoughts00:03:30 The life-changing Complex PTSD diagnosis00:04:31 The book that transformed Davey's understanding of himself00:05:13 Building resilience and beginning a healing journey00:06:05 How childhood trauma shaped his depression00:07:13 Realizing emotional neglect wasn't a normal childhood00:08:29 Relief after finally understanding the "why"00:09:40 Learning that self-worth isn't based on productivity00:10:25 What daily life looks like after healing00:11:50 What he'd tell the version of himself who wanted to give up00:13:17 Why everyone deserves love simply for who they are00:13:37 Letting go of toxic relationships00:14:40 A message of hope for anyone living with depression today00:15:42 Why he believes he won't return to his darkest place00:16:49 The importance of receiving the right diagnosis00:19:04 Understanding Complex PTSD beyond traditional PTSD00:20:34 Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and reducing stigma00:22:30 The meaning behind Davey's semicolon tattoo00:23:21 Why creating safe spaces saves livesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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Instagram creator ShannyPants has built a community of hundreds of thousands of followers by making people laugh.But while millions of people saw the funny videos, very few knew she was quietly living with depression.In this episode, Shannon shares what depression really looked like behind the scenes, why she finally sought treatment, how antidepressants and therapy changed her life, and why humor became one of the tools that helped her heal.In today's podcast episode, you'll hear about:* What daily life with depression really looks like * Why simple routines can make difficult days more manageable * How checking off tiny accomplishments builds momentum * The role antidepressants played in her recovery * Why she waited years before asking for help * The connection between isolation and depression * How humor became part of her healing * Why talking openly about depression changed both her life and the lives of her followers

Shannon reminds us that depression doesn't always look the way people expect—and that laughter and depression can exist at the same time.Most importantly, she offers hope that healthier days are possible.Primary Topics Covered* Living with depression * Coping with depression * Depression routines and habits * Antidepressant medication * Therapy for depression * Humor and mental health * Depression and isolation * Asking for help * Daily mental health strategies * Hope after depression

Timestamps00:01:26 – Why laughter can help during depression00:02:30 – Meeting Shannon and her mental health journey00:03:19 – What depression feels like on difficult days00:03:46 – Using routines to manage depression00:05:11 – Small daily goals that build momentum00:06:11 – The difference between an "off day" and depression00:06:34 – Leaving the house to interrupt depressive episodes00:07:56 – Learning self-compassion00:08:26 – COVID's impact on her mental health00:09:26 – Reaching a breaking point and asking for help00:10:24 – Changing her views about antidepressant medication00:11:03 – Accepting depression and seeking treatment00:12:05 – Starting medication and noticing improvement00:13:09 – Why humor became part of healing00:15:20 – Sharing depression publicly on social media00:16:09 – Breaking isolation through honest conversations00:17:19 – Why recovery stories create hope00:19:20 – Looking ahead to EMDR therapyExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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For years, Davey believed he had depression.

What he didn't know was why.

After nearly a decade of living with severe depression—including years of suicidal thoughts—a conversation with a physician changed everything. Within minutes of hearing Davey's childhood story, the doctor wrote two words on a piece of paper:

Complex PTSD (CPTSD).

That diagnosis became the beginning of a completely different healing journey.

In this follow-up episode—nearly ten years after his first appearance on Giving Voice to Depression—Davey shares how understanding childhood trauma helped him replace shame with self-compassion, perfectionism with acceptance, and hopelessness with genuine joy.

You'll hear about:

• How childhood abuse and emotional neglect contributed to depression
• The difference between depression and Complex PTSD
• Why understanding the root cause changed everything
• Learning that self-worth isn't based on productivity
• Recovering from years of believing he wasn't lovable
• Setting boundaries with toxic relationships
• Why healing is an ongoing journey—not a destination
• Finding hope after living with suicidal thoughts

Davey's story offers hope for anyone who has ever believed they were "broken."

As he says in this conversation:

"I'm through the tunnel. I'm in the sunshine."

Primary Topics Covered:

• Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
• Childhood trauma and depression
• Emotional neglect
• Self-worth and healing
• Suicidal thoughts and recovery
• Perfectionism and trauma
• Trauma-informed mental health care
• Healthy boundaries
• Healing from childhood abuse
• Hope after depression

Timestamps:

00:01:34 – Why Davey returned nearly a decade later

00:02:48 – A doctor's encouragement to share his recovery

00:03:16 – Living with suicidal thoughts before healing

00:03:30 – Discovering Complex PTSD

00:04:31 – The book that changed Davey's understanding of himself

00:05:13 – Becoming more resilient through healing

00:06:05 – How understanding trauma changed everything

00:07:13 – Recognizing childhood abuse and emotional neglect

00:08:29 – The relief of finally understanding the "why"

00:10:25 – What daily life looks like after healing

00:11:50 – What he'd tell his former self

00:13:17 – Learning that you're worthy of love

00:14:40 – A message for anyone struggling today

00:15:50 – Why he believes he won't return to that dark place

00:20:27 – Carly on suicidal thoughts, stigma, and creating safe conversations

00:22:30 – The meaning behind Davey's semicolon tattoo

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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What do you do when depression makes even getting out of bed feel impossible?

Davey knows that battle firsthand.

After years of pushing through exhaustion and believing something was physically wrong, he was eventually diagnosed with major depressive disorder. What followed wasn't a quick recovery—it was a daily commitment to learning everything he could about depression and building a toolbox of coping strategies.

In this deeply practical conversation, Davey shares the lessons that have helped him survive some of his darkest days.

You'll hear about:

• Why getting out of bed can be a victory
• The idea of "tools for a time"—small coping strategies that help in difficult moments
• Why accomplishing one small task can build momentum
• Learning your depression's triggers instead of fearing them
• Why depression convinces us we're broken
• The importance of accepting depression as a legitimate illness
• Why well-meaning advice often isn't helpful during severe depression
• Building a personalized toolbox instead of searching for one perfect solution

Davey's unforgettable metaphors—from restoring old chainsaws to comparing unwanted advice to chicken soup during the stomach flu—offer powerful ways to understand what living with depression actually feels like.

His message is hopeful without minimizing the struggle:

Depression may be a difficult enemy, but it can be managed one day, one tool, and one small victory at a time.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Coping with depression
• Major depressive disorder
• Anxiety and depression
• Depression recovery tools
• Building a mental health toolbox
• Depression self-care strategies
• Small wins and behavioral activation
• Understanding depression triggers
• Supporting someone with depression
• Hope while living with depression

Timestamps:

00:01:12 – Davey's update and why this story still matters

00:03:07 – Losing your identity after depression

00:03:44 – Recognizing the symptoms of major depression

00:04:33 – Fighting depression one day at a time

00:05:15 – Why small accomplishments build momentum

00:06:13 – "Tools for a time": building a coping toolbox

00:07:16 – The chainsaw metaphor for understanding depression

00:08:45 – Why lived experience matters

00:09:21 – The "chicken soup" analogy: when advice isn't helpful

00:11:17 – Learning depression's lies

00:12:07 – "Fixing something that's broken with something that's broken"

00:13:14 – Accepting depression as a legitimate illness

00:14:05 – Anxiety triggers and managing depressive episodes

00:15:43 – Finding purpose while living with depression

00:16:19 – Why depression is a winnable battle

00:18:02 – Listening instead of saying, "You just need to..."

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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Why do so many people wait years before asking for help with depression?

For award-winning television journalist Ted Perry, the answer was simple: stigma.

In this candid conversation, Ted shares why he kept his depression hidden for years, how grief after his father's death intensified his symptoms, and why finally accepting therapy and antidepressant medication changed his life.

He also reflects on the relationships depression affected, the shame that kept him silent, and the hope that ultimately carried him through.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Why depression often hides behind humor and success
• How stigma keeps people from seeking treatment
• Why asking for therapy felt harder than asking for help with a physical illness
• What antidepressants actually do—and what they don't
• Building a personal depression recovery toolbox
• The importance of exercise, meditation, faith, and meaningful routines
• Why depression convinces people they're a burden
• The role hope plays in recovery

Ted reminds listeners that depression isn't a character flaw. It's an illness that deserves treatment, compassion, and conversation.

His message is simple:

There is another side to depression.

And there is hope.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Depression stigma
• Men's mental health
• Therapy for depression
• Antidepressant medication
• Grief and depression
• Hope after depression
• Exercise and mental health
• Protective factors in recovery
• Depression and relationships
• Asking for help

Timestamps:

00:01:58 – Why Ted decided to speak publicly about depression

00:04:23 – Early signs of depression in college

00:05:13 – Overcoming the stigma of seeing a therapist

00:06:32 – Why asking for help is a sign of strength

00:07:11 – Depression after the death of his father

00:08:32 – Finally admitting, "I'm depressed"

00:08:53 – How antidepressants actually work

00:09:34 – Building a recovery toolbox with therapy, exercise, faith, and meditation

00:10:42 – Why hope is essential in depression recovery

00:12:33 – Hiding depression because of shame

00:12:55 – How depression affected romantic relationships

00:14:14 – Why depression is not a character flaw

Link to Mentioned News Story:

Link to Ted Perry's feature on the "Giving Voice to Depression" podcast on Fox 6 News: https://www.fox6now.com/news/former-tv-news-anchor-helps-those-suffering-depression-with-podcast-i-can-give-voice

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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How do you help someone with depression when they believe they're a burden?

Pam knows that feeling all too well.

After years of suppressing depression, childhood trauma, and overwhelming life stress, she experienced a severe depressive episode that lasted more than three years. During that time, she was hospitalized four times, survived a suicide attempt, and struggled to believe she would ever experience joy again.

Today, Pam shares not only how she recovered, but what family members, friends, and caregivers can do to support someone living with depression—and what often causes even more pain.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why depression is far more than sadness
• The symptoms that signaled Pam needed help
• Why finding the right therapist sometimes takes more than one attempt
• What psychiatric hospitalization was actually like—and why it wasn't frightening
• Why "Snap out of it" is one of the least helpful things someone can say
• Small acts of kindness that helped Pam feel seen and valued
• How physical touch and loving presence can bring comfort during depression
• Why depression convinced her she was a burden—and how loved ones challenged that lie

Pam also shares a powerful perspective: despite now living with a painful chronic nerve condition, she says she would choose physical pain over depression every time because depression stole her ability to experience joy.

This conversation is filled with practical guidance for anyone supporting a loved one through depression—and hope for anyone wondering if recovery is possible.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Severe depression
• Depression symptoms
• Suicide attempt recovery
• Psychiatric hospitalization
• Finding the right therapist
• Childhood trauma and depression
• Supporting someone with depression
• What not to say to someone with depression
• The healing power of connection and touch
• Hope after depression

Timestamps

00:01:21 – Pam's experience with severe depression, hospitalization, and a suicide attempt

00:02:16 – Why depression is much more than sadness

00:03:03 – Life events that triggered a years-long depressive episode

00:03:36 – Finding the right therapist after several attempts

00:04:12 – Symptoms of severe depression

00:04:48 – Living with constant suicidal thoughts

00:05:07 – Why depression was worse than chronic physical pain

00:06:42 – Psychiatric hospitalization and overcoming fear of getting help

00:08:30 – What not to say to someone with depression

00:09:59 – Small acts of kindness that truly help

00:10:38 – Why flowers mattered so much

00:11:03 – "You're loving me through this"

00:11:55 – The healing power of hugs and safe physical touch

00:14:52 – Finding the right therapist and why fit matters

00:16:11 – Free consultation calls and making therapy accessible

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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What if there were a free, portable tool you could use almost anywhere to help reduce stress and emotional overwhelm?

In this episode, Terry and Bridget explore Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) — commonly known as tapping — with EFT expert Brad Yates.

Tapping combines gentle stimulation of acupressure points with focused attention on thoughts and emotions. Supporters of the technique describe it as a way to calm the body's stress response while creating space for emotional healing.

Brad explains:

• What EFT tapping is
• How tapping may help reduce stress and anxiety
• Why acknowledging difficult emotions is important
• How stress can become intertwined with depression
• Why small improvements matter
• How tapping can create hope when you feel stuck

Listeners are guided through a complete tapping session focused on depression, self-compassion, gratitude, and emotional relief.

Whether you're curious about EFT, looking for new depression coping tools, or simply interested in practical mental health techniques, this episode offers a guided introduction you can follow along with in real time.

As Brad reminds listeners:

Even moving from a "9" to an "8.75" is evidence that change is possible.

Primary Topics Covered:

• EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)
• Tapping for depression
• Tapping for anxiety
• Stress reduction techniques
• Self-help tools for depression
• Gratitude practices
• Emotional regulation
• Self-compassion
• Managing overwhelming emotions
• Hope and resilience

Timestamps:

00:01:28 – Introduction to EFT tapping and why listeners requested coping tools
00:02:14 – What EFT is and how it combines emotional and physical stress relief
00:04:06 – Research on stress reduction and cortisol
00:04:30 – Why EFT is free, portable, and accessible
00:05:13 – Small improvements create hope
00:05:59 – Step-by-step explanation of tapping points
00:06:44 – Why EFT starts by acknowledging difficult feelings
00:09:13 – Stress, depression, and unresolved emotional experiences
00:10:20 – Guided EFT session for depression begins
00:13:43 – Opening to the possibility of feeling better
00:14:05 – Gratitude as part of emotional healing
00:15:13 – Choosing happiness in the present moment
00:16:04 – Worthiness, self-love, and releasing old beliefs
00:17:14 – Evaluating emotional shifts after tapping
00:17:48 – Why EFT can be useful when depression makes everything feel difficult

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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How do you explain depression to a child?

For Todd Rennebohm, that question became deeply personal.

After years of living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, and multiple hospitalizations, Todd found himself facing one of the darkest nights of his life. What began as a desperate attempt to leave something behind for his children eventually became Sometimes Daddy Cries, a children's book designed to help families talk openly about mental health.

In this Father's Day special episode, Todd shares the powerful story behind the book and the lessons he learned as a father navigating depression and recovery.

Together, Todd, Terry, and Dr. Anita Sanz discuss:

• What depression really feels like beyond "sadness"
• Why children need honest, age-appropriate conversations about mental health
• How depression can affect parenting and family dynamics
• The connection between depression, addiction, ADHD, and anxiety
• Why hospitalization can be an important part of recovery
• The unique stigma faced by men with depression
• How parents can help children understand mental illness without fear
• Why hope, treatment, and support matter

This conversation is a reminder that depression is an illness, not a character flaw. And just like a physical illness, it deserves understanding, treatment, and compassion.

For fathers who struggle. For families who love them. And for children trying to understand what they're seeing, this episode offers honesty, hope, and language that helps.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Depression in fathers
• Men's mental health
• Parenting with depression
• Explaining depression to children
• Children's mental health education
• Addiction and recovery
• Suicidal thoughts and hospitalization
• ADHD and depression
• Mental health stigma in men
• Hope after depression

Timestamps:

00:01:50 – Meet Todd and the story behind Sometimes Daddy Cries
00:02:38 – Writing the book during a suicidal crisis
00:04:03 – Asking for help and choosing treatment
00:04:39 – Reading from the book: "Sometimes Daddy cries"
00:05:11 – What depression really feels like beyond sadness
00:07:10 – Why Todd compares depression to a tummy ache
00:08:24 – Explaining mental illness to children
00:09:39 – Hospitalization and recovery
00:11:22 – Learning from mistakes as a parent
00:12:05 – Why the book helps fathers feel less alone
00:12:31 – The message Todd hopes children take away
00:13:01 – The message Todd hopes men take away
00:14:37 – Why children shouldn't blame themselves for a parent's depression
00:15:38 – Why treatment, support, and love create hope
00:16:08 – The hidden epidemic of depression in men
00:17:02 – The danger of not talking about mental illness in families

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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What does it mean to live with suicidal thoughts — and not be actively suicidal?

In this powerful episode, Wally shares what it’s like to experience daily suicide ideation while actively managing their mental health.

With the increased visibility of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, conversations about suicide are more public than ever. But there’s often confusion:

Does having suicidal thoughts automatically mean someone is suicidal?

As this episode explains, suicide ideation exists on a spectrum. There’s a critical difference between:

• Passive thoughts (“I don’t want to wake up.”)
• Active ideation
• Suicide planning and intent

Wally lives with chronic physical pain, traumatic brain injuries, childhood trauma, and long-term mental health challenges. Suicidal thoughts are part of their daily experience — but so is disciplined management.

You’ll hear how Wally:

• Uses CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to regulate daily ideation
• Conducts personal “mental health inventory” check-ins
• Distinguishes between ideation and danger
• Activates a safety plan when needed
• Sets boundaries when helping others
• Encourages asking better questions instead of panicking

Wally’s message is clear: “Unsolicited help is not help. It’s an assumption.”

This episode invites listeners to replace knee-jerk reactions with curiosity, calm, and compassion.

It’s an honest, nuanced conversation about suicide — without sensationalism, shame, or fear.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Suicidal thoughts vs suicide planning
• Suicide ideation spectrum
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Chronic pain and suicide risk
• Trauma and suicidal ideation
• Mindfulness and breathing techniques
• CBT and DBT tools
• Mental health safety planning
• How to talk to someone about suicidal thoughts
• Reducing stigma around suicide conversations

Timestamps:

00:01:27 – Introduction to 988 and suicide ideation spectrum
00:02:21 – Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale explained
00:04:35 – Stigma and why suicide conversations get shut down
00:06:45 – Childhood trauma and lifelong pain
00:08:39 – Brain injuries, chronic pain, and toxic self-talk
00:09:38 – Waking up daily into suicidal ideation
00:11:17 – Tools: CBT, DBT, mindfulness, breathing
00:12:01 – Personal mental health inventory system
00:13:05 – Wally’s three-level ideation scale
00:14:35 – “Unsolicited help is not help”
00:14:54 – What questions to ask someone with suicidal thoughts
00:17:35 – Why ideation does not always require hospitalization
00:18:07 – Making it safer to talk about suicide

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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Can you be depressed and not even realize it?

Psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Margaret Rutherford joins us to explore a powerful and often overlooked topic: high-functioning and perfectly hidden depression.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we unpack why so many people deny their depression — even to themselves.

Dr. Margaret explains the difference between:

• Classic depression (observable changes in mood and behavior)
• High-functioning depression (still productive but internally struggling)
• Perfectly hidden depression (deep emotional pain compartmentalized and denied)

She shares how some people:

• Believe depression is a personal weakness
• See it as a failure of faith
• Feel ashamed to even consider therapy
• Mistake depression for “just who I am”
• Experience symptoms that creep in so slowly they barely notice the change

One of the most powerful metaphors in this episode describes depression as lights dimming gradually — so slowly you don’t realize you’re squinting.

We also explore:

• Why naming depression can bring relief
• The role of shame in denial
• The tension between faith and mental health treatment
• Why depression is rarely caused by just one thing
• How therapy can help clarify what feels confusing and overwhelming

If you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore,” this episode may give language to something you’ve been quietly carrying.

Primary Topics Covered:

• High-functioning depression
• Perfectly hidden depression
• Depression denial
• Signs and symptoms of depression
• Depression and faith
• Shame and stigma
• Personal weakness vs. mental illness
• Bipolar disorder and mood swings
• Gradual onset depression
• Why naming depression matters

Timestamps:

00:02:15 – Introducing Dr. Margaret Rutherford and the concept of denial
00:02:29 – Classic vs. high-functioning depression
00:03:48 – Perfectly hidden depression explained
00:05:48 – Not recognizing depression as a medical condition
00:06:24 – Relief that comes from naming depression
00:07:54 – The “lights dimming” metaphor for gradual depression
00:10:08 – Reason #1: Viewing depression as a failure of faith
00:11:37 – Reason #2: Believing depression is personal weakness
00:13:48 – Identity loss when you “can’t get your stuff done”
00:16:09 – Faith communities and seeking mental health support

Links:

Dr. Margaret's TEDx Talk on Perfectly Hidden Depression:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXZ5Bo5lafA

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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Can you be depressed and not even realize it?

Psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Margaret Rutherford joins us to explore a powerful and often overlooked topic: high-functioning and perfectly hidden depression.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we unpack why so many people deny their depression — even to themselves.

Dr. Margaret explains the difference between:

• Classic depression (observable changes in mood and behavior)
• High-functioning depression (still productive but internally struggling)
• Perfectly hidden depression (deep emotional pain compartmentalized and denied)

She shares how some people:

• Believe depression is a personal weakness
• See it as a failure of faith
• Feel ashamed to even consider therapy
• Mistake depression for “just who I am”
• Experience symptoms that creep in so slowly they barely notice the change

One of the most powerful metaphors in this episode describes depression as lights dimming gradually — so slowly you don’t realize you’re squinting.

We also explore:

• Why naming depression can bring relief
• The role of shame in denial
• The tension between faith and mental health treatment
• Why depression is rarely caused by just one thing
• How therapy can help clarify what feels confusing and overwhelming

If you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore,” this episode may give language to something you’ve been quietly carrying.

Link to Dr. Margaret's TEDx Talk on "Perfectly Hidden Depression": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXZ5Bo5lafA

Primary Topics Covered:

• High-functioning depression
• Perfectly hidden depression
• Depression denial
• Signs and symptoms of depression
• Depression and faith
• Shame and stigma
• Personal weakness vs. mental illness
• Bipolar disorder and mood swings
• Gradual onset depression
• Why naming depression matters

Timestamps:

00:02:15 – Introducing Dr. Margaret Rutherford and the concept of denial
00:02:29 – Classic vs. high-functioning depression
00:03:48 – Perfectly hidden depression explained
00:05:48 – Not recognizing depression as a medical condition
00:06:24 – Relief that comes from naming depression
00:07:54 – The “lights dimming” metaphor for gradual depression
00:10:08 – Reason #1: Viewing depression as a failure of faith
00:11:37 – Reason #2: Believing depression is personal weakness
00:13:48 – Identity loss when you “can’t get your stuff done”
00:16:09 – Faith communities and seeking mental health support

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What happens when people speak openly about depression?

In this Ripple Report episode, we hear how honest conversations about mental health create real-world change — from classrooms to hotlines to theater stages.

A New York theater director shares how listening to personal stories of depression helped her manage anxiety during a major life transition. She describes how having voices in her ear “held her hand” during a difficult travel day and prevented her from spiraling.

Her theater ensemble now listens to the podcast together — then sits in a circle and talks about it.

They reflect on:

• Why hearing one person’s depression story feels more powerful than statistics
• How storytelling reduces shame and isolation
• Why listening is often more helpful than “fixing”
• How sharing lived experience grants others permission to open up
• The healing ripple effect of open mental health conversations

They also describe how storytelling acts as an “olive branch” — a gentle way to open the door to difficult conversations with friends or family who may be struggling.

If you’ve ever wondered whether speaking honestly about depression makes a difference — this episode answers with a resounding yes.

Every story told creates ripples.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Depression stigma and how to reduce it
• The power of storytelling in mental health
• Why listening matters more than fixing
• Feeling alone with depression
• Opening conversations about mental health
• Using art and theater to address depression
• Creating safe spaces for vulnerability
• Depression support in community settings

Timestamps:

00:01:26 – What is a Ripple Report? Real-world impact of sharing stories
00:02:28 – Discovering the podcast and breaking misconceptions about depression
00:03:36 – Using depression stories as a coping tool during anxiety
00:05:19 – The play “Every Brilliant Thing” and its connection to depression
00:06:55 – Listening together as a theater group
00:07:26 – Why listening is more helpful than fixing
00:09:18 – Why one person’s story is more powerful than statistics
00:12:03 – The pressure to pretend we’re fine
00:12:35 – Using stories as an “olive branch” to start conversations
00:15:40 – The ripple effect of open mental health dialogue

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What does a bipolar depressive episode actually feel like?

In this early archive episode, 28-year-old Brooklyn artist Ben shares candidly about living with bipolar disorder and depression — including what happens when medication changes trigger a rough patch.

Ben describes:

• What a “code level orange or red” depressive episode looks like
• The emotional contradictions of depression (lonely but avoiding people, hungry but not eating)
• Why changing medications can temporarily intensify symptoms
• How cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps him self-diagnose and regulate
• The importance of daily “practice” — biking, yoga, creative focus — to maintain mental health
• Why suppressing depression only makes it come back stronger
• How to create a support “game plan” before the next depressive episode

He also shares powerful insight for loved ones:

Instead of waiting for crisis mode, talk about depression when things are going well. Create a plan. Agree in advance on what support looks like.

This episode offers practical, real-world-tested strategies for:

• Managing bipolar depression
• Preventing relapse escalation
• Communicating needs clearly
• Supporting someone without overwhelming them

Depression thrives in isolation. Conversations like this reduce its power.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Bipolar disorder and depressive episodes
• Medication changes and mood shifts
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Emotional contradictions in depression
• Relapse prevention strategies
• Creating a mental health “game plan”
• Supporting someone with depression
• Why suppressing emotions backfires
• Trauma’s impact on depression
• Maintenance vs. crisis-mode care

Timestamps:

00:01:26 – Introduction to Ben and living with bipolar depression
00:02:01 – Major depressive episode after medication change
00:03:02 – CBT tools and self-diagnostic check-ins
00:04:03 – Emotional contradictions during depression
00:05:01 – Recognizing reduced despair over time
00:06:13 – Why discussing depression during “good” times matters
00:07:29 – Creating a support game plan before crisis
00:09:14 – The inner tube metaphor: why suppressing emotions backfires
00:10:20 – Trauma, grad school, and compounded stress
00:10:51 – Medication changes and mood variability

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Depression isn’t laziness. It isn’t weakness. And it’s not just sadness.

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, licensed therapist and suicide attempt survivor Aja Chavez joins Terry McGuire to unpack what depression really looks like — including the intrusive, convincing lies it tells us.

They explore:

• How to recognize depression in yourself or someone you love
• Why suicidal thoughts are symptoms — not truths
• When and how to call 988 (and what actually happens when you do)
• How to support someone who says “I’m fine” but clearly isn’t
• The role of therapy and antidepressants in recovery
• Whether depression can be treated naturally or with prayer alone
• Why medication isn’t a personality change — it’s often a foundation

You’ll also hear candid reflections about:

• High-functioning depression
• The shame that keeps people silent
• Why “at least…” statements can make things worse
• The small “glimmers” of joy that often come before hope

If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode offers language, practical tools, and a reminder that depression thrives in secrecy — and loses power when we speak up.

📞 If you are in the U.S., you can call or text 988 for immediate crisis support. You do not have to be actively suicidal to reach out.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What depression is (and isn’t)
• The cognitive symptoms of depression
• Intrusive and suicidal thoughts
• High-functioning depression
• When to call 988
• How to ask someone if they’re suicidal
• Supporting a loved one with depression
• Therapy vs. medication
• Antidepressant myths and fears
• Natural remedies and prayer
• Accessing affordable mental health care
• Building hope through small moments of joy

Timestamps:

00:01:49 – What depression is (and isn’t): not laziness, not just sadness
00:04:33 – How to know if you or someone you love has depression
00:08:02 – The lies depression tells you (burden, hopelessness, worthlessness)
00:13:57 – When to call 988 and what happens when you do
00:15:47 – Does depression ever go away? Remission vs. cure
00:18:42 – How to help someone who says “I’m fine”
00:23:46 – Finding affordable or free therapy options
00:28:23 – How therapists help build hope
00:36:09 – Antidepressants: fears, side effects, and finding the right fit
00:43:35 – Can depression be treated naturally or with prayer?
00:48:37 – What to do if suicidal thoughts start
00:49:04 – How to ask someone directly about suicide

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What does depression actually feel like?

In this special crossover episode with Recoverable, Terry interviews licensed therapist and suicide attempt survivor Aja Chavez about what depression really looks like — beyond the stereotypes.

They discuss:

• Why depression doesn’t always look like sadness
• The difference between laziness and clinical depression
• What high-functioning depression is (and why it can be dangerous)
• Early warning signs to watch for
• Why depression can show up “for no reason”
• The lies depression tells about worth and value
• How medication, therapy, and contrary action save lives

Aja describes depression as:

• A “warm, heavy weighted blanket”
• Moving through mud
• Emotional numbness
• Irritability instead of sadness
• Loss of joy (anhedonia)
• A whisper that isolation is the answer

She shares her lived experience of attempting suicide at 26 despite appearing successful, driven, and high-achieving — a powerful reminder that depression often hides behind productivity and perfection.

This conversation breaks down stigma, clarifies clinical definitions, and offers practical guidance for recognizing depression early — in yourself or someone you love.

Depression is real.
It is a medical condition.
And it is treatable.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What depression feels like
• Signs and symptoms of depression
• Am I depressed or just lazy?
• High-functioning depression
• Why depression can appear “for no reason”
• Depression vs. grief
• Early warning signs and prevention
• Contrary action and wellness plans
• Medication and therapy
• Suicide attempt recovery
• Mental health stigma

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and crossover format explanation
02:57 – What does depression feel like?
04:13 – How depression shows up in teens and adults
05:35 – Am I depressed or just lazy?
08:28 – Is depression a medical condition?
09:39 – Different types of depression
11:49 – How do you know if you’re depressed?
14:25 – Early experiences of depression
18:22 – From numbness to suicide attempt
24:03 – Hospitalization and beginning recovery
27:29 – High-functioning depression explained
29:28 – Depression vs. laziness (internet’s top question)
32:16 – Clinical signs of depression
34:39 – Recognizing personal early warning signs
38:23 – What to do when you notice symptoms
41:17 – Why high-functioning depression can be dangerous
43:45 – “Why am I depressed for no reason?”
46:18 – Self-worth and depression’s lies
50:16 – Why talking about depression saves lives

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What do you do when someone you love has depression — and you don’t?

In this episode, Chris shares her experience living with depression since middle school, while her boyfriend Chris offers an honest look at what it’s like to support someone through depressive episodes without having depression himself.

They discuss:

• The impact of stigma on seeking help
• Why many people hide depression from employers and even doctors
• The difference between sadness and clinical depression
• What depression paralysis actually feels like
• How to support someone during a depressive episode
• Why trust is essential in mental health relationships
• The importance of supporters having their own support system

Boyfriend Chris describes the steep learning curve of loving someone with depression — often “flying by the seat of our pants” — and explains why sometimes the most important goal is simply getting through the moment.

Chris also speaks candidly about internalized stigma, guilt, and the pressure to “be stronger than the depression.” Her message is clear:

“You are always worth it.”

Whether you’re living with depression or supporting someone who is, this episode offers compassionate, practical insight into what actually helps — and how to protect both people in the relationship.

Depression affects relationships.
But understanding, communication, and self-care can strengthen them.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How to help someone with depression
• Supporting a partner with depression
• Depression in relationships
• Mental health stigma
• Self-stigma and internalized shame
• Depression paralysis and fatigue
• Trust during depressive episodes
• Distraction vs. talking through an episode
• Caregiver self-care
• Starting mental health conversations early

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to supporting a partner with depression
01:26 – How stigma silenced early conversations
02:27 – Hiding depression from doctors and employers
04:15 – Why depression is misunderstood as “not a real illness”
05:33 – Internalized stigma and feeling weak
07:00 – Why early intervention matters (“stage one”)
08:16 – Learning to support without a roadmap
08:52 – Using distraction to get through a depressive episode
09:19 – What depression paralysis actually feels like
10:20 – Misunderstanding depression triggers
11:13 – Why supporters need their own support system
11:41 – Choosing safety and remembering your worth
13:00 – Getting through one moment at a time
13:47 – How talking reduces shame

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What is hidden or "smiling" depression?

It’s showing up to work, cracking jokes, caring for your family — while a loop in your mind repeats, “I want to die.”

In this episode, Andrew shares his experience with high-functioning depression and the exhausting mask he wore for decades before receiving a formal diagnosis. For twenty years, he knew something was wrong — but didn’t seek professional help until suicidal thoughts became harder to ignore.

He describes “The Mask” as both savior and enemy: “It saves my life as it drowns my soul.”

This conversation explores:

• What high-functioning or concealed depression looks like
• Why smiling depression often goes undiagnosed
• The mental toll of masking suicidal thoughts
• How stigma fuels hiding
• Why the mask can be protective short-term — but harmful long-term
• The ten-year average delay between symptoms and diagnosis
• The power of writing and creativity in recovery
• Why one in five may underestimate how common depression truly is

Andrew also shares the pivotal moment he called a crisis line and chose treatment — a decision that likely saved his life.

If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” while collapsing inside, this episode is for you.

You are not weak for needing help.
You are not dramatic for struggling.
And you are not alone.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Smiling depression
• High-functioning depression
• Hidden depression symptoms
• Masking depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Calling a crisis line
• Medication and recovery
• Depression stigma
• Creative expression as coping
• Emotional isolation

Primary Topics Covered:

00:00 – Introduction and what “the mask” means
02:26 – Is masking helpful or harmful?
04:15 – Suicidal thoughts becoming more frequent
04:45 – Calling a crisis line and seeking treatment
05:13 – Medication and recovery progress
06:15 – Smiling at work while suicidal inside
07:29 – “It saves my life as it drowns my soul”
08:16 – Why everyone masks — and why it’s different with depression
09:33 – How masking feeds the darkness
10:27 – Turning on the lights instead of hiding
11:34 – The real meaning behind “1 in 5”
12:17 – The decade-long delay before diagnosis
13:06 – Writing as healing
14:37 – Creative expression as coping
16:15 – Words of empathy loosening the mask
16:59 – “If we keep forcing the bad to go unseen…”

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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In Part 2 of our 500th episode special, Terry McGuire, Carly McCollow, and Dr. Anita Sanz reflect on the most powerful lessons learned from five hundred consecutive weeks of conversations about depression.

This episode moves beyond statistics and milestones and into something far more meaningful: what actually helps people survive, manage, and live with depression.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• Managing depression versus trying to “cure” it
• Recognizing early warning signs before sliding deeper
• Living with chronic or treatment-resistant depression
• Why depression shows up differently for everyone
• The life-saving power of community support
• Emotional literacy and learning the language of depression
• Why listening matters more than having the right words
• How simple gestures — even emojis — can interrupt suicidal despair
• Why you don’t need to be a clinician to support someone

The conversation includes moving stories of listeners who found hope through the Giving Voice to Depression community — including moments where a Facebook post and a flood of hearts helped someone choose to stay alive.

If depression tells you that you don’t belong, this episode offers a different message:

You belong here.
You are not alone.
There is help.
There is hope.
And people care.

As this 500th episode celebration continues, the heart of the podcast remains unchanged: depression is real — but so is connection.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Coping with depression
• Managing depression long term
• Chronic and treatment-resistant depression
• Suicide prevention support
• Early warning signs of depressive episodes
• Emotional literacy
• How to support someone with depression
• Community and peer support
• Listening skills in mental health conversations
• Reducing shame and isolation

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Part 2 of the 500th episode special
01:14 – What 500 episodes means for mental health conversations
02:24 – Managing depression vs. curing depression
03:22 – Recognizing early warning signs
05:46 – Living with daily severe depression
06:57 – Chronic depression and different presentations
08:41 – The Rosaline story: anger, vulnerability, and healing
10:47 – The power of community support
13:33 – When connection interrupts suicidal thinking
15:12 – Why emojis and visual symbols matter
16:05 – Core takeaway: You’re not alone
17:22 – Emotions as information
18:29 – Why you don’t need to be a therapist to help
19:19 – Emotional literacy and compassion
21:51 – What to say when you don’t know what to say
22:31 – You are not a burden
23:35 – Belonging and mental health community
25:02 – Thank you to the community and listeners

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What does it mean to reach 500 episodes of a podcast about depression?

In this milestone episode, Terry and Carly are joined by psychologist & former co-host Dr. Anita Sanz to reflect on the journey from 106 downloads in the first month to over 3 million plays across 171 countries.

But this episode isn’t about numbers. It’s about people.

It’s about the listener lying in bed wondering how they’ll get through the day. The person driving home holding it together. The parent unsure how to talk to their child. The friend who wants to help but doesn’t know how.

Over five hundred episodes, one thing has become clear:

Language matters. Stories matter. And connection saves lives.

In this conversation, they explore:

• Why authentic lived experience resonates more than clinical jargon
• How hearing someone else describe depression helps reduce shame
• The power of finding words for what feels unspeakable
• Tools guests have shared for managing depression
• Safety planning and interrupting depressive thought spirals
• How to reach out — and how to reach in
• The importance of reducing shame around basic functioning
• Why small steps (even moving from bed to couch) count

They also discuss practical coping tools highlighted over the years:

• “Writing the ugly out” journaling
• Bingo-card self-care strategies
• Safety plans and connection planning
• Snack carts, hydration stations, and realistic self-care
• Humor as interruption
• Cognitive tools for identifying depression’s “lying voice”

This 500th episode is a celebration — not of a podcast — but of vulnerability, courage, and the thousands of shared stories that remind us: you are not alone in this.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Coping with depression
• What depression feels like
• Depression language and communication
• Suicide prevention awareness
• Depression safety planning
• Managing depressive thoughts
• Self-compassion tools
• Removing shame from depression care
• How to support someone with depression
• Small, realistic mental health steps

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the 500th episode
01:23 – From 106 plays to nearly a million
02:08 – It’s never been about the numbers
03:02 – Why authentic stories matter
05:43 – Editing with care and trust
09:16 – Three generations and reducing stigma
10:38 – The power of language in depression
15:11 – Memorable metaphors for depression
16:06 – Medication and managing the “spreadsheet”
17:22 – The bingo card coping strategy
19:16 – Practical mental health management tools
22:25 – Safety planning and interrupting depressive spirals
24:16 – How to reach out and reach in
28:30 – The smallest doable step
30:22 – Removing shame from coping

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If you’re struggling with depression, what actually helps?

In Part 2 of this special retrospective conversation, Terry and her sister Bridget reflect on five years of lived-experience interviews and the practical tools guests have used to manage depression and suicidal thoughts.

This episode moves beyond awareness and into action.

They discuss:

• Journaling techniques (including creative ways to safely “get the ugly out”)
• Building structured morning, afternoon, and evening routines
• The importance of sleep in managing depression
• Comedy, music, and distraction as mental reset tools
• Creating a “comfort box” for difficult days
• Writing affirmations in your own handwriting for future low moments
• Safety planning and knowing where to turn in crisis
• The reality that even “doing everything right” doesn’t guarantee outcomes
• The power of shared stories in reducing isolation

They also reflect on interviews with suicide loss survivors and how complicated, painful, and non-linear mental health journeys can be — even when families seek help.

This episode is a reminder that coping with depression is not about one magic fix. It’s about building a toolkit. It’s about recognizing the voice of depression. And it’s about knowing that while you may feel physically alone, you are not alone in the experience.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How to cope with depression
• Depression safety plans
• Suicide prevention awareness
• Journaling for mental health
• Sleep and depression
• Routine and accountability
• Distraction tools (music, comedy, puzzles)
• Crisis planning
• The limits of treatment systems
• The power of shared lived experience
• Feeling alone vs. being alone

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and 500th episode reflection
02:10 – Building a depression toolkit
02:28 – Journaling and creative processing
03:26 – Structured routines for stability
03:53 – Monitoring internal thought patterns
04:08 – Sleep and mental health
04:26 – Comedy, distraction, and getting out of your head
05:08 – Creating a comfort box
05:31 – Safety plans and crisis preparation
06:08 – Writing affirmations in your own hand
07:49 – The painful reality of suicide loss
09:45 – Trying to “do everything right”
11:50 – The power of hearing someone say what you feel
12:09 – Feeling alone vs. being alone
13:40 – The sacred space of shared stories
14:59 – Visualizing the impact of one story
18:26 – Why people said a depression podcast wouldn’t work

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What does depression really feel like — especially when you don’t even realize you’re experiencing it?

In this special retrospective episode, Terry sits down with her sister and original co-host, Bridget, to reflect on hundreds of conversations about depression — and what they’ve learned along the way.

After hearing more than 300 stories of lived experience, one thing has become clear: depression isn’t “just a number.” It’s people. Real people with names, families, jobs, responsibilities — and internal battles most of us never see.

Bridget shares powerful insights about:

• How she experienced depression without naming it
• The danger of believing depression’s internal messaging
• Why depression doesn’t look the same for everyone
• The difference between being depressed and having depression
• How stigma and silence delay help
• The toll depression takes on caregivers and loved ones
• Why recognizing symptoms earlier could change outcomes

This episode is deeply personal. It’s about learning to create space between yourself and the voice of depression. It’s about realizing depression is an illness — not an identity. And it’s about the life-saving power of conversation.

If you’ve ever wondered whether what you’re feeling “counts” as depression, this conversation may help you find language for your experience.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What depression feels like internally
• Signs and symptoms of depression
• Different manifestations of depression
• Negative internal messaging and rumination
• Depression stigma and silence
• Caregiver impact
• Therapy and medication decisions
• Early recognition and prevention
• Depression vs. identity
• Building a mental health toolkit

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and milestone reflection
02:41 – Turning “300 million” into real people
06:06 – The weight and honor of shared stories
07:52 – When listening saves lives
10:57 – What we didn’t understand about depression
11:31 – Creating space between yourself and depression
12:52 – The non-linear journey of treatment
14:02 – Different manifestations of depression
16:16 – The surprising similarity of depression’s internal voice
17:00 – Recognizing symptoms earlier
18:25 – Building a depression toolkit

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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If the world feels heavy right now — you're not imagining it.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, we explore how to cope with depression and anxiety during overwhelming times. From constant news cycles to collective trauma, many of us are operating in survival mode.

Dr. Rubin offers practical strategies to protect your mental health without disengaging from reality:

• How to “titrate” your exposure to news
• Why empathy becomes overwhelming when we try to fix everything
• Somatic reset techniques to physically release tension
• How to stop fighting your own emotions
• Why building in self-care is more effective than “fitting it in”
• The difference between helping and fixing
• How to change channels when rumination becomes self-attack
• Why flourishing matters more than chasing happiness

Terry and Carly also share candid reflections about closing “sense doors,” taking breaks before burnout, and learning to honor early warning signs.

This episode is about staying informed, without losing yourself.
About compassion, without drowning in it.
About surviving hard seasons, and even flourishing through them.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Coping with depression during crisis
• Anxiety and media overwhelm
• Grounding exercises and breathwork
• Somatic resets (tighten and release technique)
• Emotional boundaries and self-protection
• Empathy vs. over-responsibility
• Rumination and how to “change channels”
• Grief processing and giving yourself permission to feel
• Flourishing vs. happiness
• Gratitude as emotional anchor
• Closing “sense doors” to prevent overload

Timestamps:

00:00 – The weight of living in a “polycrisis”
03:24 – Titrating your news exposure
04:47 – Guided breathing reset (nose breathing)
06:06 – Build it in vs. fit it in
07:25 – Why habits fail without structure
09:03 – Mini resets to prevent emotional overload
11:43 – Empathy without drowning
13:13 – Grief, boundaries, and “coming back to the land of the living”
14:29 – Stop fighting your own emotions
15:00 – Flourishing vs. chasing happiness
16:39 – How to stop rumination (“change channels”)
18:01 – Consuming news differently
19:35 – Gratitude instead of forced happiness
21:36 – Helping vs. fixing
22:01 – Honoring early warning signs
23:42 – Closing your “sense doors”

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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What if depression isn’t an enemy — but a message?

In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, a pioneer in integrating Eastern meditation with Western psychotherapy, shares a powerful reframing of depression. Instead of viewing it as proof that something is wrong with us, he invites us to consider what it might be trying to tell us.

Dr. Rubin explains:

• Why depression often feels permanent (even though it isn’t)
• How shame and self-criticism deepen suffering
• The three illusions depression creates
• Why we feel like we’re the only one struggling
• How to build self-care into your life instead of “fitting it in”
• Why protecting your energy from news and overstimulation matters

Together, Terry and Carly reflect on how depression “talks in your own voice,” how difficult emotions visit us like guests, and why small daily practices — like intentional breathing — can change your relationship with your mental health.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “This feeling will never end.”
• “I’m the only one who feels this way.”
• “I’m weak for struggling.”

This conversation offers both validation and hope — and practical ways to cope in overwhelming times.

Depression is real. But so is resilience.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How to deal with depression in difficult times
• Depression as communication rather than inadequacy
• Self-compassion vs. self-contempt
• The illusion that depression is permanent
• Shame, isolation, and distorted thinking
• Protecting your mental health from media overload
• Building self-care practices into daily life
• Breathwork and grounding techniques
• Eastern philosophy and mental health
• The “Guest House” metaphor for emotions

Timestamps :

00:00 – Introduction and context for today’s discussion
01:22 – Quotes about depression and modern society
03:02 – What makes experiences traumatic
05:09 – Depression as a message, not evidence of inadequacy
06:00 – Artificial connection vs real intimacy
07:13 – Opening to emotions with compassion
07:46 – The illusion that feelings never end
08:22 – The belief that “I’m the only one”
09:58 – Depression plus self-contempt
10:45 – Managing mental health during overwhelming times
12:25 – Protecting yourself from constant news exposure
12:45 – Build self-care in, don’t fit it in
14:09 – Small daily grounding practices
18:53 – The illusion that we’re alone in depression
21:13 – Rumi’s “The Guest House” and welcoming emotions

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What does depression actually feel like from the inside?

In this candid conversation, Terry McGuire shares the origin story behind the Giving Voice to Depression podcast — and opens up about her own experience with major depression, antidepressants, intrusive thoughts, and the isolating voice of the illness.

She describes how depression “talks in your own voice,” how it infiltrates your thinking before you realize what’s happening, and how it convinces you that you are a burden, alone, and beyond hope.

But this episode is not just about the darkness — it’s about what helped her come out the other side. With medical support, medication, and a decision to speak openly, Terry turned her experience into a mission: helping others feel less alone.

This episode also explores:

• Masking depression with humor
• PTSD and trauma rewiring the brain
• Why listening can save lives
• Why depression lies feel like truth
• The importance of speaking openly about mental health

If you've ever wondered whether what you're feeling is depression — or if you love someone who may be struggling — this conversation offers honesty, clarity, and hope.

You are not alone. And recovery is possible.

Primary Topics Covered:* What depression really feels like internally * Negative self-talk and cognitive distortions * Depression symptoms: withdrawal, hopelessness, fatigue * Antidepressants and medical treatment * Crisis hotline volunteering and suicide prevention * The power of listening and compassion * Masking depression with humor * PTSD and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) * Depression in families * The origin story of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast:

Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and purpose of the podcast
03:02 – Terry shares her depression origin story
04:32 – Why hearing from someone who’s been there matters
05:19 – Evidence of the deep need for real depression stories
06:16 – Volunteering for a crisis hotline after family loss
07:10 – Powerful suicide prevention stories
10:55 – Using humor to mask depression
11:59 – What Terry’s depression felt like internally
12:22 – “Depression talks in your own voice”
13:45 – PTSD, trauma, and brain changes
15:43 – Experiencing depression differently within families
17:11 – Depression thoughts feel like “truth”
18:21 – Where to find Giving Voice to Depression
19:42 – A reminder: It is worth the fight

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What if the “sad kid” in school wasn’t just sensitive — but struggling with depression?

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Sally looks back at her childhood and teenage years and recognizes signs of depression that were misunderstood or overlooked. Excessive sleeping. Dark poetry. Persistent sadness. Thoughts about suicide. A lonely letter written at age ten.

At the time, mental health education was limited. Her teacher raised concerns. Her parents didn’t know what to do. Therapy wasn’t discussed. Medication wasn’t considered.

Now, nearly 70, Sally shares her story not with blame — but with purpose.

She wants today’s parents, teachers, mentors, and caregivers to recognize the early signs of childhood depression and to know that help is available. Through diagnosis, medication, therapy, and self-awareness, Sally built a successful career and meaningful life — while still managing depression honestly.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “Is this normal teen behavior?”
• “Are these warning signs?”
• “How do I help a child who won’t talk?”

This episode offers clarity, compassion, and a call to action.

Depression in children is real. It’s treatable. And early intervention can change — and save — lives.

Primary Topics Covered: * Early signs of childhood depression (sleeping excessively, isolation, persistent sadness) * The difference between “moody teen” and clinical depression * Writing dark poetry and suicidal ideation as warning signals * The impact of grief and unprocessed loss on children * Missed opportunities for early intervention * Depression diagnosis at 21 and delayed treatment * Finding the right antidepressant medication after years of trial * What depression feels like: “the rain-soaked coat” metaphor * The importance of educating families about youth mental health * Why reducing stigma saves lives

Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Sally’s story and why youth mental health matters
01:26 – Is it surly teen behavior — or depression?
02:50 – Excessive sleeping and feeling “different” as a teen
03:58 – Grief after her grandmother’s death and emotional shutdown
04:44 – Dark poetry and early suicidal thoughts
05:41 – Teacher warning signs — and missed intervention
07:06 – The letter written at age 10: loneliness and sadness
08:03 – How childhood depression steals joy
09:14 – Adult diagnosis and unexpected antidepressant breakthrough
10:38 – The mistake of stopping medication too soon
12:10 – Building a successful career while managing depression
13:06 – What depression feels like: the “rain-soaked coat”
14:13 – Why today’s children have more access to help
14:58 – What parents should look for beyond scraped knees
15:16 – Youth suicide prevention and early intervention
16:33 – Reducing stigma: calling therapists “feeling doctors”
17:45 – Closing reflections and hope

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When Kathleen’s life fell apart near age 50 after a traumatic family event, she found herself battling severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. After years of therapy and treatment-resistant depression, a turning point came through an unexpected source — crocheting tiny hearts.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Kathleen shares how creating and distributing these handmade hearts evolved into The Little Heart Project, a grassroots movement spreading kindness, connection, and suicide prevention awareness one heart at a time.

Through the project, strangers exchange hope — crocheters, volunteers, and recipients alike — proving that small, loving gestures can open conversations about mental health that might save lives.

Hosts Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz discuss how compassion and community can coexist with clinical care, how simple acts of creativity support emotional recovery, and how we can all play a part in turning despair into connection.

If you’ve ever wondered whether small acts of kindness can make a difference, this episode will convince you that they can.

Primary Topics Covered

• Kathleen’s journey through depression, PTSD, and suicidality
• How crafting and purpose can support recovery
• The creation and growth of The Little Heart Project
• How simple acts of kindness can spark mental health conversations
• The power of messages like “You are loved” and “It’s okay to not be okay”
• The role of ketamine therapy in treating treatment-resistant depression
• Building a mental health “toolbox” — strategies that actually help
• Why talking about depression and suicide is essential for healing
• The ripple effect: how one heart led to a life-saving late-night conversation
• Final reflections on hope, survival, and doing what you can in dark times

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome and introduction from Terry and Carly
01:03 – Why this Valentine’s-themed episode focuses on “hearts that heal”
02:59 – Kathleen’s story: depression, trauma, and PTSD after a family crisis
03:56 – Living with depression while trying to work and survive
05:42 – Discovering crochet as a mindful escape
06:30 – Launching The Little Heart Project and how it works
07:42 – How kindness sparks mental health conversations
08:41 – What messages are on the heart tags (“You are loved,” “It’s okay to not be okay”)
10:46 – How therapy and ketamine treatments helped her recover
12:27 – Building a “mental health toolbox” of coping strategies
13:38 – Sharing her story and reducing stigma through speaking
14:45 – The story of Samantha and Andrea — a heart that saved a life
16:05 – Hope, honesty, and understanding different healing paths
18:17 – Dr. Anita Sanz: why focusing on “what we can do” brings peace
19:12 – The value of surviving long enough for treatment to work
21:34 – Why hope — even 0.01% — is enough to keep going
22:01 – Closing thoughts and how to get involved in The Little Heart Project

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When depression runs in families, so can silence.

In this deeply personal episode, Giving Voice to Depression listener Alexander shares his journey from hiding his pain to opening up about it — and helping his family do the same.

After years of quietly managing chronic illness, anxiety, and depression, Alexander realized he couldn’t keep pretending he was “fine.” What began as a search for understanding led him to Giving Voice to Depression, where hearing others share openly gave him permission to speak about his own struggles.

Now, Alexander is choosing a different path. He’s building a foundation of communication with his wife and sons, breaking the generational silence that once defined his family. He talks about learning to accept his diagnosis, managing depression alongside chronic illness, confronting alcohol misuse, and reaching out for professional help when life feels overwhelming.

Hosts Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow reflect on Alexander’s courage and what it means to be a “cycle breaker” — someone who changes inherited patterns of silence, stigma, and shame into compassion, honesty, and healing.

If you’ve ever felt alone with your depression or unsure how to start a conversation about mental health, this story will remind you that you’re not alone — and that change begins with one brave voice.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Breaking generational cycles of silence around mental health
• Men and depression: the pressure to “soldier through” pain
• Living with chronic illness and its mental health toll
• The impact of family stigma and emotional suppression
• Recognizing depression as part of the human experience, not a character flaw
• Seeking help and opening up about suicidal thoughts safely
• Parenting with awareness: raising emotionally open children
• Understanding that healing is ongoing — and often starts with small, brave conversations

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome and episode introduction
01:21 – The power of shared personal stories in changing mental health stigma
02:10 – Meet Alexander and how he found Giving Voice to Depression
03:25 – How hearing others’ stories made him feel less alone
04:39 – Growing up without open conversations about mental health
05:38 – Managing chronic illness and its emotional toll
06:30 – Accepting a diagnosis of depression and anxiety
07:40 – Realizing depression runs in the family
09:17 – Self-medicating with alcohol and the journey to recovery
10:20 – Shame, honesty, and learning to ask for help
11:15 – Breaking cycles through communication with his children
12:40 – Terry and Carly reflect on “cycle breaking” and generational healing
14:05 – The importance of curiosity about family mental health
15:22 – How awareness helps us create change for future generations
17:10 – Closing thoughts: Depression is too dark a road to walk alone

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When depression takes hold, even the smallest tasks — doing the dishes, making your bed, sending a text — can feel insurmountable. In this honest and compassionate conversation, writer Molly Bacchus joins host Terry McGuire to talk about what she calls “The Impossible Task.”

Molly’s viral description of this experience gave language to something millions silently endure: the crushing paralysis of depression that turns simple responsibilities into emotional mountains. Together, they explore why this happens, why it’s not laziness or weakness, and how asking for help can make all the difference.

Through personal stories and raw honesty, this episode offers comfort, validation, and practical insight — reminding listeners that depression lies, help is possible, and no one should have to face it alone.

💬 Primary Topics Covered

• What “the impossible task” really means in depression
• How guilt and shame reinforce depression’s paralysis
• Why everyday tasks can feel physically and mentally overwhelming
• Learning to separate inability from laziness
• The importance of community and “co-depression friends”
• How helping others can also help us heal
• Giving yourself permission to ask for help — without shame
• Why depression lies about being permanent — and how to hold on to hope

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Giving Voice to Depression
01:20 – Why words matter when describing mental health
02:08 – Introducing “The Impossible Task” and how it began
03:32 – When daily chores feel impossible
04:45 – Molly’s month-long struggle to make her bed
06:23 – Why simple things can feel overwhelming
07:19 – Fighting the self-blame that comes with depression
08:36 – Emotional triage: choosing what your brain can handle
09:28 – When picking up a prescription feels like climbing a mountain
10:54 – The power of a friend who simply shows up
11:49 – A message of hope: “This will not last forever.”
12:19 – Remembering that depression lies about permanence
13:22 – Helping others can help yourself, too
14:19 – Finding “co-depression friends” and mutual support
15:08 – The courage to talk about your impossible task
16:16 – Closing reflections: asking for help and finding strength

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In this inspiring episode of Giving Voice to Depression, wellness expert and author Darin Olien — co-host of Netflix’s Down to Earth with Zac Efron — opens up about his personal experiences with depression and shares how physical and mental health are deeply connected.

Olien, known for his best-selling books SuperLife and Fatal Conveniences, discusses how diet, hydration, sleep, trauma, and emotional awareness play crucial roles in improving mental health. He shares candid reflections on grief, loss, and rebuilding his life after his Malibu home burned down — revealing how embracing vulnerability and self-compassion became essential parts of his healing journey.

Together with hosts Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz, Darin explores how we can take small, realistic steps to strengthen mental resilience, nurture our bodies, and reclaim hope.

Whether you’re struggling with depression, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for practical ways to take better care of your mind and body, this conversation offers real-world tools and the reminder that you don’t have to walk this road alone.

💬 Primary Topics Covered

• The powerful link between physical and mental health
• Personal experiences with depression and loss
• The role of nutrition, hydration, and sleep in mood regulation
• Understanding trauma, grief, and emotional healing
• Practical wellness tools for depression and anxiety
• How to recognize when to seek professional help
• The value of community, empathy, and therapy
• Why it takes courage to feel and process emotions
• Building resilience and redefining hope after major life changes

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Welcome and episode overview
01:20 – Meet Darin Olien: Author, wellness expert, and mental health advocate
03:38 – Darin shares his family’s experience with depression
05:42 – “When your body is depressed, your mind follows”: the biology of depression
06:12 – Losing everything in the California wildfires — grief and renewal
07:35 – The courage it takes to process pain and let go
08:41 – How ultra-processed foods affect mood and mental clarity
09:31 – Trauma, stress, and their long-term impact on mental health
11:13 – Why community, therapy, and medication all matter
12:27 – The importance of radical self-honesty and emotional safety
13:17 – The power of empathy and active listening
13:50 – Breaking stigma: why therapy isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom
15:19 – Self-forgiveness and letting go of pain that isn’t yours
16:36 – Understanding control: sleep, nutrition, and body rhythms
18:07 – How diet and hydration influence mental health
19:49 – “Get help. This is your life.” — Darin’s call to action
20:54 – Permission to dream: finding purpose after depression
22:00 – Dr. Sanz on what you can control — nutrition, sleep, activity, stress
24:47 – How genetics account for 20% — and your choices for 80% — of outcomes
25:51 – Closing reflections: hope, control, and compassion

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In part two of his conversation with Giving Voice to Depression, musician, author, and activist Andre Henry continues sharing how creativity, self-compassion, and community have helped him survive depression and suicidal thoughts.

Following his song “Make It to Tomorrow”, Andre walks listeners through the tools that keep him grounded — self-hugs, breathing exercises, and reframing shame into self-acceptance. He explains how therapy helped him build a “safety plan” that brings him back from despair to agency.

Hosts Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow join him to discuss the power of community, how to show yourself the same compassion you’d show others, and the importance of recognizing that needing help doesn’t mean you’re broken — it means something in you needs attention.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in darkness or hopelessness, this episode offers the real-world reminders and tools that can help you make it to tomorrow, too.

💬 Primary Topics Covered

• How music helps process depression and emotional pain
• Andre Henry’s “safety plan” for surviving suicidal thoughts
• Using self-hugs and breathing techniques to manage shame
• Transforming hopelessness into small acts of self-care
• Why feeling suicidal doesn’t mean you’re broken — it means something needs attention
• Reframing depression as a sign of unmet needs, not personal failure
• The role of community and therapy in mental health recovery
• Using creativity as emotional resilience
• What it means to believe you can “make it to tomorrow”

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Giving Voice to Depression continues the conversation with Andre Henry
01:12 – Revisiting “Make It to Tomorrow” and the meaning behind the song
02:31 – How music helps Andre process depression and connect with others
03:32 – The “safety plan” built into the second verse — sunlight, movement, connection
04:42 – How therapy and body awareness helped him reclaim control
05:15 – Self-hugs and the science of self-compassion
06:22 – The Rick Hanson exercise: turning compassion inward
07:12 – “I’m not afraid to say I’m not okay”: Andre’s emotional honesty
08:38 – Why depression is a logical response to pain, not a personal failure
09:10 – Remembering resilience: “You’ve outlived every bad day so far.”
10:28 – How self-love changes the way you face external challenges
11:13 – Why feeling suicidal doesn’t mean you’re broken — it means something needs care
12:20 – “I didn’t see this beauty coming, but here we are.”
13:27 – Carly and Terry reflect: Depression doesn’t mean brokenness — it signals a need for care
14:32 – Full song performance: Make It to Tomorrow
17:21 – Closing message: Depression is too dark a road to walk alone

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When everything feels unbearable, how do you keep going?
In this deeply moving conversation, musician and author Andre Henry shares how writing his song “Make It To Tomorrow” helped him survive one of his darkest moments.

Growing up in the Black community, Andre faced the silence and stigma surrounding mental health. Through his art, he began to name his pain — transforming suicidal thoughts into words and melodies that resonated with thousands of listeners.

In this episode, Andre opens up about his lifelong relationship with depression, the systemic and cultural pressures that intensified his struggles, and the powerful tools that help him fight for another day. He and hosts Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow explore what it means to sit with hard emotions, to normalize mental health conversations, and to turn despair into creative expression.

If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t make it to tomorrow, this story reminds you that you’re not alone — and that hope, healing, and connection are still possible.

💬 Primary Topics Covered

• Depression, suicidal ideation, and survival through creativity
• How music can be a form of therapy and emotional release
• The Black community and mental health stigma
• Childhood melancholy and early signs of depression
• The emotional and social weight of racial injustice
• Why some people who want to die don’t actually want death — they want pain to stop
• Understanding triggers, rumination, and hopelessness
• Using safety plans and “mental health toolkits” in crisis moments
• Recognizing depression as a reasonable response to a painful world
• The importance of honest conversations about suicide prevention

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Giving Voice to Depression and why real conversations matter
01:25 – Meet Andre Henry, musician, author, and survivor
03:12 – Early signs of depression and “melancholy” as a child
04:34 – Stigma and silence around mental health in immigrant and Black communities
05:58 – What inspired “Make It To Tomorrow” and how it became a lifeline
07:36 – The moment Andre wrote the song in crisis
08:13 – The emotional weight of racism and trauma
09:41 – Understanding the difference between wanting to die and wanting pain to stop
12:08 – Managing triggers and internal narratives
13:12 – Using music, exercise, and connection as survival tools
14:46 – Preview of part two: self-hugging, safety plans, and hope
16:22 – Reflections on childhood emotions and family dynamics
17:54 – Depression as a response to a painful world
18:19 – How Andre reframes his story through art and empathy
19:02 – Closing: You’re not alone — depression is a dark road, but not one to walk alone

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A new year often brings the pressure to reinvent ourselves — to lose weight, quit bad habits, or be more productive. But what if this year, your most important resolution was simply to take better care of your mental health?

In this insightful Giving Voice to Depression episode, psychologist and author Dr. Margaret Rutherford joins Terry McGuire and Bridget to talk about setting mental health resolutions that actually help — ones rooted in self-compassion instead of shame.

Dr. Rutherford explains why traditional resolutions often fail and how to replace them with practical, emotionally sustaining goals that strengthen your mental, physical, and spiritual health. From journaling and mindfulness to therapy, social media limits, and learning to forgive yourself, this conversation offers a roadmap for real and lasting emotional change.

If you’re starting the year wanting to feel better but unsure where to begin, this episode gives you both insight and doable next steps.

💬 Primary Topics Covered

• Why most New Year’s resolutions fail — and how to make meaningful ones
• The link between mental, physical, and spiritual health
• How to set goals based on self-compassion, not shame
• The importance of therapy, meditation, and journaling in recovery
• The role of social media, boundaries, and relationships in emotional wellbeing
• The difference between “superficial self-care” and real self-care
• How to support others’ mental health by reducing stigma
• Learning to forgive yourself and heal from past mistakes
• Using your experiences to grow empathy and connection
• Embracing the truth that there is no health without mental health

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Why New Year’s resolutions often fail
02:27 – How setting intentions for mental health can be powerful
03:38 – Dr. Margaret Rutherford on self-awareness and emotional honesty
04:30 – The problem with goals based on shame or self-loathing
05:22 – How to take a holistic view of health: mind, body, spirit
06:12 – Why self-validation is essential in challenging times
06:40 – How to plant “mental health seeds” for your future
07:45 – The effects of social media on depression and self-image
09:03 – Resolutions that make a real difference (therapy, journaling, mindfulness)
10:22 – The benefits and accessibility of online therapy
11:20 – Breaking down stigma and understanding hidden struggles
13:22 – “People don’t fake depression. They fake being okay.”
14:43 – Seeing mental health as a spectrum — and everyone’s on it
16:25 – Healing from guilt, shame, and past actions
17:09 – There is no health without mental health
17:25 – Creating a “to-be” list instead of a “to-do” list
18:05 – A message of hope and self-forgiveness for the new year

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The holidays can be painful for anyone carrying grief, loss, or depression — especially in a world that insists on constant cheer.
In this special annual episode of Giving Voice to Depression, author John Pavlovitz reads his essay “To Those Who Struggle This Christmas” — a heartfelt message to anyone who feels broken, lonely, or unseen this time of year.

His compassionate words acknowledge every kind of pain that the season can amplify:
grief over loved ones lost, strained relationships, health struggles, or the quiet war within your own mind.
He reminds listeners that while pain may feel overwhelming today, this moment is not the end of your story — that you are loved, seen, and not alone.

Co-hosts Terry McGuire, Carly McCollow, and Dr. Anita Sanz introduce and close the episode with reflections on why this message matters — and where to find community and support if the holidays feel unbearable.

If this season is heavy for you, this six-minute reflection is a soft place to land.

💬 Primary Topics Covered

• Holiday depression and the loneliness of unmet expectations
• How grief, loss, and separation deepen emotional pain in December
• Mental health and faith: how compassion and honesty can coexist
• The false pressure to “be merry” when you’re struggling
• Releasing guilt for not feeling joyful during the holidays
• Why you are not alone in your pain — millions feel this way too
• The reminder that your current sadness is not your whole story
• Finding hope through empathy, connection, and community
• The role of self-acceptance in healing through the holidays

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Giving Voice to Depression’s holiday message
00:25 – The power of sharing stories of struggle during the holidays
01:32 – Introducing Dr. Anita Sanz and John Pavlovitz’s annual essay
02:20 – John Pavlovitz begins reading “To Those Who Struggle This Christmas”
02:44 – A message to those grieving, alone, or weighed by loss
04:25 – When dreams dissolve and relationships end
05:13 – For those facing illness, depression, and personal demons
06:00 – The shared human truth: you are not suffering alone
06:45 – Hope beyond today’s pain: your story is not over
07:20 – Reflection from hosts on finding hope and connection
07:40 – Where to find support and understanding in the GVTD community

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The holiday season can bring warmth, connection, and joy — but it can also trigger deep stress, loneliness, and depression. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Anita Sanz, psychologist and board member for Giving Voice to Depression, joins hosts Terry McGuire and Bridget to talk about how to navigate the holidays with compassion and balance.

Using a surprising lens — Ebenezer Scrooge — Dr. Sanz explores how grief, loss, and unrealistic expectations can transform the season into an emotional burden, and what we can do to reclaim meaning. She shares practical ways to manage mental health, from setting boundaries and redefining traditions to offering (and receiving) grace.

Listeners will learn actionable self-care strategies and a simple but powerful way to support friends with depression during the holidays — what Dr. Sanz calls “the gift of the out.”

If you’ve ever felt pressure to pretend everything’s fine when you’re struggling, this episode reminds you: You have permission to slow down, simplify, and celebrate on your own terms.

💬 Primary Topics Covered

• Why the holidays are emotionally challenging for people with depression
• How grief and unrealistic expectations fuel holiday stress
• “The Scrooge Perspective”: empathy for those who can’t feel festive
• What it means to “offer the out” to someone struggling
• How to set healthy boundaries with friends and family
• Giving yourself permission to rest, say no, or leave early
• Non-negotiable self-care during the holidays (sleep, nutrition, sunlight)
• How to simplify and find meaning beyond consumerism
• Dealing with financial pressure and post-holiday burnout
• Choosing quality over quantity: redefining what “celebration” means

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and welcome
02:28 – Why holidays amplify stress, grief, and expectations
03:38 – Reframing “Scrooge” through the lens of empathy and depression
05:13 – Why some people withdraw or avoid gatherings
07:24 – The emotional cost of unpredictability in depression
08:00 – “The Gift of the Out”: offering flexibility and compassion
08:47 – Allowing guests to arrive, leave, or skip without guilt
09:13 – Why flexible invitations reduce pressure for people with depression
10:32 – Turning empathy inward: offering compassion to yourself
10:57 – The basics of self-care during the holidays (sleep, nutrition, movement)
12:07 – Simple, low-cost ways to recharge emotionally
12:54 – Asking “What do I really want this holiday to mean?”
13:31 – Letting go of traditions that no longer serve you
14:43 – Redefining family expectations and setting limits
15:53 – Post-holiday burnout and financial stress management
16:42 – The importance of permission and choice in healing
17:38 – Hosts share their own holiday simplification experiences
18:59 – Closing reflections and message of hope

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In this special episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terry McGuire and her sister and former co-host Bridget Shore introduce a simple, science-backed tool that anyone can use to calm their nervous system and ease symptoms of depression or anxiety — EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), also known as tapping.

They’re joined by Brad Yates, one of the world’s most recognized EFT practitioners, who guides listeners through a powerful step-by-step tapping session designed specifically for people living with depression.

Brad explains how tapping works by lowering cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone), interrupting negative thought loops, and helping people release stuck emotional energy. He walks listeners through the basic tapping points, offers guidance on self-acceptance and gratitude, and reminds us that even small reductions in distress can reignite hope.

If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in depression, this episode offers a free, accessible way to start feeling lighter — no special equipment, therapist, or medication required.

💬 Primary Topics Covered

• What EFT Tapping is and how it helps reduce stress and depression
• The science behind tapping: lowering cortisol and calming the nervous system
• Step-by-step guide through the tapping points and technique
• Why acknowledging your negative feelings is essential for healing
• How tapping can help shift emotional patterns linked to past trauma
• The connection between self-acceptance and emotional recovery
• How small progress (even from a “9” to an “8.75”) builds hope
• Using tapping as a portable, no-cost self-help tool for mental health
• Encouragement for practicing regularly for stronger results
• How to pair tapping with gratitude and mindfulness for long-term relief

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Why self-help tools like EFT belong in your mental health toolbox
01:11 – What EFT Tapping is and how it helps manage depression and anxiety
02:23 – The science of tapping: lowering cortisol and reducing stress
03:02 – Brad Yates joins to explain how tapping works
04:08 – Why tapping provides both emotional and physical relief
05:03 – How small stress reductions create momentum for hope
06:08 – Step-by-step EFT demonstration: tapping points and phrases
09:23 – How tapping helps release old programming and trauma
10:13 – Shifting identity from “I have depression” to “I experience depression”
10:30 – Guided tapping session for depression and self-acceptance
14:21 – Focusing on gratitude, breathing, and small joys
17:19 – Checking progress: from low mood to calm awareness
17:57 – Why EFT works even for skeptics
18:13 – A tool that requires no cost, insurance, or therapist
19:13 – Why saying affirmations out loud makes tapping more powerful
19:50 – Call to action: try EFT, share your results, and suggest future topics

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The holidays are marketed as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for millions struggling with depression, anxiety, and burnout, the season can feel more overwhelming than joyful.

In this special Giving Voice to Depression episode, Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz discuss how to manage emotional overload and protect your mental health amid unrealistic expectations, family pressures, and financial strain.

Dr. Sanz shares compassionate, evidence-based strategies she gives her therapy clients to prevent holiday burnout — from paring down expectations and setting boundaries to planning for alone time and managing social triggers.

You’ll learn why fatigue, disrupted routines, and grief make the holidays especially difficult for people with depression — and how to use humor, self-care, and intentional rest to make it through intact.

This conversation is full of practical insights for anyone who feels stretched too thin or emotionally fragile during the holidays — and a reminder that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s essential.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why holiday expectations can worsen depression and anxiety
• How fatigue and disrupted routines impact mental health
• Setting healthy boundaries with family and friends
• Dealing with loneliness and grief during the holidays
• Practical coping tips for holiday travel and gatherings
• The “Bingo Card” method for handling family stress with humor
• Financial pressure and gift-giving guilt
• How to simplify plans and reduce emotional overload
• Creating new, meaningful traditions when you’re grieving
• The importance of rest and post-holiday recovery days

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: The mental health challenges of the holidays
02:29 – Why expectations and energy demands cause emotional overload
03:38 – Family pressure, estrangement, and grief
04:16 – How to stop trying to make everyone happy
05:13 – Financial strain and burnout after overspending
05:43 – How disrupted routines impact your well-being
06:19 – Rule #1: Simplify and match expectations to your reality
06:46 – Remember you’re a co-creator of your holiday experience
07:56 – How to handle loneliness or being alone for the holidays
09:10 – Finding meaning when you’re not celebrating with family
10:40 – Grieving during the holidays and giving yourself permission to “turtle”
11:56 – Using humor and creativity to manage family stress (the “Bingo Card” strategy)
13:33 – Reframing interactions through laughter and dark humor
14:38 – Setting firm limits on time, topics, and commitments
15:39 – Giving yourself a “buffer day” after travel or family events
15:58 – Managing energy demands and planning for recovery
16:44 – Final advice: Be gentle, lower expectations, and care for yourself first

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The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many living with depression or grief, this season can feel unbearably heavy.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, host Terry McGuire and psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz speak with grief expert Krista St-Germain about how to navigate the emotional complexities of the holiday season when you’re struggling with loss, sadness, or mental exhaustion.

Krista explains the difference between grief and depression, why both can coexist, and how social expectations and “holiday perfectionism” can make it harder for us to honor what we’re truly feeling. She shares compassionate, practical strategies for setting boundaries, communicating your needs, and letting go of the guilt that often comes with saying “no.”

You’ll also learn Krista’s “N-O-W Method”—a simple three-step process for sitting with emotions instead of resisting them:

• Name what you’re feeling
• Open to it
• Witness the physical sensations until they pass

The conversation closes with a powerful reminder: If someone’s going to be disappointed this holiday season, make sure it’s not you.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How grief and depression overlap but differ in focus
• Why holidays amplify emotional pain and loneliness
• How social “shoulds” worsen depression during celebrations
• The importance of rewriting family rituals after loss
• How to communicate your needs to others
• Setting healthy boundaries without guilt
• How to stop “pre-feeling” bad emotions before events
• Using the N-O-W method to process feelings mindfully
• What to do when loved ones can’t understand your grief
• How to honor your emotions instead of performing for others

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and welcome
01:45 – Grief vs. depression: how they overlap and differ
04:25 – Understanding grief as a response to all kinds of loss
07:00 – How accomplishments can unexpectedly trigger grief
08:10 – The pressure of “holiday happiness” and unrealistic expectations
09:28 – Giving yourself permission to change traditions
10:21 – Communicating your needs to family and friends
11:13 – Handling pushback and advocating for yourself
12:17 – Respecting different ways of grieving within families
13:06 – Avoiding “should” thinking during the holidays
13:28 – How anticipating bad feelings makes things worse
14:34 – Learning to feel your feelings with the N-O-W method
17:48 – When loved ones expect you to act happy
18:04 – Boundaries: “Someone’s going to be disappointed—don’t let it be you”
19:37 – Why feeling guilty often means you’re doing the right thing
20:12 – Grieving lost dreams and unmet expectations
21:08 – The value of mindfulness and emotional witnessing
22:49 – Giving others permission to be disappointed
23:25 – Reframing conflict and emotional honesty
25:32 – Challenging the expectation to “perform” happiness
26:10 – The lack of grief education in our culture
26:40 – Depression and grief: two misunderstood emotional experiences
27:01 – Using EFT (tapping) to manage difficult feelings
27:18 – Closing reflections and hope for the holidays

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Michelle is a mom living with depression, anxiety, and ADHD — and raising children diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, and DMDD. In this candid and compassionate episode, she describes how she juggles emotional overwhelm, fights toxic productivity, and clings to small moments of self-care. You’ll hear real strategies from her therapy sessions, how she recognizes early signs of a crash, and why talking to yourself with kindness matters. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep parenting through your own darkness, Michelle’s story will speak to you.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Parenting with depression, anxiety, and ADHD
• Raising kids with OCD, ADHD, and DMDD
• Feeling physically and emotionally weighed down by depression
• Therapist advice that actually helps
• Learning to speak to yourself with compassion
• Setting boundaries and making space for your own needs
• Managing toxic productivity and self-worth
• The power of naming what your soul needs
• Creating emotional check-in routines with your partner
• The importance of showing kids real coping strategies

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
01:12 Parenting with Depression and Mental Illness in the Family
02:12 Michelle’s Mental Health Journey Begins
03:10 Physical and Emotional Experience of Depression
04:14 Caring for Young Kids When You Feel Weighted Down
05:40 Therapist Tips for Self-Care Amidst Chaos
07:03 Learning to Speak Kindly to Yourself
07:59 How Michelle Manages Intrusive Thoughts
08:52 Daily Emotional Dump Strategy with Spouse
09:41 Empathy as a Parenting Tool (and Challenge)
10:22 Balancing Self-Care and Motherhood
12:32 Early Warning Signs of a Depressive Episode
14:03 Preparing During the “Good” Days
15:35 ADHD and Depression: Coexisting Conditions
16:59 Medication Helps — But It’s Not a Cure
17:24 Micro-Actions to Shift Out of a Depressive Fog
18:50 What’s Missing? Soul-Check Questions
21:27 DMDD Explained (Childhood Mood Disorder)
24:10 Toxic Productivity and Survival Mode
25:41 “Pain is Pain” – Validating Emotional Struggles
26:00 Closing: You're Not Alone

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In this deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Cara from Belfast, Northern Ireland, opens up about her journey through years of darkness — from living with untreated depression as a teen to finally finding validation, healing, and light through therapy.

Cara describes depression not as constant sadness but as a suffocating grayness — a loss of color, motivation, and meaning. After multiple suicide attempts and years of feeling numb, she reached a breaking point in 2021 and took one small but life-saving step: emailing a local counselor.

Therapy helped Cara recognize the impact of her childhood trauma and validate her pain for the first time. While progress wasn’t linear, she learned to celebrate small wins — sitting up in bed, taking a shower, or savoring a coffee — and to document her “happy days” as proof that joy returns.

Co-hosts Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz unpack Cara’s insights about resilience, the importance of reframing thoughts, and the courage it takes to hold on when life feels unbearable.

This episode is for anyone who feels like depression will never end — and a reminder that even the smallest flicker of light can guide you through the darkest night.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The emotional reality of depression: numbness, sadness, and emptiness
• Recognizing depression as a legitimate illness, not a weakness
• The role of therapy in naming and healing trauma
• How validation can transform self-perception
• Reaching out for help during a suicidal crisis
• The non-linear path of depression recovery
• Finding gratitude and meaning after trauma
• The power of peer support and shared understanding
• Journaling and photography as tools for emotional resilience
• Building hope through small daily acts and self-compassion

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Why real stories of depression matter
01:25 – Meet Cara: Finding euphoria after surviving darkness
02:36 – Describing depression as grayness, emptiness, and numbness
04:30 – Understanding depression as an illness, not a character flaw
05:06 – Early signs of depression during teenage years
06:31 – The turning point: Recognizing trauma and seeking therapy
07:18 – The healing mess: unpacking pain in therapy
09:04 – Validating trauma and learning self-compassion
09:37 – The night Cara reached out for help
11:52 – Taking the first small step: emailing a therapist
12:26 – How therapy revealed the ups and downs of recovery
13:32 – Flashes of light: noticing small moments of peace
14:21 – Finding happiness in small things — a hug, coffee, or sunshine
15:14 – Journaling and documenting “happy days” as proof of hope
16:17 – Holding on one day at a time
18:19 – Insights on depression, patience, and perspective
20:31 – How reframing thoughts helps shift hopelessness
22:06 – Final reflections: You deserve to live and to be happy

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After years of living with depression — through countless ups, downs, and failed treatment attempts — Caryn finally found light again. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, she opens up for the first time about what it’s like to live with treatment-resistant depression, the exhaustion of constantly “trying,” and the unexpected relief that came when she finally found the right therapist and medication.

Caryn describes how depression shows up not just mentally, but physically — the aching body, the heavy fatigue, the simple impossibility of getting off the couch or into the shower. She explains how she learned to live minute by minute when the pain became unbearable, and how giving herself permission to rest became an act of survival.

With honesty and strength, Caryn shares what helped her finally stabilize: a supportive therapist, compassionate friends, medication that worked, and the belief that she was worth the effort it took to heal.

Co-hosts Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow reflect on Caryn’s story, exploring how depression can become habitual, why it’s so hard to break free from its patterns, and why persistence — even when you’re exhausted — can save your life.

If you’ve ever felt hopeless after trying therapy or medication that didn’t work, Caryn’s story is proof that there’s still reason to keep going.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What treatment-resistant depression really feels like
• How to find the right therapist after years of trying
• Physical symptoms of depression and why they’re real
• Learning to ask for help without shame or guilt
• The power of supportive friends and “letting yourself cry”
• When to rest and when to push forward during depressive episodes
• Why depression can feel like a habit — and how to retrain your brain
• How seasonal changes can trigger depression
• Why finding hope doesn’t mean pretending you’re okay
• The importance of giving yourself grace and patience

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: The importance of real conversations about depression
01:15 – Meet Caryn: a listener sharing her story for the first time
02:17 – Caryn’s turning point: finally finding the right therapist
03:27 – The physical toll of depression and exhaustion
05:10 – Living minute by minute when suicidal thoughts creep in
06:24 – Why finding a therapist who truly listens changes everything
07:01 – The physical exhaustion of depression: “Even walking hurts”
08:45 – The “damn shower”: small tasks that feel impossible
09:01 – Accepting that you’ll never be the same — and that’s okay
10:35 – The storm quote that helped Caryn redefine recovery
11:05 – Retraining your brain after years of living in depression
11:49 – Preparing for depressive episodes before they hit
12:07 – How supportive friends helped Caryn through crisis moments
13:34 – The freedom of knowing when to reach out for help
14:10 – A breakthrough with new treatment after years of resistance
14:50 – Medication that worked: “It was the best I’ve felt in years”
15:59 – Learning self-compassion and patience through recovery
17:33 – Why rest and self-acceptance are not weakness
17:52 – Celebrating progress and small victories
19:01 – Caryn’s message: “There’s always some form of light”
20:18 – Reflection: habits of depression vs. habits of recovery
22:37 – The seasonal triggers of depression and self-awaren

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This episode of Giving Voice to Depression features licensed therapist Carolina Bracco and a candid conversation about the profound, long-term effects of growing up with emotionally immature or overly critical parents. Co-hosts Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow explore this often-overlooked area of childhood experience, highlighting how these parental patterns can contribute to depression and shape an adult's life, relationships, and even their own parenting style.Carolina, a childhood trauma survivor herself, shares her personal journey of being scapegoated and constantly criticized, which led to deep-seated toxic shame and a powerful inner critic. She explains that as children, it's a survival mechanism to turn anger and blame inward rather than directing it toward the primary caregivers, resulting in core beliefs like "I'm not enough" and "I'm worthless"—the exact phrases often heard during a depressive episode.The discussion defines highly critical parenting as a consistent pattern of never meeting expectations and explores how this, along with the role reversal seen with emotionally immature parents, counts as childhood trauma—an emotional wound and neglect that can be as impactful as physical abuse.More importantly, the episode focuses on healing. Carolina introduces the concept of reparenting our inner child as a continuous process of self-compassion, connection, and attunement. This involves acknowledging the feelings of the "wounded inner child" and providing the comfort and safety that was lacking.Carly concludes by offering non-blaming context, emphasizing that parents are often doing the best they can, but that sometimes "best isn't good enough." She shares empowering strategies from Dr. Lindsay Gibson's work, including accepting that you cannot "fix" your parents and affirming your own importance and inherent worth ("I have good stuff inside me").This episode provides listeners with essential language, context, and practical steps to understand and begin healing from the emotional legacy of their upbringing.Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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Mental Health Matters at Every Age: A 93 Year Old's Perspective:In this heartfelt episode, we explore the vital importance of mental health across the entire lifespan through the inspiring story of a 93-year-old guest. With decades of life experience, they share candid reflections on aging, resilience, and the evolving understanding of mental wellness. From navigating loneliness and loss to embracing hope and connection, this episode reminds us that mental health matters at every age—and it’s never too late to seek support, learn coping strategies, and find meaning in the journey. Join us for an intimate conversation that challenges stigma, celebrates wisdom, and offers encouragement for all stages of life.Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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On this week’s Giving Voice to Depression, mother/daughter cohosts Terry and Carly sit down with psychotherapist and interventionist Evan Jarschauer for a candid conversation about what interventions really look like—far from the confrontational TV versions.

Evan shares how empathy, preparation, and a “high love, high accountability” plan can break through the stuck places depression creates for individuals and families.

He explains why you can’t “yell the disorder out,” how families can accidentally build a Petri dish where symptoms thrive, and what it sounds like to approach someone with dignity: not to control them, but to join them in their pain and map a path to care.

Terry and Carly reflect on the toll this takes on loved ones, why self-care isn’t selfish, and how boundaries plus consistency open the door to change. It’s honest, practical, and full of the kind of real-life language that helps us support one another better.

Brought to you by Recovery.com—a place to explore mental health and addiction treatment options when you’re ready.

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After a month devoted to suicide-prevention content, we’re intentionally focusing on a lighter, hope-forward topic: the healing power of pets. In this archive episode, guest Lor shares how her “fur babies” helped her navigate a year of “swimming through mud” after a painful divorce.We explore how animals can buffer depression by providing companionship, unconditional love, structure, routine, and movement. Lori describes walks that were equal parts training sessions and tear-clearing rituals, the social connection that comes from simply being out with dogs, and the accountability that comes from a daily “I’m OK” text with a trusted friend. The conversation also normalizes medical support—Terry notes how medication “put a floor beneath my feet”—and offers accessible ways to bring animal comfort into your life (rescue, volunteer, pet-sit, or walk a neighbor’s dog).If depression is part of your story, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to walk that road solo. Explore resources and treatment options and other resources at Recovery.com.https://www.webmd.com/pets/how-pets-affect-mental-healthhttps://www.nami.org/complimentary-health-approaches/how-dogs-can-help-with-depression/Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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Podcast Episode SummarySometimes, you can learn the most from someone who has lived it. That's true with suicide loss. In this episode Lisa Silverman, a suicide loss survivor, shares her deeply personal story of grief for her father, a relative and a close friend who all took their own lives. The discussion highlights the unique and complex nature of suicide grief, which is often burdened by guilt, trauma, and unanswerable questions. Lisa offers compassionate, actionable advice on how to support someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, emphasizing the importance of holding space for them, asking questions, and avoiding judgment. She also stresses that help is available through resources like the 988 Crisis Lifeline, a crucial tool for anyone, not just those in a suicidal crisis. The episode serves as a powerful reminder that while the pain of loss is immense, there is another side to it and that remembering loved ones is an act of love.Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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What can you say to someone who has lost a loved one by suicide?Whaf shouldn't you say?This episode of Giving Voice to Depression continues the conversation with Deb Sherwood, a journalist and suicide loss survivor. This powerful and candid discussion focuses on the impact of words and actions—both hurtful and helpful—on someone grieving a death by suicide.Deb shares some of the shockingly insensitive and painful comments she received from everyone, including long-time friends and even medical and mental health professionals. These comments added to her trauma and led her to end decades-long friendships. The hosts and Deb emphasize that stigma around suicide is often the root cause of these thoughtless remarks and that people's curiosity or discomfort can lead to profound hurt.The conversation then pivots to more constructive advice. Deb offers practical suggestions for what to say and do to truly support someone who is grieving. Instead of a vague "call me if you need anything," she suggests offering concrete help, like bringing dinner on a specific day. She also highlights the immense value of sharing positive memories of the deceased and the healing power of suicide support groups, where no one's grief is judged. Ultimately, the episode is a moving plea for empathy and a reminder that simple, kind words can make all the difference.Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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This episode features an emotional and deeply personal conversation about the cost of secrecy.Guest Deb Sherwood lost her husband, Bob, by suicide after a long battle with illness. Deb, a journalist, bravely shares their story, revealing the complex and traumatic aftermath that comes with a death by suicide.She and the hosts, Terry and her co-host at the time, Brigitte, discuss the unique challenges suicide loss survivors face, including the trauma of a sudden death, recurring thoughts, and the crushing weight of stigma, shame, and isolation. Deb recounts the painful experience of being a "person of interest" in her own home and the profound guilt she felt after a seemingly innocent comment made to her husband just hours before his death.For a year, she kept the truth of his death a secret, which she now believes delayed her own healing process. Deb emphasizes that talking about suicide is a crucial step in healing and hopes her story will help others navigate their own grief, encouraging them to find support and not suffer in silence. The hosts also touch on the importance of having resources and support available, highlighting an article from Harvard Medical School on the unique nature of suicide grief.Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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Meg Kissinger, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of a powerful memoir, shares her family's unique and moving story about living with serious mental illness.She talks openly about losing two siblings to suicide, and how her experiences as both a sister and an investigative journalist shaped her understanding of the US mental health system. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes that having honest conversations about depression and mental illness can help create a world where no one feels alone.
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This powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, features a brave guest named John who offers insights into about a seldom-discussed topic: forgiving yourself after a suicide attempt. John, a 54-year-old from Canada, shares his personal story of depression and a suicide attempt nearly four years ago. He candidly explains that while his young son immediately forgave him, he's struggled to extend that same grace to himself.The conversation explores the lingering feelings of unworthiness, guilt, and shame that remain long after the initial crisis has passed. Despite being in a healthier place and actively working on his recovery through therapy and self-compassion exercises, John feels a stubborn block to self-forgiveness. He describes the persistent negative self-talk as a constant battle and admits he's still searching for the "magic tool" that will finally help him let go.The episode is a raw and honest look at the messy reality of recovery, a path that isn't always linear. John's story is a testament to the fact that while progress can be made, some parts of the healing journey can take time.It's a critical discussion for anyone who has experienced similar struggles, offering a powerful message of hope: even when self-forgiveness feels out of reach, continuing to work toward recovery is a sign of strength and resilience.Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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In this episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, hosts Terry and Carly speak with guest David Shamsud about his journey with a dual diagnosis—living with both Bipolar Disorder and a substance use disorder.David shares his personal story of how he used alcohol to self-medicate and cope with the extreme highs of mania and the devastating lows of depression before he was formally diagnosed. He describes how his manic episodes, though they felt fun and energized at the time, led to serious consequences, and his depressive episodes left him feeling paralyzed and hopeless.The turning point for David came after a frightening, "scared-straight" incident while intoxicated. He realized that his drinking was not just a coping mechanism, but was putting his own life and others' in danger. This moment of clarity prompted him to get sober, a decision he describes as removing "handcuffs" that had prevented him from truly addressing his mental health.The conversation highlights the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for men, and the importance of finding a safe space to be vulnerable. David emphasizes that recovery is not an overnight process but an accumulation of "steady drops of the right message"—from therapy, books, and supportive conversations. Carly and Terry further discuss this idea, comparing it to watering a dry plant, where small, consistent efforts are more effective than a sudden, overwhelming pour.Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of recovery, even from deeply ingrained dual diagnoses, and encourages listeners to seek support, embrace vulnerability, and understand that healing is a gradual, ongoing journey.https://recovery.com/

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In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Barbara Moser, a trained teacher in mindful self-compassion, shares three simple yet powerful practices you can use anytime to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. These tools are free, backed by credible research, and require no appointment, transportation, or side effects.From mindful breathing to the STOP method and a self-compassion break, these practices are designed to help you calm your nervous system, manage transitions, and respond to difficult moments with greater resilience. Whether you’re struggling with daily overwhelm or seeking preventive strategies, this episode offers practical techniques that can become part of your mental health toolkit.Primary Topics Covered:* Introduction to no-cost, research-backed mental health tools * Guided three-minute mindful breathing exercise * STOP practice for managing daily transitions and stress * Self-compassion break: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness * How mindfulness and self-compassion work together for healing

Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and mission of Giving Voice to Depression
01:20 – Framing the episode: free, accessible mental health tools
02:06 – Dr. Barbara Moser introduces mindfulness practices
02:42 – Three-minute mindful breathing and calming exercise
09:21 – How breathwork engages the parasympathetic nervous system
10:14 – STOP practice: pause, breathe, observe, and proceed
14:22 – Using STOP for daily transitions and relationships
14:32 – Guided self-compassion break with three core elements
18:40 – Recognizing common humanity in moments of struggle
20:03 – Practicing self-kindness and supportive self-talk
22:32 – Closing reflections and invitation to community supporthttps://recovery.com/

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In this deeply honest 27-minute long episode, stage hypnotist Kevin Lepine opens up about growing up bullied, misunderstood, and isolated — long before he had the language to name his depression. From undiagnosed ADHD and childhood trauma to the crushing silence of shame, Kevin shares how these early experiences shaped his mental health journey.He doesn’t just tell his story — he explains what helped: the friends who refused to let him disappear, the hard-won lessons of recovery, and the life-saving value of saying “I have depression.” Through moving anecdotes and practical insights, Kevin reminds us that the goal isn’t instant happiness, but finding small ways to make life different — and different can be better.This episode offers validation, support, and hope for anyone navigating depression or trying to support someone who is. You’re not alone, and there is a way forward — one small, brave step at a time.
https://recovery.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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Ten years ago, Rebecca Lombardo was in a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt — believing she was a burden, broken, and beyond help. Today, she shares the powerful story of everything that’s changed since.In this honest and deeply human conversation, Rebecca reflects on the decade that followed: how she found the right doctor after 25 years of searching, how she’s learned to manage bipolar disorder with self-awareness and hard work, and how her husband’s steady support helped her find solid ground. She talks openly about the daily effort it takes to stay well, the power of positive self-talk, and why sharing her story is part of her healing.If you’ve ever felt like things will never get better, Rebecca’s journey is proof that healing is real — and it doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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In this unique and deeply personal episode, Terry and her daughter Carly flip the usual podcast format on its head and turn the lens inward. What unfolds is an unscripted, intergenerational conversation about depression, mental health, family legacy, and healing. They dive into the truth that while they help others tell their mental health stories, their own stories matter, too—and deserve space.Carly reflects on how depression was a subtle but persistent presence throughout her adolescence, shaped by both biology and the emotional climate of her upbringing. She recounts moments where anxiety and depressive symptoms masked themselves as “normal” stress or teenage angst—until hindsight and therapy offered clarity. Terry, in turn, shares how her own understanding of depression developed later in life. For decades, she often missed or minimized signs in herself and others simply because she didn’t know what to look for. Together, they dissect the layers of intergenerational trauma, epigenetics, and how mental health can be misunderstood when it's not named, contextualized, or spoken aloud—especially in families.They unpack the myths of what depression “should” look like, challenging the idea that functionality and humor negate suffering. From the metaphor of blurry eyesight revealing the need for glasses to a heartfelt recollection of a low-energy Thanksgiving spent cuddled up in bed, this episode is rich with poignant imagery and emotional truth. They also touch on tools like the gratitude jar and “mental health days” that helped build an early language of care, and how those rituals shaped Carly’s adult ability to tune into her emotional needs.The conversation closes with a powerful exploration of how trauma, when left uncontextualized, morphs into personality, family dynamics, or even cultural norms. Through vulnerability and a mutual desire to break cycles, Terry and Carly demonstrate the radical potential of talking out loud—not just about depression, but about the emotional inheritance we all carry.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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Have you ever wished for a simple, understandable way to communicate your energy and depression levels?This episode introduces a practical and relatable way to describe and navigate the often invisible energy drain of depression using spoon theory. Originally created to explain life with chronic illness, the concept translates easily to mental health by offering a simple unit—“spoons”—to represent your daily energy levels.Clinical psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz helps explore how this metaphor can help people with depression better understand their own limits, pace themselves more gently, and explain those limits to others. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words to describe how hard even small tasks can feel—or if someone you care about has—this episode offers a language that can help. It encourages self-awareness, clearer communication, and more intentional choices about where to spend the little energy you may have.
https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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In this gentle, insightful episode, Eric shares his raw and powerful story of living with a lifelong depression he once imagined as an invisible boulder crushing his spirit. Instead of continuing the exhausting quest to eliminate his pain, Eric began to befriend it—shifting from analysis to emotional healing. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, he discovered that the boulder symbolized a part of him trying to protect his innocence and inner child. He learned to speak with (vs. resist) it, and occasionally invite it to rest.Eric’s transformation didn’t come from erasing his depression, but from softening into it, accepting it as a part of him, and listening to what it was trying to say. In doing so, he unearthed peace, faith, and a more-grounded sense of self. Eric offers a hopeful message: that healing isn’t about being cured, but about becoming whole—even when it hurts.Listeners will walk away with a richer understanding of the nuances of depression, and the gentle yet radical power of self-compassion.https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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In this episode, JJ Singleton shares what it’s like to live with terminal cancer and depression.

He talks about how his mental health changed after his diagnosis, the dark moments he faced, and what helped him stay.

JJ didn’t grow up talking about emotions, but through therapy and support, he learned that speaking up made a difference. He discusses the pressure to hide pain, especially as a man, and how naming his struggles helped him carry them.

His story is a reminder that you’re not alone, and that asking for help can be part of staying.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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This episode explores how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be a useful, hands-on approach for managing depression and anxiety.

Dr. David Jacobi explains how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are closely linked—and how working on the things we can control, like changing negative thinking patterns or taking small actions, can shift how we feel over time.

Listeners will learn how to apply CBT in everyday life by identifying unhelpful thoughts, breaking cycles of avoidance, and doing simple tasks that can build momentum—like getting out of bed, taking a walk, or reconnecting with others.

The episode also offers insight into how to support loved ones without accidentally reinforcing withdrawal or inactivity. Whether you're dealing with mental health challenges yourself or helping someone else, this episode offers realistic strategies you can start using right away.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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This podcast episode pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to see a therapist, and trust us, it's not all about lying on a couch talking about your parents!

Dr. Anita Sanz, a seasoned therapist, tackles the big question: when should you seek mental health support?

She makes a compelling case for treating our mental well-being with the same care we give our physical health, or even our cars. If your car breaks down, you get it fixed, right? So why do we feel the need to "just handle" mental health struggles like low energy, changes in sleep, or even suicidal thoughts on our own?

Dr. Sanz stresses that you don't have to wait until things are really bad. In fact, being proactive can make therapy much more effective and lead to faster improvement. Think of it like taking your car in for a check-up before a long road trip – it's about preventing a breakdown.

Dr. Sanz also offers practical tips on finding the right therapist, emphasizing that it's okay to "shop around" and that chemistry matters. You wouldn't settle for a pizza with toppings you hate, so why settle for a therapist who isn't a good fit?

The episode even addresses the common fear of sharing suicidal thoughts, assuring listeners that a therapist's primary goal is to help you navigate through a crisis and keep you safe.

Ultimately, therapy isn't a passive process where someone "fixes" you; it's a collaborative effort where you actively work with your therapist to learn new skills and rewire your thought patterns, thanks to your brain's amazing neuronal plasticity.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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A single conversation can change the course of your life.

A single person stepping in to say "You are not yourself. I am worried about you" can change the course of your life and recovery.

That's the story Chloe shares in this remixed episode. The school year may be ending, but the need to tune in, step in and care most certainly is not.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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What does it feel like to experience true happiness after the lowest lows of depression? In this moving and deeply honest episode, Cara McErlain from Belfast, Northern Ireland, offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the lived experience of depression—and the unexpected joy that can follow.

Cara speaks with unflinching honesty about her darkest moments, the numbness and hopelessness that once felt permanent, and the night that pushed her to finally reach out for help. She describes how therapy, though painful at times, helped her uncover, name, and begin healing from long-unrecognized trauma. And perhaps most inspiringly, she shares how those moments of light—whether it's a warm coffee, a stranger’s hug, or a fleeting sense of peace—now feel euphoric after living in darkness.

This episode is a masterclass in the wisdom of lived experience. It’s not about a fairy tale ending, but about resilience, authenticity, and the raw power of holding on. If you or someone you love struggles with depression, Cara’s voice is one you need to hear.

🎧 "Hold on until tomorrow," she says. "You just might find a moment of light worth staying for."

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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Did you know depression doesn’t just bring sadness—it can steal your memories of joy?

In this 30-minute episode, we explore the deeply disorienting and isolating experience of how depression alters memory. Not through scientific jargon, but through lived experience. Writer and mental health advocate Natasha Tracy joins us to discuss how depression can convince you that you’ve never been happy—robbing you of the very memories that might offer hope.

You’ll hear:

• How depression manipulates memory to maintain its grip
• What “state-dependent memory” means and how it plays out emotionally
• How Natasha separates herself from her depression to survive it
• The ingenious ways people are preserving happy memories for future dark days—like writing letters to themselves or recording heartfelt videos during periods of stability

This episode is full of truth, tools, and the kind of wisdom you won’t find in textbooks. It’s honest. It’s raw. And it just might help you—or someone you love—find a foothold when hope feels out of reach.

Natasha's website: https://natashatracy.com/

Natasha's article: https://natashatracy.com/mental-illness/depression/remember-depressed-emotion-memory/

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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"You’re supposed to be happy." That’s what Isabelle kept hearing when she was pregnant. Married, financially stable, expecting a deeply wanted baby — her life looked “perfect” from the outside. But inside, she was fighting an overwhelming darkness that few people talk about: antepartum depression, or depression during pregnancy.

In this honest and powerful conversation, Isabelle joins Terry and Bridget to share what it felt like to struggle mentally during what’s often painted as the most joyful time in a person’s life. From navigating stigma to managing daily symptoms and finding tools that help her cope years later, Isabelle gives voice to an often-silenced part of the maternal mental health journey.

Whether you've experienced depression yourself, love someone who has, or want to better understand the emotional complexities of pregnancy, this episode offers insight, compassion, and a reminder that you are not alone.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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Trina Kennedy joins Giving Voice to Depression to share her experience growing up in a household where emotional needs were often dismissed or misunderstood.

She reflects on how unacknowledged pain shaped her early struggles with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts—and how therapy, connection, and time allowed her to begin unpacking the emotional weight she carried.

Through the lens of trauma, Trina explores what it means to complete the “distress loop,” and why being seen, heard, and supported can change the course of a life.

Hosts Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow offer reflections on parenting, emotional honesty, and the importance of building support systems that make healing possible.

This conversation sheds light on the space between trauma and recovery—and the many steps it can take to move through it.

https://trinaleekennedy.ca/

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Ari Cohen shares her powerful and deeply personal mental health journey. Diagnosed with depression at the age of 11, Ari describes how her identity was once entirely wrapped up in her diagnosis. Initially, her motivation to get better was externally driven—whether to attend summer camp, to avoid causing pain to her family, or to meet others' expectations.

A turning point came when a therapist asked her, “Who are you getting better for?”, prompting a shift in perspective. Through intensive therapy and community support, Ari began to explore healing for herself, not just for others. She speaks candidly about suicidal ideation, medication side effects, the importance of peer connection, and the value of compassionate caregiving—particularly from her mother and a social worker who simply asked, “What do you think would help?”

Ari now works as a program manager at Families for Depression Awareness and encourages others to recognize their intrinsic worth, engage in self-compassion, and understand that healing “for ourselves” doesn’t have to mean healing “by ourselves.”

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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In this episode, Giving Voice explores how mental health conversations—especially those aimed at men—need a major rebrand in order to be more effective and approachable. Their guest is Ethan Getchell, a former business student whose career path took a sharp turn after the loss of his brother to suicide. That moment of grief reshaped Ethan’s values and inspired him to pursue a career in mental health counseling, with a focus on reaching men who might otherwise avoid therapy.

Ethan shares how cultural ideals like rugged individualism and emotional suppression have created a barrier between many men and the support they need. He discusses how the isolation of the pandemic further revealed the prevalence of covert depression—mental health struggles that often go unnoticed until distraction is stripped away. To help men engage, Ethan emphasizes the importance of rebranding therapy using language and tools that resonate. That includes practical strategies like starting with behavioral changes rather than emotional deep-dives, using habit-tracking apps, and drawing on simple, memorable check-ins like the four elements: earth (food), water (hydration), fire (movement), and air (breathing).

The episode highlights the importance of meeting men where they are—whether that’s through humor, shared activities, or just listening without judgment. It also underscores how the way we frame mental health matters. Whether it’s through the creative campaigns of ManTherapy.com or Ethan’s own “Hey Man” newsletter, the message is clear: therapy isn’t about being broken, it’s about being human. Carly and Terry close the conversation with reflections on how everyday moments—like asking if someone has eaten or needs a hug—can become meaningful acts of care and connection.

Ethan's Hey Man newsletter: https://ethangetchell.substack.com/

Man Therapy: https://mantherapy.org/

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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After nearly a decade of feeling “stuck halfway out of depression’s pit,” Lori bravely took a step she never thought would help: she tried one more treatment option. In this powerful follow-up conversation, Lori shares the subtle yet transformative shifts that began to open her mind, soften her shame, and let in small but meaningful glimmers of hope.

Through heartfelt metaphors—like the difference between carrying life in a heavy backpack versus letting it flow through you like a screen door—Lori beautifully articulates the lived experience of persistent depression. Her journey reveals the impact of connection, the danger of contingent self-worth, and the power of believing you’re not broken—you’re just stuck.

Whether you're in a dark place yourself or walking alongside someone who is, Lori’s story offers a gentle reminder: even the smallest shift in direction can lead to an entirely new destination.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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Living at 60% : A Raw Look at Persistent Depression

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz explore Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)—a lesser-known but profoundly impactful form of chronic depression. Unlike major depressive episodes that ebb and flow, PDD lingers, casting a long, gray shadow over daily life.

You’ll meet Lori, a woman who has lived with chronic depression for nearly a decade. Through her brave and unflinchingly honest storytelling, Lori describes what it feels like to live in a world that’s always a little dimmer—functioning, showing up, even laughing at times, all while feeling emotionally flat. She uses striking metaphors—like being underwater while a favorite song plays—to help listeners feel what words often fail to convey.

This isn’t a story with a tidy resolution or inspirational turnaround. It’s about endurance, reality, and compassion. Lori shares how even the simplest tasks can require monumental effort, and why phrases like “You look fine” or “Maybe you just need to…” miss the mark. Instead, she asks us to sit with the discomfort, to understand that for some people, “better” doesn’t come—but support, validation, and being seen can still make all the difference.

If you or someone you love lives with depression that doesn't lift, this conversation may be the most real and affirming thing you hear all week. It's not about fixing—it’s about understanding.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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In the podcast episode, we explore the crucial distinction between feeling sad and experiencing clinical depression: Sadness is a common emotional state often triggered by specific events. Depression is a pervasive mental illness that significantly impacts daily life and can last for extended periods.

The episode features insights from three experts: Dr. Robert Duff, who clarifies that clinical depression involves a consistent pattern of negative feelings that can feel overwhelming and cyclical, likening it to a parasite that drains energy and motivation. Dr. Margaret Rutherford adds that depression is often characterized by a lack of hope and enjoyment, emphasizing that it can present in various forms, including anger and lethargy, and is not simply a choice. Dr. Madhukar Trivedi underscores that depression is a real brain disease, marked by persistent negative thoughts that overshadow any positive experiences.

The hosts also share symptoms of major depression, as outlined by WebMD, stressing the importance of seeking professional help if five or more symptoms persist for two weeks or more. The episode aims to provide listeners with a better understanding of depression and encourage compassion for those affected.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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In this podcast episode, our guest, Jessie, shares her journey, revealing how growing up in a family open about mental illness, yet burdened by it, influenced her understanding of her own struggles. Through candid conversations with her parents about their battles, she learned early on that mental illness is not a secret or a fault but a condition to be managed.

Our discussion spotlights the significant, generational impact of honest communication in families, contrasting it with experiences of silence and gaslighting. The conversation touches on the importance of seeking help, the development of coping mechanisms, and the role of support systems in navigating daily challenges.

If you or someone you know is navigating the dark roads of depression, this episode is a must-listen, filled with insights, strategies, and a reminder that by being honest about your experience, you can make others' paths more clear.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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In this practical, inspirational and bittersweet episode, co-host Dr. Anita Sanz, a therapist with over two decades of experience, shares three life-changing questions that she has refined over the years to help people navigate depression and challenging situations.

These questions, deeply rooted in neuroscience and psychology, are designed to shake up the mental patterns that keep us stuck.

Together, Anita and Terry explore how these simple yet profound prompts—centered on dreaming beyond limitations, embracing life as an adventure, and recognizing inner strength—can serve as a compass during difficult times.

Anita explains the science behind why these questions work and shares personal insights on how they've helped her and her clients.

As Anita bids farewell after three years of co-hosting the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, this episode is both a parting gift and a message of hope. While change is difficult, she reminds us that endings bring new beginnings. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that may just help you reframe your struggles and take the first step toward a brighter path.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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In this real and hopeful episode, we continue our conversation with Matt Weedon of the Tors, the UK-based indie band behind the hit song Anything Can Happen. Written in the wake of Matt’s struggles with depression and anxiety, the song has struck a deep emotional chord with millions worldwide—its raw lyrics capturing the weight of mental illness and the slow, steady journey toward healing.

In this episode, Matt shares the deeply personal story behind the song’s lyrics, from the crushing heaviness of depression to the first glimmers of recovery—sleeping through the night, hearing birdsong again, and allowing light back into his life, both literally and metaphorically. He reflects on the overwhelming response to the song, the outpouring of messages from listeners who relate, and how vulnerability and authenticity in music create space for healing and connection.

Through this candid discussion, we explore the power of storytelling in breaking mental health stigma, the importance of slow, lasting recovery, and the small but significant steps that lead us out of the darkness. Stick around until the end of the episode for a full playthrough of Anything Can Happen, a song that has resonated with millions walking similar paths.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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There's a saying: "When you're happy, you enjoy the music, but when you're sad, you understand the lyrics." That sentiment resonates deeply in this episode as we sit down with singer-songwriter Matt Weedon of The Tors, the UK-based indie band behind the hauntingly beautiful song, Anything Can Happen.

Matt opens up about the song’s unintentional origins—written in the depths of his own struggle with depression. He describes the physical and emotional weight of mental illness, the numbness and pain that coexist, and the exhaustion of simply existing when hope feels out of reach. Through a raw and honest conversation, we explore how music became his outlet and how the unwavering support of a close friend helped him hold on.

This episode isn’t just about a song—it’s about survival, the power of being truly heard, and the small, deliberate steps we can take while waiting for change. Whether you’re struggling yourself or looking to better support a loved one, Matt’s story and lyrics serve as both a mirror and a guide. Because as dark as things may seem, anything can happen.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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In this powerful 30-minute continuation of last week's conversation, Johnny Crowder—vocalist for the metal bands Dark Sermon and Prison, as well as a dedicated mental health advocate—shares how he navigates life with multiple mental health diagnoses. From severe anxiety and OCD to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Johnny reflects on how these conditions intertwined, with depression standing out as the most debilitating force of all.

Johnny opens up about the life-altering events that closed out his 2024: losing his home to a hurricane, the end of a valued relationship, and major changes in his music career.

He describes how depression isn’t just sadness but a pervasive “universal ambivalence”—a gray fog that strips meaning from everything, even the things that once brought joy.

With raw honesty, deep insights and occasional humor, Johnny shares the strategies he's developed to push back against depression's lies, including reaching out to trusted friends for evidence that recovery is possible and practicing self-compassion inspired by Eckhart Tolle’s teachings.

His metaphor of depression as the force that prevents you from even pressing an "easy button" to fix your life will resonate deeply with anyone who has struggled to find motivation in their darkest moments.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, hopeless, or convinced that things will always be this way, this episode is a must-listen. Johnny’s vulnerability and insight remind us that while depression can feel inescapable, it is a symptom—not a truth—and recovery is always possible.

https://recovery.com/

https://johnnycrowder.com/

TEDx Talk: Why I Don't Want to Die Anymore:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e612-OTu-SA

TEDx Talk: How to Grow as a Person (and Why it Sucks)

https://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_crowder_how_to_grow_as_a_person_and_why_it_sucks

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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What happens when everything falls apart at once?

Musician and mental health advocate Johnny Crowder recently faced that exact reality—losing his home, his band, and his relationship (with the woman he expected to marry,) all within days.

In this 25-minute episode, he talks about the depression that followed ("a bear he has wrestled many times before,") and the mindset shift that helped him rebuild and reconnect with hope.

If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t find your way out of a dark place, Johnny’s story—and the practical strategies he shares—will remind you that healing is possible, one step at a time.

https://recovery.com/

https://johnnycrowder.com/

TEDx Talk: Why I Don't Want to Die Anymore:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e612-OTu-SA

TEDx Talk: How to Grow as a Person (and Why it Sucks)

https://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_crowder_how_to_grow_as_a_person_and_why_it_sucks

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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If you live with a partner, children or friend with depression, odds are you could use some practical tips for how to care for both them and yourself. This 28-minute episode offers both.

Gwen shares openly and articulately about the challenges and strategies she uses to maintain hope and connection when depression affects her household. Gwen shares how she and her husband navigate tough times by intentionally finding "glimmers"—small moments of joy that bring light to dark days.

She discusses the importance of establishing ground rules, like open communication, early intervention when signs of depression appear, and finding realistic ways for a struggling partner to stay engaged with family life. Gwen emphasizes the value of timing and word choice in difficult conversations, as well as the need for small daily acts of kindness that reinforce connection, even when love feels harder to express.

The episode also touches on the importance of caregivers prioritizing their own well-being. Gwen shares how finding her own support system, embracing flexibility, and letting go of perfection have helped her sustain both her family and herself.

This conversation is a compassionate reminder that while depression can strain relationships, understanding, communication, and mutual care can keep hope alive.

https://recovery.com/

https://www.familyaware.org/

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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This Giving Voice to Depression episode explores the challenges and complexities of supporting a loved one with depression, focusing on the experiences of caregivers. The episode responds to a listener, Margaret, who shared her struggles in last week's episode about often feeling disconnected in her marriage due to her husband's treatment-resistant depression.

To provide insight, the hosts interview Gwen, a woman who has been married for 23 years to a husband living with severe depression. Gwen shares the emotional and practical realities of navigating her husband's mental health journey while also parenting their two children, both of whom have also faced depression.

She discusses the importance of setting boundaries, managing expectations, and maintaining self-care to avoid being emotionally drained by the experience.

Gwen emphasizes the need for clear communication and shared responsibilities, even when her husband is struggling. She describes strategies such as having structured family meetings, using a shared calendar, and encouraging small activities to keep him engaged. She also highlights the significance of maintaining her own well-being by setting aside personal time, recognizing that caring for herself ultimately benefits the whole family.

Cohosts Dr. Sanz and Terry highlight the key takeaways from Gwen’s experience, including the power of gentle nudging, the importance of having a wellness plan, and how open conversations can prevent depression from dictating family dynamics. The episode provides a hopeful perspective, reinforcing that while supporting a loved one with depression is challenging, it is possible to navigate it with resilience, compassion, and the right strategies.

Listeners are reminded that they are not alone and are encouraged to seek support, communicate openly, and prioritize their own mental well-being while caring for others.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Dr. Anita Sanz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-sanz-746b8223/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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We'd love to hear your feedback!Episode 346 - How Do You Do It? (Rerun)In this deeply personal episode, we hear from Margaret, a GVTD podcast listener who bravely shares the challenges of parenting and maintaining a partnership with a spouse living with treatment-resistant depression. With honesty and vulnerability, she speaks about the loneliness, the frustrations, and the love that keep her searching for ways to make it work.Margaret’s story is one that many can relate to—how do you navigate life when the person you depend on is struggling with a debilitating mood disorder? How do you balance understanding and patience with the very real need for partnership and support? Through her words, she asks not just for advice but for connection, for reassurance that she is not alone in this struggle.Cohosts Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry McGuire explore practical ways to approach these challenges, including setting boundaries, fostering communication, and planning ahead for the difficult moments. They also highlight the importance of community support and breaking the silence around the unique burdens that caregivers and loved ones carry.This episode is an invitation—to those who have been in Margaret’s shoes, to share what has helped them, and to those who haven’t, to listen and learn. Because no one should have to figure it all out alone.https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Dr. Anita Sanz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-sanz-746b8223/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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We'd love to hear your feedback!In this impassioned, 22-minute episode, we continue our conversation with Chris Coulter, a father who tragically lost his teenage daughter, Maddy, to suicide. Chris speaks candidly about his growing frustration with the systems that are supposed to support struggling kids—schools, communities, and even parents who may not recognize the urgency of addressing mental health.

With a mix of vulnerability, passion, and hard-earned wisdom, he shares what he’s learned about emotional intelligence, the importance of early intervention, and the vital role of simply listening to our children.Chris also discusses his initiative to hold schools accountable for their mental health resources by asking the students themselves to evaluate the support they receive. His goal isn’t to assign blame but to spark real change—so that other can avoid the pain his family has experienced.

This episode is a call to action, but it’s also a message of hope: with awareness, education, and open conversations, we can do better for our children.https://chriscoulter-66476.medium.com/from-grief-to-growth-a-journey-of-healing-e647e426bb5ehttps://www.amazon.com/WAKE-COULD-LOSE-YOUR-SUICIDE-ebook/dp/B0CQQ61F2R

https://www.thefinishlinegroup.com/emotional-wellness-bloghttps://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Dr. Anita Sanz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-sanz-746b8223/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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We'd love to hear your feedback!In this deeply-moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Chris Coulter shares the heartbreaking story of losing his 14-year-old daughter Maddie to suicide and the profound journey of understanding and healing that followed.

Chris opens up about Maddie’s vibrant, kind spirit, her struggles with depression, and the challenges of recognizing and supporting a loved one in pain.Chris also reflects on his own battle with depression, which intensified after Maddie’s passing, giving him a painful but invaluable insight into what she might have felt. He candidly shares about the darkest periods of his life, his despairing thoughts, and how he found the strength to carry on for his family.Through his raw honesty, Chris shines a light on the importance of persistent support, open conversations, and recognizing the signs of depression.

This episode is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, reminding us of the life-saving impact of checking in with those we love—even when it feels like they’re pushing us away.Tune in to hear Chris’s powerful story and learn practical advice from co-hosts Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz on how to support someone battling depression.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to better understand mental health and the strength it takes to navigate life’s toughest challenges.

Chris Coulter's website/resources:
https://www.thefinishlinegroup.com/wake-up-resource-guide

Simon Sinek's "Do You Have 8 Minutes?" video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lH6x5zn0GIhttps://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Dr. Anita Sanz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-sanz-746b8223/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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We'd love to hear your feedback!In this deeply-relatable episode, Davey shares his journey of living with and managing major depressive disorder and social anxiety. Having reached out after finding solace hearing about previous guests' journeys, Davey hopes his story resonates with listeners who feel isolated by their struggles.Davey recounts the physical and emotional toll depression took on him, leading to a pivotal moment in 2017 when he sought help after being utterly exhausted and unable to continue. With the support of compassionate doctors and therapists, he began learning how to confront his "enemy"—a term he uses to describe depression—through research, reflection, and trial-and-error with coping mechanisms.One of the most striking metaphors in the episode comes from Davey's hobby of restoring vintage chainsaws. He describes how clogged components in a chainsaw mirror the mental buildup caused by depression, a vivid image that underscores the importance of addressing internal issues to regain functionality.Davey also emphasizes the importance of "tools for time"—strategies that help him manage his condition moment by moment. These include hobbies like playing the guitar and restoring chainsaws, which provide small yet meaningful dopamine boosts and distractions from the darkness.Throughout the episode, Davey reflects on the unhelpful advice well-meaning people often give, comparing it to offering chicken soup to someone recovering from the flu—kind intentions that cannot be digested in the moment. He highlights the value of compassionate listening and understanding over unsolicited advice.As the episode concludes, Davey shares a message of cautious hope: while depression might not completely disappear, it is possible to live with it, build coping strategies, and find purpose through resilience and connection.This remix of Davey’s story serves as a reminder that even when life feels broken, there is strength in seeking help, learning, and sharing one's experiences.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Dr. Anita Sanz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-sanz-746b8223/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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We'd love to hear your feedback!When depression hit hard, Rena turned inward, exploring yoga, meditation, breathwork, art, and other practices to navigate her healing journey. In this inspiring episode, she shares how she reframed depression as one of many human emotions, and committed to building a relationship with it instead of resisting it.From the weight of depression's dark, repetitive thoughts to the empowering tools that helped her process them, Rena’s story is a raw and relatable exploration of what it means to manage depression holistically. She reminds us that while healing is deeply personal, it can also be an invitation to go inward and grow.Discover how embracing depression and moving at its pace can create space for transformation. Whether you’re seeking tools or perspective, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating their own mental health journey.Rena's website: https://www.renashoshana.com/https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Dr. Anita Sanz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-sanz-746b8223/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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We'd love to hear your feedback!In the episode titled "Straight Talk about Mental Health and Addictions," we engage in a candid discussion with Zane Thomas, a rapper and comedian known for his openness about his mental health challenges, including depression and bipolar disorder.

Zane shares personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of addressing suicidal thoughts and addiction without shame. He encourages listeners to challenge negative self-talk and to view these thoughts as external bullies.The conversation highlights the therapeutic power of humor and connection, illustrating how Zane uses laughter to cope with his struggles. He discusses his journey through substance use, acknowledging the complexity of managing addiction alongside mental health issues. Zane stresses the significance of reaching out for support, offering practical advice, like asking others what they're excited for, to foster hope and connection.Throughout the episode, the hosts aim to destigmatize discussions around mental health and addiction, fostering an environment where sharing these experiences feels safe. They emphasize that recovery is possible and encourage listeners to keep trying, reinforcing that they are not alone in their struggles.

https://www.instagram.com/zanetherapper/https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Dr. Anita Sanz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-sanz-746b8223/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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In this New Year podcast episode , "Protecting Our Mental Health in Uncertain Times," cohosts Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry discuss strategies for protecting mental health as we enter 2025. They acknowledge that while some people feel optimistic about the New Year, others experience stress, pressure, and overwhelming expectations. The episode focuses on simple, practical tips for well-being that don't require spending money or drastic changes, emphasizing small shifts that can yield big results over time.

Key recommendations include:

1. Scheduled Breaks: Anita encourages taking a 15-minute break daily to reset the brain, especially with the overwhelming influx of information we process daily. These breaks can reduce stress and improve productivity.
2. Disconnecting from Media: Regularly unplugging from media and practicing mindfulness or spending time in nature can help reduce mental strain and promote relaxation.
3. Building Meaningful Connections: Whether through in-person or virtual communities, showing up consistently at the same place or time can foster a sense of belonging, reducing isolation and supporting mental health.
4. Seeking Help Early: The hosts stress the importance of seeking support before mental health struggles become overwhelming. Recognizing discomfort and addressing it early can prevent more severe issues.

Throughout the episode, the hosts encourage listeners to embrace manageable, realistic practices that can improve mental health without the pressure of traditional New Year’s resolutions.

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Dr. Anita Sanz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-sanz-746b8223/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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This special annual episode is produced for those of you who are finding "celebrating" really difficult (impossible?) this holiday season-- for any number of reasons, including grief, addictions, loneliness and mental health conditions.

The 6-minute episode features a reading by John Pavlovitz titled: "To Those Who Struggle This Christmas."

The sincere, supportive message is dedicated specifically to those who find the holiday season difficult due to personal struggles such as grief, loss, depression, or loneliness.

The essay acknowledges the pain and hardships that many experience during the holidays, offering a message of solidarity and encouragement. Pavlovitz reminds listeners that they are not alone in their struggles and that the pain they feel now is not the end of their story.

He reassures them that though the holiday may feel bleak, there will be brighter days ahead. The episode encourages listeners to embrace their feelings without guilt and reminds them of the love and support that exists, even in times of sorrow.

The hosts. Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry, also offer support through their Giving Voice to Depression Facebook community as a resource for those seeking understanding and connection.

Link to John's essay:
https://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/12/24/to-those-who-struggle-this-christmas/

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Dr. Anita Sanz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-sanz-746b8223/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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We'd love to hear your feedback!Strategies for Those Grieving During the Holidays offers suggestions and insights for all coping with loss, not only from the death of loved ones but also from unfulfilled dreams, health challenges, missed opportunities, etc.

Guest Krista St-Germain, a grief expert, highlights the differences between depression (a broader, general sadness) and grief (which is more specific to the loss itself). She emphasizes that grief can stem from any perceived loss, not just death, and suggests that holidays, often associated with idealized family gatherings, can amplify these feelings when someone is missing or things have changed.Krista encourages listeners to communicate their needs clearly during the holiday season. If someone is grieving, they may not want the typical festive activities, but they should be able to express their preferences—whether they need solitude or companionship. The episode also touches on the importance of setting boundaries, even if it disappoints others.

Krista introduces a technique called "NOW" (Name, Open, Witness) to help process emotions by naming them, opening up to them, and witnessing their physical sensations, helping people cope with intense feelings.The hosts reflect on the significance of giving oneself permission to feel and accept disappointment, both from oneself and others. They discuss the value of honoring one's emotions and boundaries during the holidays and the challenges of dealing with external expectations. The episode provides helpful advice for those navigating grief or depression during a time when societal pressure for happiness can make emotional struggles feel even more intense.https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Dr. Anita Sanz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-sanz-746b8223/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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We'd love to hear your feedback!"Holiday Hacks: Bingo Cards and Buffer Days," is a 19-minute podcast episode providing a helpful mix of humor, empathy, and actionable tips to support mental health during what for many is a challenging time of year.

Dr. Anita Sanz, a clinical psychologist, shares practical advice for navigating the stress of the holiday season, particularly for those dealing with depression. She explains that the holidays are especially challenging due to increased energy demands, heightened expectations, family dynamics, and financial pressures. These factors can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and stress, making it difficult for individuals, especially those managing mental health, to cope.Anita offers several strategies to protect mental well-being during this time. One key suggestion is to simplify expectations, both for yourself and others, ensuring they align more closely with reality. She also emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's role as a "co-creator" of the holiday experience, which allows for setting boundaries and saying no to activities that are harmful or undesirable.For those feeling isolated or grieving, Anita advises finding new ways to create meaning during the holidays, such as maintaining or adapting past traditions, even when alone. She also introduces a playful strategy—creating a "bingo card" of anticipated stressful interactions or comments from family members (like political discussions or personal questions). By anticipating these moments and framing them humorously, people can reduce stress and reward themselves with a treat if they complete a bingo.Lastly, Anita suggests incorporating "buffer days" before and after travel or family events, allowing time to decompress and recover from the emotional and physical energy spent during the holidays. This advice helps individuals feel more in control and better able to manage the pressures of the season.

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We'd love to hear your feedback! In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, our guest Lystra shares her deeply personal journey of recognizing and confronting her depression.

A new mother struggling with exhaustion, intrusive thoughts, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness, Lystra initially dismissed her symptoms as just part of life until they became unmanageable.

Her story emphasizes the power of vulnerability and the critical role of sharing one’s struggles to reduce the isolation that often accompanies mental health challenges.

After hearing someone speak honestly and with no shame about their depression, Lystra was inspired to open up about her own. As a result, she found connection, support, and eventually began treatment that significantly improved her life.

She encourages others to embrace vulnerability, accept help, and recognize that there is no shame in seeking medication or professional support.

This episode highlights the transformative power of honest conversations and being a "safe space" for both ourselves and others facing similar battles.

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We'd love to hear your feedback!This podcast episode "Start Mental Health Conversations Early" focuses on the importance of addressing mental health with children at a young age, helping to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and instill the understanding that mental health struggles should be treated with the same openness, care and understanding as "physical health" issues.Our guest, T.J., shares his personal journey with mental health, describing his long battle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, which began in his teens. After years of struggling in silence, T.J. reached a breaking point marked by suicidal thoughts and multiple attempts to take his own life. His experience eventually led him to seek professional help, which included therapy and medication.A turning point in T.J.'s story occurs when he reflects on how his struggles affected his son, especially after hearing that his child had noticed his father's prolonged absences due to depression. This moment inspired T.J. to have a candid conversation with him about mental health. He wanted his son to understand that depression isn't a sign of weakness, but a medical condition that many people experience. T.J. emphasized the importance of talking about feelings, offering unconditional support, and educating children that it's okay to express emotions without shame.T.J. believes that starting these conversations early can help children grow up with a healthy understanding of mental illness, reducing the stigma for future generations. He stresses that it's essential for parents to model open communication and to listen without judgment when children share their feelings.The episode ends with a reminder that these conversations shouldn't be one-time events but ongoing dialogues, helping to create a culture where mental health struggles are no longer hidden or stigmatized. By fostering these discussions, parents can equip their children with the tools to understand and support themselves and others who may face mental health challenges.Link to resources on depression in children:
https://www.webmd.com/depression/qa/what-are-signs-and-symptoms-of-depression-in-children

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14938-depression-in-children

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/depression-in-children

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We'd love to hear your feedback!In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we explore the profound impact of generational trauma, particularly within Native American communities. Our guest Mark Powless discusses how historical trauma—stemming from events like land loss, and the forced assimilation through boarding schools—continues to affect Indigenous peoples today.Mark reflects on his upbringing on the Oneida Reservation, where substance abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma were normalized. It wasn't until he left the reservation for college that he began to recognize these issues as a reflection of deeper historical wounds. These traumas, often passed down through generations, have altered how Native people view themselves, their communities, and their place in the world.Mark delves into the specific trauma caused by boarding schools, which sought to erase Indigenous culture and replace it with Western norms, often through physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. He shares the personal story of his great-grandfather, who was a victim of this system but never spoke about his trauma, a silence that hindered healing for subsequent generations. Mark also describes how this unresolved pain manifested in behaviors like anger and substance abuse.A key moment in the episode is when Mark recounts how a seemingly small event—his son being told to cut his hair for school—triggered a flood of painful memories and realizations about the ongoing effects of cultural erasure. In Native American culture, long hair holds deep cultural significance, and cutting it is a symbolic act of severing ties with one's identity and community.Mark emphasizes that healing from such trauma is an ongoing process that requires both individual and collective effort. He shares his own journey of healing through Indigenous practices, such as sweat lodges, and how he works to model a healthier approach to mental wellness for his children. Ultimately, Mark stresses the importance of acknowledging and discussing trauma as part of the healing process, both for individuals and for entire communities.The episode underscores the importance of understanding generational trauma in order to break cycles of pain and promote healing. It also highlights the need for compassionate listening and patience in addressing the mental health challenges that arise from such deep-rooted wounds.

Links to more information, provided by Mark:
Oneida Nation Website https://oneida-nsn.gov/
Resources Mark recommends to learn more: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Woman-Lives-Roberta-Capasso/dp/1483443469
https://www.amazon.com/Boarding-School-Seasons-American-1900-1940/dp/0803264054
Healing the Soul Wound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKVTzJYyyRY

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We'd love to hear your feedback!In the podcast episode "How Can We Support Veterans," co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz focus on the mental health challenges faced by veterans and how society can better support them. Dr. Donald Sanz, a combat veteran and psychologist, shares insights from both his personal and professional experiences.Key points discussed include:1. Understanding Veterans' Experiences: Veterans come from diverse backgrounds and face unique challenges upon returning home. Many struggle with trauma and mental health issues, often feeling disconnected from society. 2. Support Strategies: The hosts emphasize three main ways to support veterans: * Listen: Be available to hear their stories when they're ready to share. * Observe: Pay attention to their behavior and mood to better understand their needs. * Encourage: Urge them to access available resources and services that can aid in their transition back to civilian life. 3. Community Involvement: Neighbors and coworkers can show support by welcoming veterans, expressing gratitude for their service, and making it clear that help is available. 4. Accessing Resources: Veterans often miss out on valuable resources during their transition. Families should familiarize themselves with local services to help veterans navigate medical, educational, and financial support. 5. Patience is Key: Reintegration takes time, and offering patience can be crucial as veterans adapt back to civilian life.

The episode aims to foster understanding and normalize conversations around veteran mental health, encouraging listeners to actively support those who have served.

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We'd love to hear your feedback! In the podcast episode "Veterans Mental Health Overview," we explore the mental health challenges faced by veterans, emphasizing the need for societal support and understanding. Our guest, Dr. Donald Sanz, a psychologist specializing in trauma, shares his experiences as a veteran and his transition into mental health care. He highlights the readjustment issues veterans encounter upon returning home, such as social reintegration, job transitions, and the need for self-structure.

Dr. Sanz explains that while not all veterans develop mental health conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common issue, characterized by symptoms like intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, mood changes, and heightened arousal.

The episode underscores the importance of recognizing when functioning is affected, often noted by feedback from friends and family. The discussion aims to foster understanding and support for veterans, with a promise of further exploration of the specific things we as a society can do to better support and respect veterans, in the next episode.

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In this episode of "How Routines Can Support Your Mental Health," we explore the transformative power of routines in maintaining mental health, featuring guest Paul Marlow, a former athlete and mental health advocate. Paul shares his journey from a deep depression to recovery, emphasizing how structured morning and evening routines have been crucial for his mental well-being.Paul discusses the importance of starting each day with small wins, such as making his bed, which builds confidence and sets a positive tone. He highlights the critical role of sleep, revealing how tracking his sleep patterns helped him understand and improve his rest, ultimately leading to better mental health.The episode delves into Paul's specific routines, which include journaling, meditation, and mindful mornings without immediately reaching for his phone. Terry and Bridget echo the sentiment that even small accomplishments can have a significant impact on one’s mental state.Additionally, Paul addresses the importance of therapy and self-care practices, like exercise and nutrition, framing them as essential components of a holistic approach to mental health. He encourages listeners to view therapy as a valuable tool for everyone, emphasizing that progress may include setbacks, but persistence is key.Ultimately, the conversation underscores that everyone’s routines will differ, but finding what works for you—like Paul’s approach—can lead to improved mental health and a more fulfilling life.

https://weareneveralone.co/

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In this episode of the "Giving Voice to Depression" podcast, we introduce guest Paul Marlow, who shares his journey through depression and mental health challenges. Paul, an athletic and confident individual, experienced a significant decline in his mental health after a series of traumatic events starting in 2017. He describes grappling with PTSD, anxiety, and profound feelings of emptiness, detailing how these conditions often went unnoticed by those around him.Paul's story highlights the stigma associated with mental illness, as he illustrates how his outward appearance contradicted his internal struggles. He candidly recounts moments of despair, such as crying in the shower and feeling a complete lack of joy for years. Despite these challenges, Paul emphasizes the importance of honesty, both with oneself and others, in the healing process.Throughout the discussion, Paul reflects on the transformative nature of his experience, acknowledging that while it was difficult, it ultimately led to personal growth and a deeper understanding of himself. He credits his recovery to establishing a morning routine, focusing on nutrition, exercise, and therapy, which helped him regain confidence and manage his mental health more effectively.The episode concludes with an acknowledgment of the importance of open conversations about mental health and an invitation for listeners to learn more about Paul's methods in a future episode. Overall, the discussion aims to normalize the experience of depression and encourage individuals to seek help and share their stories.

Learn more about Paul and the resources he's created: https://weareneveralone.co/

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In the podcast episode "The Importance of Baby Steps," Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz discuss the profound journey of Jenni, a guest who battled nearly a decade of persistent depression following a series of traumatic life events. The conversation highlights the overwhelming nature of depression, which can make even small steps seem daunting. Jenni recounts her struggles, including chronic pain, the loss of loved ones, and a deteriorating marriage, emphasizing how these factors compounded her depression.The episode emphasizes the significance of taking "baby steps" towards recovery, which Jenni began to implement as she sought to reclaim her life. Despite the challenges, she focused on small, manageable actions—such as reading uplifting memoirs, attending social events, and engaging in creative pursuits—that gradually helped her regain hope and energy. Ultimately, Jenni shares how these incremental efforts led her to a breakthrough, symbolized by finding a new home she refers to as her "house of peace."Throughout the discussion, Terry and Anita stress the importance of self-care and maintaining hope, particularly for those currently struggling with depression. They highlight that while recovery is a long and challenging process, it is possible through consistent, small actions. The episode concludes with a message of encouragement, underscoring that joy and peace can emerge even after prolonged periods of darkness, and that listeners should believe in their potential for healing.

Jenni's Facebook page- Barefoot, Brave and Bold: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565516246115

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"Living Every Day with the Monster of Depression" features a candid conversation with guest Didi Hairston, who shares about her lifelong struggle with depression. Didi refers to her depression as "The Monster," a metaphor she uses to illustrate the pervasive and often overwhelming nature of her illness.

She discusses her early experiences with depression stemming from childhood trauma, her experience with postpartum depression after the births of her children, and her ongoing battle with severe major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression.Didi emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexity of living with chronic depression, explaining that she often functions in this darkness while raising her children and managing her life and businesses.

She advocates for open conversations about mental health, particularly within black and brown communities, stressing that it's okay to seek therapy and medication rather than relying solely on faith or prayer for healing.Through her online platform as the "Diva with Depression," Didi aims to normalize conversations about chronic mental illness as she offers support, and help others who may feel isolated in their struggles.

The episode highlights the duality of experiencing moments of joy while living with depression, the challenges of loneliness, and the need for collective responsibility in supporting those facing mental health challenges.

Ultimately, it conveys a message of hope and understanding, acknowledging that even in the depths of depression, one can find ways to cope and function.

Link to more information on Didi Hairston and her mental health advocacy: https://www.divawithdepression.com/my-story

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In the podcast episode titled "Recovering from the Trauma of a Natural Disaster," hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz welcome Tara Pyfrom, who shares her harrowing experience during Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which devastated her family’s home in the Bahamas.

Tara recounts the terrifying moments when she and her family (she, her wife, their 6-year-old daughter and 5 dogs) sought refuge in their attic as rising floodwaters threatened their lives.

Tara has faced significant challenges in dealing with PTSD and depression in the aftermath. She emphasizes the importance of finding ways to process trauma, including writing and therapy, which played a critical role in her recovery.

While still grappling with the impacts of her experience, Tara shares that she has found happiness again, illustrating that healing from trauma is a gradual journey that requires patience and continuous steps forward.

The episode encourages listeners to acknowledge their struggles, seek help, and embrace creative outlets as tools for healing.to follow.

A link to Tara's website with information about her book: https://tarapyfrom.com/about-me

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In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz revisit an interview with Bob, a suicide attempt survivor who shares his profound journey from despair to hope. The episode is particularly timely as it concludes Suicide Prevention Month.Bob recounts his past struggles with depression and a suicide attempt. He describes how he felt like a burden to those around him and how his struggles seemed insurmountable.

An impactful turning point came when he was unexpectedly touched by the compassion of a nurse who showed him genuine care and support during his recovery in the hospital. This experience made Bob reconsider his worth and helped lead him to a path of healing.The episode highlights Bob’s commitment to recovery, including his intensive therapy regimen and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and the value of maintaining a routine and reaching out for support when needed.Bob's story underscores that recovery is possible and that even after a suicide attempt, one can find fulfillment and happiness. The episode concludes with Terry and Anita reflecting on Bob's journey and the crucial messages of hope, support, and self-worth that it conveys.The podcast serves as a reminder of the importance of discussing mental health openly and seeking help, reinforcing that recovery is possible and that each person deserves to live a fulfilling life despite their struggles.

Post-Hospitalization Risks episode referenced: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032100/13540572

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The podcast episode "Recovery is Worth the Hard Work" from Giving Voice to Depression highlights Renee's personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma and depression through extensive emotional and psychological work.

Co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz introduce the episode by emphasizing the importance of sharing lived experiences to offer hope for those suffering from depression.Renee, who was first featured on this podcast five years prior, reflects on her transformation over the past decade, focusing on group therapy, art therapy, and the hard emotional labor of facing past trauma. She explains how group therapy, where participants share similar experiences, provided validation and support. Art therapy also allowed her to express emotions for which words were insufficient.Renee candidly discusses how depression, especially in her younger years, led to suicidal ideation and an attempt that resulted in hospitalization. Today, however, she emphasizes that while recovery is difficult, it is possible through hard work. Renee explains how her life and mindset have dramatically shifted, moving from a place of passivity and masking her emotions to becoming confident and proactive in her mental health.

She acknowledges that depression can make hope seem distant, but insists that change and healing are achievable if individuals commit to the necessary effort.The episode stresses that recovery requires consistent work, whether through therapy, boundaries, or other forms of self-care. Renee uses the metaphor of cleaning out a messy closet—healing can be chaotic and painful, but the result is worth the effort. She also notes that her mental health improvements have positively impacted her physical health, highlighting the mind-body connection.The hosts end by emphasizing that recovery isn't about simply overcoming depression but about actively working toward change. Through Renee’s story, they encourage listeners to recognize that while the journey is challenging, the reward is a better, healthier life.Renee's earlier episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032100/13540497

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If you wrote a song, in the depths of depression -- about your depression-- what would it sound like?

Singer/songwriter Demetra Prochaska wrote a hauntingly beautiful song called "i am not okay," that is both a call for help and a musical tribute to the depths of depression's darkness.

Demetra shares her experience with depression, which began in her early teens, coinciding with her parents' divorce. She talks about her struggles, including a ten-month stay in a residential treatment center and the challenges she faced during the pandemic in 2020.The episode highlights Demetra's coping mechanisms, such as seeking help from trusted adults and learning to check in with herself daily. Her journey is also expressed through her music, particularly the song she shares here, capturing her raw emotions during a dark period.

Demetra's journey emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support, the power of feeling heard, and the therapeutic value of music. It concludes with a full play of "i am not okay," offering listeners a poignant reflection on the realities of living with depression.To hear more of Demetra's music, check out her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijatOUHQY9g-hjS4_mBzqQ

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This episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, titled "Dude, You're Depressed!," features Ted Perry, a television news anchor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sharing his personal experience with depression. Ted initially hesitated to listen to this podcast, fearing it would be depressing. However, after researching it for a story, he began to reflect on his own struggles and the value of sharing our stories.

Ted discusses his long battle with depression, which he believes began in his late teens. He shares how he resisted seeking help initially, despite encouragement from a friend, but eventually sought therapy after his father's death. Therapy and medication became crucial tools in his recovery, allowing him to manage his depression.

Ted emphasizes the importance of hope, protective factors like exercise, pets, and faith, and the need to build a personal toolbox of coping strategies. He also talks about the stigma surrounding depression and how it caused him to hide his struggles for years, leading to regrets about lost time and missed relationships.

Throughout the episode, Ted stresses that depression is not a character flaw, and he encourages others to seek help and maintain hope during their darkest times. The podcast aims to provide comfort, understanding, and hope to those affected by depression.

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In this episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz explore the topic of postpartum depression (PPD) from the perspective of a partner, Justin, whose wife Kristen experienced PPD after the births of their two children. The discussion highlights how unrecognized PPD can go untreated, as was the case with Kristen’s first episode. The hosts emphasize that PPD is a common but often unspoken condition that can have severe impacts if not addressed.Justin shares his journey of realizing something was wrong with his wife after their second child was born. Initially, neither of them recognized the signsof PPD, attributing Kristen's symptoms to "baby blues." However, when her symptoms persisted, Justin gently suggested that she seek help by first offering to be evaluated himself, which ultimately led to Kristen's diagnosis. Justin's approach is praised as sensitive and supportive, demonstrating how partners can play a crucial role in recognizing and addressing PPD.The episode underscores the importance of awareness and education for partners and family members in identifying PPD symptoms, which often go unspoken due to stigma or lack of knowledge. Justin's experience is used to encourage others to ask the right questions and offer support without judgment.The podcast also touches on the broader issue of women's mental health during hormonal transitions, such as menopause, and stresses the need for better communication and support systems. The episode concludes with practical advice for caregivers, including encouraging new mothers to get screened for PPD.

Related links:
https://www.familyaware.org/EPDS/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depression

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/postpartum-mood-disorders-what-new-moms-need-to-know

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A psychiatrist who has treated more than 3,000 people with depression, says it's time to re-frame how we characterize, treat and view people with depression.
The current way is not only stigmatizing and potentially dangerous, but flat-out wrong in his experience.

In fact, Dr. Tim Cantopher says he views depression as "the curse of the strong!"
Cantopher writes: "It's strong people who are most vulnerable to it (depression); people whose standards are high, whose ethics are powerful, who want their lives to be meaningful. Strong people, like you."

Learn more in this 19-minute episode.

Link to Dr. Cantopher's book if you're interested in learning more:
https://www.amazon.com/Depressive-Illness-Strong-Tim-Cantopher-ebook/dp/B08P1JMPT7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SIN7WD0ZNO7R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5o_xiJVPkLHuM1aIxH_Ws1HSuep_5lvVgSXLgV3Cm6OWlRIyc07tYuDMNIy2r2HwbD9_fXzOGnOrCR1wSX8EyTYHHbfIU2uD945ub2MMq8pUVZliBTRc-6Sj5RenB-FvchAHIAiYrz_bxCoXv-2SD5bSAxAn9nog7cwHMFIHi_Y.T7io3f9KJJRuhzyCrFWcGcyKGYWvBWRNoqr63YC2t9Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=dr+tim+cantopher&qid=1724101383&sprefix=dr+tim+cantopher%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1

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In this episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz engage in a meaningful discussion with their guest, Sean, about his experiences with anxiety and depression. Sean shares his journey, starting with being diagnosed as a teenager and growing up in a household that openly acknowledged and addressed mental health issues. His candidness about his mental health struggles, including his use of medication and therapy, sets the stage for a broader conversation on how the younger generation handles mental health.Sean's upbringing in a mental health-aware environment, particularly due to his mother's understanding and lived experiences with anxiety, allowed him to discuss his own struggles without shame. He emphasizes the importance of being honest about mental health with trusted individuals and how social media has facilitated more open conversations about these topics.Sean's narrative also highlights the supportive dynamics within his friend group, where they accommodate each other's mental health needs and foster an environment of empathy and care. This approach contrasts with the experiences of previous generations and underscores a positive cultural shift towards greater acceptance and support for mental health issues.Throughout the episode, Terry and Anita reflect on the evolving understanding of mental health, from stigma to education and empathy, and the importance of inclusion and support. The conversation with Sean serves as a hopeful example of how openly addressing mental health can lead to deeper connections and a more compassionate society.

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People with heart problems do not wait for a heart attack to address them.
People with diabetes do not rely solely on an EpiPen to control their illness.
And people with mental health challenges cannot wait until suicidal thoughts necessitate emergency actions.
Self-care and depression-management involve tuning in with your changing thoughts/moods, establishing and using a safety plan and personalized tools that work for you.
No illness is easier to treat when it's an emergency.

https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

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Suicide prevention hotlines are available 24/7, ensuring there is always somewhere and someone you can turn to when in crisis.
That does not mean there is no one in your life who would help, though it may mean depression has convinced you that's the case.

Corinne Purtill credits the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline with saving her life, and she's speaking up so that we'll know the bottom does not need to mean the end.

That line, now called the 988 Lifeline, has changed from its former 800-number to the easier to remember 3-digit number, 9-8-8 in the U.S. and Canada. You can text or chat to the number, if you prefer that to calling.

https://988lifeline.org/

https://988lifeline.org/chat/

https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

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Looking for a new mental-health management tool?
How about a creative one that "gets the ugly out" while maintaining your privacy?Our guest, Gina Barry, tells us how she modified the practice of writing "morning pages" into a more-private, freeing and effective way to get the darkness, depression and grief out of her head.
Gina says giving your feelings a voice helps them not just sit there, on a repetitive loop. In just 19 minutes, you'll learn a new technique that could help you manage your depression and other mental-health challenges.

Gina's site and two books mentioned in episode:
https://www.ginabarry.com/
https://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages/
https://www.amazon.com/29-Gifts-Month-Giving-Change/dp/0738214302

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The podcast episode 316 titled "" Childhood Trauma and Depression- An Undeniable Link" features a conversation with Renee, who shares her journey of overcoming depression rooted in early childhood trauma (Adverse Childhood Experiences - ACEs).

Renee discusses her difficult past, which included self-harming, risky behaviors, and a lack of effective support from traditional therapy methods. Her turning point came when a judge recognized her underlying issues and directed her to therapy, leading to the disclosure of long-term sexual abuse by a relative.

Renee emphasizes the need for each individual to find the right type of therapy for them. Hers included group and art therapies, which allowed her to connect with others who had similar experiences, providing her with validation and support.

She highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of trauma to alleviate depression and advocates for the value of peer support in group therapy.

The episode concludes with a "Survivor's Manifesto" by Dr. Peter Levine, offering comforting affirmations to survivors of trauma. The hosts, Terry and Bridget, reinforce the message that recovery is possible and encourage listeners to seek help and support, emphasizing that one's feelings are valid and that they are not alone in their struggles.

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In "Setting a Time Limit for Depression," guest Matt Zinman, who has extensive personal experience with depression and other mental illness in his family. Matt shares his strategies for managing and overcoming depression, emphasizing his 3-Day Rule. This rule suggests that while a couple of down days can be manageable, by the third day, "purposeful action" is required to prevent sinking deeper into depression.

Matt explains his "mood scale," which helps individuals recognize their emotional state and take appropriate action to maintain or regain mental health. He highlights the importance of sleep, nutrition, hydration, minimizing stress, avoiding negativity, staying active, and reaching out to others, even when tempted to isolate. Exercise, structure, and engaging in joyful activities are critical components of his plan.

Matt also stresses the value of self-kindness and "earned confidence," which come from recognizing one's resilience and capability to handle life's challenges. He advises having a list of positive traits and activities that bring joy, to refer to during difficult times. The episode ends with a call to practice self-kindness and support each other in their mental health journeys.

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About a third of all people experiencing mental illnesses and about half of people living with severe mental illnesses also experience substance use disorders.

"These statistics are mirrored in the populations of people living with substance use disorders. where about a third of all alcohol abusers and more than half of all drug abusers report experiencing a mental illness," according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

That statistic, like all statistics, is about real people. Not numbers.

This episode's guest, Donald, is one of those people. And he shares his story of dual diagnosis- living with substance use disorder in addition to depression and anxiety.

NAMI re: dual diagnosis: www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Me…l-Diagnosis-FS.pdf

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In episode 312 of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz continue their discussion with Jeanie, the mother of Jake Possemato, who died by suicide at 26. They delve into Jake's life, his struggles with mental health from a young age, and his involvement in the car drifting community. Jeanie recounts how Jake's passion for drifting and the tight-knit car community have become integral in raising awareness for mental health and honoring Jake’s memory and caring heart.

The hashtag #checkonyourfriends has become a powerful reminder for people to look out for one another. Jeanie highlights the impact of these stickers and her family’s other efforts to raise mental health awareness, which have spread worldwide, symbolizing a movement of hope and support.

The episode emphasizes the importance of community and unconditional love in combating depression. Jeanie and her husband use funds raised from Rio Bash to provide financial assistance to those struggling, covering necessities like rent, groceries, and therapy. This approach reflects Jeanie’s belief in paying it forward and creating a supportive network for those in need.

Terry and Dr. Anita discuss the contagious nature of hope and the significance of simple gestures, such as supportive messages, in making a difference. They also stress the value of feeling heard and loved, and the necessity of fighting the negative messages that depression can bring. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of checking on friends and offering support to those struggling with mental health issues.

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In this episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz talk with Jeanie, a mother who lost her son Jake to suicide. Jeanie recounts Jake's life, highlighting his exceptional intelligence and deep compassion from a young age, contrasted with his struggles with depression, anxiety, and later bipolar disorder.

Jake's mental health battles were profound, starting as early as age seven when he expressed feelings of the world being too heavy for him. Jeanie shares the emotional toll of living in constant worry, trying to support Jake while respecting his independence. Despite their best efforts and open communication, Jake ultimately took his own life.

The episode poignantly illustrates that even with the most attentive care and close connections, sometimes a loved one may still end their life. Jeanie now advocates for mental health awareness through the #checkonyourfriends campaign, encouraging open conversations to support those in need.

The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing mental health struggles while recognizing the limitations and challenges faced by caregivers.

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What is "normal"? That can be a tricky question for anyone, since our normal is always different than someone else's and our normal changes, depending on a variety of factors.

But depression can make us believe that other people are normal and that we are not. And that belief can make the dark, heavy days when we "just can't" seem like personal failures vs. like sick days, which is what we'd likely think with any other illness that stopped us in our tracks.

"When You Don’t Feel 'Normal' Because of Your Depression", a 16-minute episode, features Tara, who has struggled with depression and anxiety since childhood. Tara shares about her journey, starting with panic attacks at age four after a traumatic car accident. She describes the relief of finally identifying her symptoms as panic attacks and depression during her teenage years- an understanding she gained from an infomercial-- not a doctor or mental health provider.

Tara recounts how her ongoing battle with depression and anxiety has impacted her education, family life, and employment. She highlights the importance of asking for help and the comfort of having supportive people who can simply be present. Tara emphasizes redefining "normal" and celebrating small victories in daily life, such as completing simple tasks. The episode concludes with messages of encouragement to speak up about mental health struggles and support others who are going through tough times.

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If any part of you thinks that people with depression are weak, buckle up.
In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we hear about the mental health journey of NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins who, despite his success on the field, faced a profound battle with depression. Dawkins' struggles became public when he made the bold and impactful decision to use his Hall of Fame induction speech to share about the dangers of not getting help and support when we're struggle with a mental health condition. Dawkins talks about his suicidal thoughts, how he hid his pain from his teammates, friends and family, and how only through taking off the mask was he able to find peace and support. Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation about resilience, hope, and the fight to unmask the pain.

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In "When You Need to Let it Out," hosts Terry and Anita welcome guest Paula to share her journey with depression. Paula defies the stereotype of someone living with depression, appearing energetic and confident on the surface. However, she opens up about her struggles and how she came to terms with her mental health.Paula shares her experience of growing up in various countries before settling in the US, where she discovered her depression. Despite her outwardly positive demeanor, Paula found herself battling with dark thoughts and feelings of loneliness. After reaching a breaking point, she turned to her parents for support, finding solace in prayer and eventually opening up publicly about her struggles on social media.Through sharing her story openly, Paula found support from unexpected places and realized the power of shared experiences in overcoming depression. She discusses the importance of finding coping mechanisms that work for individuals, even if they may not be traditional methods like therapy or medication. Paula emphasizes the significance of authentic self-expression and building a supportive community to navigate mental health challenges.Throughout the episode, Terry, Anita, and Paula provide insights into managing depression, advocating for open dialogue, self-care, and finding a supportive community. They encourage listeners to speak up about their struggles and offer support to those in need.

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"Listening is a Loving Gift We Can All Offer" delves into the profound act of listening as a powerful tool in supporting those living with depression.

Robert, a trained and experienced "listener," shares insights from years of experience at a crisis hotline where he demonstrated the significance of genuine, empathetic listening.

Robert discusses the dual perspective of experiencing depression and anxiety personally while working in mental health, and the lesson he's learned through both that the most impactful act is often to let someone talk without the need to provide unsolicited advice.

Through poignant anecdotes and reflections, the episode highlights the transformative impact of offering a compassionate ear, fostering hope, and reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Tune in to discover how the simple act of listening can be a profound source of connection and support for individuals navigating the complexities of depression.

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This episode delves into the experiences of Natasha, a mother who shares her journey through postpartum depression (PPD). Natasha recounts her initial lack of recognition of PPD symptoms despite prior education on the topic, attributing it to the overwhelming life changes accompanying motherhood. She reflects on her reluctance to acknowledge or share her feelings, viewing them as signs of weakness, and the impact of societal expectations and family upbringing on seeking help.

Natasha emphasizes the importance of early communication and seeking support, highlighting her journey to acceptance and proactive management through therapy and self-expression.

The 21-minute episode underscores the complexity of PPD symptoms, their relation to personal and familial history, and the need for persistent support and understanding from loved ones.

It concludes with a caregiver tip from Families for Depression Awareness on recognizing signs of PPD and emphasizes the significance of speaking up and listening to those struggling with mental health challenges.

Postpartum Depression: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
Postpartum depression - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Home - Families for Depression Awareness (familyaware.org)
Families for Depression Awareness - Depression and Bipolar Test (familyaware.org)

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In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we delve into the often-misunderstood realm of postpartum depression (PPD), a silent struggle affecting approximately one in 8 new mothers. While the birth of a baby is traditionally associated with joy and excitement, for some, it can trigger unexpected emotions, including anxiety and depression.

Hosts Dr Anita Sanz and Terry McGuire explore the nuances between the common "baby blues" experienced by most new mothers and the more profound, enduring impact of postpartum depression. From mood swings and crying spells to anxiety and sleep disturbances, the spectrum of PPD symptoms is illuminated.

Our guest Natasha Lettner candidly shares her experience after the birth of her first child, offering listeners an inside look at the fact postpartum depression, even when discussed beforehand, can get so mixed up with other post-birth life changes, that it is not immediately recognized.

Importantly, the episode underscores the importance of seeking timely treatment, emphasizing that support and intervention can facilitate symptom management and foster crucial bonding with the newborn.

Join us as we shed light on this often overlooked but significant aspect of the postpartum experience, offering hope and understanding to those navigating the shadows of postpartum depression.

This episode was produced in partnership with Families for Depression Awareness and made possible by a sponsorship from Sage Therapeutics and Biogen. We'll continue our discussion with Natasha next week.

Home - Families for Depression Awareness (familyaware.org)

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In this inspiring follow-up episode, we revisit the remarkable journey of Jonny and Neil, whose lives intersected on a bridge during a mental health crisis, altering their paths forever. Six years after their life-saving encounter, they reunite as partners in mental health advocacy, spreading a message of hope and recovery.

Jonny and Neil's reunion is a testament to the enduring power of connection and the profound impact of compassion. From the depths of despair to the forefront of advocacy, they have transformed their shared experience into a beacon of hope for others struggling with mental health challenges.

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In this poignant episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, we explore a chance encounter that changed lives forever. Join us as we hear from two remarkable individuals: Jonny, who stood on the edge, and Neil, whose compassion halted tragedy.

Jonny ran from a psychiatric hospital to a nearby bridge, consumed by despair. But Neil appeared, offering a lifeline of understanding and empathy. Their exchange became a turning point, illuminating the power of human connection in the darkest of moments.

Through their shared journey, we witness the transformative impact of compassion and the resilience of the human spirit. Join us for "Bridging Hope," a testament to the profound difference a simple act of kindness can make.

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We're not taught how to have these conversations.: A friend or family member is struggling. Maybe they're just "not themselves." Maybe they're suicidal.
How do we offer support them?
What do we say? What do we need to avoid saying?
What can we do that's actually helpful?
In this episode we explore a list of real-world tested ways we learn from someone who has struggled mightily about the things his support network has done that have helped. These tips are for the end of the spectrum when someone is nearing or in crisis.
Because we need to learn how to offer support and kindness without waiting to be asked.

Link to Sam's blog post with all 11 suggestions:
https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/
Links to two previous episodes with ways to reach out:
1) https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032100/14697923
2)https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032100/14697981
3) Link to free Mental Health America screenings: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/

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For the past two weeks we've explored ways to reach out for support if you are the one struggling. Today we shift gears. What if you know someone who seems really depressed--maybe even suicidal, and they're not reaching out.
How do you reach IN?
In the first of two episodes, our return guest Sam Dylan Finch details how people have shown up for him in helpful and meaningful ways.
Not knowing what to do is not an excuse to do nothing.

Link to Sam's blog post with all 11 suggestions:
https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/
Links to two previous episodes with ways to reach out:
1) https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032100/14697923
2)https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032100/14697981
3) Link to free Mental Health America screenings: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/

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How many times have you heard: "Reach out if you are struggling."But it's not as easy or clear as it sounds. How? What if you don't even know what you want or need? What if your depression has convinced you no one cares, that you don't deserve help, or that you are a bother to people?It can all sound straight forward and obvious from the outside, or from wellness. But in dark times, or hours of crisis, nothing is clear. An articulate, caring and experienced mental health advocate made a list of 10 Ways to "Reach Out" When You're Struggling With Your Mental Health. We discuss his sixth through tenth suggestions in this episode.

Part one: Everyone Says Reach Out for Help, But HOW?
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032100/14697923
Link to Sam's list:
https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/

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How many times have you heard: "Reach out if you are struggling."But how? What should you say? When should you say it and to whom? It can all sound straight forward and obvious from the outside, or from wellness. But in dark times, or hours of crisis, nothing is clear. And with depression convincing you no one cares about or would want to help you, it's even more complicated. An articulate, caring and experienced mental health advocate made a list of 10 Ways to "Reach Out" When You're Struggling With Your Mental Health. We discuss his first 5 suggestions in this episode.

Link to Sam's list:
https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/

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"Carrying Buckets of Water for Those Still in the Fire" is a continuation of John's story from last week (#297- When You Learn That What You're Feeling Has a Name:")

Despite delving into psychology, battling bouts of depression his whole life, and tirelessly researching his own mind and body, John struggled to piece together his inner turmoil.

It wasn't until he connected with others sharing their experiences that the puzzle began to fit.

Realizing he wasn't alone in his darkness shattered the misconception of personal failure or weakness. Depression, he learned, is a widespread and manageable condition. By bravely sharing his journey, John sheds light on the shadows of mental illness as other guests did for him when he needed hope and information.

Join us for 22 minutes as John shares his hard-earned insights, offering hope and understanding to those navigating similar struggles. Together, let's "carry buckets of water for those still in the fire."

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In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, join us as we delve into John's journey of self-discovery. Struggling with the end of a relationship and battling Covid, John confronted the depths of his despair, only to realize that what he's been living with and battling most of his life has a name: depression. Tune in as we explore the societal pressures and personal revelations that led John to acknowledge his mental health struggles, challenging preconceived notions of masculinity and strength. This poignant episode offers a raw and honest exploration of one man's journey towards self-awareness and acceptance.

Links to ACEs information & tests:

https://americanspcc.org/take-the-aces-quiz/
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html

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In this poignant episode of Giving Voice to Depression, titled "Why You Have to Tell Someone if You're Suicidal," we delve into the critical importance of telling someone if you're struggling with suicidal ideation-- EVEN IF you believe no one cares or any of the other lies that depression is likely telling you.

Our guest Katie, bravely shares her personal experience of planning to end her life and the pivotal moment when she shared her secret and got the love, support and treatment she desperately needed.

Drawing from her account we explore the deceptive nature of depression and the insidious, convincing lies it repeatedly tells those in its grip. Through Katie's story, we confront the dangerous misconception that one can manage these thoughts alone and emphasize the life-saving significance of reaching out for support.

By engaging in an open dialogue about the internal battles many face, we aim to destigmatize conversations surrounding mental health and suicidal ideation to empower listeners to break the silence and seek the help they deserve to live lives worth living.

Join us as we confront the silence surrounding suicidal thoughts, unravel the tangled web of depression's deceit, and champion the transformative power of reaching out in times of despair.

Katie on IG: @Katie.TheBipolarTherapist

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In this compelling episode, Katie shares her deeply personal journey through two distinct emergencies: one marked by psychiatric crisis and the other by physical trauma. With raw honesty, she contrasts her experiences navigating the emergency healthcare system during a period of intense vulnerability.

First, Katie shares how, after detailed planning to end her life, she "broke down" and shared her plans with her sister. That disclosure led to her psychiatric hospitalization for much-needed care. She shares the good and bad about how the hospital staff talked to her, the stigma that was evident throughout the experience, and the way her family responded.

Then, she shifts focus to her unexpected hospital visit just months later, following a freak accident that resulted in back surgery. Through her narrative, Katie explores the marked differences in treatment, support, and societal attitudes between her mental health and physical health emergencies.

Throughout the episode, Katie reflects on her journey, and sheds light on the distinct differences of navigating dual emergencies, even though both were essentially life-saving medical treatments.

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In this special Valentine's episode of our podcast, we delve into the heartwarming journey of Kathleen and the transformative power of small gestures in igniting conversations about mental health. At the heart of this narrative lies "The Little Heart Project," a touching initiative born from personal struggle and a desire to spread love and understanding.

Kathleen's journey begins with a triggering trauma, leading her into the depths of a profound depression. Amidst the darkness, she finds a guiding light in the form of a compassionate therapist who helps her navigate through her pain and find a glimmer of hope. Alongside therapy, Kathleen discovers a new hobby, one that not only sparks joy within her but also ignites a newfound mission: to use her creativity to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar struggles.

The catalyst for this mission? Small knit hearts, randomly placed and found, serving as tangible reminders of love and connection. These tiny tokens of affection become powerful symbols of empathy and understanding, encouraging open conversations about mental health wherever they go.

Through Kathleen's journey, we explore the profound impact of kindness and compassion, especially during times of darkness and despair. The Little Heart Project serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the importance of reaching out, listening, and showing love to those in need.

Join us for a 22-minute reminder of the power of small acts of kindness this Valentine's Day, as we celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the healing potential of love.

https://www.thelittleheartproject.org/

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In this deeply insightful episode of our podcast, we are joined by Liz, who shares her personal journey through various types of depression. With candid honesty, clarity and vulnerability, Liz opens up about her experiences, shedding light on the complexity of mental health struggles and the power of supportive friendships.

At the heart of this episode lies Liz's reflections on the pivotal role that caring friends can play in our journeys towards naming, understanding and accepting our depression. She recounts how, despite being unaware of her own condition, a friend's keen observation and compassionate intervention helped her recognize the signs of depression within herself. Likewise, Liz was able to extend that same support to another friend who had yet to name her own struggles until Liz gently suggested it might be depression.

As Liz's story unfolds, listeners are inspired to cultivate deeper connections, foster open dialogue, and create environments of compassion and understanding where individuals can find solace and support on their journey towards healing.

Links to signs of depression:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9290-depression
https://mhanational.org/conditions/depression

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In this 18-minunte episode, we delve deep into the consequences of overlooking early symptoms of depression. Join us as we sit down with Sally, a senior citizen who has spent a lifetime battling depression that began in childhood, yet went undiagnosed and unaddressed for years.

As Sally recounts her journey, listeners are taken on a poignant exploration of the silent suffering experienced by many children who struggle with mental health issues. From early signs and symptoms to the challenges of navigating adolescence and adulthood, Sally shares candidly about the profound impact that undiagnosed depression had on her life.

But this episode isn't just about personal reflection; it's a call to action. With heartfelt urgency, Sally urges parents, teachers, and society as a whole to tune in and step in if a child in their life exhibits signs of depression. She highlights the importance of early intervention, destigmatization, and creating supportive environments where children feel safe to express their struggles.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14938-depression-in-children

https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/depression.html

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When mental health management tools are discussed, there's the often-mentioned A-List: meds, therapy, getting outside, exercise, meditation, etc.

But when we talk with our weekly guests about what works for them, the list is lond and personalized. It includes everything from creative projects like coloring to mood-lifting music, solo dancing, interacting with pets, caring for plants, watching funny movies and playing video games.

In today's 19-minute episode, we look at how gaming played a role in mental health during the pandemic, and how one gaming development team has intentionally brought mental health experts into their design process to "deliver positive mental health effects."

Related links:

BetterPlay Studios | Good Games, Good for You
How To Raise a Healthy Gamer
HG Coaching Resources + Tools (healthygamer.gg)
Video Games and Mental Health: Risk Factors and Benefits (psychcentral.com)

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In one of the most-practical episodes we've produced, we get into the weeds and look at how to keep yourself nourished, and your body and environment clean (enough)when you "just can't" because of depression.
Emily Derecktor, founder of the free online resource Cereal for Dinner, knows first-hand that depression can be disabling. She has compiled evidence-based, doable, realistic goals for survival when tasks like a shower, meal prep and making your bed all seem just too much.
If you have depression, this 25- minute episode will not only give provide some very-practical advice, but also the reminder that you are far from alone in your struggles with what were once basic tasks.
If you do not have depression, listening will help you understand that depression is not just sadness that people can "soldier through."

www.cerealfordinner.org/

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Depression is a thief. It steals our vitality, our sense of connection and worth. Our dreams. And sometimes our very will to live.

This week's guest, Emily Derecktor knows losses. She worked hard to do well in school, get into top universities and earn admittance to medical school.

And then depression stole that opportunity. For now, anyways.
In this episode Emily shares about her mental health journey, and the range of ways depression can impact us, and derail our dreams.

Next week Emily will share about a fabulous resource she's created for others with depression. In one of the most-practical episodes we've produced, we'll talk about hygiene, cooking and cleaning when depression makes even basic living skills too much.

www.cerealfordinner.org/

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Since you're listening to a depression podcast it's likely that you, like us, could benefit from "resolving" to prioritize your mental health in this New Year.

This 27-minute podcast episode looks at several options, including movement- which can be running, walking, dancing, bike riding or any other activity.

Whichever you choose to incorporate into your life, there will be preparatory steps. There will be physical and mental barriers to overcome. And there will be benefits that will motivate us to continue taking steps to protect and improve our mental and overall health.

In this episode Dr. Adel Korkor, who recently gave a TEDx Talk called "Motion Impacts Emotion," shares how running helps him manage his panic attacks and overall mental and physical health.

Co-host Dr. Anita Sanz shares strategies she uses with her clients to improve their chances of following through with desired changes. It's 27-minutes that will give you some tips for taking steps toward improved mental health.

Adel Korkor's TEDx Talk: (61) Motion Impacts Emotion: My Journey With How Running Saved My Life | Adel B. Korkor, M.D. | TEDxOcala - YouTube

AI28958_v3-YTCTV-AG28585_V03-QR-V19_677454046246.mp4 (youtube.com)

Article quoted in episode:
Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms - Mayo Clinic

Intentions/Resolutions read at end of episode: 8 Alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions If You Live With Mental Illness (themighty.com)

Additional Research provided by Dr. Korkor: Cassilhas, R. C., Tufik, S., & de Mello, M. T. (2016). Physical exercise, neuroplasticity,
spatial learning and memory. Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS, 73(5),
975–983. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-015-2102-0

Deslandes, A., Moraes, H., Ferreira, C., Veiga, H., Silveira, H., Mouta, R., Pompeu, F.
A., Coutinho, E. S., & Laks, J. (2009). Exercise and mental health: many reasons to
move. Neuropsychobiology, 59(4), 191–198. https://doi.org/10.1159/000223730
Ding, Q., Vaynman, S., Akhavan, M., Ying, Z., & Gomez-Pinilla, F. (2006). Insulin-like
growth factor I interfaces with brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated synaptic
plasticity to modulate aspects of exercise-induced cognitive
function. Neuroscience, 140(3), 823–833.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.02.084

Gomes da Silva, S., & Arida, R. M. (2015). Physical activity and brain
development. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 15(9), 1041–1051.
https://doi.org/10.1586/14737175.2015.1077115

Kirk-Sanchez, N. J., & McGough, E. L. (2014). Physical exercise and cognitive
performance in the elderly: current perspectives. Clinical interventions in aging, 9,
51–62. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S39506

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A (then) 23-year-old woman stops during a magical holiday moment
to tweet to her 14-year-old suicidal self the message
that the fight IS worth it,
that things can and will change,
that you will not always feel the way you do right now,
that hope wins and you are NOT alone.
It's a New Year's message of hope and recovery
that we hope you'll listen to, internalize and share.
May 2024 bring you peace and mental health.

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We post this 6-minute essay every Christmas Eve, for those who are not feeling merry or bright.

Whether it's depression, grief, loneliness or something else, if you are hurting, the "joyfulness" of this holiday season can make things feel even worse.

John Pavlovitz wrote and recorded a powerful essay we know some of you will also be comforted by-- or at least feel acknowledged.

We'll get through this together. Come to the Giving Voice to Depression Facebook community page if you need some company today.

https://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/12/24/to-those-who-struggle-this-christmas/

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End-of-year holidays can be a celebratory time.
Or a stressful time.
Or both.
Whichever is true for you, it's a good time to add or tune-up some of the tools in your mental-health toolkit.
This episode focuses on mindfulness and self-compassion -- two readily accessible tools that can help us regulate and cope with difficult emotions.
And when the holidays pass, these valuable gifts to ourselves will still be available in our self-care and depression-management arsenals.

Link to more information, exercises and research: https://self-compassion.org/

Link to research on mindfulness
American Mindfulness Research Association:
goamra.org/resources/reviewsmeta-analysis/

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How could making a secret, customized Bingo card help you manage holiday stressors?
What's the value of a "buffer day?"

Those are just two of the many tips and tricks shared by Dr. Anita Sanz, a licensed clinical psychologist to help us manage and protect our mental health during what can be a difficult time of year for many.

Even if you enjoy the holidays, there's no ignoring the fact they impact our schedules, routines and energy.

This 18-minute episode could give you a few new tools to be able to keep what is meaningful and health for you and avoid or limit that which is not. Especially the bingo card. We just love the Bingo card. ;-)

A printable, customizable Bingo card is available on our website: https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

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Grieving any impactful loss can be especially challenging during the holidays.
There are so many expectations that we celebrate and keep up traditions regardless of our feelings and pain.

Setting and communicating clear boundaries (even if they will disappoint or upset others) and managing expectations are two ways to protect ourselves and our hearts.

Our guest, Krista St-Germain knows a lot about grief, and coaches others through it. This 28-minute episode could help you honor yourself this holiday season.
Please share it with anyone else you know who could benefit from the insights.

Links to related resources:
Krista's website: Coaching with Krista — Life Coaching for Widowed Moms
Psychology Today article: Working Through Grief During the Holidays | Psychology Today
GVTD episode on EFT/Tapping:
Stream 94 - Bonus - Toolkit Tapping (Brad Yates) by Giving Voice to Depression | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

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Living with depression is difficult.
That's true for both the person with the mood disorder, and
those around them who are also affected.

Last week in "Caregivers Have Needs Too," Gwen, a professional, wife and mother, shared about the challenges of partnering, parenting and running a home with a person who experiences debilitating depression.

This week, she shares the ground rules and clear boundaries that she and her husband have designed to keep life moving forward even during the times depression makes him unable to fully participate. One key takeaway is the question: What CAN you do?

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Having depression is hard.
Loving and caring for someone with depression is, too.

November is National Caregivers Month, and this 24-minute episode explores the need for boundaries, perspective, communication, and self-care while supporting a family member who is struggling.

This 24-minute episode is a response to last week's "I Wish People Understood How Hard and Lonely it Is," in which a caregiver asked for some guidance on how to run a home and raise a child with a partner whose depression makes them unavailable at times.

Our guest Gwen offers some lessons she's learned navigating a similar situation for decades. It is peer support at its finest.

Resources for Caregivers:
Home - Families for Depression Awareness (familyaware.org)
Getting Started: Guide for New Mental Health Caregivers | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
Caregiver Mental Health | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

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A podcast listener, who is married to and raising a child with a man with depression and other mental health conditions, reached out to get some information and support from others who understand the lonely realities of her situation.

Margaret describes the challenges of trying to run a house and family with a partner whose depression makes him unavailable on several levels.

She speaks of the isolation, lack of support and understanding, and how very differently friends and family react to mental illness than they did to her cancer battle years ago.

This 25-minute episode is an intimate and candid look into a marriage in which depression can sometimes feel like a third partner.

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As individuals, we don't have much control over world events. But when tragic news fills 24-hour news cycles, we have a responsibility to ourselves to tune in and make choices that limit the impact on our mental health. In this remixed episode, our guest, Dr. Robert Duff (Duff the Psych,) talks about the line between being informed and being negatively impacted. Dr. Anita Sanz shares her perspective as well.

www.huffpost.com/entry/violent-me…nxiety_n_6671732
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803729/
www.duffthepsych.com/

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TW: Imagine one of your darkest nights.
You feel worthless, and as though no one cares or would miss you.
You go to bed praying that "if it doesn't hurt, please let me not wake."

And then dozens of people from across the globe, people you've never met,
post hearts and hugs and comments of love and support specifically for you.
Would you be able to take in those messages?
Would they truly help?

This 27-minute podcast is Rosaleen's story of that experience.
She did drink in the love and says that the messages took away depression's power, convinced her she does matter, and "pulled her out" of depression's dark pit.

This is a true story. And an example of both how simple helping another human can be,
and how "reaching out" can make a profound and lasting difference.

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This extended, 30-minute episode dispels two common mental health misconceptions: 1) That there's really no point in "reaching out" because no on e cares or understands. And 2) That was have to have The Perfect Thing to Say when offering support to someone who's really hurting.

When Rosaleen, a Giving Voice to Depression community member (on Facebook) let us know that she was in a very dark place, we asked the group for support, and they showed up in beautiful and healing ways.

You see, Rosaleen was hearing and believing depression's lies. She was thinking she was worthless and that no one cared if she lived or died. She was in bed, feeling that familiar but hard-to-explain blend of deep hurt and numbness. It was her wish that she'd fall asleep and not wake.

Instead, when she did wake, it was to an outpouring of love , understanding and support from People Who Get It. People who have also been in depression's grip and pit. And through simple but profound comments, they countered depression's messaging and convinced Rosaleen that she does matter and that she is not alone.

Cohosts Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry read through and discuss those comments, in the hopes they'll reach and sooth any deep, hurting parts in you.

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At 14, Lacey's mental-health challenges made living a long and full life seem impossible to her.
She wasn't sure she could even make it to 16. because of her crippling depression and anxiety.

Now a social worker in her 20's, Lacey has the perspective of someone familiar with both the bottom of life's pit and the climb out.
She sees mental health as a spectrum and shows grace for all points on it.

Our conversation is a 30,000-foot view of mental health, recovery and hope. It's well worth the 25 minutes it will take to listen.

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As a teen, Lacey's depression and suicidal thoughts were so pervasive that she did not know if she would live past the age of 16.

She is now a social worker helping others.

Lacey shares about her family's inability to speak openly about mental-health challenges before she opened that conversational door. She credits her grandmother, who then disclosed the generations-long family history of depression, which allowed Lacey to have hope for a future.

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When our children first exhibit symptoms of mental health challenges, we seldom recognize them as that. With lots of encouragement from friends and family (if we even share) we are convinced that the behaviors are "typical teen stuff."

Craig Kramer, says when his children were suffering, he "made every mistake in the book- and them some." He had lots of help with that. He got bad advice from trusted people, was "sold snake oil" and waited until his children were in crisis to pull out all the stops and get them needed care and support.

The entire process led Craig to conclude that there is no working mental health system in the United States. He is working to help change that.

This 25-minute episode, "A Father's Story of Lessons Learned the Hard Way" could help save your family some time and risk.

Link to Craig's Johnson & Johnson video about his family's mental health journey: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/craigkramer1_asking-for-help-saved-craig-kramers-career-activity-7090004879254945792-wtoU?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

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30+ years after a suicide attempt that left her in a coma, Jeannine looks back on that day, and on what she would have missed if she had died that hopeless day. When you're "in it," you do not think you will ever get out. We need to know, believe and spread the message that the bottom is not the end.For Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, please listen to and share this 24-minute episode.Jeannine's website: https://www.jeanninerivers.com/

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For Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we want to introduce you to suicide-attempt survivor, Jeannine Rivers, We want you to hear her talk about the good and the bad of the life she never would have experienced had she not (barely) survived her attempt. Please take 17 minutes to honor our guest, Jeannine's honesty and vulnerability sharing about her life for to offer hope to others. Jeannine's website: https://www.jeanninerivers.com/

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It can be so, so hard when you are in depression's darkness to believe anyone who says "it passes," "it will get better," or even "you are loved and needed."

Mark Henick, a suicide-attempt survivor has the lived experience, perspective and empathy to reach out with his message of hope and recovery.

He has been there. He knows.

Please listen, share, reach out for whatever help and support are available and hold hope for better days.

Mark's TEDx Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QoyTmeAYw

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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We'll be interviewing attempt survivors to both explore the depths of their despair and hopelessness, AND their recoveries, which include connecting (or reconnecting) with their personal worth and the value of life.

In this 26-minute episode guest Mark Henick and Licensed Psychologist Anita Sanz debunk the many misconceptions, myths and lies about the highly stigmatized topic of suicide.

Mark's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QoyTmeAYw

Mark's book: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/so-called-normal_mark-henick/28860899/#edition=32308913&idiq=53531887

The website Anita mentioned: https://seizetheawkward.org/

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Mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make our every "failing" or "weakness" seem huge, pervasive and permanent.

Negative self-talk is so familiar, that sometimes it's just easier to believe than the reality that we are making progress, accomplishing things and moving closer to the goal of being mentally stable or healthy.

This 23-minute episode features Rebecca Lombardo who lives with bipolar disorder two. She recently turned 50 and was surprised to realize that in the past decade, she has made tremendous strides-- wins she had not taken pride in before that realization.

Link to the free Kindle version of Rebecca's book: https://bit.ly/47A7FvO

Rebecca's website: www.rebeccaalombardo.com

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Rebecca Lombardo fights a battle inside her mind every single day.

But she doesn't fight it alone.

In this 19-minute episode you'll hear from both Becca and her husband Joe, as they share some of the lessons they've learned in their marriage; lessons about communication, boundaries, love, and Bipolar 2 Disorder.

www.rebeccalombardo.com/

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There is magic in the words "I've been there. I understand." Especially when speaking to someone who is in a bad place mentally, whether that's high anxiety, a depression, or a mental health crisis.

To be the living example of an "other side" to a seemingly hopeless situation is both a privilege and a responsibility.

This 19-minute episode is Jordan's story. But it's also a version of lots of people's stories, which is where the hope comes in. People who have been "right where you are" are in different, better, healthier places now, and you can be too.

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"Who You Callin' Crazy" is a 25-minute podcast episode that features practical therapy tips for the "little ways" we can make big differences in changing the perceptions, misconceptions and stigma around mental illnesses.

Our guest, National Board Certified Counselor and therapist Juliet Kuehnle believes that as the needle shifts on stigma (which Covid helped with,) "we need to learn to embrace the fact that mental health is an integral part of what makes us who we are."

Juliet's website: https://suncounselingandwellness.com/juliet-kuehnle/

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Fighting "the stigma of mental illness" is not an academic pursuit. It's both a social justice and public health issue.

Welcome to the 3rd of our 4-part look at the stigma of mental illness. In this episode, we'll hear from several past guests about the actual real-world, real-life benefits of reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Those benefits include promoting mental wellness and reducing the risk of harm to individuals with diagnoses. We will discuss the positive impacts of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with mental illness and the broader benefits of destigmatizing mental health.

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The phrase "stigma of mental illness" is at once overused and misunderstood.

What does it really mean? Why does it matter? Why should I care?

In the second of four episodes in our monthlong look at how negative associations with mood disorder diagnoses negatively impact those of us who live with them, we ask a number of past guests if stigma is evident to them, and if so, in what ways.

www.mhanational.org/b4stage4-philosophy https://www.findthemind.org/articles/why-is-there-so-much-stigma-surrounding-mental-illness

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Mental illness is a subject that is often stigmatized and misunderstood. The silence around it can make us feel like we're the only one experiencing it- that we are uniquely flawed.

By sharing our stories, we can empower each other and break the stigma.

In this podcast episode, we explore the power of personal stories in combating mental illness stigma. We will hear from Dr. Patrick Corrigan, one of the leading stigma researchers, about what does and doesn't work in the fight against stigma, and that stigma needs to be fought as a social justice vs. public health issue.

Corrigan also stresses the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment to share stories. By understanding the power of our own stories, and those of others, we can create real and lasting change in our society's understanding of mental illness.

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We buy all kinds of insurance to protect ourselves. A Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is "emotional insurance." It can help us recognize when/why we are in a Good Place, and warn us if/when we (or our minds) start to wander into Less-Good Places. A WRAP can also protect us and give us some control in a mental-health crisis.

In this episode our cohosts, a licensed psychologist and certified peer specialist continue a step-by-step guide for making a personalized WRAP plan-- something we create when we're well, to speak to and for us when we are not.

links: copelandcenter.com/ mentalhealthrecovery.com/info-center/ www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

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We plan for all sorts of events and emergencies. We buy insurance. If we know we live in an area prone to tornadoes or hurricanes or floods, we have a plan for how to handle those potential crises. We can (and it's a very good idea) plan for potential mental health challenges and even crises too. Who do you want to help and support you? Who do you not want involved? What are your early warning signs that things are getting worse or nearing a crisis? What triggers or stressors negatively impact your mental health? How can you limit or avoid them? How do you best manage those you can't avoid? How will you (and others) know when you're in crisis? And how will you/they know when you no longer are?

These are all great questions. And knowing our own personal answers and writing them down in an organized Wellness Recovery Action Plan (or WRAP) can help us maintain some control even in times that feel out of our control.

A licensed psychologist will walk us through the steps of making a plan and give examples and advice to make it easier for you.

Here's a link to the plan outline we're following: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

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We are encouraged to "do the work" to manage our mental health. We're told to #beheretomorrow. And those are powerful messages! But how often do they include the reminder that we deserve to recover, heal and live for ourselves and not just for others? That distinction is discussed in this 24-minute episode with our guest, Ari Cohen.

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After losing his father to suicide as a child, an adult Sebastian Slovin embarks on a journey of recovery and discovery.

What starts out as an investigation to understand his father's death, ends up providing a deeper understanding of how to live a truer life.

This 23-minute remix is a powerful reminder of the fact our lives are intertwined and that even our worst and most-painful experiences may lead to connections and blessings in ways we can't imagine.

Learn more about Sebastian and his father in the book "Ashes in the Ocean."

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Stigma, shame and the fact depression is still (too) often seen as a weakness or failing, cause many people with the common illness to hide their struggles and pain behind a mask.

While in moderation this can be a healthy coping mechanism, it can also be dangerous as it prevents us not only from living as authentic human beings, but also from getting the help and support we need to live healthy, connected lives.

In this remixed episode, our guest Andrew Penner speaks eloquently about his mask, while therapist Dr. Anita Sanz takes a big-picture view of the coping strategy.

https://themighty.com/u/andrew-penner/ https://twitter.com/andrewpenner78

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Depression "is a persuasive and persuasive condition that completely dominates your thinking."And it lies. Consistently and convincingly.When we accept depressive thoughts as truths, there's no motivation to move forward. Understanding the "illogic of depression" can help us recognize and challenge those lies and to live healthier and fuller lives. Learn some ways to do that this 23-minute episode. https://www.barrywinbolt.com/

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If you're a parent with a mental health condition (i.e. depression)you can't hide it from your children. They will notice when you pull away and isolate. They'll notice when you're sad. And when you're angry. And, without a clear, medical explanation, they will often blame themselves for your "mood."This 43-minute episode "Explaining Depression to Children" is an extended version of #255 "Sometimes Daddy Cries." Both are conversations with Todd Rennebohm, a father who lives with depression, anxiety, ADHD and addictions. He has written a children's book to help start much-needed (and avoided) conversations about mental health and mental illness. If you're a parent with depression or the partner, friend or parent of one, we encourage you to listen to this (or the edited version) interview. It could help you help a child.

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Depression is hard to explain. To ourselves, to others, and especially to children. When we're sad or angry and we isolate or lash out, they are likely to be afraid and to think they've done something wrong-- that they caused, or at least contributed to our mood and behaviors. A father who lives with depression and ADHD and is in recovery for addictions wrote a book to help start those needed conversations. It's called "Sometimes Daddy Cries," and in this 19-min episode, we look at the very adult realities behind the children's story. For more information on Sometimes Daddy Cries: https://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-Daddy-Cries-Todd-Rennebohm/dp/0228834678

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You may know Darin Olien from his bestselling book SuperLife or his Emmy-award winning Netflix series Down to Earth with Zac Efron. His passion is wellness. And in both his own life, and his parents, he recognizes the fact that mental health and physical health are inextricably intertwined. In this extended interview, Darin dives into the many ways we can manage and protect our overall (which, of course includes our mental) health. If you prefer an edited version, check out the 27-minute long episode 253, Wellness Expert Darin Olien on Mental Health. https://darinolien.com/

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If you live with a mental health disorder, you know it has physical symptoms. If your focus, like guest/wellness expert Darin Olien is overall wellness, you know that includes mental health as well. The two cannot be divided.Darin, co-host of the Emmy Award Winning, #1 Netflix docu-series, Down to Earth with Zac Efron and author of the bestselling book SuperLife shares his unique perspectives in this 27-minute episode.He shares both his professional expertise and personal experiences with depression and trauma as we discuss biology and trauma as well as ways we can help manage our mental health.Link to Darin's website: https://darinolien.com/

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As a teen, Michelle was told that getting professional help for her mental illnesses would be a stain on her "permanent record" that would prevent her from getting into a prestigious college or worse (in her parents' minds) from finding a husband. So, her bipolar disorder and anxiety went undiagnosed and untreated for decades. Michelle's story is one of stigma, unnecessary pain and ultimate recovery. And who better to advocate for mental health than someone who has had to fight so hard to have her own diagnosed and treated? Michelle's article: www.huffpost.com/entry/asian-amer…e4b02e7a705dae97 Michelle's Blog: www.livingwellhappily.com/

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Michelle knew something was wrong. That she was "different." At times she could not distinguish reality from her troubled thoughts. She begged her parents to bring her to a professional to get help. But they were afraid a diagnosis of mental illness would prevent her from getting into a good college or from "finding a husband." So, because of stigma, ignorance and fear, Michelle suffered. Michelle Yang's story is a powerful and important one, and an important reminder that recovery does not happen in the shameful dark. Michelle's Blog: www.livingwellhappily.com/ Michelle's article we referenced: www.huffpost.com/entry/asian-amer…e4b02e7a705dae97

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The idea of telling a stranger what we're thinking and feeling can be scary. Or liberating. When is it time to make an appointment? How do we "shop" for a good fit? (Did you know you can often get a free mini-session to ask questions and get a feel of the therapist?) How honest do we need to be (about both ourselves and our relationship with our therapist?) What is ok to say to a therapist? These are all questions we asked a therapist with more than 30 years in the mental health field. This 26-minute episode could save you a lot of time, money and stress.

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When your depression is long-lasting it can be easy to believe that since nothing has helped much yet, nothing ever will. Then hope becomes a very difficult thing to hold onto.In the months between our first interview (episode 248- When You Feel Unfixable) and the conversation summarized in this episode, our guest Lori went to a 3-week treatment facility. She learned some new ways of thinking, found some new "tools" for mental health management, and met some people who, like her, live with chronic or persistent depression. She did not get "cured." But she did make and experience some shifts that let some light (albeit pinpricks) and hope return her darkness.

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You hear it all the time: Hold on. Like storms, your depression will pass. But what if it doesn't.For millions who experience persistent depressive disorder (PDD,) formerly known as dysthymia, depression can last for months or years.Symptoms of PDD are similar to major depressive disorder (MDD,) but are milder and persistent (chronic.)People with this condition may also have bouts of major depression at times.This week's guest Lori lives with chronic depression. She has also had MDD, and the differences are clear to her. This 25-minute episode describes how being chronically depressed can erode hope, as well as aspects of life.More info: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dysthymia

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One of the many things depression and other chronic or invisible illnesses steal from us, is our energy. In this 17-minute episode, we discuss Christine Miserandino's Spoon Theory as a way to both manage and explain our often-limited resources. The theory is a metaphor describing the amount of physical and/or mental energy that a person has available for daily activities and tasks, and how it can become limited.It offers a kind of shorthand for communicating why we need to make choices (i.e. cancelling plans, saying no to opportunities, etc.) The Spoon Theory can help with establishing boundaries and may even help you show yourself a bit more grace.

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In his 16 seasons in the NFL (13 with the Philadelphia Eagles and three with the Denver Broncos) Brian Dawkins earned the nickname "Weapon X" and a reputation as one of the league's hardest hitters. Yet when depression was his opponent, Dawkins nearly lost the fight. He retired recently to become a mental-health advocate and philanthropist. He joined GVTD co-host Terry for a candid discussion about how continues to tackle depression. www.briandawkins.com/ betterman.gotothehub.com https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/psychology-of-sport-and-exercise https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mental-health-in-athletes/

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In last week's episode we met singer/songwriter/guitarist Matt Weedon, whose honest description of his depression and anxiety was made music, and a hit song at that, by his band The Tors. We focused on the song's first verse and Matt's description of keeping his room dark to match his mood, and about how a dear friend supported him by phone so he knew he wasn't alone. Today, we focus on the second verse of the hit song "Anythng Can Happen" and the day Matt knew he was coming out of it when he not only opened his bedroom window to let in light, but even noticed and enjoyed the birds singing when he did. It's an experience people around the world relate to, and they made that clear by streaming this song in record numbers. The Tors website: tors.band/

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What do you get when a singer/songwriter/guitarist decides to share openly and honestly about his struggles with depression and anxiety?In this case, you get a hit song. Matt Weedon of the Tors Band in the UK joins us for a 2-episode conversation about his mental health struggles and how putting them to music is helping not just him, but listeners across the world as well.The Tors website: http://tors.band/

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A Philadelphia trauma surgeon whose depression required hospitalization learns what it's like to be a patient. He shares his story in the hopes that others will learn from his frightening experience and believe him when he says recovery is possible, no matter how deeply depressed you are. Article link: medschool.ucsd.edu/som/hear/resour…Perspective.pdf YouTube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qBobGOF0fs&t=5s

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"Physician heal thyself."But what happens when depression convinces you you're not worthy of healing? Doctors and other healthcare professionals face uniquely-stressful situations during their education, training and careers. Sleep deprivation, myths and routinely witnessing human suffering can contribute to or trigger depression.In this episode, Dr. Michael Weinstein, a trauma surgeon, candidly and vulnerably discusses his depression, the "revolution" needed in medical training, and his long road to recovery. This remix is the first of a 2-part interview with the doctor.https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1715418

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A triggering trauma. A deep depression. A helpful therapist. A new hobby and mission. That's part of Kathleen's story and the genesis of The Little Heart Project.This episode is a 22-minute Valentine's Day reminder of the power of kindness.

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"About a third of all people experiencing mental illnesses and about half of people living with severe mental illnesses also experience substance abuse. These statistics are mirrored in the substance abuse community, where about a third of all alcohol abusers and more than half of all drug abusers report experiencing a mental illness," according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. That statistic, like all statistics, is about real people. Not numbers. This episode's guest, Donald, is one of those people. And he shares his story of dual diagnosis- living with substance use disorder in addition to depression and anxiety. NAMI re: dual diagnosis: www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Me…l-Diagnosis-FS.pdf

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Depression is an illness that convinces us it is not one and that we should keep our symptoms secret. This week's guest, Sandeep Saib, shares about her mental health journey that includes bullying, anger, isolation, eating disorders and OCD, all of which contributed to a suicide attempt. Since then, her family has committed to keeping the lines of communication open and has even devoted regularly scheduled Family Trust Circles. Here is a link to a documentary featuring Sandeep and her family if you would like to learn more about their mental health journey: https://youtu.be/_CQr45tIGC0

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We don't need to tell anyone listening to this podcast that it can be difficult to care for ourselves when we're mentally ill. Now add in the responsibilities and challenges of parenting. In this 16-minute episode, Michelle, the adult daughter of a mother with bipolar disorder, shares about the unpredictability and pains of that relationship. We've named this "When a Parent Struggles with Mental Illness, Kids Can Struggle Too" for a reason. Michelle, like many children in such situations, suffered.Co-host/therapist Dr. Anita Sanz offers some counsel to parents who want to do right by their children, even when they themselves are feeling "not right."We've linked to some resources below.Related resources: https://www.familyaware.org/https://www.parents.com/health/mental/how-to-parent-while-depressed/https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/parenting-with-a-mental-health-problem/parenting-and-mental-health/Michelle's website: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/

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Depression is a thief.It takes away our ability to experience joy, leads us to isolate, robs us of opportunities of many kinds, and can take away our sense of value as a human being and even our will to live.This week's guest, Gina Capobianco wrote a memoir about her mental health journey. Just as the time to release and promote it finally arrived, so did debilitating depression. It came on so strong she not only had to cancel those events but go on sick leave from work as well.Gina did this interview from The Pit. She was deep in a depression and, with her care team's permission, decided to talk with us because she believes it's important for people to understand that being sick with depression is as real as being unable to work or otherwise function with any other illness.Gina's website: https://www.ginacapobianco.com/

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This episode started with a social media post: "The snippets of happiness you begin to feel again after a dark period become more and more euphoric each time... the raw happiness that I feel after darkness reminds me why I hold on each and every time."We wanted to hear more. In an intimate and candid conversation, Cara McErlain shares some of her mental-health journey. She ends the episode with a realistic and hopeful message, that only someone who'd experienced depression's true darkness could offer.

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In the second of two episodes, the Giving Voice to Depression podcast hosts (past and present) look back on 2022 and each selects an episode they learned from and want to bring back to attention.It's a new twist on a year-end review, and we hope you enjoy it. If you remember or were helped by a particular episode last year, we'd love to hear about it. We'll pass along your feedback to the episode's guest.

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When we say we learn from our EVERY weekly guest, we mean that from the bottom of our hearts.From the 52 podcast episodes we posted this past year, each of the Giving Voice to Depression co-hosts chose one that stood out for us. In a first-ever triple-hosted episode (Bridget, our retired co-host joined us for the look back) we talk about what we learned from some of our favorite/most-impactful interviews.We invite you to go to givingvoicetodepression.com and record a message telling us if any podcast guest, episode, topic, etc. has stuck with and helped you. We'll pass your comment along to the guest and possibly use it in an upcoming episode.We wish you a gentle and peaceful new year.

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You are not required to be "joyful" or "merry"because of the date on the calendar.This is a special Christmas edition of our podcast,written and produced especially for YOU,who are struggling right now.It's only 8-minutes long, and we believe it will resonate with and comfort you as it does us.You are not alone.You do matter.People DO care.It WILL pass.Come hang out on the GIving Voice to Depression Facebook community page today if you need support.John's article, if you'd like a copy or to read vs. hear it is linked here: johnpavlovitz.com/2017/12/24/to-th…-this-christmas/

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This is a story of hope. But it's not a pretty story. (TW: selfharm and suicidal ideation) A 23-year-old woman stops during a magical holiday moment to share huge truths with her 14-year-old suicidal self: The fight IS worth it. Things can and do change. You will not always feel the (terrible)way you do right now. And you are NOT alone. It's a holiday message of hope and recovery that we hope you'll listen to, internalize and share. May 2023 bring you peace and mental health.

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Whether it's the holidays stressing you out, or life in general, these three research-based, time-tested practices will help you manage yourself and your mental health.They are a gift of sorts, from Dr. Barbara Moser, a trained mindful self-compassion teacher. This episode features a 3-minute STOP exercise, which emphasizes the power of a pause, a 6-minue Calm Practice, and an 8-minute Mindful Self-Compassion Practice. You can download this episode and use any or all of the exercises whenever you need them.

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End-of-year holidays can be a celebratory time. Or a stressful time. Or both. Whichever is true for you, it can be a good time to add or tune-up some of the tools in your mental-health toolkit. This episode focuses on mindfulness and self-compassion -- two readily accessible tools that can help us regulate and cope with difficult emotions. And when the holidays pass, these valuable gifts to ourselves will still be available in our self-care and depression-management arsenals.Link to more information, exercises and research:self-compassion.org/Link to research on mindfulnessAmerican Mindfulness Research Association:goamra.org/resources/reviewsmeta-analysis/

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The episode has been downloaded more than 7,000 times. Find out why. Dr. Margaret Rutherford recently had Giving Voice to Depression podcast co-host Terry on the SelfWork podcast to talk about the experience of interviewing people with depression for the past six years.Check out this and other episodes of SelfWork here: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/305-selfwork-giving-voice-to-depression-a-conversation-with-podcast-host-terry-mcguire/Link to Dr. Margaret's website: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/

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It's one of the best descriptions we've ever heard for depression: It is a parasite. Depression saps your energy, so you feel more lethargic, which makes you not do things, which makes you feel more guilty, which makes you feel more depressed. Rinse and repeat. Ad nauseam.

Today's guest, Dr. Robert Duff uses that metaphor to begin today's episode. He, is a psychologist and author, whose specialty is taking complex psychological issues and breaking them down into plain language, offers some techniques to help manage depression.

www.duffthepsych.com

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Depression is, to put it mildly, an unwanted guest in our minds and bodies. Yet, for those who experience it regularly, it can help to look for some value, some take-away, some "terrible gift" in the experience. Kristin "owns her shadow," and uses depression's voice to express herself in poetry. Hers is a gentle, allowing and unique perspective on an illness many of us simply despise.

To learn more about Kristin and her poetry: KristinRoedell.wikidot.com

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Whether you love or loathe the holidays, they are demanding. At the very least, they demand energy and changes to our schedules. We're expected to engage socially. Or we may feel the weight of disengagement and loneliness. We are bombarded with a lot of "shoulds" from gift-buying to travel down to how we are supposed feel- happy, merry, and festive. And if the holidays come during depression or after a tough year that included it, they can be just. too. much. Today, licensed psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz offers some practical and fun tips for how to protect your mental health these next weeks. The Bingo Card idea offers a unique and amusing way to handle some of the season's challenging social situations. It's pure gold.

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Depression convinces us we will always live in its darkness. For some, who experience depression chronically, that is a reality. Some days are better/lighter than others. But there's not a day when you wake and realize it was "an episode" and it has passed. This episode's guest, Didi Hairston, The Diva of Depression (on social media) lives in that dark place. She describes it as "hell." But she wants you to know you can function in hell, and that you are not alone there. This 20-min episode is a peek into Didi's hell.

Didi's social media links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_b-kjYo7HjBTgcYS9NuW9Q FB: https://www.facebook.com/divawdepression/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/divawdep IG: https://www.instagram.com/divawdep/

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The thoughts we have and the words we chose not only define depression, but predict it. In this episode, we speak with a researcher who anaylyzes online mental health forums and other writing samples. Using computers to analyze the words, he finds a direct connection between "absolutist" words and depression, anxiety and suicide. It's good to know the words so we can recognize them in ourselves and others.

www.independent.co.uk/life-style/hea…-a8194731.html

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There are people who, after having survived a difficult situation, will share their hard-earned knowledge with others in an effort to help.

And there's JJ Singleton.

He is still very much "in the thick of it," having just completed his 123rd round of chemo for "terminal, incurable" colorectal cancer.
And from that place, he reached out to share a message of hope for other people with cancer and depression.

He shares about his mental health journey, stigma (particularly for men,) the value of therapy and the power of distraction.

It's an 18-minute episode that will remind you of the power of the human spirit.

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In one of the most-practical episodes we've produced, we get into the weeds and look at how to keep yourself nourished, and your body and environment clean (enough)when you "just can't" because of depression.
Emily Derecktor, founder of the free online resource Cereal for Dinner, knows first-hand that depression can be disabling. She has compiled evidence-based, doable, realistic goals for survival when tasks like a shower, meal prep and making your bed all seem just too much.
If you have depression, this ___- minute episode will not only give provide some very-practical advice, but also the reminder that you are far from alone in your struggles with what were once basic tasks.
If you do not have depression, listening will help you understand that depression is not just sadness that people can "soldier through."

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Depression is a thief. It steals our vitality, our sense of connection and worth. Our dreams. And sometimes our very will to live.

This week's guest, Emily Derecktor knows losses. She worked hard to do well in school, get into top universities and earn admittance to medical school.

And then depression stole that opportunity. For now, anyways.
In this episode Emily shares about her mental health journey, and the range of ways depression can impact us, and derail our dreams.

Next week Emily will share about a fabulous resource she's created for others with depression. In one of the most-practical episodes we've produced, we'll talk about hygiene, cooking and cleaning when depression makes even basic living skills too much.

https://www.cerealfordinner.org/

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A single conversation can change the course of your life. A single person stepping in to say "You are not yourself. I am worried about you. I'm afraid you're planning to kill yourself. Are you suicidal?" can change the course of your life and recovery. That's the story Chloe shares in this 25-minute episode. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month might be over, but the need to tune in, step in and care most certainly is not.

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If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please have them (or you) take 15 minutes to listen to Ken's story. It is a rare opportunity to speak with someone who survives an attempt, especially one from the Golden Gate Bridge, who can tell you they had instant regret when they started to fall, that all the things that seemed unsolvable in life suddenly didn't anymore, and that in the water below they begged for rescue and life. It is powerful and it is real.

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CW: If our goal is to "prevent suicide," it might help to understand what kind of thoughts a suicidal person is having. In an intimate and revealing conversation, we ask Ken Baldwin, one of the few survivors of an attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge, to tell us what was going through his mind when he headed there to end his life. It's a conversation we'd only have with someone who has had a lot of time to process his attempt and who is in a much healthier and stable place, which Ken is. He freely tells his story in an effort to let us know that even the things in our lives that feel irreparable and hopeless may look very different when viewed through healthier lenses.

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If you want to learn how to sit with someone in the darkest of times, you could learn a lot from hearing from someone who has done it. Hundreds of times. Retired Sgt. Kevin Briggs is a suicide-loss survivor, a person living with depression, and someone who has sat in the darkness with many who had lost hope, listening with patience and compassion. This 16-minute episode could help you be there for someone in need.

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Suicide.

Few single words conjure up such instant and strong reactions; pain, confusion, anger, shame, guilt, grief, blame, etc.

And those reactions make having needed and potentially-lifesaving conversations about the reality far less likely. And that is dangerous.

Today's guest, Wally, shares about what is a reality for some people: He lives with suicidal thoughts every day. Every. Day.

Wally is a veteran who also lives with chronic pain, cPTSD, the effects of childhood trauma, depression and other diagnoses.

Please listen and learn, and be open to hearing more people's stories and realities so they do not have to live them in isolation.

CSSRS info link: http://cssrs.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/C-SSRS-Brochure-for-First-Responders-1.pdf

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You have probably heard of The Twelve Steps used in many recovery programs. Originating with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA,) the steps were designed as a guide to lasting sobriety and an addiction-free lifestyle.

Today's guest, Wally, revised the 12 Steps for use in his mental-health management and journey. In this 19-minute episode, we compare the two versions, explore why Wally made the changes he did, and learn how they help him with his PTSD, depression, chronic pain and other challenges.

Whether you've worked the steps yourself, or have heard of but never explored them, there is wisdom and value in Wally's words.

Link to Wally's Twelve Steps: http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.TheMHTwelveSteps

Link to AA's Twelve Steps: https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditions

Link to Wally's Self-Inventory Template: http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.PersonalInventoryTemplate

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You have probably heard of The Twelve Steps used in many recovery programs. Originating with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA,) the steps were designed as a guide to lasting sobriety and an addiction-free lifestyle.

Today's guest, Wally, revised the 12 Steps for use in his mental-health management and journey. In this 19-minute episode, we compare the two versions, explore why Wally made the changes he did, and learn how they help him with his PTSD, depression, chronic pain and other challenges.

Whether you've worked the steps yourself, or have heard of but never explored them, there is wisdom and value in Wally's words.

Link to Wally's Twelve Steps: http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.TheMHTwelveSteps

Link to AA's Twelve Steps:
https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditions

Link to Wally's Self-Inventory Template:
http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.PersonalInventoryTemplate

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Depression has many symptoms. Shame does not have to be one of them. This short, refreshingly-candid episode kicks stigma in the teeth, Our guest, Sara, addresses the way depression takes normal life events and twists them into cause for despair. She demonstrates how owning our full range of emotions frees us to better deal with the illness.

This is the article we quoted from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/art-20047725

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If you have a pet, you understand the value of the connection you have. In today's episode, we speak with a woman about the integral role her dogs play in her mental health. Whether or not you're an animal lover, it's a good reminder of the needs for companionship, exercise, a sense of purpose, acceptance, a schedule, etc.

Lori's matchmaking website: www.smartfunnysingle.com Two articles on pets and mental health: www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/Fe…lp-with-Depression

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Nearly half of the people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety disorder. This week's guest Jordan, talks about his anxiety and his struggle to be properly diagnosed. He also shares about his post-surgical depression, which is more common than many realize. It's an episode filled with great perspective, advice, and even some laughs.

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Organizations focus on The Bottom Line. But too seldom do they make it a priority to understand this bottom line: The people they employ are human beings. They may work with or as cogs in a corporate machine, but they are not machines. And their well-being, including their mental health, needs to be considered. It is not just the right thing to do for the health of employees, but for the health of businesses as well. Geoff McDonald, a former top exec at Unilever tells his personal story of the toll being pushed too hard for too long took on his body and mind. He now speaks across the globe about the need to address and prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.

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Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need. The pandemic has made a that situation worse. On July 16, 2022, the former 800-number for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is changing to the much-easier-to-remember 9-8-8, a variation of the 9-1-1 emergency line.

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of over 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help people in mental health-related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis via call, chat, or text.

The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the U.S. It's being touted as a step toward transforming mental health care in the U.S., though that is a huge project that will take much more time and resources.

In this episode we revisit an interview with the Lifeline's director, Dr. John Draper, who talks about how reaching out to a lifeline can help.

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When we see headlines and hear reports that the U.S. is experiencing a "youth mental-health crisis," it can be too easy to get lost in the reports and statistics and forget that we are talking about kids: our children, someone's best friend, a cherished sibling, loving cousin, neighbor or beloved grandchild.
Each person represented in the numbers of people suffering, losing hope, needing help, attempting or dying by suicide matters.
Lauren is one of them. At 15 she attempted suicide. Two years later, with her parents permission, she shares her story.

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Depression, as anyone with it can tell you, can seem to come on with no warning or trigger. One minute you can feeling pretty good, and the next you might realize your mood has drastically changed, you're uncharacteristically angry, very sad, numb or even thinking about death. There are also times when you may feel it "coming on," the way you feel early symptoms of another illness. And that's the time to start pulling out tools from your mental-health toolkit to try to stay ahead of it, or reduce the depth of the slide into depression's dark pit.
In this episode, cohosts Terry and Anita talk about "forecasting" depression. Just like we pack a sweater or umbrella when weather is likely to change, we can do the mental equivelant when conciously heading into a time that we know will be difficult.
This was not a theoretical discussion. It was rooted in Terry's decision to start therapy in the months preceeding her mother's recent death. This 19-minute episode could empower you to "forecast" mental-health challenges and take steps to protect yourself.

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Four years ago our mother, at age 93, shared that she was not sure if she was clinically depressed or if shewas just finding her final years of life depressing. Mary, who passed away last month, shared her story and a message for the children and grandchildren of seniors. Please join us in this tribute episode, honoring our mother's message.

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Depression is too dark and heavy to face alone. So we're told to "reach out for help." But HOW? What words do we use, especially when we might not have the energy or the insight to articulate our struggle? And how the hell are we suppose to come up with effective language that honors we deserve help when depression convinces us no one cares, or that we're a burden. This 2-part podcast will tell you how! Our guest, Sam Dylan Finch, took the time to make a list of 10 Ways to Reach Out. In part two, we will explore the last five of them. Please listen AND share. It's potentially life-saving and certainly life-supporting information.

Here is a link to Sam's article which you can print out as a reminder/resource: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/

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How many times have you heard: "Reach out if you are struggling."
But how? What should you say? When should you say it and to whom?

It can all sound straight forward and obvious from the outside, or from wellness. But in dark times, or hours of crisis, nothing is clear. And with depression convincing you noone cares about or would want to help you, it's even more complicated.

An articulate, caring and experienced mental health advocate made a list of 10 Ways to "Reach Out" When You're Struggling With Your Mental Health. We discuss his first 5 suggestions in this episode.

Link to Sam's list: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/

Link to Sam's blog: letsqueerthingsup.com/tag/mental-health/

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In 2017, two sisters with depression who have lost loved ones by suicide decided to start a podcast to spread first-person stories of people who live with and manage their depression so that listeners would gain information and hope. This month, one of them (the younger one) is retiring.

In this intimate conversation, the sisters discussed what they've learned from more than 5 years of interviews and shedding light on the stigmatized topics of depression, suicidal thoughts, attempts and loss.

It's a peek behind the curtain of two sisters with a passion for mental-health advocacy, and each other. Please listen.

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For more than 5 years, Bridget has co-hosted this podcast. It was a "sister-project" from day one. Each week, we interviewed a different person about their experience of depression. Now she is stepping down to pursue her other work and responsibilities.
In the first of two episodes, the sisters talk about lessons learned. It's an intimate conversation about the experience of sitting in the dark with people on a weekly basis. Please listen and if you're so inclined, leave Bridget a recorded message on our website givingvoicetodepresson.com

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When depressed, it can be so easy to believe that we are powerless and that there is nothing we can do to get out of depression's pit.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy, or CBT, is considered one of the most effective evidence-based treatments for depression. By understanding the interplay and interconnectivity between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors, we can learn to challenge our thoughts and change our behaviors, which will directly impact how we feel.

Last week's guest Patti, said while she found the concept of challenging her thoughts a difficult one to grasp, once she did, it was game-changing for her.

Our guest is Dr. David Jacobi from Rogers Behavioral Health in Wisconsin. This 19-minute episode is a primer in the therapy.

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Patti's mental-health journey began as a child whose parents opposed treatment and told her to "suck it up." The decades that followed have been filled with "extreme" manic and depressive episodes.

At nearly 70, she has only recently learned the game-changing skill of challenging her dark thoughts and changeing her thinking patterns, something Patti never knew was even possible.

It's one of three core principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT.

CBT, according to the American Psychological Association, "is an approach for which there is ample scientific evidence that the methods that have been developed actually produce change," making it different from many other forms of psychological treatment.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610

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We feel broken because our minds betray us. And then we find that the system we turn to for help, when we take that step, is broken itself.

There are many challenges and barriers for people seeking help and treatment for mental-health challlenges and suicidal thoughts. While some groups are clearly disproportionately affected, few if any are spared the impact of stigma.

From access, affordability, representation, discrimination and other factors, even when someone recognizes the need for help, they don't or can't necessarlly get it.

In the second of two conversations with mental-health advocate Victor Armstrong, we look at the ways the mental-health care system itself is in crisis.

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This is a blooper from our recent recording of the Season 20 in Review episode. (You can click on this link to hear the final, edited version: https://bit.ly/3szNFqC) Sometimes the words just don't come out right, or we get the giggles. Because even though we have depression, we are still quite hilarious (just ask us.) We are all so much more than our diagnoses.

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How and why is it a common misconception that people with depression are weak?
Imagine starting your day in a pit.
Imagine battling the darkest of convincing thoughts playing non-stop in your head.
Imagine having to convince yourself there is hope when your own mind is working against you.
We can assure you, while it may look like "giving in" or "laziness" from the outside, it is a very different experience on the inside.
Depression is NOT a weakness or personal failing.
Treating it as though it is, adds to its power and danger.

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The stories shared on this podcast have been played nearly 800,000 times in 50 countries. It's proof that people do, in fact, want to talk about and hear about depression, suidical thoughts, bipolar disorder, and mental-health management.

Most importantly, we want to know that we are not the only ones experiencing these symptoms, and that we can manage and survive them.

This season-in-review is a 25-minute summary of 13 recent episodes. It's a great way to try A Depression Podcast, while staying in shallow waters. If one of the guests interests and/or inspires you, please check out the full episode. They're on all streaming services as well as at givingvoicetodepression.com

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In one of the most unvarnished, unstigmatized discussions we've had to date, rapper/comedian Zane Thomas tackles everything from helping a suicidal friend to how substance use has impacted his mental health, and how talking back to depression and finding ways to laugh at his diagnosis help him cope.

We talk about depression and suicidal thoughts like they're common. Because for many of us, they are.

www.instagram.com/zanetherapper/

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f you have depression, you know this symptom. Our guest calls it The Impossible Task. Maybe it's making your bed, doing the dishes or laundry, taking a shower or even answering the phone. It's something you've done a million times. It's pretty simple. Until it's not. Until it feels just impossible, because of depression. And then we feel guilty because we can't do some basic task. And that feeds our depression. Sound familiar? If so, this 18-minute episode will make you feel understood, and definitely not alone.

Link to an article about Molly's tweets: bit.ly/37rLjm8

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If you have depression, you know this symptom. Our guest calls it The Impossible Task. Maybe it's making your bed, doing the dishes or laundry, taking a shower or even answering the phone. It's something you've done a million times. It's pretty simple. Until it's not. Until it feels just impossible, because of depression. And then we feel guilty because we can't do some basic task. And that feeds our depression. Sound familiar? If so, this 18-minute episode will make you feel understood, and definitely not alone.

Link to an article about Molly's tweets: https://bit.ly/37rLjm8

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Shannon, a working mother of three who had always prided herself on "being strong" and independent, realized during the pandemic that there is actually strength is asking for help.

From that vulnerable place, she has forged strong and supportive friendships, and a more interdependent and cooperative relationship with her husband, too.

To better manage both her mental health and life in general, Shannon is also seeing a therapist regularly for the first time, trying new forms of therapy, and listening to podcasts that support her. It's a combination of support that has her in a healthier place than she has been for a long time.

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When is a breakdown a breakthrough? When it convinces someone who has "soldiered through" deeply-challenging life events and depression that it's ok to take off the mask and ask for help and support.

In today's episode, a social-media influencer known for her jokes and sarcasm "gets real" about life's challenges, including her depression, her post touches a nerve and goes viral. Now, in addition to being funny, Shannon (aka @OfficialShannyPants) talks online about her mental health, therapy, meds, and the need to reach out for help and support when needed.
21-minute episode.

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When Alex realized that she couldn't say goodbye to her depression, she made the choice to say goodbye to hiding it.

She says admitting that she wasn't OK was the best decision she has made for her mental health.

Alex now "embraces" the new person she is-- one who is both fully accepting of the fact depression is a piece of her, AND is determined to not let depression win.

One of Alex's articles: https://alexandriabrown12.medium.com/truth-be-told-my-depression-actually-does-define-me-27ef27107f0e

Alex's book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Me-Depression-Battle-Heart-ebook/dp/B07531N5TM

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REPOSTING: We've just been made aware that there were audio problems this episode on some players. Our apologies. Here is episode 201 again. Savannah has a lot we can learn from.

We miss what we were before depression moved in;
hopeful, vital, positive, connected.
In a wide-ranging conversation, GVTD speaks with Savannah Wall about her experience of depression and the things she missed the most-- including herself.

The full article that prompted the episode:
savannahwallsblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/2…t-page-3/

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We miss what we were before depression moved in;
hopeful, vital, positive, connected.
In a wide-ranging conversation, GVTD speaks with Savannah Wall about her experience of depression and the things she missed the most-- including herself.

The full article that prompted the episode:
https://savannahwallsblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/22/when-youre-homesick-for-all-that-you-were-before-depression/comment-page-3/

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Are you ok? How many times have you heard that?
How many times have you asked that question?
Aside from the reflexive reply (I'm fine,) what is ok? And what does it look like for you on a good day? And a bad one?
That's the reality we discuss with this week's guest, Tara.
She reminds us that "okay" looks different for everyone.

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Today's guest, Michael Landsberg, founder of SickNotWeak, a statement, a community, and a movement, discusses the role antidepressants have had in his mental-health journey.
Does he like being on meds? No. Does he like their side effects? No.
Does he hate his depression more? Absolutely!
Listen in as two mental-health advocates discuss the role meds have had in their depression-management and how to talk with someone who may be taking them off the table.

www.sicknotweak.com/

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One of depression's most insidious characteristics, is its intent to convince us we don't have it; that our dark thoughts, loss of energy, and inability to experience joy are personal characteristics and failings vs. symptoms-- that we are just too weak to handle life the way others are able to.

Believing that dissuades us from treating it like a medical condition for which there are treatments. Believing that keeps us trapped in a downward spiral that costs us on many levels. The time and experiences we lose to it cannot be regained.

In a candid discussion with mental-health advocate and sports journalist Michael Landberg, we talk without shame about our shared experiences and battles with depression and make the important distinction between being sick and being weak.

Link to signs of depression:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007

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Depression can come seemingly out of nowhere, and change (seemingly) every aspect of our days.
Daily routines, designed with mental-health maintenance in mind, give us some control over how we begin and end our days.
And while healthy daily habits are no guarantee our depression won't strike, at least we are better rested and nourished to fight the good fight against it.

Paul's website/resources: https://weareneveralone.co/

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Lost and found. That phrase comes to mind listening to Paul Marlow talk about his mental-health journey.

He lost so much in the years preceding and during his descent into depression's pit.

And he found a new, more-honest and healthy version of himself, too.

With vulnerability, candor and insight, Paul talks about both his experience of having All That Was HIm crash down in rubble, and the deliberate and mindful way he is rebuilding his life. And himself.

Paul Marlow's Never Alone site: https://weareneveralone.co/

Link to register for GVTD webinar (Tuesdays 2/8 and 2/22 from 11:30-12:15 CST:) https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hTKognWuQQmMRFiRfZV7Qg

Link to the NEW suicide-prevention podcast: Stream episode The "S" Word: A Podcast about Suicide Prevention - Episode 1 by Sara Kohlbeck podcast | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

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"About a third of all people experiencing mental illnesses and about half of people living with severe mental illnesses also experience substance abuse. These statistics are mirrored in the substance abuse community, where about a third of all alcohol abusers and more than half of all drug abusers report experiencing a mental illness," according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

That statistic, like all statistics, is about real people. Not numbers. This episode's guest, Donald, is one of those people. And he shares his story of dual diagnosis- living with substance use disorder in addition to depression and anxiety.

NAMI re: dual diagnosis: https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Images/FactSheets/Dual-Diagnosis-FS.pdf

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We're trying something new for the new year! Will you join us? We're trying a new schedule where we post new podcast episodes every other week (vs. every week for the past 5 years) and on alternating weeks we have a live zoom/Facebook lunchtime conversation.

The first is scheduled for Wednesday, January 12th from 11:30-12:15 CST(lunch time.)

The link below is to register (you will not be seen or see other attendees, though you will be able to post/communicate via chat)or you can join when we go live on Facebook.

If you don't already follow Giving Voice to Depression on FB, please head over and join our wonderfully-supportive community.

Link to webinar/live lunchtime chat: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Jxv9zZjSom3_kjfMOAVSw

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There is no health without mental health. So as we begin this New Year and think of the changes and resolutions we want to make, our brain health really needs to make the list. This weeks guest is psychologist, author and podcaster Dr. Margaret Rutherford. In our discussion we talk about the need for a holistic approach to life that prioritizes our mental, physical, spiritual and emotional selves. It's 21 minutes that could help you start the New Year in a very self-respectful way.

https://drmargaretrutherford.com/ https://www.psychiatry.org/newsroom/news-releases/one-in-four-americans-plans-a-mental-health-new-year-s-resolution-for-2022

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If the idea of a podcast on depression makes you a little nervous (will it make me depressed?) this is the perfect way to comfortably explore the power of peer support via shared stories of lived experience.

In just 18 minutes, you'll hear snippets of our last eleven episodes and get a feel for why Giving Voice to Depression is a tool you're gonna want to add to your mental-health toolkit.

You are not alone in the darkness. Others are there or have been there and found ways out. There is much we can learn from each other.

REQUEST: We are compiling answers to the question: What does your depression tell you ABOUT YOU? Please go to givingvoicetodepression.com and use the record button in upper left corner to record an anonymous (voice only- no name) reply. If you prefer, use the voice memo feature on your phone and email it to Terry@GivingVoicetoDepression.com Hearing how predictably-similar depression's lies are will help us all de-personalize them. Thank you.

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You are not required to be "joyful" or "merry" because of the date on the calendar. This is a special Christmas edition of our podcast, written and produced especially for YOU, who are struggling right now. It's only 7-minutes long, and we believe it will resonate with and comfort you like it does us. You are not alone. You do matter. People DO care. It WILL pass. Come hang out on the GIving Voice to Depression Facebook community page today if you need support.

John's article, if you'd like a copy or to read vs. hear it is linked here: johnpavlovitz.com/2017/12/24/to-th…-this-christmas/

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There’s an aspect of having depression that doesn’t get mentioned or addressed much. And that’s the need of some to completely redefine themselves after being taken down by the illness. Such was the case for Davey.

He went from "the go-to guy" to being "just done." On disability, he dug into learning about his depression and anxiety. He found good doctors and therapists. He learned a lot. And now he wants to share the lessons that help him each day.

In “It’s Really Hard to Fix Something That’s Broken With Something That’s Broken,” Davey talks about "tools for a time" and other gems. We can learn so much from each other.

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Phew! There is so much to think about this time of year. From traditions, family and faith, to gifts and decorations and cooking and cleaning and traveling, and, and, and.

But as we make plans for all of that, how often do we stop, check in with ourselves and factor in our mental health and whether The Expectations we've set will nourish or deplete us?

This episode, a remix from a few Decembers back, offers a look at Scrooge through a therapist's compassionate lens, some advice on not getting caught up in Holiday Expectations, and "the best and kindest thing" you can do this time of year for someone in your life who is struggling.

https://www.anitasanz.com/?page_id=4917

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Looking for a new mental-health management tool? How about a creative one that "gets the ugly out" while maintaining your privacy? Our guest, Gina Barry, tells us how she modified the practice of writing "morning pages" into a more-private, freeing and effective way to get the darkness, depression and grief out of her head. Gina says giving your feelings a voice helps them not just sit there, on a repetitive loop. In just 19-minutes, you could learn a new technique that could help you manage your depression and other mental-health challenges.

https://www.ginabarry.com/ https://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages/ https://www.amazon.com/29-Gifts-Month-Giving-Change/dp/0738214302

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My sister and I, who co-host the Givng Voice to Depression podcast, take mental health and our advocacy of it very seriously.

We do not, however, take ourselves real seriously.

This morning we tried to record our next episode and I simply could not say the phrase "mental-health management techniques" and my sisters HUGE laugh lets you know how much she enjoyed that.

We may have a heavy, serious illness. But we are not always heavy and serious.

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The pandemic has taken a toll. On our traditions and education and families and mental health. Licensed psychologist Dr. Maggie Mulqueen acknowledges this year's challenges and offers advice on both how to re-frame the holidays to make them better, as well as what to avoid to keep from making them worse. This 18-minute remix could help you in the coming weeks.

Link to referenced article: www.drmaggiemulqueen.com/publications

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Trauma changes us and the way we see and experience the world.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Maria Inosencia Amarante, a bilingual trauma therapist who has and is recovering from traumas in her own life.

It's a candid, casual conversation that asks the critical question: Is trauma recovery real and possible?

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Trauma changes us and the way we see and experience the world.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Maria Inosencia Amarante, a bilingual trauma therapist who has and is recovering from traumas in her own life.

It's a candid, casual conversation that asks if recovery is real and possible.

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This week, we observe Veteran's Day in the U.S. Beyond the parade and holiday, have you taken the opportunity to reach out to any veterans in your life to ask about their service experience? Their sacrifices? Their current state of being, and whether the pandemic has made any mental-health challenges they might have better or worse? It can make a real and important difference.

In the second of this 2-part episode, we continue our conversation with VA Psychologist Dr. Michael McBride about the challenges vets are having during this pandemic and how civilians can help keep them connected and safe.

www.veteranscrisisline.net/ www.military.com/benefits/veteran…or-veterans.html

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The military veterans' world is a world unto itself. The training and experiences they have had are foreign to civilians.

With Veteran's Day fast approaching in the U.S., we speak with a veteran psychologist, who himself is a vet, about the ways those who have served to protect us, can protect themselves from challenges to their mental health.

Every veteran is on his/her/their own journey, and needs to make choices that are best for them.

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At 14, Lacey's mental-health challenges made living a long and full life seem impossible to her. She wasn't sure she could even make it to 16. because of her crippling depression and anxiety.

Now a social worker in her 20's, Lacey has the perspective of someone familiar with both the bottom of life's pit and the climb out. She sees mental health as a spectrum, and shows grace for all points on it.

Our conversation is a 30,000-foot view of mental health, recovery and hope, well worth the 20 minutes it will take to listen.

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A teen whose depression and suicidal thoughts were so pervasive that she did not know if she would live past the age of 16, is now a social worker helping others.

She shares about her family's inability to speak openly about mental-health challenges before she did, and how her grandmother's disclosure of the generations-long family history of depression allowed her to have hope for a future.

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This episode is a review of the past 11 episodes we've produced. It's also an opportunity to sample Giving Voice to Depression, so you can see that while the focus is the same (depression) the tone of each episode is as different as the guests are.

Depression affects us all differently. And the ways we describe and manage it can also differ. But, somehow, knowing that others understand the weight of the condition helps us believe we're not alone and that we are understood.

There is power in shared stories. And in just 22 minutes, you'll get a taste of several guests' stories and learn about a 3-day rule for depression, how holding space and hope for a new treatment can be life-saving, how a "silly selfie challenge" helped one guest break the negative cycle she was stuck in, and how the suicide of a teenage son started a mother on a journey of helping other families avoid her pain.

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The "silly selfie" accompanying this episode is actually an example of one friend helping another through a really dark time.

The spectrum of ways to support someone struggling with their mental health is wide, varying from acknowledging a stranger you pass (who knows when they last felt "seen,") to climbing into the darkest darkness with a friend who is suicidal. And sometimes, it's saying "get out of bed, go get yourself your favorite coffee drink and send me a silly selfie. I'll send one back."

It was a social media post about that challenge that prompted this interview and episode.

Article referenced in episode: Suicide Prevention Doesn't Have to Be a Huge, Scary Thing: https://bit.ly/3ixsiky

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The factors that impact our mental health are varied, intertwined and sometimes difficult to distinguish.

Other times they are clear as day.

When living conditions are unhealthy or unsafe or when mental-healthcare is inadequate, unaffordable or inaccessible, the goal of recovery can seem unobtainable.

In the third of a four-part series on the Intersectionality of Race, Trauma and Mental Health, we look at the role of treatment trauma. Our guest, Dr. Warren Braden says the best way to deal with a system that is not working (or is not designed to work for certain people) is to avoid it and to develop other avenues of self-care and recovery.

Resources provided by Dr. Braden: borislhensonfoundation.org/ This foundation was created by Taraji Henson the eradicate the stigma around mental health issues that affect the Black community.

www.guilford.com/books/Black-Fami…593853464/author This book by Dr. Franklin is an excellent resource for clients and therapists.

The link for information about the crisis centers in Milwaukee: www.mhawisconsin.org/DirectorySearc…ListingId=1486

www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline is the link to the national hotline for depression

And finally, anyone who is interested in communicating with Dr. Braden can email him at luminousclinicalservicesllc@gmail.com.

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The world loves guarantees. We want to be assured that if A, then B. It comforts us and soothes our souls to believe in truths we can rely upon. But suicide prevention doesn't work like that. Knowing the signs and risk factors is a huge step. Being with someone and listening non-judgmentally can work wonders. But medications, therapy, doctors, hospitalizations and a loving family, cannot always protect against depression's despair. It's a Tragic Truth that just weeks after the death of her 18-year-old son to suicide, Patty is willing to discuss, to try to spare another family the pain hers is experiencing.

*UPDATE: On what would have been her son's 21st birthday, Patty is encouraging random acts of kindness in his memory. Please post about yours with with hashtags #kujawastrong and #mentalhealthmatters

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The mother of a teenager who recently died by suicide reaches out to other struggling teens to say emotions are hard and it's okay to need help managing them. The more honest you are about what you're going through, the more effective your treatment, therapy or other help can be. And if it's a friend who is struggling, tell someone. Depression lies. But it's our responsibility to tell the truth about what's going on. It could literally save a life.

*UPDATE: In her son's memory, on what would have been his 21st birthday, Patty is asking listeners to perform a random act of kindness and to post about it on social media using the hashtags #mentalhealthmatters and #kujawastrong. Let's show each other that there is kindness and caring in the world.

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He had studied psychology, been previously treated for depressive episodes and done exhaustive online research trying to understand what was happening in his mind and body.

The pieces did not come together until he heard other people with depression talking about their experiences of the illness. Then he realized the darkness was not his alone. Nor was it a personal failing or weakness.

Depression is common and treatable, and talking openly about it brings light to our own, and others darkness. Please take 22 minutes to listen to John's story. And share it if you think someone else might benefit from his hard-earned understanding.

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He'd been treated on and off for the illness over the years. But he certainly didn't consider himself Someone With Depression. That, according to his background, would be a weakness and an unacceptable chink in his masculine armor. But during the pandemic, already reeling from the end of a relationship and sick/quarantining with Covid, John hit new lows. Concerned for his life, he began to review it, and realized he not only has depression, but he's had it for as long as he can remember.

Links to ACEs test:

https://developingchild.harvard.edu/media-coverage/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean/

https://www.naadac.org/assets/2416/michael_bricker_acesassessment_ac16_ho.pdf

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Are you able to notice the changes in your mood, energy, outlook, etc. that happen before or at the beginning of your depressive episodes? Do you consider those warning signs an opportunity to better manage your mental health? In the second part of our conversation with Matt Zinman, he tells us about a 3-Day Rule that really works for him. He also shares other mental-health management tools he's created and shares. (links below)

https://mattzinman.com/

Ps. I welcome you to add “DD100” to the show notes and the link MattZinman/LifeUpgrade

That will provide a $100 Gift Code to your listeners who want to do the new course. I also have a 100% refund guarantee so it is risk-free.

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This week's guest, Matt Zinman, has a unique and deep understanding of life with a mental-health challenge. He not only had his own depression, but was impacted by other members of his family who lived with their own.

In the first of a 2-part interview, Matt shares about his mental-health journey. Next week, he'll share some fabulous tools and self-care techniques he's learned along the way.

https://mattzinman.com/

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The factors that impact our mental health are varied, intertwined and sometimes difficult to distinguish.

Other times they are clear as day.

When living conditions are unhealthy or unsafe or when mental-healthcare is inadequate, unaffordable or inaccessible, the goal of recovery can seem unobtainable.

In the third of a four-part series on the Intersectionality of Race, Trauma and Mental Health, we look at the role of treatment trauma. Our guest, Dr. Warren Braden says the best way to deal with a system that is not working (or is not designed to work for certain people) is to avoid it and to develop other avenues of self-care and recovery.

Resources provided by Dr. Braden: https://borislhensonfoundation.org/ This foundation was created by Taraji Henson the eradicate the stigma around mental health issues that affect the Black community.

https://www.guilford.com/books/Black-Families-in-Therapy/Nancy-Boyd-Franklin/9781593853464/author This book by Dr. Franklin is an excellent resource for clients and therapists.

The link for information about the crisis centers in Milwaukee: https://www.mhawisconsin.org/DirectorySearch/Details.aspx?pageid=160∣=275&ListingId=1486

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline is the link to the national hotline for depression

And finally, anyone who is interested in communicating with Dr. Braden can email him at luminousclinicalservicesllc@gmail.com.

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This is my story. The story of why I started the Giving Voice to Depression podcast. I first told it four years ago when we started this resource because it didn't seem fair to ask others to share their stories unless my sister and I did, too. I am re-posting it now because, being sick for the past several weeks I've had a lot of time to think, and question my life and my work and myself. Not in a depressed way, thankfully . But in that fevered and can't sleep way. And frankly, I think I needed to be reminded of how far I've come (mentally) so that I can honestly and passionately continue to tell anyone listening that things really truly can get better. It might not be as soon or as easily as we'd like. But everything can change. And there are things we can do when we first see the warning signs to give ourselves a better fighting chance. I didn't know that four years ago. Thanks to all the people who've shared their stories with us, I know it now. And I believe it and see it work for myself and others. Thank you for having taken this journey with us. Thank you for listening and for sharing and for caring-- for yourselves and each other. We truly are stronger together.

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We have yet to meet someone who says they are glad they have depression. But over and over we hear that some, as a way of making peace with their condition, credit it with teaching them valuable lessons.

Our guest Tom, is one of them. He lists 8 reasons he's grateful for his depression... BUT...

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You may know the quote: “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying “I will try again tomorrow.” Jennifer tries again tomorrow.

Jennifer knows the darkest of dark. She's been in that hopeless place and needed hospitalization many times.

She has also tried nearly every depression med on the market. And more recently, TMS and ECT.

Her extremely long and often frustrating journey has convinced her of the power of and need for HOPE.

If the word itself sounds fluffy or impossible right now, that's because depression wants us to give up. Jennifer doesn't.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/electroconvulsive-therapy/about/pac-20393894

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625

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Her depression first reared its ugly head in middle school. She is now in her 40s, and despite trying a myriad of medications and having a loving support network, the darkness has been unrelenting.

In a living example of the both/and (vs. either/or) reality, Jennifer is both a multiple suicide attempt survivor and one of the most-resilient and hopeful guests we've had the honor to speak with.

This episode revisits an interview from 2019, and includes an update she sent the day we recorded. Next week's episode will be Jennifer's update on her mental-health journey and the new treatments that have her feeling a light has finally flipped on in her dark brain.

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This 22-minute episode is a summary of the last season of Giving Voice to Depression podcast.

If you have any hesitation to listen to a podcast about depression, this is a great way to sample it and get an idea about the kinds of guests we have each week.

After you listen, please go to our website at givingvoicetodepression.com and use the red mic widget in the upper left corner to leave us a message.

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It can be so frustrating for "mental health" to be treated as separate from "physical health," when our brains are clearly a key part of our bodies.

But, as people with mental-health challenges, we aren't always mindful of how caring for our bodies is also caring for our minds.

This episode is an interview with a doctor who has learned from patients, and through his own experience with panic attacks, just how intricately entwined brain and body health are.

Please take 19 minutes to listen to Dr. Adel Korkor, founder of the AB Korker Foundation for mental health, our new partner.

4-minute exercise video: https://youtu.be/PwJCJToQmps

GVTD podcast episodes on mindful self compassion: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/mindfulness-and-self-compassion-for-these-stressful-times and https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/bonus-track-a-brief-mindful-self-compassion-practice

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We're not taught how to have these conversations.: A friend or family member is struggling. Maybe they're just "not themselves." Maybe they're suicidal. How do you offer support them? What do you say? What can you do that's actually helpful?

https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/

Part 1 of How to Support Someone: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/you-want-to-help-someone-whos-struggling-heres-how-part-1

How to ASK For Help if You Need It-Part One: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/asking-for-help-is-not-always-intuitive-sam-dylan-finch

How to ASK For Help if You Need It-Part Two: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/how-to-ask-for-the-help-you-need-pt-2-sam-dylan-finch

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We're not taught how to have these conversations.: A friend or family member is struggling. Maybe they're just "not themselves." Maybe they're suicidal. How do you offer support them? What do you say? What can you do that's actually helpful?

https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/

Part 1 of How to Support Someone: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/you-want-to-help-someone-whos-struggling-heres-how-part-1

How to ASK For Help if You Need It-Part One: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/asking-for-help-is-not-always-intuitive-sam-dylan-finch

How to ASK For Help if You Need It-Part Two: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/how-to-ask-for-the-help-you-need-pt-2-sam-dylan-finch

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For the past two weeks we've explored ways to reach out for support if you are the one struggling. Today we shift gears. What if you know someone who seems really depressed--maybe even suicidal, and they're not reaching out. How do you reach IN? In the first of two episodes, our guest Sam Dylan Finch details ways people have shown up for him in helpful and meaningful ways. Not knowing what to do is not an excuse to do nothing.

Sam's blog post with all 11 suggestions: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/

Links to two previous episodes with ways to reach out: 1) https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/asking-for-help-is-not-always-intuitive-sam-dylan-finch 2) https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/how-to-ask-for-the-help-you-need-pt-2-sam-dylan-finch

Link to free Mental Health America screenings: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/

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For the past two weeks we've explored ways to reach out for support if you are the one struggling. Today we shift gears. What if you know someone who seems really depressed--maybe even suicidal, and they're not reaching out. How do you reach IN? In the first of two episodes, our guest Sam Dylan Finch details ways people have shown up for him in helpful and meaningful ways. Not knowing what to do is not an excuse to do nothing.

Sam's blog post with all 11 suggestions: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/

Links to two previous episodes with ways to reach out: 1) https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/asking-for-help-is-not-always-intuitive-sam-dylan-finch 2) https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/how-to-ask-for-the-help-you-need-pt-2-sam-dylan-finch

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How many times have you heard: "Reach out if you are struggling." But it's not as easy or clear as it sounds. How? What if you don't even know what you want or need? What if your depression has convinced you no one cares, that you don't deserve help, or that you are a bother to people?

It can all sound straight forward and obvious from the outside, or from wellness. But in dark times, or hours of crisis, nothing is clear.

An articulate, caring and experienced mental health advocate made a list of 10 Ways to "Reach Out" When You're Struggling With Your Mental Health. We discuss his sixth through tenth suggestions in this episode.

Link to Sam's list: letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-…mental-health/

Link to Sam's blog: letsqueerthingsup.com/tag/mental-health/

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How many times have you heard: "Reach out if you are struggling." But it's not as easy or clear as it sounds. How? What if you don't even know what you want or need? What if your depression has convinced you no one cares, that you don't deserve help, or that you are a bother to people?

It can all sound straight forward and obvious from the outside, or from wellness. But in dark times, or hours of crisis, nothing is clear.

An articulate, caring and experienced mental health advocate made a list of 10 Ways to "Reach Out" When You're Struggling With Your Mental Health. We discuss his sixth through tenth suggestions in this episode.

Link to Sam's list: letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-…mental-health/

Link to Sam's blog: letsqueerthingsup.com/tag/mental-health/

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How many times have you heard: "Reach out if you are struggling." But how? What should you say? When should you say it and to whom?

It can all sound straight forward and obvious from the outside, or from wellness. But in dark times, or hours of crisis, nothing is clear. And with depression convincing you noone cares about or would want to help you, it's even more complicated.

An articulate, caring and experienced mental health advocate made a list of 10 Ways to "Reach Out" When You're Struggling With Your Mental Health. We discuss his first 5 suggestions in this episode.

Link to Sam's list: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/

Link to Sam's blog: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/tag/mental-health/

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How many times have you heard: "Reach out if you are struggling." But how? What should you say? When should you say it and to whom?

It can all sound straight forward and obvious from the outside, or from wellness. But in dark times, or hours of crisis, nothing is clear. And with depression convincing you noone cares about or would want to help you, it's even more complicated.

An articulate, caring and experienced mental health advocate made a list of 10 Ways to "Reach Out" When You're Struggling With Your Mental Health. We discuss his first 5 suggestions in this episode.

Link to Sam's list: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/

Link to Sam's blog: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/tag/mental-health/

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You hate your emails, Don't want to look at your computer. You get more frustrated seeing your schedule each day or week. You're exhausted and maybe angry at the day's end.

Are you depressed? Or burned out?

This 20-minute episode explores the differences between the two. Our guest is psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold.

Links to articles referenced in episode: https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2021/03/04/physician-burnout-covid-19-pandemic-jessi-gold and https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html

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You hate your emails, Don't want to look at your computer. You get more frustrated seeing your schedule each day or week. You're exhausted and maybe angry at the day's end.

Are you depressed? Or burned out?

This 20-minute episode explores the differences between the two. Our guest is psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold.

Links to articles referenced in episode: https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2021/03/04/physician-burnout-covid-19-pandemic-jessi-gold and https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html

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So many factors can contribute to and affect our mental health. Family trauma and race are certainly among them. Family norms including the belief that "what happens in the home, stays in the home" impact how mental-health challenges are recognized, diagnosed and treated. A lack of access to quality care does too. This episode looks at the intersectionality of family trauma, race and mental health.

Link to video with more information: https://www.facebook.com/2016557181923354/posts/2948490168730046/?d=n

MHA of WI's Next Step Clinic: http://www.mhawisconsin.org/mha-wi-counseling-clinic

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So many factors can contribute to and affect our mental health. Family trauma and race are certainly among them. Family norms including the belief that "what happens in the home, stays in the home" impact how mental-health challenges are recognized, diagnosed and treated. A lack of access to quality care does too. This episode looks at the intersectionality of family trauma, race and mental health.

Link to video with more information: https://www.facebook.com/2016557181923354/posts/2948490168730046/?d=n MHA of WI's Next Step Clinic: http://www.mhawisconsin.org/mha-wi-counseling-clinic

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and two messages you'll hear a lot are: "Reach out if you need support" and "If someone seems 'off,' be willing to listen to and support them." Both can sound deeply uncomfortable, if not impossible. This episode might help. It proves you don't have to be an expert to help someone who is struggling, and that "reaching out" can be less scary and energy-draining than it seems.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and two messages you'll hear a lot are: "Reach out if you need support" and "If someone seems 'off,' be willing to listen to and support them." Both can sound deeply uncomfortable, if not impossible. This episode might help. It proves you don't have to be an expert to help someone who is struggling, and that "reaching out" can be less scary and energy-draining than it seems.

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The decision to explore antidepressants can be a daunting one. Is taking meds an admission that something is really wrong with you? Will drugs change your personality? What are the common side effects? If people know I'm taking them, will they see me differently? What should I expect if I make an appointment with a psychiatrist? These are some of the questions we explore this episode, with psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold.

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The decision to explore antidepressants can be a daunting one. Is taking meds an admission that something is really wrong with you? Will drugs change your personality? What are the common side effects? If people know I'm taking them, will they see me differently? What should I expect if I make an appointment with a psychiatrist? These are some of the questions we explore this episode, with psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold.

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When people talk about the well-established link between trauma and depression and other mental-health challenges, they tend to think of traumatic events experienced directly by the people themselves. But Generational trauma (also known as intergenerational trauma) can impact the children, grandchildren and other descendants of the directly-impacted individuals as well. Beliefs, fears, attitudes toward one’s self and others, as well as unhealthy coping mechanisms are just some of the ways inherited trauma can affect future generations. Mark Powless, Oneida Nation General Manager, talks about how the many injustices suffered by Native Americans have impacted his community and family.

Resources Mark suggests: Oneida Nation website: https://oneida-nsn.gov/

Sky Woman Lives in Me by Roberta Capasso: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Woman-Lives-Roberta-Capasso/dp/1483443469

Boarding School Seasons: American Indian Families, 1900-1940 by Brenda Child: https://www.amazon.com/Boarding-School-Seasons-American-1900-1940-dp-0803214804/dp/0803214804/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=

Healing the Sound Wound by Eduardo Duran: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Soul-Wound-Trauma-Informed-Multicultural/dp/0807761397/ref=pd_lpo_14_img_0/135-3617730-3257642?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0807761397&pd_rd_r=8061cd39-62bb-4bb8-af3f-6c70a5adeb39&pd_rd_w=7ZtBB&pd_rd_wg=i74Fv&pf_rd_p=a0d6e967-6561-454c-84f8-2ce2c92b79a6&pf_rd_r=HGSXE2H80P0180KW9PNY&psc=1&refRID=HGSXE2H80P0180KW9PNY

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When people talk about the well-established link between trauma and depression and other mental-health challenges, they tend to think of traumatic events experienced directly by the people themselves. But Generational trauma (also known as intergenerational trauma) can impact the children, grandchildren and other descendants of the directly-impacted individuals as well. Beliefs, fears, attitudes toward one’s self and others, as well as unhealthy coping mechanisms are just some of the ways inherited trauma can affect future generations. Mark Powless, Oneida Nation General Manager, talks about how the many injustices suffered by Native Americans have impacted his community and family.

Resources Mark suggests: Oneida Nation website: https://oneida-nsn.gov/

Sky Woman Lives in Me by Roberta Capasso: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Woman-Lives-Roberta-Capasso/dp/1483443469

Boarding School Seasons: American Indian Families, 1900-1940 by Brenda Child: https://www.amazon.com/Boarding-School-Seasons-American-1900-1940-dp-0803214804/dp/0803214804/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=

Healing the Sound Wound by Eduardo Duran: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Soul-Wound-Trauma-Informed-Multicultural/dp/0807761397/ref=pd_lpo_14_img_0/135-3617730-3257642?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0807761397&pd_rd_r=8061cd39-62bb-4bb8-af3f-6c70a5adeb39&pd_rd_w=7ZtBB&pd_rd_wg=i74Fv&pf_rd_p=a0d6e967-6561-454c-84f8-2ce2c92b79a6&pf_rd_r=HGSXE2H80P0180KW9PNY&psc=1&refRID=HGSXE2H80P0180KW9PNY

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As parents, we have a responsibility to prepare our children for life. And there's a strong possibility that future will include mental-health struggles. Speaking openly about mental illness reduces fear, misinformation and stigma. In today's episode, TJ talks about a recent conversation he had with his 9-year-old son. Now is the perfect time to start.

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As parents, we have a responsibility to prepare our children for life. And there's a strong possibility that future will include mental-health struggles. Speaking openly about mental illness reduces fear, misinformation and stigma. In today's episode, TJ talks about a recent conversation he had with his 9-year-old son. Now is the perfect time to start.

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Depression can make us want to give up. Trauma can add anger, shame, guilt and other strong emotions to the mix. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing and recovery. And the fact something(s) doesn't work is very different than believing nothing ever will. Renee's inspiring story is about never giving up on yourself or your recovery. When meds didn't work for her, she tried something else. Then something else. And something else. Until she eventually found therapies that allow her to feel "like a new person." You deserve the help you need, even when it's hard to find.

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Depression can make us want to give up. Trauma can add anger, shame, guilt and other strong emotions to the mix. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing and recovery. And the fact something(s) doesn't work is very different than believing nothing ever will. Renee's inspiring story is about never giving up on yourself or your recovery. When meds didn't work for her, she tried something else. Then something else. And something else. Until she eventually found therapies that allow her to feel "like a new person." You deserve the help you need, even when it's hard to find.

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If you wrote a song, in the depths of depression, about your depression, what would it sound like?

Singer/songwriter Demetra Prochaska shares her song (i'm not okay) and some of the details of her mental-health struggles and journey.

This 24-minute episode offers many mental-health tools for your self-care kit.

Demetra's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijatOUHQY9g-hjS4_mBzqQ

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If you wrote a song, in the depths of depression, about your depression, what would it sound like?

Singer/songwriter Demetra Prochaska shares her song (i'm not okay) and some of the details of her mental-health struggles and journey.

This 24-minute episode offers many mental-health tools for your self-care kit.

Demetra's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijatOUHQY9g-hjS4_mBzqQ

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People with heart problems do not wait for a heart attack to address them. People with diabetes do not rely solely on an epipen to control their illness. And people with mental health challenges cannot wait until suicidal thoughts necessitate emergency actions. Self-care and depression-management involve tuning in with your changing thoughts/moods, establishing and using a safety plan and personalized tools that work for you. No illness is easier to treat when it's an emergency

https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

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People with heart problems do not wait for a heart attack to address them. People with diabetes do not rely solely on an epipen to control their illness. And people with mental health challenges cannot wait until suicidal thoughts necessitate emergency actions. Self-care and depression-management involve tuning in with your changing thoughts/moods, establishing and using a safety plan and personalized tools that work for you. No illness is easier to treat when it's an emergency

https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

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Suicide prevention hotlines are available 24/7, ensuring there is always somewhere and someone you can turn to when in crisis. That does not mean there is no one in your life who would help, though it may mean depression has convinced you that's the case. Corinne Purtill credits the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK) with saving her life, and she's speaking up so that we'll know the bottom does not need to mean the end.

qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotli…cause-one-saved-mine/

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Suicide prevention hotlines are available 24/7, ensuring there is always somewhere and someone you can turn to when in crisis. That does not mean there is no one in your life who would help, though it may mean depression has convinced you that's the case. Corinne Purtill credits the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK) with saving her life, and she's speaking up so that we'll know the bottom does not need to mean the end.

qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotli…cause-one-saved-mine/

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The thoughts we have and the words we chose not only define depression, but predict it. In this episode, we speak with a researcher who anaylyzes online mental health forums and other writing samples. Using computers to analyze the words, he finds a direct connection between "absolutist" words and depression, anxiety and suicide. It's good to know the words so we can recognize them in ourselves and others.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/depression-language-differently-mental-health-kurt-cobain-a8194731.html

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The thoughts we have and the words we chose not only define depression, but predict it. In this episode, we speak with a researcher who anaylyzes online mental health forums and other writing samples. Using computers to analyze the words, he finds a direct connection between "absolutist" words and depression, anxiety and suicide. It's good to know the words so we can recognize them in ourselves and others.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/depression-language-differently-mental-health-kurt-cobain-a8194731.html

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You do not have to go through this global healthcare crisis alone. Mental Health America has created and curated trusted and current mental-health information and online self-help resources from a network of reliable sources.
Links below for free, confidential screenings to determine the effects this pandemic is having on your mental health, and to access individualized support recommendations.

https://mhanational.org/covid19
https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools

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If you've ever wondered what a podcast on depression sounds and feels like, in just 18 minutes, you can sample 12 episodes of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast in this season in review.

From the power of breath, to how to talk to a suicidal friend, the need for hope, and how the pandemic has challenged our mental health on many levels to the fact depression is an illness vs a weakness and other topics of concern to those of us with depression, we summarize the past dozen episodes so that you can tune into full versions of any that interest you.

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If you've ever wondered what a podcast on depression sounds and feels like, in just 18 minutes, you can sample 12 episodes of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast in this season in review.

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We learned this week that even Royals are impacted by stigma and discrimination when seeking help and treatment for mental-health challlenges and suicidal thoughts.

From access, affordability, representation, discrimination and other factors, even when someone recognizes the need for help, they don't or can't necessarlly get it.

In the second of two conversations with mental-health advocate Victor Armstrong, we look at the ways the mental-health care system itself is in crisis.

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We learned this week that even Royals are impacted by stigma and discrimination when seeking help and treatment for mental-health challlenges and suicidal thoughts.

From access, affordability, representation, discrimination and other factors, even when someone recognizes the need for help, they don't or can't necessarlly get it.

In the second of two conversations with mental-health advocate Victor Armstrong, we look at the ways the mental-health care system itself is in crisis.

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How and why is it a common misconception that people with depression are weak? Imagine starting your day in a pit. Imagine battling the darkest of convincing thoughts playing non-stop in your head. Imagine having to convince yourself there is hope when your own mind is working against you. We can assure you, while it may look like "giving in" or "laziness" from the outside, it is a very different experience on the inside. Depression is NOT a weakness or personal failing. Treating it as though it is, adds to its power and danger.

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How and why is it a common misconception that people with depression are weak? Imagine starting your day in a pit. Imagine battling the darkest of convincing thoughts playing non-stop in your head. Imagine having to convince yourself there is hope when your own mind is working against you. We can assure you, while it may look like "giving in" or "laziness" from the outside, it is a very different experience on the inside. Depression is NOT a weakness or personal failing. Treating it as though it is, adds to its power and danger.

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If, like us, you're mental-health tools are a little worn out with the pandemic and other stressors and challenges of the past year, the idea of tracking your symptoms might be worth exploring.

Notes can give us an objective, quantifiable way to recognize changes in our mental health. And the information could help professionals and other members of our support team, too.

The information could also allow us to get ahead of a slide, if we notice it before we're too impacted to be able to react and step-up self-care efforts.

Article links: https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/ways-to-stay-steady-with-bipolar-disorder https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/winter-and-low-mood

Mental Health Apps https://www.psycom.net/25-best-mental-health-apps

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If, like us, you're mental-health tools are a little worn out with the pandemic and other stressors and challenges of the past year, the idea of tracking your symptoms might be worth exploring.

Notes can give us an objective, quantifiable way to recognize changes in our mental health. And the information could help professionals and other members of our support team, too.

The information could also allow us to get ahead of a slide, if we notice it before we're too impacted to be able to react and step-up self-care efforts.

Article links: https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/ways-to-stay-steady-with-bipolar-disorder https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/winter-and-low-mood

Mental Health Apps https://www.psycom.net/25-best-mental-health-apps

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What if... when depression reached the point you could no longer ignore it, or anxiety reached a level it interfered with your life, you could react the same way you would if any other part of your body was creating a problem for you? You'd mention it to a friend. You'd call your doctor. You'd feel free to say "this hurts!" But when the part "not working" is our brains, we feel embarrassed or ashamed or reluctant (or not worthy) to get help help. That's the price of stigma.

In this third episode of a 3-part series on the stigma of mental illness, we look at how much better- and SAFER - life would be, if people just recognized mental-health challenges the same way they do physical-health challenges.

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In the third of our 3-part series on how ignorance and discrimination (i.e. stigma) affect people with mental-health conditions, we look at how our lives would be better and safer if mental health was treated like physical health is.

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"The stigma of mental illness" What does that really mean? Is it a real thing? Does it matter?

YES! Stigma is very real and the fact people are judged (and/or fear being judged) for having a mental-health diagnosis discourages many from seeking help or treatment.

This short (15-minute) podcast is the 2nd in an 3-part series on stigma.

Depression is not a choice. Ignorance and discrimination are.

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The phrase "stigma of mental illness" is at once overused and not understood. What does it mean? Why does it matter? Why should I care?

In the second of a 3-part series on how negative associations with mood disorder diagnoses negatively impact those of us who live with them, we ask a number of past guests if stigma is evident to them, and if so, in what ways.

https://www.mhanational.org/b4stage4-philosophy

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We've all heard the phrase "stigma of mental illness." But what does it mean and how can "fight it?" One of the world's leading researchers in the matter, Dr. Patrick Corrigan, says the most-effective way is by speaking openly and shamelessly about what's going on in our minds and bodies.

Corrigan lives with and manages a number of mental-health challenges, and when he and others (like our podcast guests) say "this is what I live with, here's how it challenges me, these are my warning signs, my treatments and self-care tools," we're starting discussion that open eyes and hearts and show vs. "educate" people that those of us living with mental-health challenges are "as competent, able and empowered as everybody else."

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We've all heard the phrase "stigma of mental illness." But what does it mean and how can "fight it?" One of the world's leading researchers in the matter, Dr. Patrick Corrigan, says the most-effective way is by speaking openly and shamelessly about what's going on in our minds and bodies.

Corrigan lives with and manages a number of mental-health challenges, and when he and others (like our podcast guests) say "this is what I live with, here's how it challenges me, these are my warning signs, my treatments and self-care tools," we're starting discussion that open eyes and hearts and show vs. "educate" people that those of us living with mental-health challenges are "as competent, able and empowered as everybody else."

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Today's guest, Michael Landsberg, founder of SickNotWeak, "a statement, a community, a movement," discusses the role antidepressants have had in his mental-health journey. Does he like being on meds? No. Does he like their side effects? No. Does he hate his depression more? Absolutely! Listen in as two mental-health advocates discuss the role meds have had in their depression-management and how to talk with someone who may be taking them off the table.

https://www.sicknotweak.com/

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One of depression's most insidious characteristics, is its intent to convince us we don't have it; that our dark thoughts, loss of energy, and inability to experience joy are personal characteristics and failings vs. symptoms-- that we are just too weak to handle life the way others are able to.

Believing that dissuades us from treating it like a medical condition for which there are treatments. Believing that keeps us trapped in a downward spiral that costs us on many levels. The time and experiences we lose to it cannot be regained.

In a candid discussion with mental-health advocate and sports journalis Michael Landberg, we talk without shame about our shared experiences and battles with depression and make the important distinction between being sick and being weak.

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A holistic therapist addresses the need for and importance ot hope, and offers some of the advice she gives her own clients. Lauren Bittner, who has extensive experience treating anxiety, depression and addiction, speaks compassionately and realistically about the challenges of being human in 2021.

https://lauren1bittner.wixsite.com/instillhope

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It can be very, very difficult to acknowledge or find, but some say there are gifts in our depression: "terrible gifts."

Depression is, to put it mildly, an unwanted guest in our minds and bodies. Yet, for those who experience it regularly, it can help to look for some value, some lessons or even inspiration in the experience.

Kristin "owns her shadow," and uses depression's voice to express herself in poetry. Hers is a gentle, allowing and unique perspective on an illness many of us simply despise.

To learn more about Kristin and her poetry: KristinRoedell.wikidot.com

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No matter how dark a place you are or have been, and how alone you felt when you were there, there are others who have had similar experiences and made it out. By sharing their stories/experiences they also light a path out for us to follow. Jordan is one such person. He freely shares about his lowest points, knowing that his lived experience is a way to connect with others and show them that recovery is real and possible. Please take 19 minutes to listen.

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If you are struggling this holiday season, with depression, loneliness, grief or anything else that really hurts, please know that many others feel the same way, and that you will not always feel the way you do today. If you live in the U.S., please call 800-273-8255 or text 741-741 and talk to a trained listener, if you do not have another option. If you live elsewhere, please Google "crisis line." Giving Voice to Depression has a Facebook page with thousands of people with depression who support each other. Please hold on and know that you DO matter. This holiday, and this terrible feeling will pass. You Matter!! (This was recorded years ago, and referenced Christmas, but it is even more true today, and applies to any holiday and/or the end of this unprecedented year.)

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Hearing the stories of how other people survive and manage life with depression inspired Dan, a GVTD podcast listener to reach out to share- for the first time publicly- about his own battle with depression, his hospitalization and more.

In a wide-ranging, candid, casual conversation, he offers his comments in the hopes of both thanking the people who helped him, and to offer support and hope to those now listening to him.

Please take 18 minutes to listen to Dan's healing conversation.

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2020 challenged us on many levels including economic, political, social justice, overall health and mental health. Licensed psychologist R. Kweku Smith joins us for a look back-- while also focusing on what we can do to maintain or restore our mental health as we try to recover and move on from this unprecedented year.

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In one of the most unvarnished, unstigmatized discussions we've had to date, rapper/comedian Zane Thomas tackles everything from helping a suicidal friend to how substance use has impacted his mental health, and how talking back to depression and finding ways to laugh at his diagnosis help him cope. We talk about depression and suicidal thoughts like they're common. Because for many of us, they are.

https://www.instagram.com/zanetherapper/

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The list of things that feel or are out of our control right now is long. But for most of us, breath is something we can access anytime and breathing consciously is a quick, free and effective form of meditation. Our guest, Ambrose WB, joined us for a casual, honest and potentially-healing conversation about taking and keeping control during this pandemic, and any other time. 19-minute episode.

https://skyschools.org/

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2020 has been a year like no other. Its year-end holidays will be too. Licensed psychologist Dr. Maggie Mulqueen acknowledges this year's challenges and threats and offers advice on both how to re-frame the holidays to make them better, as well as what to avoid to keep from making them worse. It's 19 minutes that could help you in the coming weeks.

Link to referenced article: https://www.drmaggiemulqueen.com/publications

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Last week we observed Veteran's Day. This, and every day, we have the opportunity to help connect with and support the veterans in our lives.

In the second of this 2-part episode, we continue our conversation with VA Psychologist Dr. Michael McBride about the challenges vets are having during this pandemic and how civilians can help keep them connected and safe.

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/be-there-for-veterans.html

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The military veteran world is a culture to itself. While that provides connection on one level, it can cause feelings of disconnect on others. Dr. Michael McBride, a veteran and Veteran's Administration psychiatrist who treats and supports vets with some level of mental-health distress including PTSD and depression.

In the first of a 2-part interview, we ask Dr. McBride if the pandemic has impacted his clients' mental health, and what veterans can do to protect themselves and manage their challenges.

Next week we'll look at ways civilians, including family and friends can help the veterans in their lives.

Thank you for your service and the sacrifices it required.

Resource links: https://www.veteranscrisisline.nedt/ https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/be-there-for-veterans.html https://servingtogetherproject.org/ https://www.facebook.com/RRHouseMHA/

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Living with a mental illness can be quite challenging. Living with and caring for someone with a condition like depression or bipolar disorder, especially a parent, can be "punishing." That's the word this week's guest, Michelle Dickinson, uses to describe being the child (and sometimes caretaker) of a mother with bipolar disorder. It's a candid conversation between two women who understand and experience the impact of growing up with unpredictability, confusion and fear.

https://www.michelleedickinson.com/ https://www.michelleedickinson.com/protecting-our-happy/ https://breakingintomylife.com/

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We need all the help we can get to deal with the unrelenting blows of 2020. And Mindful Self Compassion offers tools that can help us. This bonus track is a 9-minute guided MSC practice, with Dr. Barbara Moser, a Mindful Self Compassion teacher, mental health and suicide-prevention advocate and retired physician. Feel free to download this so it's handy if/when you need it.

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2020 is testing us. Even the most resilient among us are feeling the strain. Our reserves are depleted. Mindful Self Compassion offers tools that can help us help ourselves; taking short, needed breaks to re-ground and re-frame, speaking to ourselves as we would a dear friend, and deep-breathing.

Our guest, Dr. Barbara Moser, is a MSC teacher, a fierce mental health and suicide-prevention advocate, and a retired medical doctor. She talks about the times, how MSC can help, and then leads us through two practices, teaching us the simple, proven-effective techniques.

It's 24 minutes that could make a lifetime of difference if the tools appeal to you.

https://self-compassion.org/ link to BONUS MSC Practice: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/bonus-track-a-brief-mindful-self-compassion-practice Link to Barbara's first episode: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/mindfulness-and-self-compassion-for-these-stressful-times Link to Barbara's MSC site: CompassionMKE.com

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In these upside-down and unpredictable times, it can feel like everything is out of our control. That makes tools like mindfulness and self compassion even more important since they are readily-accessible tools that can help us regulate and cope with difficult emotions. And when life finally settles (which it will!) these valuable tools will still be available in our self-care and depression-management toolboxes.

Link to more information, exercises and research: self-compassion.org/

Link to research on mindfulness American Mindfulness Research Association: goamra.org/resources/reviewsmeta-analysis/

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"How Are You?" It used to be almost a throw-away question, with the expected answer "fine." Not anymore. Between a deadly and lingering global pandemic, contentious and divided election season, civil unrest over systemic racism, job losses and the countless changes to our everyday routines, these are trying times. To put it mildly. Our guest this week, podcast listener Hobbs, says his emotions have never been more mercurial or closer to the surface. Can you relate?

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In just 21 minutes, you can sample more than a dozen recent episodes of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast. Interviews in this episode focus on mental health during the pandemic and others produced specifically for Suicide Prevention Month. If you're curious about a podcast on depression, whether it would "be depressing," etc. this is an easy way to sample. Thank you for listening. You are not alone. You DO matter. Depression lies.

Links to full episodes: 146: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/could-covid-19-finally-destigmatize-mental-illnenss 147: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/147-returning-to-work-saaire-salton 148: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/148-mental-health-on-the-covid-frontline 149: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/149-stigma-v-recovery-bipolar-disorder-pt1 150: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/150-stigma-vs-recovery-bipolar-disorder-part2 151: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/151-putting-the-breaks-on-a-racing-mind 152: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/152-children-and-depression-susan-ringle 153: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/153-how-the-lies-i-believed-lead-me-to-attempt-suicide-1 154: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/suicide-prevention-month-compilation1 155: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/suicide-prevention-month-compilation1 156: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/156-a-plan-to-keep-you-well-and-safe 157: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/157-planning-for-a-possible-mental-health-crisis

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We buy all kinds of insurance to protect ourselves. A Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is "emotional insurance." It can help us recognize when/why we are in A Good Place, warn us if/when we (or our minds) start to wander into Less-Good Places, and can protect us and give us some control in a mental-health crisisi.

In this episode, Katrina Copple, an advanced-level WRAP facilitator, continues walking us through the process of making a personalized WRAP plan-- something we create when we're well, to speak to and for us when we are not.

links: https://copelandcenter.com/ https://mentalhealthrecovery.com/info-center/ www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

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Let's face it: Self-care is not always a priority. But for those of us living with mental-health challenges, NOT caring for ourselves can put us on a path toward possible crisis.

There are daily actions we can take to nourish and center ourselves. And there are triggers we need to recognize and manage. We all have early warning signs that our "wellness" is being threatened. But do we know and heed them?

Today's podcast is the first of a 2-part look at how to make a Wellness Action Recovery Plan (WRAP) to guide you along the continuum of wellness to possible crisis. By making choices and spelling out a personalized plan when we are well, we can better manage and survive any times when we are not. WRAP Facilitator and CPS Katrina Copple is our guest.

Program links: https://mentalhealthrecovery.com/ https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

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If you are thinking that you don't matter, that you're a failure and a burden and that things will never get better- STOP. Take 21 minutes to listen to a group of people who have had those same thoughts. Some acted on them and lived to regret their attempts. Others came close. ALL are talking to you, offering the powerful message that things can and do get better. TRUST THEM, not depression.

Links mentioned in podcast: Columbia Protocol Questionnaire: https://cssrs.columbia.edu/the-columbia-scale-c-ssrs/cssrs-for-families-friends-and-neighbors/

Full episodes with the people featured: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/113-things-can-and-do-get-better https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/114-im-glad-i-survived-jeannine-part-2 https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/a-suicide-attempt-survivors-story-of-hope-mark-henick https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/if-you-see-something-say-something https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/120-instant-regret https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/123-i-didnt-know-what-to-do https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/act-before-a-crisis-maintaining-mental-health https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/crisis-lines-save-lives-corinne-purtill https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/black-mental-health-matters https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/survivor-steve https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/this-is-her-brave

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In depression's grip, it can be nearly impossible to believe that you will not always feel like you do right now. That you will reconnect with your worth and live a life worth living. But it's true. As Suicide Prevention Month (or Suicide Prevention Awareness Month) begins, we pulled five interviews from our archives that address misconceptions about suicide, the value of crisis lines, and a real-life reminder that suicidal crises pass. Things can and do get better. Links to the full episodes with each guest are below.

Episode links, in order: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/suicide-myths-and-misconceptions-mark-henick https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/a-suicide-attempt-survivors-story-of-hope-mark-henick https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/national-suicide-prevention-lifeline-dr-john-draper https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/crisis-lines-save-lives-corinne-purtill https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/103-crisis-text-line https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/college-depression-justin

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If you have experience with depression, odds are you've experienced its dark thoughts: You are worthless. A burden. Your best days are long gone. Your worst will be worse than your terrible now. What's the point?

But the fact you just read that is a clue: Depression tells us all the same thing. And that should be cause for doubt it's actually true about you.

But since we don't talk about depression and suicide, we each experience it as a private hell. Todays guest, Bob, wants you to know you are not alone, and that the lies aren't true. And that believing them, could literally kill you.

Bob speaks of his lowest-low, and shares how, just a few years later, he's living an authentic life "at the starting point of what happiness is really about." There is hope. There is help. You are not alone. Trust someone who knows.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255) Crisis Text Line: 741-741

Free online mental-health screening and resources: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools

Suicide Warning Signs: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide/index.shtml

https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools

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It's back to school time. And even though that experience is a very-different one this year because of the COVID pandemic, some things are the same. One is the fact that there will be students who experience depression. And if their parents are a potential source of support (emotional and/or financial) they may need to be informed. But how? What if you're afraid they'll dismiss you or tell you to deal with it yourself? That was one college student's fears when he wrote GVTD asking us to do an episode about how to have that discussion. So here are some tips from a therapist on how to best approach the subject.

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Depression is a mental illness that affects how we think, feel and act. Those who have made the effort to learn the symptoms or warning signs still often expect depression to look like sadness. But that leads to us missing the opportunity to help many who present differently. Like children. In this episode, therapist Susan Ringle, who works with and helps children and their families as a registered play therapist, shares her behind-the-scenes expertise and tells us what to look for in children who don't have the words to tell us what's going on in their minds and bodies.

Mental Health America self-screening tools: https://screening.mhanational.org/

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A Giving Voice to Depression podcast listener, who had never spoken publicly about his history or struggles, shares several powerful and memorable metaphors for the experience of living with depression. Wait for the spreadsheet comment- it alone is worth the 16 minutes it takes to listen to this episode!

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You don't have to have depression to be familiar with the cycles of negative thoughts; self shame, blame, doubt and self-criticism. Guest and author Dr. Steven C. Hayes explains how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help "get out of your mind and into your life." In his workbook by that name, Dr. Hayes defines the ACT process as one that hinges on the distinction between pain and suffering." In it, and this episode he helps us "learn to let go of your struggle against pain, assess your values, and then commit to acting in ways that further those values." It's 21-minutes that could help you regain control over your controlling thoughts.

https://stevenchayes.com/about/

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Michelle was told that getting professional help for her mental illnesses would be a stain on her "permament record" that would prevent her from getting into a prestigious college or worse (in her parents' minds) from finding a husband. So her bipolar disorder and anxiety went undiagnosed and untreated for decades. Michelle's story is one of stigma, unnecessary pain and ultimate recovery.

Michelle's article: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/asian-american-mental-illness_n_5cacad09e4b02e7a705dae97

Michelle's Blog: http://www.livingwellhappily.com/

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She knew something was wrong. That she was "different." At times she could not distinguish reality from her troubled thoughts. She begged her parents to bring her to a professional to get help. But they were afraid a diagnosis of mental illness would prevent her from getting into a good college or from finding a husband. So she suffered. Michelle Yang's story is a powerful and important one. Recovery does not happen in the shameful dark.

Michelle's Blog: http://www.livingwellhappily.com/ Michelle's article we referenced: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/asian-american-mental-illness_n_5cacad09e4b02e7a705dae97

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We frequently hear about the high-risk groups for COVID-19. Less attention is paid to the people most likely to have their mental health challenged by the pandemic. Healthcare workers are high on that list. A hospital chaplain/spiritual-care specialist gives us a look behind the curtain at what she sees in the Wisconsin hospitals she's worked in during this strange, historic time.

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/07/coronavirus-special-mental-health-disaster/613510/

https://time.com/5817435/covid-19-mental-health-coronavirus/

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This pandemic has been a roller-coaster. Many of us had our depression and anxiety worsen as a result of the many changes to our daily lives. Now, as our world begin to reopen, there are new stressors and concerns. In this 19-minute episode, we talk with therapist Sa'Aire Salton who challenges businesses to encourage frank discussions with employees to address back-to-work worries.

https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/employee-mental-health https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression#1

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We have all been there. Something we've done routinely without strain, suddenly becomes The Impossible Task. Take a shower? Dishes in the sink? Laundry (yep, putting it away, too!) Returning or answering calls. In this 17-minute podcast episode, we talk with author M. Molly Backes, who knows depression from the inside, too, we discuss this unacknowledged symtom of depression. And she gives it a name, to make it easier to hold.

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Need a laugh? If you listen to our Giving Voice to Depression podcast, you know that I (Terry ) co-host with my sister, Bridget. What you may not realize is that I am also the producer, which means I have to listen for pacing, pronunciation, etc. and make sure the episode is clear and engaging. Steve, our audio engineer, has a lot of jobs too, including walking behind us like the guy with the bucket behind the elephant in a parade, making sure you never see the ... well... mistakes. But we make them all the time! This blooper is from our session recording tomorrow's episode, "The Impossible Task" with guest Molly Backes. (Full, cleaned-up version posting 6/30/20)

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As "invisible" illnesses depression, anxiety and other mental-health challenges are misunderstood, dismissed, even discounted. But living in the stressful, unfamiliar and threatening environment of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an "equalizier." People who have never before conciously had their productivity, abilities and overall well-being affected by something out of their control suddenly find themselves in "our boat." And psychiatrist Jessica Gold thinks that could be what finally destigmatizes mental illness. Please join us for this 17-minute conversation.

https://time.com/5835960/coronavirus-mental-illness-stigma/

http://www.mhawisconsin.org/depressivedisorders.aspx

http://www.mhawisconsin.org/anxiety_disorders.aspx

https://mhanational.org/covid19

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If you thought it was hard to get work done when you "just" battled depression or anxiety, now we're trying to be productive with our mental-health challenges AND new, strange and uncertain conditions including a global pandemic and racial-injustice protests.

In the second of a 2-part interview with writer Sarah Fielding, we look at more strategies to get our work done even when struggling mentally.

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Whether you're continuing to work from home, returning to a job that looks different than before, are looking for new work, or running your home, it can be really hard to get things done when struggling with your mental health. In the first of a 2-part discussion about "Tips for Getting Work Done When You're Struggling," our guest, Sarah Fielding, offers some help.

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A psychiatrist who has treated more than 3,000 people with depression, says it's time to re-frame how we characterize, treat and view people with depression. The current way is not only stigmatizing and potentially dangerous, but flat-out wrong in his experience.

Link to Dr. Cantopher's book if you're interested in learning more: www.amazon.com/Depressive-Illnes…ems/dp/1847092357

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Let's just take a moment, a breath and ask... WTH? (That's "what the hell" for anyone wondering.) The minute it was clear COVID-19 was something that would change our lives and threaten our mental health, we devoted a full season to how to monitor, protect and prioritize our mental health during this global pandemic. From top-level, national mental-health resources to a trusted therapist's advice, to a light-hearted yet vulnerable look at how far two people went to avoid sinking into depression to mindful self-compassion exercises and more, every episode is filled with information and support that's more-personal and understanding than what we're hearing on TV. Please take 18 minutes to hear snippets from each episode, and then listen in full to any/all that resonate with you. We are in different boats, but the same unfamiliar ocean. We're stronger together.

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In these strange and disconnected times, it can be grounding to be reminded we are all connected. We may not be in the same boat during this pandemic, but we are in the same unfamiliar and unpredicatable ocean. In this episode, Dr. Barbara Moser, a certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, guides us in an excercise of connection and strength. It's a bonus episode we hope you'll download and use as needed to manage difficult emotions.

More info, research, meditations and exercises: https://self-compassion.org/

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In these upside-down and unpredictable times, mindfulness and self compassion are two readily-accessible tools to help us regulate and cope with difficult emotions. And when this pandemic ends, they'll still be valuable tools in our self-care and depression-management toolboxes.

Link to more information, exercises and research: https://self-compassion.org/

Link to research on mindfulness American Mindfulness Research Association: https://goamra.org/resources/reviewsmeta-analysis/

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How far would you go to protect your mental health during the COVID pandemic? Would you move in with someone you'd only met twice? That's what Glenn did, in an effort to keep depression under control during this strange and stressful time. It's a "Social Experiment of The Times," and one that had co-host Terry laughing for much of the interview. This episode is intentionally lighter, since we all need a break from bad news!

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How are you? Really? Is this whole pandemic causing you stress? Anxiety? Loneliness? Is your depression worse? It may be normal to feel exhausted and a number of other things in these strange and unsettling times, but it doesn't make it easy. Or healthy. In this podcast episode we talk with a man who says his feelings and emotions are on the surface more than ever.

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Author and psychologist Dr. Melanie Greenberg writes: "The novel coronavirus epidemic has hit the world with a vengeance, creating widespread illness, fear, panic, uncertainty, and death. In many ways, it is the perfect storm of conditions to trigger automatic, primitive brain reactions to danger."

Greenberg offers 5 ways we can rewire our brains to regain some control in these out-of-control times.

Link to article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mindful-self-express/202003/5-ways-rewire-your-brain-deal-coronavirus-stress

Dr. Greenberg's website: https://drmelaniegreenberg.com/about/

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In times of distress and challenge, we all need a trusted advisor to guide us through the maze of anxiety, changes, losses and fears. That's what Psychologist Anita Sanz is during this pandemic. Her first episode last week got more plays more quickly than any other episode we've posted. We don't all have a good, calm, reliable therapist. And if we do, a second one (who doesn't charge) is welcome! We continue our discussion with Dr. Sanz discussing the possible take-aways from this scary disruption, as well as some ideas for starying connected when social distancing is a requirement.

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Whether you live with a mental health challenge or not, the speed and scope of the changes we're all experiencing are affecting our mental health. According to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 4 out of 5 adults say the coronavirus pandemic has affected their mental health. So we asked a therapist to share how she's counseling her clients through the pandemic. The 15 minutes it takes to listen, could save you not only a session fee, but help ease your anxiety.

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With the constant bombardment of news (both accurate and misleading) regarding COVID-19 and the risk to the people who get it, we wanted to share the first-person story of a family of four that has tested positive. What is their experience? What is their message to those of us who are worried?

Pablo's YouTube posts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7WvvjxyQGq6BYrrR8rqnDAZvI9AqOjMN

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You do not have to go through this global healthcare crisis alone. Mental Health America has created and curated trusted and current mental-health information and online self-help resources from a network of reliable sources.

Links below for free, confidential screenings to determine the effects this pandemic is having on your mental health, and to access individualized support recommendations.

https://mhanational.org/covid19 https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools

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As parents, we have a responsibility to prepare our children for life. And there's a strong possibility that future will include mental-health struggles. Speaking openly about mental illness reduces fear, misinformation and stigma. In today's episode, TJ talks about a recent conversation he had with his 9-year-old son. Now is the perfect time to start.

https://www.webmd.com/depression/qa/what-are-signs-and-symptoms-of-depression-in-children

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A 17-minute summary of this season's episodes, including: a father's journey of education and enlightenment from thinking depression was a bad choice to understanding it as an illness; a discussion of how pets play a protective role in our lives; the story of a widow who was convinced to keep the cause of her husband's death by suicide a secret- and the personal cost of that decision; to discussions with a medical researcher about the specific words that indicate "distorted thinking" and can affect our moods, to a 2-part discussion of the fragile, dangerous time beetween inpatient and outpatient psych care. If one or more of the "samples" catches your ear and attention, please listen to it in its entirety. All episodes are under 20 minutes for your convenience.

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The time between inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care is a very fragile one for people who may be suicidal. In the second of our 2-part conversation with Becky Stoll, we discuss some of the best-practices that have been identified, and the ways she and others are working to raise the care bar, and prioritize not only saving lives, but helping patients create and maintain lives they find purposeful and worth living.

Resources mentioned in episode: https://time.com/5709368/how-to-solve-suicide/ and https://www.dropbox.com/s/40c9se12z4dorv2/AA-Best%20Practices%20v9.pdf?dl=1

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As the psychiatric patient, we want to leave the hospital well. Not in crisis. Certainly not suicidal. As the care facility, you want to believe your patients will continue care and recovery. And as the families and loved ones of the people who needed emergency care. we want to exhale and declare the danger passed. But none of those are guaranteed realities in the current mental-health system. In fact, post-discharge is documented to be an extremely-risky time for suicide. In part one of a two-part look at care transition and post-discharge realities, our guest is Becky Stoll, VP for Crisis and Disaster Management for Centerstone, a community-based mental health center.

https://time.com/5709368/how-to-solve-suicide/

file:///C:/Users/there/Downloads/AA-Best%20Practices%20v9.pdf

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The thoughts we have and the words we chose not only define depression, but predict it. In this episode, we speak with a researcher who anaylyzes online mental health forums and other writing samples. Using computers to analyze the words, he finds a direct connection between "absolutist" words and depression, anxiety and suicide. It's good to know the words so we can recognize them in ourselves and others.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/depression-language-differently-mental-health-kurt-cobain-a8194731.html

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Losing a loved one to suicide is very different from death by other causes. It can be made even worse by thoughtless or hurtful comments. Likewise, because many don't know what to say, they offer no condolences leaving the grieving person/people feeling shunned, further perpetuating stigma around suicide.

In "Words Matter When Discussing Suicide," Deb Sherwood shares the outrageous comments that were made after her husband's suicide. She also offers some tips on better alternatives.

Article on recommended things to say after a suicide: https://www.self.com/story/help-friend-suicide-loss-survivor

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"Shame festers in dark places. The more the family hides, or denies, that their loved one died by suicide, the more the shame will grow inside of them. By keeping the suicide secret, they are buying into the idea that their loved one did something shameful, and that it brought shame to them." That's a quote from Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, a researcher, author, and suicide educator. It sounds academic. But imagine if the very day you found your beloved husband of 31 years dead by his own hand, you were convinced to keep his suicide a secret. That's Deb Sherwood's story. And it's a lesson for all that secrecy breeds shame, and light allows healing.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/left-behind-after-suicide

https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2013/06/30/keeping-suicide-secret/?subscribe=success#blog_subscription-2

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"Clinical depression is a gradual process of falling out of recovery, ultimately leading to the inability to function. By regularly monitoring the state of your body, mind and spirit, it is possible to identify relapse symptoms early on and take action to prevent major depression." This episode is a disccusion with author Douglas Bloch, who wrote that. Douglas believes there are identifiable stages before depression that offer opportunities to prevent full relapse.

Douglas's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/healingdepression Blog post re: Relapse Prevention: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/preventing-depression-relapse-douglas-bloch

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A candid conversation with a father and grandfather about his journey to understanding and accepting depression as a real and serious illness. Though he grew up believing we could all "chose to be positive," when his own daughter was diagnosed and hospitalized, he quickly realized he'd been wrong.

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If you have a pet, you understand the value of the connection you have. In today's episode, we speak with a woman about the integral role her dogs play in her mental health. Whether or not you're an animal lover, it's a good reminder of the needs for companionship, exercise, acceptance, a schedule, etc.

Lori's matchmaking website: www.smartfunnysingle.com Two articles on pets and mental health: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/February-2018/How-Dogs-Can-Help-with-Depression https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/pets-depression#1

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We miss what we were before depression moved in; hopeful, vital, positive, connected. In a wide-ranging conversation, GVTD speaks with Savannah Wall about her experience of depression and the things she missed the most-- including herself.

The full article that prompted the episode: https://savannahwall.wordpress.com/2018/12/22/when-youre-homesick-for-all-that-you-were-before-depression/

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A young woman stops during a magical holiday moment to tweet her 14-year-old suicidal self that the fight IS worth it, that recovery is possible and that you will not always feel the way you do now. It's a New Year's message of hope and recovery that we are re-broadcasting in the hopes you'll listen, internalize and share Charlotte's message. May 2020 bring you peace and mental health.

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If you are struggling this Christmas, with depression, loneliness, grief or anything else that really hurts, please know that many others feel the same way, and that you will not always feel the way you do today. If you live in the U.S., please call 800-273-8255 or text 741-741 and talk to a trained listener, if you do not have another option. If you live elsewhere, please Google "crisis line." Giving Voice to Depression has a Facebook page with thousands of people with depression who support each other. Please hold on and know that you DO matter. This holiday, and this terrible feeling will pass. You Matter!!

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The Best Gifts Ever Rebroadcast by Giving Voice to Depression

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Season 11 of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast was packed with peer support and powerful stories of people just like us who were in the very darkest of places, and found their ways out. You'll hear from a childhood-trauma survivor, a man who survived a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge, a social worker who is using his lived-experience to connect with others, and five others in this 19-minute summary of our nine most-recent episodes.

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The time to plan for a crisis, is never during the crisis. Those of us with depression know the dark, ruminative thoughts can turn from oppressive to dangerous. We need to be ready. A crisis safety plan that lists needed information to keep you safe, written with a calm, clear mind, is a gift you can give yourself.

https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/ https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ellen-Copeland/e/B000APF2WG/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 Virtual Hope Box: http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/virtual-hope-box My3: http://www.my3app.org/

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If your depression and dark thoughts cross over to suicidal intent, do you know what to do? Sara does a lot of work in suicide prevention. Her PhD dissertation research is on suicide, stress and depression. But when her own depression and anxiety peaked one morning bringing her to the very edge of suicidal intent, she had no idea what to do. Her story is a reminder that we need to plan before we are in crisis. https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/

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A college student writes GVTD asking us to address how teens can tell their parents their lives have been changed by what they think or know is depression, when they expect to be ridiculed by their family instead of supported. A psychologist shares some do's and don'ts.

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A young man who was literally hiding in his apartment closet because his depression, anxiety and alcoholism had made that seem logical, is now a social worker in the very same mental-health facility in which he was treated. When we say recovery is possible and things can change, it's because people like Jordan are living proof. Please take 18 minutes to honor his honesty and sharing.

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If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please have them (you) take 15 minutes to listen to Ken's story. It is a rare opportunity to speak with someone who survives an attempt, especially one from the Golden Gate Bridge, who can tell you they had instant regret when they started to fall, that all the things that seemed unsolvable in life suddenly didn't anymore, and that in the water below they begged for rescue and life. It is powerful and it is real.

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An intimate and candid conversation with a survivor of a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge about intervention, suicide prevention, hope, treatment and recovery. If you think the phrases "suicide is preventable" or "reach out to someone who is struggling" are just slogans in mental health campaigns, Ken will have you rethinking that.

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Depression can make us want to give up. Trauma can add anger, shame, guilt and other strong emotions to the mix. Renee's inspiring story is about never giving up on yourself or your recovery. When meds didn't work for her, she tried something else. Then something else. And something else. Until she eventually found therapies that allow her to feel "like a new person." You deserve the help you need, even when it's hard to find.

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There are times we are In It and the simplest of tasks feel impossible. For the times before and after that (yes, there IS an after!) here are some tips for staying focused and motivated when trying to get work done.

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/motivation-work-tasks

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We begin Season 11 of this podcast, with two practical episodes on how to motivate ourselves to do work when we're struggling mentally. We speak with NYC-based writer Sarah Fielding about an article she recently wrote on the topic for healthline.com. These tips might not apply to times we aren't cooking or showering, but they're good reminders for times we're functional, but not at 100%.

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Ten podcast episodes condensed and highlighted in 16 minutes. If you've ever wondered what this podcast is like, how hearing shared stories can make us feel less alone, and what we can learn from each other, this is a great opportunity

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After doing a story on Giving Voice to Depression, a popular TV news anchor said he couldn't stand on the sidelines and call the people who share their stories to connect with others in darkness brave, and not tell his own story.

(Link to Ted's report on the GVTD podcast) https://fox6now.com/2018/02/22/former-tv-news-anchor-helps-those-suffering-depression-with-podcast-i-can-give-voice/

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Ten episodes summarized in 17 minutes.

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30+ years after a suicide attempt that left her in a coma, Jeannine looks back on that day, and on what she would have missed if she had died that hopeless day. For Suicide Prevention Month, please listen to and share this episode. When you're "in it," you do not think you will ever get out. We need to know, believe and spread the message that the bottom is not the end.

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For World Suicide Prevention Day, we wanted to introduce you to a suicide-attempt survivor, We wanted you to hear her talk about the good and bad of the life she never would have experienced had she not "failed" at her attempt. (We talk about that word!) Please honor our guest's honesty by sharing this episode. http://jeanninerivers.com/

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Depression can cause pain, and pain can cause depression.(*) Living with either can be really difficult. Living with both challenges the strongest. Our guest Stacy, has fibromyalgia and active major depressive disorder. Yet she laughs, offers hope to others and works daily to better manage the realities of a life she's still making peace with.

(*)Mayo Clinic

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When sick with the flu or a fever we know we can call in to school or work and be honest. And excused. But when it's A Mental Illness, that is not the case. The state of Oregon recently passed a law to level the playing field, so that K-12 students can call in sick when depressed, anxious or some other "invisible illness." We speak with one of the students who helped pass the law, and a social worker who had mental health days as a child.

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We learn by asking questions. Even if years later than we wish we had. In this episode, Elliot reflects on a relationship with a woman with depression, and realizes his lack of understanding was part of the problem. A therapists answers each question he wishes he'd asked years ago.

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As individuals, we don't have control over world events. But when tragic news fills 24-hour news cycles, we have a responsibility to ourselves to tune in and make choices that limit the impact on our mental health. Our guest, Dr. Robert Duff (Duff the Psych,) talks about the line between being informed and being negatively impacted.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/violent-media-anxiety_n_6671732 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803729/ https://www.duffthepsych.com/

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Grief and depression can look and feel similar. Yet they are distinctly-different experiences. Grief, although excruciating. can ultimately be healing. Depression, without diagnosis and treatment, can be life threatening.

Jennifer Bartolotta is intimately familiar with both. She has experienced depression's weight. And she is currently grieving the recent death of her husband, Joe.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-new-grief/201203/when-does-grief-become-depression

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Living with depression requires resilience, strength and sometimes-heroic efforts to find and fan hope's embers. Jennifer, currently on medical leave for her illness, struggles to find lasting relief in meds. In this 18-minute episode, she discusses self-harm, distraction techniques and how her lived-experience helps teens at the high school where she works.

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Decades passed between the time a little boy screamed in pain into his pillow, and his adult self recognized that suffering as depression. This conversation is his first public exchange about the illness, and the shame and stigma that kept him from revealing this part of himself. (Remember that depression IS only one part of us. It can seem to negate all the others at times, but it is just one component of our whole selves!) Please honor Jon's journey by listening to and sharing his story. #YouAreNotAlone #StrongerTogether #NoShame

Jon's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxlVwfFkjH7dE-uz3_Q5WmQ/featured and website: https://cleaningwarrior.com/

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Depression is, to put it mildly, an unwanted guest in our minds and bodies. Yet, for those who experience it regularly, it can help to look for some value, some take-away, some "terrible gift" in the experience. Kristin "owns her shadow," and uses depression's voice to express herself in poetry. Hers is a gentle, allowing and unique perspective on an illness many of us simply despise.

To learn more about Kristin and her poetry: KristinRoedell.wikidot.com

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Mental health conditions do not discriminate. However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. For National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we talk with Phillip Roundtree, A mental-health professional discusses how cultural beliefs and stigma prevented him from getting help for his depression for years. He now takes his empowering message to schools and conferences because, like all mental health, Black mental health matters.

http://quadefyllc.net/

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People with heart problems do not wait for a heart attack to address them. People with diabetes do not rely solely on an epipen to control their illness. And people with mental health challenges cannot wait until suicidal thoughts necessitate emergency actions. Self-care and depression-management involve tuning in with your changing thoughts/moods, establishing and using a safety plan and personalized tools that work for you. No illness is easier to treat when it's an emergency.

https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

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This short, refreshingly-candid episode kicks stigma in the teeth, addresses the way depression takes normal life events and twists them into cause for despair, and how owning our full range of emotions frees us to better deal with the illness.

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Short but important: In less than 16 minutes, you can sample interviews with a trauma surgeon, school psychologist, NFL Hall of Famer, a suicide-prevention expert and the Crisis Text Line. It's the perfect way to sample the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, and to then go back and listen to full episodes that interest you. Please listen and share.

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Many people, for many reasons, prefer to text vs. call. The Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 support, referrals and connection to people in crisis. You do NOT have to be suicidal to call, though the trained staff can certainly handle those calls as well. Life can be very hard. It can help a lot (even be life-saving) to communicate with someone who is caring, non-judgmental and always available. You are not alone!

https://www.crisistextline.org/ https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/national-suicide-prevention-lifeline-dr-john-draper

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A Philadelphia trauma surgeon whose depression required hospitalization learns what it's like to be a patient. He shares his story in the hopes that others will learn from his frightening experience and believe him when he says recovery is possible, no matter how deeply depressed you are.

Article link: https://medschool.ucsd.edu/som/hear/resources/Documents/Out_of_the_Straitjacket_NEJM_Perspective.pdf

YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qBobGOF0fs&t=5s

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"Physician heal thyself." But what happens when depression convinces you you're not worthy of healing? Physicians face unique circumstances during their education, training and careers known to lead to depression; sleep deprivation, the stresses of life-and-death decisions, routinely facing human suffering and more. In this episode, Dr. Michael Weinstein, a trauma surgeon, candidly discusses his depression, the "revolution" needed in medical training, and the long road of recovery. In part two, we'll hear more of his personal story.

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In his 16 seasons in the NFL (13 with the Philadelphia Eagles and three with the Denver Broncos) Brian Dawkins earned the nickname "Weapon X" and a reputation as one of the league's hardest hitters. Yet when depression was his opponent, Dawkins nearly lost the fight. He retired recently to become a mental-health advocate and philanthropist. He joined GVTD co-host Terry for a candid discussion about how continues to tackle depression.

https://www.briandawkins.com/ betterman.gotothehub.com

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Research makes clear that young people often tell each other vs. an adult when they are struggling or even suicidal. In this episode we talk with a suicide-prevention specialist and Dr. Jennifer Krzewina, a school district mental-health coordinator who understand that kids need to be given the language and the permission to discuss mental health to keep themselves and their friends healthy and safe.

Menasha Joint School District website: www.mjsd.k12.wi.us/

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Teens need to know they are safe, even welcome, to share their innermost thoughts about suicide and suicidal thoughts. Yet, often unintentionally, parents and other adults shut down that communication. In Part Two of our 3-part conversation with suicide- prevention expert Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, we look at five more reasons teen avoid talking to parents about this potentially-fatal topic. Please share. #StrongerTogether

Link to full list: http://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2013/05/29/parents-and-teens/

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Teens are more likely to share suicidal thoughts with another teen than with a parent. Why? What are parents doing that shuts down that potentially-lifesaving communication? In part one of a series of conversations with Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, author of Helping the Suidical Person, we look at the first 5 of 10 reasons teens give for shutting-out their parents.

https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2013/05/29/parents-and-teens/ https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/about-stacey-freedenthal/stacey-freedenthal-phd-lcsw/

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Ten podcast episodes condensed and highlighted in 16 minutes. If you've ever wondered what this podcast is like, how hearing shared stories can make us feel less alone, and what we can learn from each other, this is a great opportunity.

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Nearly half of the people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety disorder. This week's guest Jordan, talks about his anxiety and his struggle to be properly diagnosed. He also shares about his post-surgical depression, which is more common than many realize. It's an episode filled with great perspective, advice, and even some laughs.

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Today we launch a new bonus feature, looking into some self-care techniques that might be good additions to your self-care tool kits. Guest Brad Yates describes Tapping, or EFT as "a remarkable healing modality based on the same principles that have been used for thousands of years in acupuncture—but without the needles." Again, we're not health-care professionals. We're sharing some things podcast listener's have told us, or that we've encountered on our own, as possible aids for our depression-management tool kits.

https://tapwithbrad.mykajabi.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/eftwizard

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Tara, who says she's never hidden her depression, but has never been able to clearly explain the "otherness" of living with the illness, sits down with Giving Voice to Depression to share about shower-crying, infomercials and the need for connection and non-judgement while "in it." Please listen and share.

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In last week's episode, "When Art Imitates Depressed Life," artist Jeff Beier talked about a series of paintings he created to make an invisible illness visible in a graphic and powerful way. (https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/91-when-art-imitates-depressed-life) In his second episode he shares the story behind the paintings, and some of the less-healthy/creative ways he dealt with his mental-health challenges in the past, and the better methods he now knows and uses. http://jeffbeier.com

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When an artist's paintings changed from flowers, trees and butterflies to powerful visceral displays of depression's darkness and pain... Jeff Beier made the decision that series, named "Incidamus," the Latin word for depression, had to be shown and felt and discussed. The public display of his private pain is creating "visceral honesty between strangers." If you've ever wondered if being honest about your depression could help you and/or another person, Jeff will remove any doubt.

See the paintings under "Galleries" and then "Incidamus" : http://jeffbeier.com/live/

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A triple-board-certified medical doctor discusses the "catastrophic increase" in depression and other mood disorders, and connects that to leaky gut syndrome. Dr. Zach Bush talks with podcast co-host Bridget about how understanding the role of environmental factors in our depression empowers us to change our environment to change our depression.

https://zachbushmd.com/

https://www.produceretailer.com/article/news-article/2018-dirty-dozen-and-clean-15-lists-released

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection

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A son learns of his father's depression and suicidal thoughts only after he is hospitalized for them. Since then, the two have realized the dangers of hiding an illness, and the many benefits of sharing our experiences. This is a beautiful story of two men who prove that stigma can be dangerous, and truth can heal for generations to come.

https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/the-best-gifts-ever

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Living with depression or other mental-health challenges can be really difficult. There is so much we can't control. But there are also things we can; helpful, positive actions we can take that promote recovery, AND thoughts and behaviors that make things worse (or impede recovery progress.) Guest Katherine Ponte realized six things she'd done that "got in her own way." She chose to share vs. hide them, so others could learn from her mistakes.

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/January-2019/Coping-with-Mental-Illness-What-Not-to-Do

https://www.forlikeminds.com/

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The mother of a teenager who recently died by suicide reaches out to other struggling teens to say emotions are hard and it's okay to need help managing them. The more honest you are about what you're going through, the more effective your treatment, therapy or other help can be. And if it's a friend who is struggling, tell someone. Depression lies. But it's our responsibility to tell the truth about what's going on. It could literally save a life.

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The world loves guarantees. We want to be assured that if A, then B. It comforts us and soothes our souls to believe in truths we can rely upon. But suicide prevention doesn't work like that. Knowing the signs and risk factors is a huge step. Being with someone and listening non-judgmentally can work wonders. But medications, therapy, doctors, hospitalizations and a loving family, cannot always protect against depression's despair. It's a Tragic Truth that just weeks after the death of her 18-year-old son to suicide, Patty is willing to discuss, to try to spare another family the pain hers is experiencing.

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A clinical psychologist outlines the signs of depression, what we should do if we recognize them, AND how we can help and support other people who are struggling, including advice and the language to use to do so.

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Lonely. Isolated. Feeling like a burden. Those are familiar symptoms of depression. Add in being elderly, watching your body fail, living in elder care and believing mental health is not a topic of polite conversation, and you have a recipe for dark days. Please listen to 93-year-old Mary's story, and her plea that we check in (briefly but regularly) with the elders in our life so they know they still matter.

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Ignoring the signs of depression in a child has life-long effects. A 70-year-old woman who tried as a child to get attention and support for her pain issues a plea to all adults to tune in and step in if a child in your life is struggling with mental health challenges.

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Depression is too dark a path to walk alone. Each week, caring men and women who have been there share their personal stories, coping/management strategies and most importantly, messages of hope and recovery on this podcast. If you're not sure you're interested in "a podcast on depression" sample nine episodes in 21 minutes and find out. (There are six other season summaries too.) Each episode explores a different perspective of and experience with depression. Thank you so much for honoring our guests by listening.

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As parents, we have a responsibility to prepare our children for life. And there's a strong possibility that future will include mental-health struggles. Speaking openly about mental illness reduces fear, misinformation and stigma. In today's episode, TJ talks about a recent conversation he had with his 9-year-old son. Now is the perfect time to start.

https://www.webmd.com/depression/mental-health-depression-children#1

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A 23-year-old woman stops during a magical moment to tweet to her 14-year-old suicidal self that the fight IS worth it, that things can and will change, that you will not always feel the way you do right now, that hope wins and you are NOT alone. It's a New Year's message of hope and recovery that we hope you'll listen to, internalize and share. May 2019 bring you peace and mental health.

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This is a special Christmas edition of our podcast, written and produced especially for YOU, who are struggling right now. It's only 6-minutes long, and we believe it will resonate with and comfort you like it does us. You are not alone. You do matter. People DO care. It WILL pass. Come hang out on our Facebook page today if you need support.

John's article, if you'd like to read vs. hear it is linked here: https://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/12/24/to-those-who-struggle-this-christmas/

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A man who has never before spoken publicly about his struggle with depression, reached out to tell his story and to thank all those who have shared before him, opening the door for him to creep through. Dan says he now realizes that speaking about his depression instead of treating it like a shameful secret, takes some of the power away from the illness.

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Being "Merry," "Happy" or "Joyous" can be a tall order for anyone, regardless of the date on the calendar. If you are depressed, alone, grieving or any number of other things, it can be nearly impossible. Today's guest, a self-care consultant, talks about boundaries, realistic expectations and meaningful traditions vs. those aggressively marketed to us. He also shares one of the sweetest favorite-Christmas stories ever! Create a holiday that works for you and does not threaten your mental health.

Previous Episode :https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/survivor-steve Steve's website: https://iamsteveaustin.com/

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The tables turn on the Giving Voice to Depression podcast hosts. UK podcaster Dan Udale asks about how and why we started, what our experiences of depression are, what the bully tells us and more. And during it all, we laugh. Because even people with depression have humor. Though it's damn near impossible to access when we're "in it."

Full interview available here: https://anchor.fm/knowyourself/episodes/Know-Yourself---Episode-68---An-interview-with-Terry-from-Giving-Voice-to-Depression-podcast-e2gt5n

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Silence feeds and breeds stigma. When we discuss, teach and learn about mental health, we see it as just another treatable illness. With the British Royal Family joining the effort, that is more possible now than ever. Today's guest, Bobby Temps, has a mental health podcast in the UK. He is also petitioning for mandatory mental-health education in schools there. Please join us as we discuss the life-saving value of discussion. http://mentalpodcast.co.uk

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Even if you've been diagnosed with and treated for depression, you may still find yourself exhausted and lacking vitality. A GVTD podcast listener and Facebook community member reached out to tell us he learned his symptoms were caused by an inability to process a B-vitamin, and simply taking a supplement has really helped with his energy. This isn't a commercial or an endorsement. It's a first-person account of a treatment that you might want to look into.

https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/genetic-testing-for-personalized-depression-meds

Description of the MTHFR gene: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/MTHFR#

This is more of an informal explanation: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-integrationist/201409/genetic-mutation-can-affect-mental-physical-health

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Using his life experiences, learned lessons, near suicide, and even a goose, today's guest offers a formula for connection, which leads to hope, and can save lives. There are so many ways we can connect with others. And it can make SUCH a difference. Please listen and share.

https://www.davidwoodsbartley.com/

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Holidays are suppose to be happy times. But the pressure, expectations and family interactions can make this a a very difficult time for those with mental-health challenges. This revised episode offers some advice on not getting caught up in Holiday Expectations, and "the best and kindest thing" you can do this time of year for someone in your life who is struggling.

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It can be so, so hard when you are in depression's darkness to believe anyone who says "it passes," "it will get better," or even "you are loved and needed." Mark Henick, a suicide-attempt survivor has the lived experience, perspective and empathy to reach out with his message of hope and recovery. He has been there. He knows. Please listen and share and hang on.

Mark's TED Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QoyTmeAYw

We'll be back with new episodes mid-November.

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Depression is too dark a path to walk alone. Each week, caring men and women who have been there share their experiences, coping/management strategies and most importantly, messages of hope and recovery on this podcast. If you're not sure you're interested in "a podcast on depression" or if there's anything you'd relate to, sample nine episodes and find out. (There are five other season summaries too. Each episode explores a different perspective of and experience with depression.) Thank you so much for honoring our guests by listening. (Seasons 5 and 6 were sponsored by the Charles E Kubly Foundation- dedicated to improving the lives of those with depression. Thank you!)

https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/

800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 741-741 Text Line

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Brené Brown writes: “Shame derives its power from being unspeakable.” In this episode, Alex Brown takes the power away from depression by naming it as a common illness. She takes away its shame by owning it. And she takes the idea that keeping our mental-health struggles to ourselves is our best choice, and exposes it for the falsehood it is.

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People with heart problems do not wait for a heart attack to address them. People with diabetes do not rely solely on an epipen to control their illness. And people with mental health challenges cannot wait until suicidal thoughts necessitate emergency actions. Self-care and depression-management involve tuning in with your changing thoughts/moods, establishing and using a safety plan and personalized tools that work for you. No illness is easier to treat when it's an emergency.

https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

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Suicide prevention hotlines are available 24/7, ensuring there is always somewhere and someone you can turn to when in crisis. That does not mean there is no one in your life who would help, though it may mean depression has convinced you that's the case. Corinne Purtill credits the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK) with saving her life, and she's speaking up so that we'll know the bottom does not need to mean the end.

https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

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Don't ever hesitate to offer empathy and support to someone who is struggling because you fear you are not "qualified" to help. Sometimes our lived-experience is the best qualification there is. An open heart and a willingness to listen without judgment are the two best gifts we can offer. Please listen to and share these stories about how a Facebook community helped two women in distress.

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Many who struggle with mental-health challenges wonder why people don't step up and support us. It may be partly because we don't share what we're going through (for many reasons.) It is also partly because we have not been taught HOW to be there for someone. What should we say? When should we say it? What's helpful? What's not? Our guest, Sam Dylan Finch, shares 11 ways his loved ones have supported him in mental health crises. They are proven, doable things that could really lighten someone's load, or even save a life. We detailed five ways in part one. This episodes explores the final six ways to suit up and show up for someone who is struggling. Please listen and share. The more we know the better we can support our loved ones. And the more they know, the better they can care for us.

Complete list: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/

Link to Sam's How to Reach Out for Support episodes: https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/how-to-reach-out-part-one-sam-dylan-finch and https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/how-to-reach-out-part-two-sam-dylan-finch

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We hear (and say) "reach out for help if you need it." But for many reasons, including stigma, awkwardness, and lack of training, many people -- even those in danger-- do not. So it's our responsibility to learn how to offer help to the people in our lives who may need it. Our guest, Sam Dylan Finch, shares 11 ways his loved ones have supported him in mental health crises. They are proven, doable things that could really lighten someone's load, or even save a life. We detail five ways in part one, and the final six next week in part two. Please listen and share. The more we know the better we can support our loved ones. And the more they know, the better they can care for us. See Sam's full list at: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/

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This episode features the utterly-amazing story of a mother's battle with guilt and depression after "causing" a car accident that left her daughter paralyzed. The crash was tragic, but their journey through it reminds us that while there is so much sadness and pain in the world, there is also so much hope. Stick with it till the end.

link to Cindy's blog: http://www.strugglingwithserendipity.com/

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After losing his father to suicide as a child, an adult Sebastian Slovin embarks on a journey of recovery and discovery. What starts out as an investigation to understand his father's death, ends up providing a deeper understanding of how to live a truer life.

Learn more about Sebastian and his father in the book Ashes in the Ocean, available on Amazon.com

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More law-enforcement officers die by suicide than are killed in the line of duty. Former Sheriff's Deputy Monica Quesnell shares her story of how witnessing a suicide convinced her she needed to quit her job as a first responder so she could focus on the things that make her happy. http://bespokehappiness.com/

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In a rebroadcast of our Season Three in Review, we thank everyone who has come forward to share their experience with depression, as well as the Charles E. Kubly Foundation for its sponsorship and our first grant! In this review, we summarize and feature highlights from each of the episodes. If one catches your eye (or ear,) please listen to it in its entirety.

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Heading off to college, especially as a freshman, is exciting! It can also be a very stressful and potentially-dangerous time. We strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with the signs of depression, and making your student aware of them too, so that if they present you recognize them and take steps to get support before a crisis. In today's episode, a re-broadcast, a college student shares the story of his struggle with depression and how, with the help of his parents and a network of friends he once denied having, he has learned to manage his illness and live a life he once thought impossible.

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifesty…on/art-20048327

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Podcast co-hosts Bridget and Terry look back at the intimate, informative stories of both struggle and resilience that guests shared in Season Five. They highlight some of the lessons that impacted and stuck with them. If any of the episodes resonate with you, please listen to them in their entirety on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, etc. And please share this episode. It's a "shallow-end" way for someone to sample the podcast.

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Stigma, shame and the fact depression is still (too) often seen as a weakness or failing, cause many people with the common illness to hide their struggles and pain behind a mask. While this can be a healthy coping mechanism, it can also be dangerous as it prevents us not only from living as authentic human beings, but also from getting the help and support we need to live healthy, connected lives.

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How do you forgive yourself for a suicide attempt? Is it the first step to recovery? Is it a necessary step? Is it even possible? This episode's guest, John, shares that self-forgiveness is the major, stubborn stumbling block on his road to recovery. Yet, in spite of that, he has made huge strides toward living a healthy life and he challenges others to acknowledge and celebrate their progress, even in the face of roadblocks.

Article referenced: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/how-to-forgive-yourself-five-not-so-simple-but-important-steps/

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Men, programmed from childhood to be "tough," and not to feel, name or express emotions, never to cry and to "man up," are all-too-often reluctant to seek needed help and support for their depression. Roro Asmar, a "manly man" by any measure, says it's long past time to redefine what it means to be masculine and strong. The 6'4" body builder, football player and business owner says "coming out about his depression was one of the most freeing and courageous things" he has ever done. Men are dying because of shame and ignorance. Depression is an illness, not a weakness. Please listen and share to spread that message.

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Finding the right medication to treat depression can be frustrating at best, and dangerous at worst. The trial-and-error method now used, complete with 6-12 week waiting periods to see if an Rx works, then weaning off to try another is unacceptable when relief is needed asap. Genetic testing, done with a cheek swab, can now narrow the search and provide info about which meds will work best for YOUR particular biology, and as (or more) importantly, which meds may cause problems. Megan Amaya shares her struggle to find the right medication, and how genetic testing gave her the scientific proof she needed to do so. Link for more info: https://genomind.com/the-genecept-assay/genetic-testing-better-depression-treatment/

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It can be so, so hard when you are in depression's darkness to believe anyone who says "it passes," "it will get better," or even "you are loved and needed." Mark Henick, a suicide-attempt survivor has the lived experience, perspective and empathy to reach out with his message of hope and recovery. He has been there. He knows. Please listen and share and hold on. Mark's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QoyTmeAYw

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A suicide-attempt survivor and mental-health advocate sets the record straight about several common misconceptions including the idea people attempt "for attention" and that suicide occurs "out of the blue, with no warning."

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Recent back-to-back celebrity suicides have put the topic in the headlines. But for many, the thought is there regularly. Help is, too! The vast majority of people who consider suicide get through the crisis period alive. Dr. John Draper, director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline talks about how the service helps people, and the importance of knowing and believing that help and hope exist.

800-273-TALK (8255) https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ https://www.bethe1to.com

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Depression is too dark and heavy to face alone. So we're told to "reach out for help." But HOW? What words do we use, especially when we might not have the energy or the insight to articulate our struggle? And how the hell are we suppose to come up with effective language that honors we deserve help when depression convinces us no one cares, or that we're a burden. This 2-part podcast will tell you how! Our guest, Sam Dylan Finch, took the time to make a list of 10 Ways to Reach Out. In part two, we will explore the last five of them. Please listen AND share. It's potentially life-saving and certainly life-supporting information. Here is a link to Sam's article which you can print out as a reminder/resource: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/

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Depression is too dark and heavy to face alone. So we're told to "reach out for help." But HOW? What words do we use, especially when we might not have the energy or the insight to articulate our struggle? And how the hell are we supposed to come up with effective language that honors we deserve help when depression convinces us no one cares, or that we're a burden. This 2-part podcast will tell you how! Our guest, Sam Dylan Finch, took the time to make a list of 10 Ways to Reach Out. In part one, we will explore five of them. Please listen AND share. It's potentially life-saving and certainly life-supporting information.

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(We're putting the finishing touches on 10 fresh episodes for a new season starting 5.29.18) Today's episode is a re-broadcast of a review of the second season of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast. Our audio quality has improved greatly since then, but the messages of these early interviews are still inspiring and important. We hope you'll take 15 minutes to listen.

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(We are taking a 2-week break to produce episodes for our fifth season.) Today's episode is a re-broadcast of a review of the very first season of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast. Our audio quality has improved greatly since then, but the messages of these early interviews are still inspiring and important. We hope you'll take 9 minutes to listen. We'll be back with a new season 5.29.18 Thank you.

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Podcast co-hosts Bridget and Terry look back at the intimate, hopeful, informative stories and information shared in Season Four, and highlight some of the lessons that impacted and stuck with them. If any of the episodes resonate with you, please listen to them in their entirety on iTunes, SoundCloud, etc or at GivingVoiceToDepression.com

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Travis not only had suicidal thoughts, he had a plan. In one last desperate attempt, he phoned a stranger for help. As a result, his plan changed to one of treatment and recovery. Travis shares his story of strength, hope and redemption.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 (TALK)

https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/suicide-prevention-part-one

https://soundcloud.com/givingvoicetodepression/suicide-prevention-part-two

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After profiling Giving Voice to Depression for a television news feature, a news anchor/reporter felt compelled to "come off the sidelines" and share his own experience of depression publicly for the first time.

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One of the dangers of not talking about mental health challenges, is that people may not identify their struggles as an illness and so not reach out for help and support. Matt, who did not realize he was depressed and has never spoken about it, shares his story and how creating music helped him clear depression's fog. www.mattsteady.com

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Rebecca Lombardo fights a battle inside her mind every single day. But she doesn't fight it alone. Listen as a Detroit-area couple shares the lessons learned in their 17-year marriage; lessons about communication, boundaries, love, and bi-polar disorder.

https://www.rebeccalombardo.com/

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While we would all prefer to learn life lessons from much gentler teachers, depression can reveal things that are good to know. Tom Wavre, an advocate for mental health in the workplace and the founder and driving force behind www.iam1in4.com a site and social media campaign that is followed by over 70,000 globally, shares a list of things for which he is grateful to his depression.

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A psychiatrist who has treated more than 3,000 people with depression, says it's time to re-frame how we characterize, treat and view people with depression. The current way is not only stigmatizing and potentially dangerous, but flat-out wrong in his experience.

Link to Dr. Cantopher's book if you're interested in learning more: https://www.amazon.com/Depressive-Illness-Strong-Overcoming-Problems/dp/1847092357

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We think of depression as an illness that commonly "strikes" in teen years. But for many young children, it starts much earlier. Nicholas began having suicidal thoughts at eight. At 13, he is sharing his story for the first time in hopes of helping other kids who might be suffering like he did.

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A pioneer in integrative medicine and psychiatry says we need to look beyond meds to all available tools when treating depression; and that certain tests (blood, urine, hair, etc.) can uncover underlying causes.

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A clinical psychologist outlines the signs of depression, what we should do if we recognize them, AND how we can help and support other people who are struggling, including advice and the language to use to do so.

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A psychologist and author, whose specialty is taking complex psychological issues and breaking them down into plain language, offers some techniques to help manage depression.

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In part two of our Suicide Prevention series, Dr. Barbara Moser gives us the language and some practical tips for how to have the difficult but necessary conversations with someone you care about who might be suicidal. It's 16-minutes that could save a life.

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/

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We often hear that suicide is preventable. But what does that really mean? What do we need to know and understand to be able to help someone through a suicidal crisis? Dr. Barbara Moser, who works in suicide prevention, gives us the straight answers and the language to use. It's 14 minutes that could save a life.

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As we wrap up our third season, we thank everyone who has come forward to share their experience with depression, as well as the Charles E. Kubly Foundation for its sponsorship and our first grant! In this review, we summarize and feature highlights from each of the episodes. If one catches your eye (or ear,) please listen to it in its entirety.

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Depression affects more than the people who live with it. In this episode, a young couple talks about their experience with the illness; one as a person who lives with it, and the other as her supportive partner. We also discuss how stigma and the pressures to appear "unaffected" can make matters worse.

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Hearing the first-person accounts in the Giving Voice to Depression podcast lead to group discussions, and positively influenced the cast of a NY play that focuses on the life of a child with a depressed and suicidal mother.

link: https://www.thetribenyc.com/every-brilliant-thing

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An adult-- who was that undiagnosed depressed child-- looks back on a lifetime of depression and urges parents, teachers and society as a whole, to tune-in and step-in if a child in your life exhibits signs of depression. (link to symptoms below)

LINKS: https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-children#1 and the documentary Not Alone on Netflix

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A stand-up comedian and former writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno discusses depression with perspective, candor and humor. What's funny about depression? Not a damn thing. But people WITH depression can be funny, because it's only one facet of Our Selves.

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A crisis-line supervisor discusses about the power of listening, helping people find their own path to wellness, and offering hope

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A look at Scrooge through a therapist's compassionate lens, some advice on not getting caught up in Holiday Expectations, and "the best and kindest thing" you can do this time of year for someone in your life who is struggling.

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A mental-health professional discusses how cultural beliefs and stigma prevented him from getting help for his depression for years. He now takes his empowering message to schools and conferences because, like all mental health, Black mental health matters.

http://quadefyllc.net/ and https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

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Brent Williams shares his journey through depression and anxiety. Offering practical suggestions and insights on ways to manage oneself while walking through the darkness of mental illness.

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A college student shares the story of his struggle with depression and how, with the help of his parents and a network of friends he once denied having, he has learned to manage his illness and live a life he once thought impossible.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/college-depression/art-20048327

https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Has-No-Stars-Depression/dp/150272748X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1511816933&sr=1-1&keywords=justin+mercer

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You don't have to experience depression yourself to be able to offer support to those who do. But it sure doesn't hurt. Kevin is a suicide-loss survivor, a person living with depression, and someone who has sat in the darkness with many who had lost hope, listening with patience and compassion.

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Six years after their chance, life-saving meeting on a bridge, Jonny and Neil reunite. They are now partners in mental-health advocacy, sharing their message of hope and recovery.

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The Bridge: A powerful story of a man who had given up hope, and a stranger who took the time to give him some.

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Podcast co-hosts Bridget and Terry look back at lessons they learned from the episodes in season two.

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Liz describes the different types of depressions she has had, and talks about how caring friends can help each other identify and manage depression.

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It helps to be able to talk about your experience with depression, and the ways someone can support you when you're really "in it." But timing is everything. Ben shares his story, and some really helpful advice about making a game plan for dark times.

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You do not have to have depression yourself to be deeply affected by it. Adele, the wife and mother of depression sufferers knows that first hand.

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Sarah exposes the cunning way depression talks to us and the dark conclusions it causes us to make. She also warns us to be aware that certain birth-control methods can play into the depression equation.

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We continue our look at teen depression via the outstanding documentary Not Alone -- using excerpts from the film and interviews with its directors. This episode focuses on social media's affect on mental health.

Link to documentary info: http://not-alone.live/see-the-film/

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/

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A teenager, who lost a friend to suicide, interviews other teens in the documentary Not Alone to try to understand their struggles with depression and thoughts of suicide. Giving Voice to Depression was given access to the film and its directors, to help bring their powerful message to the public.

http://not-alone.live/see-the-film/

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In part two of our Suicide Prevention series, Dr. Barbara Moser gives us the language and some practical tips for how to have the difficult but necessary conversations with someone you care about who might be suicidal. It's 16-minutes that could save a life.

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/

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We often hear that suicide is preventable. But what does that really mean? What do we need to know and understand to be able to help someone through a suicidal crisis? Dr. Barbara Moser, who works in suicide prevention, gives us the straight answers and the language to use. It's 14 minutes that could save a life.

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/

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A leading depression researcher, studying a finger-prick blood test that could determine which depression medication(s) would work best for your specific biology, shares his findings with Giving Voice to Depression.

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A 93-year-old woman, who is not sure if she is clinically depressed or if she just finds the end of life depressing, shares her story and a message for the children and grandchildren of seniors.

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A mental health advocate shares her story that includes four involuntary hospitalizations, a period of anonymous blogging, and the life-changing decision to stop hiding her struggles. Her bravery has inspired others to share their experience with mental illness on stage with This is My Brave.

https://thisismybrave.org

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A psychologist and author, whose specialty is taking complex psychological issues and breaking them down into plain language, offers some techniques to help manage depression.

http://www.duffthepsych.com

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It helps to be able to talk about your experience with depression, and the ways someone can support you when you're really "in it." But timing is everything. Ben shares his story, and some really helpful advice about making a game plan for dark times.

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Podcast co-host Terry gives voice to her struggles, reminds us why we should not believe the lies depression spews, and offers a message of hope and recovery.

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A clinical psychologist reminds us that not everyone who is depressed looks or acts depressed; and the fact that hidden pain and shame still affect us. http://drmargaretrutherford.com/

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A leading mental illness stigma researcher reveals what does -- and what does not work in fighting stigma.

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Liz describes the different types of depressions she has had, and talks about how caring friends can help each other identify and manage depression.

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A clinical social worker, impacted by our last podcast (Ask a Different Question) and the article we discussed in it, says he's approaching his work differently and that clients are benefiting.

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When discussing depression or assessing a possible risk of suicide, some questions check a box, while others start a discussion.

https://themighty.com/2017/06/the-important-question-to-ask-if-you-feel-suicidal/

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As we wrap up our first season, we thank everyone who has come forward to share their experience with depression. In this review, we summarize and feature highlights from each of the episodes. If one catches your eye (or ear,) please listen to it in its entirety.

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A new mother speaks candidly about depression, pregnancy, and the lessons she's learned from both. Her message is for everyone trying to understand and manage depression.

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A new mother gets real about insecurity, anxiety and depression, and challenges other new parents to do the same.

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Sarah exposes the cunning way depression talks to us and the dark conclusions it causes us to make. She also warns us to be aware that certain birth-control methods can play into the depression equation.

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Three experts answer the #1 question people without depression ask: What's the difference between depressed and sad?

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A man on a mission to break the stigma of depression and anxiety in the workplace.

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Mettie shares her story of loss to suicide, and the ways in which that grief is different from others.

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A father shares feelings and lessons about his teenage daughter’s suicide.

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A pastor shares the lessons he has learned as a suicide-attempt survivor.

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“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” ~ Dalai Lama Giving Voice to Depression will release Ripple Reports when we learn of ways listeners have taken the information and understanding gained from hearing the stories shared, and act on them to reduce stigma and make a difference. In this premiere edition, we profile a first-grade teacher who is launching a mental-health initiative that could have long-ranging consequences.

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In the final episode in our stigma series, we explore the benefits of reducing the stigma around depression. This is not our dream. It is our mission. As we share our stories, we cast a lifeboat to those still suffering alone. And as you hear them, we hope gain both understanding and empathy.

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In the second of our 3-part series, we hear from people who confirm they feel the need to hide their depression, many waiting dangerously long to get needed help.

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In the first of a 3-part series, we hear from people with depression who confirm that Stigma is not only a reality, but one of the greatest barriers to effective treatment and recovery.

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Jose reminds us that it's important to know your family's medical history-- including mental health issues.

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You do not have to have depression yourself to be deeply affected by it. Adele, the wife and mother of depression sufferers knows that first hand.

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Bridget, the co-host of Giving Voice to Depression, shares her recent experience starting a new antidepressant, and reminds us the warnings about possible suicidal thoughts are there for a reason.