Introduction

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, suicide attempt survivor Mark Henick shares his journey from childhood struggles with depression and anxiety to becoming a mental health advocate. Mark recalls the stigma, the repeated hospitalizations, and the darkest moments when he planned to end his life—only to be pulled back by the hands of a stranger. His story highlights the importance of early intervention, coping strategies, and resilience-building practices that make long-term recovery possible.

Listeners will gain hope, perspective, and practical insight into what recovery really looks like—not as a sudden cure, but as a slow accumulation of positive reinforcements, strategies, and support.

If you’ve struggled with depression or suicidal thoughts, or want to understand how to better support a loved one, this episode will help you recognize the signs, embrace compassion, and believe that healing is possible.

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

Primary Topics Covered:

• Mark Henick’s personal experience with depression and suicidal thoughts
• The role of stigma, hospitalization, and misunderstanding in early mental health struggles
• The life-saving intervention of a stranger during a suicide attempt
• Why early intervention and mental health education are critical
• Practical strategies for managing depression and preventing relapse
• Understanding resilience as the ability to bounce back, not avoid struggle
• The importance of patience, perspective, and small positive steps in recovery

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and hosts
• 01:28 – Mark Henick’s story of hope and recovery from suicidal thoughts
• 03:27 – Early warning signs of depression in childhood
• 04:16 – First hospitalization and struggles with ineffective mental health care
• 05:50 – Multiple suicide attempts and the night a stranger saved Mark’s life
• 07:18 – Choosing to share his story and becoming an advocate
• 08:45 – The importance of teaching children emotional literacy early on
• 10:23 – Why mandatory mental health education matters
• 12:20 – Coping with depression through medication, therapy, and relapse awareness
• 13:38 – Recognizing personal depression warning signs and recovery strategies
• 15:28 – Building resilience through patience, perspective, and coping tools
• 16:43 – How small, positive steps accumulate into long-term recovery
• 18:26 – Accepting relapses as part of the healing process, not failure
• 20:38 – The value of suicide attempt survivors sharing their experiences

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
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