Supporting a loved one with depression can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t always require grand gestures or complicated interventions. In this episode, Michelle Madison shares her powerful story of how a friend’s lighthearted, creative challenge—a silly selfie over coffee—helped pull her out of depression’s darkness.

We explore how small acts of kindness, validation, and genuine presence can make all the difference for someone struggling. Michelle also reflects on her own experiences with suicidal ideation, stigma, and the importance of speaking openly about mental health.

This episode reminds us that suicide prevention isn’t only about crisis moments. It’s about millions of caring acts along the way.

Link to the article referenced in episode: Suicide Prevention Doesn't Have to Be a Huge, Scary Thing: https://bit.ly/3ixsiky

Primary Topics Covered

Why simple, unexpected gestures can be powerful support tools
How humor and creativity can interrupt depression’s grip
The role of validation vs. advice when helping a friend
Breaking silence and stigma by speaking openly about mental health
Suicide prevention as everyday compassion, not just crisis response

Timestamps

00:05 – Introduction to the episode and hosts
01:41 – The post that inspired this conversation
02:22 – How a silly selfie became a lifeline
04:00 – Supporting others through humor and connection
06:00 – Michelle describes “the worst of it” with depression
07:07 – How a friend recognized the signs and stepped in
08:16 – Growing up with stigma and silence around mental health
10:17 – Family history, secrecy, and courage to speak out
12:20 – Practical ways to ask: “How can I support you?”
14:33 – The power of validation in dark times
15:05 – Michelle’s message of hope: surviving bad days proves you can survive more
17:31 – Recovery as ongoing work—and why it’s worth it
18:51 – Why checking in matters, even when it’s simple
20:39 – Suicide prevention as “a million caring acts”
23:48 – Final reflections and reminders to reach in, not just wait for someone to reach out

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

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