Men’s Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and the Truth About Antidepressants

In this powerful season review, we revisit the most impactful conversations from Season Five of Giving Voice to Depression. From learning how to ask for help when words feel impossible, to breaking myths about suicide, to understanding depression in men, every episode this season carried a message of courage, resilience, and hope.

We also highlight groundbreaking approaches to treatment like genetic testing for antidepressants, and deeply personal stories about self-forgiveness, stigma, and the hidden "mask" many of us wear.

This season reminded us that depression is not weakness, recovery is possible, and sharing stories can save lives.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why asking for help is harder than it sounds — and specific ways to do it
• Suicide prevention insights from experts and survivors
• Debunking common myths about suicide and depression
• Men’s mental health and reframing depression as strength
• Genetic testing and personalized treatment for depression
• Self-forgiveness after a suicide attempt
• The “mask” of depression — and the importance of removing it
• Building a supportive community through open conversations

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Why season reviews matter
 01:01 - How Giving Voice to Depression grew in Season Five
 02:12 - The importance of normalizing mental health conversations
 02:49 - Specific ways to ask for help with depression (Sam Dylan Finch)
 06:04 - Suicide in the headlines: Anthony Bourdain & Kate Spade
 06:39 - How the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline saves lives
 08:00 - Breaking suicide myths with Mark Henick
 10:19 - A survivor’s story of hope and recovery
 11:30 - Genetic testing for personalized antidepressant treatment
 13:48 - Men and depression: redefining masculinity and mental health
 14:55 - Self-forgiveness after a suicide attempt
 16:27 - The hidden “mask” of depression
 17:33 - Why sharing personal stories reduces stigma
 18:12 - What’s ahead in Season Six

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
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