Depression Stories That Inspire Hope: Giving Voice to Mental Health Through Podcasting

In this episode, we flip the script as Giving Voice to Depression co-host Terri sits down with podcaster and mental health advocate Dan Udell of Know Yourself. Together, they discuss what it means to live with depression, how sharing real stories through podcasting can reduce stigma, and why open conversations about mental illness are critical for connection and healing.

Listeners will hear candid reflections on navigating depression, the origins of Giving Voice to Depression, and the power of storytelling to remind us that none of us are alone.

If you’ve ever wondered how sharing your mental health story can help others—or how podcasts are changing the conversation around depression—this episode is for you.

Link to full interview here: https://anchor.fm/knowyourself/episodes/Know-Yourself---Episode-68---An-interview-with-Terry-from-Giving-Voice-to-Depression-podcast-e2gt5n

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why the Giving Voice to Depression podcast began
• How personal stories about depression help fight stigma
• The role of podcasting in mental health advocacy
• Depression’s impact on identity, self-talk, and relationships
• Coping strategies and the importance of support systems
• Differences in how people experience and express depression
• Why humor, honesty, and storytelling matter in recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introductions
 00:35 - Why sharing depression stories matters
 01:07 - Dan Udell on mental health advocacy and podcasting
 02:00 - Terri shares her depression journey and podcast origins
 05:03 - The role of family and support in coping with depression
 06:22 - Lessons from crisis line volunteering
 08:01 - A powerful story of suicide prevention and human connection
 10:15 - Humor, honesty, and breaking stigma through conversations
 11:19 - Terri describes what living with depression feels like
 13:25 - PTSD, trauma, and the science of ACEs
 14:30 - How siblings experience depression differently
 17:41 - Podcast resources and where to find support
 19:41 - Closing reflections and messages of hope

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/