How to Manage Depression: Liz’s Journey With Therapy, Medication, and Self-Care

Depression doesn’t always look the same—and managing it often requires persistence, patience, and support.

In this episode, Liz, 58, shares her powerful journey through two different forms of depression: one triggered by grief and trauma that gradually lifted, and another caused by chemical imbalance that required treatment with therapy and medication.

Liz explains how she built a toolbox of coping skills including meditation, music, acupuncture, and time in nature. She also talks about the role of supportive friends who checked in, listened, and sat with her without judgment—reminding her she wasn’t alone.

Now, Liz uses her experience to help others recognize depression in themselves and encourages them to seek treatment. Her story is a reminder that depression is not a failure—and that healing is possible through a mix of professional care and compassionate connection.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The difference between grief-related depression and chemical imbalance depression
• Why therapy and medication were both critical in Liz’s recovery
• The long process of trial and error in finding the right treatment
• Self-care strategies that support healing (music, meditation, nature, acupuncture)
• Why depression requires persistence and patience
• How friends and family can support someone struggling
• The importance of recognizing depression as an illness, not a weakness
• How sharing stories helps reduce stigma and inspire others

Timestamps

00:46 Introduction to Liz’s story
 01:02 Depression as a spectrum with different causes
 02:03 Liz’s first experience: grief-related depression
 02:23 How trauma shaped her early struggles
 02:58 Chemical imbalance depression that required medical treatment
 03:13 The trial-and-error process of therapy and antidepressants
 03:54 How others helped Liz see she was depressed
 04:25 Liz helps a friend recognize depression symptoms
 05:21 Antidepressants as a tool, not a failure
 05:37 Liz’s self-care toolbox: meditation, acupuncture, nature, music
 05:53 How friends supported her through presence and listening
 06:23 The importance of checking in and staying connected
 07:08 Talking openly to reduce stigma and normalize depression
 07:38 Why depression is not a personal weakness or flaw
 08:29 Sitting with thoughts and learning to quiet the inner critic
 09:14 Building a strong support network for difficult times
 10:09 The ripple effect of paying forward support and awareness
 10:38 Final reflections on persistence and hope
 11:03 Closing thoughts

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