How to Deal with Depression: Lessons on Suicide, Stigma, and Recovery

How do you cope with depression and anxiety — and how can we better prevent suicide among teens, students, and adults?

Season 9 of Giving Voice to Depression explored critical topics like why teens don’t share suicidal thoughts with parents, how schools can create safe spaces for mental health, and why even NFL legends and doctors struggle with depression. In this recap, Bridget and Terry revisit seven powerful episodes that highlight prevention, resilience, and recovery.

Highlights include:

• Dr. Stacey Freedenthal on why teens hide suicidal thoughts from parents
• A Wisconsin school district making student mental health a priority
• NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins opening up about his depression and stigma
• Dr. Michael Weinstein on being both a doctor and psychiatric patient
• The Crisis Text Line as a lifesaving, confidential resource

These stories remind us that depression can affect anyone — teens, athletes, doctors, and everyday people — but with support and open conversation, healing is possible.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why teens don’t tell parents about suicidal thoughts
• Suicide prevention strategies for youth and schools
• Coping with depression and anxiety in high-pressure careers
• Breaking stigma around mental health in sports and medicine
• How medical training impacts depression in doctors
• Crisis Text Line as a 24/7 support tool
• The importance of listening, honesty, and hope

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Season 9 in Review
 01:40 Episode 97 — Why teens avoid telling parents about suicidal thoughts (Part 1)
 03:18 Episode 98 — Parents in denial: Why kids don’t share suicidal thoughts (Part 2)
 05:05 Episode 99 — Keeping students mentally healthy and safe (Menasha Joint School District)
 07:10 Episode 100 — NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins on depression and stigma
 09:12 Episodes 101 & 102 — When doctors become psychiatric patients (Dr. Weinstein)
 12:00 Episode 103 — Crisis Text Line: Confidential support via text
 14:00 Closing reflections and hope for listeners

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/