How to Know When Depression Is Getting Worse: Warning Signs and What to Do

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we talk about how to recognize when depression is getting worse — and what you can do to act before it becomes a crisis.

Guest Corinne shares her personal journey through depression during pregnancy, including a pivotal moment when calling a suicide prevention hotline saved her life. She introduces the mental health scale, a simple but powerful tool that helps track emotional well-being and signals when to reach out for support.

We also highlight practical strategies for coping with depression and anxiety, including therapy, sleep, exercise, meditation, and — most importantly — connection and honesty.

If you’ve ever wondered how to know when it’s time to seek help, this conversation offers insight, tools, and encouragement to act early and protect your mental health.

Link to Corrine Purtill's article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Recognizing early warning signs of worsening depression and anxiety
• Corinne’s experience with depression during pregnancy
• The role of suicide prevention hotlines in saving lives
• How the mental health scale helps track wellness and risk levels
• Coping strategies: therapy, exercise, sleep, meditation
• The importance of connection, openness, and support networks
• Shifting the focus from crisis response to prevention and resilience

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to depression prevention and early action
 01:12 - Corinne’s personal story of depression during pregnancy
 02:28 - Why sharing lived experiences reduces stigma and saves lives
 04:14 - Introducing the “mental health scale” as a self-monitoring tool
 05:22 - Coping strategies: therapy, sleep, exercise, and meditation
 06:08 - Building trust and connection to prevent crisis
 07:21 - How to know when depression is getting worse
 09:03 - Suicide prevention hotlines as life-saving resources
 10:36 - Breaking stigma with honesty about mental health
 12:02 - Final reflections: acting before crisis
 13:10 - Closing thoughts and support resources

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