Teen Depression and Anxiety: What I Wish I Knew About Mental Health as a Teenager

Growing up with depression and anxiety can feel overwhelming and isolating — especially when you don’t yet understand what’s happening to you. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Charlotte Underwood reflects on her teenage years living with undiagnosed mental illness.

Charlotte shares the struggles she faced as a teen — from feeling alone in her depression to hiding self-harm from loved ones — and the lessons she wishes she had known. Now in her 20s, she speaks openly about resilience, recovery, and the importance of asking for support.

Her story offers both validation and hope for struggling teens, as well as valuable insights for parents, educators, and anyone supporting a young person with mental health challenges.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Charlotte’s early experiences with depression and anxiety as a teenager
• Why depression convinces you things will never improve
• The hidden struggles of teens living with mental illness
• How love, therapy, and support can change the future
• The importance of resilience and discovering inner strength
• Why openness about depression reduces stigma and isolation
• Charlotte’s message of encouragement for teens today

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and podcast mission
 01:11 - Why depression lies about permanence
 01:36 - Discovering Charlotte’s gratitude post
 02:49 - Charlotte’s struggles as a teenager
 03:57 - How she saw her future at 14
 04:52 - Building a life she never imagined possible
 05:41 - A joyful night that sparked her message of hope
 07:10 - What she wishes she knew about depression as a teen
 07:56 - Realizing resilience and inner strength
 08:53 - How support from family and friends can help
 10:15 - Hiding depression and self-harm from loved ones
 11:02 - Why she feared rejection if she opened up
 12:08 - Learning that help and support do exist
 13:14 - Treatment options and what worked differently
 13:50 - Hope for a future filled with joy and purpose
 14:20 - Charlotte’s direct encouragement to struggling teens
 16:09 - Hosts reflect on Charlotte’s resilience
 17:47 - Keeping the spark of hope alive
 19:00 - Closing thoughts and inspiration

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