Living With Depression’s Lies: How to Fight Back Against the Inner Bully

Depression has a voice—a cruel, convincing voice that whispers (or shouts) lies about our worth, our future, and our place in the world. In this deeply personal episode, co-host Terry shares her own story of living through depression’s relentless attacks.

From waking up each morning to self-hate mantras, to reaching a terrifying moment when she considered letting her life quietly end, Terry describes what it’s like to battle the exhausting lies of depression. She also shares the turning point: choosing to call her doctor, restarting antidepressants, and reclaiming her voice from the bully in her head.

This is a raw, courageous, and ultimately hopeful conversation about why depression is a liar—and why none of us should face it alone.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How depression lies and convinces us we’re worthless
• Terry’s personal struggle with depression’s daily attacks
• The exhaustion of “cellular-level” fatigue and craving sleep as escape
• The terrifying moment when she thought of letting life quietly end
• Why choosing to get back on medication was life-saving
• How sharing her story helps others feel less alone
• The founding of Giving Voice to Depression as a way to fight stigma
• Why antidepressants are self-care, not shame
• The reminder that depression passes, and connection brings hope

Timestamps

00:10 Introduction from Bridget and Terry
 00:48 Terry shares her story and what it feels like to expose it
 01:07 The toxic lies and inner bully of depression
 01:25 Depression’s mantra: self-hate mornings
 02:19 Craving sleep as escape, exhaustion at a cellular level
 03:22 Thoughts of death as quiet relief during a health scare
 04:10 The turning point: calling her doctor and restarting antidepressants
 05:17 Founding Giving Voice to Depression as a nonprofit
06:20 Why shared stories reduce stigma and shame
07:13 Bridget and Terry discuss the power and force of depression’s lies
08:33 The importance of antidepressants and community support
09:47 Reflections on vulnerability and courage in storytelling
10:28 Reminder that depression passes, and connection matters
11:18 Closing reflections: speak up if you’re hurting, listen up if someone else is

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/