Living with Depression: TV Anchor Ted Perry on Breaking the Silence and Finding Hope

What happens when someone in the public eye chooses to open up about their depression? In this special Ripple Report, Milwaukee news anchor Ted Perry shares his deeply personal journey with depression—how he first resisted therapy, the impact of his father’s illness and death, and what finally helped him find healing.

Ted reflects on the stigma that kept him silent for years, the regret of lost relationships, and the powerful shift that comes with breaking the silence. With honesty, humor, and hope, he shows how therapy, medication, faith, and simple daily practices like walking his dog became protective factors that helped him move forward.

This episode is for anyone who has struggled with depression, wondered about seeking help, or felt ashamed to share their story. Ted’s journey is a reminder that speaking out creates ripples of understanding and hope for others.

Link to Ted Perry's TV report on the Giving Voice to Depression podcast: https://fox6now.com/2018/02/22/former-tv-news-anchor-helps-those-suffering-depression-with-podcast-i-can-give-voice/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why depression stigma makes people afraid to speak out
• Ted Perry’s first experience with therapy and what he learned
• The impact of grief and loss on depression
• How untreated depression can strain relationships and careers
• Practical coping strategies: therapy, exercise, medication, pets, faith
• The importance of protective factors in staying grounded
• Why hope is one of the most powerful tools in recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Ripple Report concept
 00:29 - Listener feedback: stories that create change
 00:45 - Why Ted Perry decided to share his story
 01:23 - Breaking the silence about depression as a public figure
 03:11 - Early signs of depression in college
 03:40 - The role of grief after his father’s cancer diagnosis
 04:27 - First therapy session and the power of talking
 05:38 - Learning that help is available and effective
 05:50 - Depression masked as physical illness and sick days
 06:42 - Realizing “I was depressed, not just tired”
 07:11 - What worked: therapy, medication, protective factors
 08:13 - Exercise, pets, faith, and hope as tools for recovery
 09:21 - Fighting hopelessness and holding onto hope
 11:12 - The stigma of hiding depression in relationships
 12:11 - Regrets about lost time and missed connections
 13:40 - Reflections on wasted time and the weight of depression
 14:04 - Closing thoughts: hope, healing, and moving forward

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