Treatment-Resistant Depression: What It Feels Like and How People Cope

What does it mean to live with depression every single day — not just in episodes, but as a constant presence? In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, advocate and writer Didi Hairston (known online as Diva with Depression) shares her raw experience of managing chronic, treatment-resistant depression for more than two decades.

Didi describes her depression as “The Monster” — an active force that impacts her relationships, work, and daily functioning. From childhood trauma to postpartum struggles and the ongoing challenges of loneliness, she speaks candidly about the reality of living in darkness while still finding ways to parent, run businesses, and advocate for mental health.

She also addresses the stigma around mental illness in Black and Brown communities and why culturally aware conversations about therapy and medication are essential. Despite the pain, Didi emphasizes resilience, connection, and the possibility of functioning — even when depression never fully lifts.

Link to Didi Hairston's website: https://www.divawithdepression.com/my-story

Primary Topics Covered:

• What it’s like to live with chronic, treatment-resistant depression
• Naming depression “The Monster” as a way to describe its constant presence
• The role of childhood trauma and postpartum struggles in long-term depression
• Parenting while managing daily depression
• Coping strategies: therapy, medication, and advocacy
• The added weight of loneliness and isolation
• Cultural stigma around mental health in Black and Brown communities
• Why empathy and support matter more than platitudes

Timestamps:
 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and hosts
 01:31 – Introducing guest Didi Hairston, “Diva with Depression”
 02:13 – Her platform: Mental Illness with No Filter
 02:31 – Living in “the meat in between” of depression
 03:07 – Depression beginning in childhood trauma
 04:09 – Postpartum struggles and worsening symptoms
 05:09 – Raising children while battling depression
 06:26 – Naming depression “The Monster”
 08:10 – Finding moments of joy alongside pain
 09:04 – Coping with therapy, medication, and advocacy work
 10:16 – Focusing on Black and Brown communities in mental health advocacy
 11:14 – Challenging cultural stigma around therapy and medication
 11:49 – The loneliness of depression and empty nest struggles
 14:15 – Depression’s impact on relationships and social connections
 16:32 – The need for accessible support systems and active listening
 18:01 – Living, functioning, and advocating while in chronic depression
 20:54 – Reflections on acceptance, management, and resilience
 22:43 – Closing thoughts and invitation to continue the conversation

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