Breaking Mental Health Stigma: Paula’s Story of Depression and Healing

In this inspiring episode, Paula shares her powerful story of living with depression, confronting stigma, and ultimately finding hope. Though known for her outgoing and energetic personality, Paula battled privately with dark days, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. She opens up about how prayer, therapy, and community helped her heal, and how podcasting became a lifeline that gave her purpose and connection.

Listeners will hear how Paula courageously spoke out online about her depression—shattering silence and stigma in her family and community—and how that honesty built bridges with others who were struggling. She reminds us that depression doesn’t look the same for everyone and that recovery requires persistence, self-awareness, and community support.

This episode offers hope, honesty, and practical takeaways for anyone living with depression or supporting someone who is.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The hidden side of depression behind an outgoing personality
• How cultural stigma around mental health shaped Paula’s silence
• Turning points: prayer, reaching out, and speaking up publicly
• How podcasting and storytelling became tools for healing
• The importance of community, friendships, and healthy boundaries
• Why different coping strategies work for different people
• Reframing recovery as an ongoing, personal journey

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Paula’s story
 02:30 – Breaking the stereotype of what depression “looks like”
 04:30 – Mistaking depression for homesickness while living abroad
 05:45 – Dark days, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts
 07:10 – Turning to prayer and opening up to her parents
 08:00 – Sharing publicly about depression on Instagram
 10:00 – The role of community and shared stories in healing
 11:30 – Starting her podcast and the unexpected support it brought
 12:50 – Giving herself permission to feel but setting limits
 13:40 – Friends and hobbies as coping strategies
 15:20 – Letting go of toxic relationships and influences
 17:00 – Finding supportive, authentic communities
 18:50 – How Paula “exploded” the stigma by speaking out
 20:30 – Closing reflections and resources for mental health support

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