Recovering from Depression: How Self-Worth Changes the Journey

Many people living with depression are told to “get better” for their families, their partners, or their friends. But what happens when you realize you deserve to recover for yourself?

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Ari Cohen shares her lifelong journey with depression, from being diagnosed at age 11 to navigating suicidal thoughts, family loss, and the pressure to heal for others. Through therapy and reflection, Ari discovered a profound truth: true recovery begins when we believe we are worthy of healing for our own sake.

If you’ve ever wondered what recovery from depression really looks like — and how self-worth plays a central role — this conversation offers validation, hope, and practical insights for your own healing journey.

Primary Topics Covered

• Why recovery from depression often feels like it’s “for others”
• Ari’s first diagnosis of depression as a child
• How antidepressants triggered suicidal thoughts at age 11
• The devastating impact of losing a family member to suicide
• Making a personal commitment to seek help in crisis
• The importance of connection and meeting others with similar struggles
• How trauma-informed therapy reframed healing around self-worth
• The role of self-compassion, journaling, and gentle practices in recovery
• Why healing for yourself (not just others) is essential
• Recognizing that doing it “for you” doesn’t mean doing it alone

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and framing of the episode  
01:18 – How depression is often framed in relation to others  
02:35 – Ari Cohen’s story begins  
03:09 – Early depression diagnosis at age 11  
05:12 – Antidepressants, side effects, and first suicidal thoughts  
06:24 – Crisis intervention and support from family  
08:13 – Starting high school while still depressed  
09:19 – Losing a stepbrother to suicide and its impact  
09:28 – Making a personal commitment to seek help in crisis  
10:11 – Discovering the importance of peer support  
11:26 – Trauma-informed outpatient program in late 20s  
12:05 – Writing a letter to suicide: realizing its grip on life milestones  
12:37 – The key question: Who are you getting better for?  
13:08 – Shifting toward healing for self-worth  
15:13 – Doing it for yourself doesn’t mean doing it alone  
16:34 – Gentle practices: hobbies, self-compassion, journaling  
18:25 – Dr. Anita’s reflections on Ari’s message  
19:33 – The importance of community and safe spaces  
21:07 – Closing thoughts and resources  

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