Best Depression Podcast Stories: Lessons, Hope, and Recovery From Season Two

In this special season wrap-up, Bridget and Terry reflect on some of the most powerful conversations and lessons from Season Two of Giving Voice to Depression.

From learning that depression doesn’t define us, to hearing how storytelling reduces stigma, to gaining insights from experts on suicide prevention and stigma research, this review episode captures the heart of the season’s themes: connection, honesty, and hope.

You’ll hear highlights from guests like:

• Liz, who explains how antidepressants “level the playing field”
• Dr. Patrick Corrigan, who shows why personal stories fight stigma better than education alone
• Dr. Margaret Rutherford, who defines “perfectly hidden depression”
• Dr. Barbara Moser, with clear and practical suicide prevention advice
• Teens from the documentary Not Alone, bravely describing depression in their own words

This episode is a reminder that while depression lies and isolates, stories connect us, and healing often begins when we speak—and listen—openly.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why depression is only one part of who we are
• The power of self-disclosure and storytelling in reducing stigma
• How antidepressants can “level the playing field”
• Expert research showing why contact, not education alone, reduces stigma
• Understanding perfectly hidden depression and why hiding struggles doesn’t work
• Terry’s personal story in Depression Lies
• Why planning support conversations during stable times helps loved ones with depression
• Practical suicide prevention strategies and language from Dr. Barbara Moser
• Honest stories of teen depression and suicide prevention from Not Alone
• The ripple effect of sharing—how one person’s voice empowers another

Timestamps

00:10 Introduction and Season Two reflection
 01:02 “Ask a Different Question” – depression as part of the whole self
 02:19 Ripple Report: how self-disclosure stories shift crisis care
 03:08 Liz on recognizing and managing depression
 04:18 Antidepressants as tools, not failures
 04:34 Dr. Patrick Corrigan on fighting stigma through human connection
 05:30 Dr. Margaret Rutherford on perfectly hidden depression
 06:12 Terry’s personal story in Depression Lies
06:50 Ben on offering and asking for support at the right time
07:19 Duff the Psychic: depression as a parasite metaphor
07:50 Jennifer on isolation, fear, and medication bringing relief
08:20 Mary on depression and the elderly
09:06 Dr. Tevet on the difference between sadness and clinical depression
10:00 Dr. Barbara Moser on suicide prevention, part one
11:14 Dr. Moser on suicide prevention, part two (supporting calls to the hotline)
12:23 Teen depression stories from Not Alone documentary
14:29 Closing reflections and looking ahead to Season Three

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