How to Support Someone with Depression: Why Listening and Empathy Save Lives

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry remind us that suicide prevention and support aren’t just about professionals, therapy, or medication. Sometimes, the most life-saving act is simply listening and showing up with empathy.

Guests Bea and Debbie share powerful, raw experiences of reaching out to the Giving Voice to Depression Facebook community during their darkest moments. From losing a spouse to nearly ending their life, both found strength, hope, and connection through the kindness of strangers who took time to respond with compassion.

You’ll learn why you don’t need to be an expert to make a real difference in someone’s life—and why empathy, validation, and presence can mean everything to someone in pain.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why suicide prevention requires daily awareness, not just during awareness month.
• How lived experience and peer support can sometimes help more than clinical advice.
• Bea’s story of loss and how community empathy carried her through grief.
• Debbie’s near-suicide and the crucial role of online support in saving her life.
• Why listening, empathy, and small gestures can truly save lives.
• Encouragement to step in, even in small ways, when someone is struggling.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and mission of the podcast
 01:00 - Suicide Prevention Awareness beyond one month
 01:28 - Guests Bea and Debbie share why they reached out for support
 02:07 - Why you don’t have to be an expert to make a difference
 03:06 - Bea on finding community after her husband’s sudden death
 04:28 - The healing power of empathy and being heard
 07:06 - Love, empathy, and caring in online communities
 09:00 - Why sharing stories and tools matters
 11:14 - Debbie’s experience with suicidal crisis and reaching out
 12:45 - How community support shifted her perspective
 14:16 - Why lived experience makes peer support powerful
 15:24 - Small acts of connection that save lives
 16:20 - Humanity, hope, and why saying “you’re not alone” matters
 17:45 - Closing thoughts and reminder: speak up and listen up

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/