Depression Recovery Stories: TV Anchor Ted Perry on Stigma, Therapy, and Finding Hope Again

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Milwaukee TV anchor Ted Perry shares his personal story of living with depression, breaking years of silence about his struggles. Ted opens up about the early signs he ignored, the stigma that kept him quiet, and the turning point when therapy and treatment gave him hope.

Through candid reflections, Ted talks about grief, self-worth, and how depression impacted his personal and professional life. He also highlights the importance of protective factors like exercise, pets, and faith.

This conversation is not just about one man’s experience—it’s a reminder that sharing openly about mental health can create ripples of hope and healing for others.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why stigma keeps people silent about depression
• Ted’s first steps toward therapy and treatment
• The role of grief, loss, and life transitions in triggering depression
• How antidepressants and therapy helped him rebuild stability
• Protective factors: exercise, pets, faith, and community support
• The cost of staying silent—relationships, time, and self-worth
• The hope and resilience that come from speaking out

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the “Ripple Report” series
 01:23 – Ted Perry shares why he chose to speak publicly about depression
 03:11 – Early signs of depression during college years
 03:53 – A friend encourages Ted to try therapy for the first time
 05:08 – The power of talking and his first therapy breakthrough
 05:38 – Returning to therapy after his father’s death
 06:18 – Depression disguised as “being sick” at work
 07:22 – Accepting depression and finding the right treatment
 08:13 – Medication as part of his depression toolbox
 09:04 – Building protective factors: exercise, pets, and faith
 09:21 – Depression steals hope, and why it’s critical to hold onto it
 10:38 – Lessons learned: wasted time, relationships, and stigma
 12:11 – Regret about hiding depression and pushing people away
 13:09 – How stigma leads to silence and lost opportunities
 14:22 – Closing reflections and a message of hope

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