Mental Health Recovery Isn’t Linear: Lacey’s Story of Growth, Relapse, and Strength

Recovery isn’t a checklist—and progress isn’t always forward. In this powerful follow-up to Episode 191, social worker Lacey shares why mental health recovery is circular, not linear, and how both professionals and loved ones can better support those who are struggling.

Lacey speaks from both sides of the therapeutic relationship, offering insight into how we hold space without trying to fix, why relapses can be necessary steps in growth, and what it means to truly hear and see someone. If you’ve ever blamed yourself for “slipping back” into depression or felt awkward supporting someone who’s suffering, this episode is full of honesty, wisdom, and relief.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why mental health recovery doesn’t follow a straight line
• The importance of holding space instead of offering fixes
• Why relapses or “steps back” can actually be growth moments
• Lacey’s dual perspective as a therapist and lived-experience advocate
• Understanding depression as a lifelong journey, not a one-time episode
• The harm of assuming mental illness is always a problem to be solved
• The power of naming needs and asking, “Are you looking for advice or support?”
• The strength in vulnerability, connection, and emotional honesty
• How trying to relate through “me too” stories can silence someone
• Validating anger as a mask for deeper hurt and unheard pain

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and reflection on different perspectives of depression
01:33 Lacey’s return: from client to social worker with lived experience
02:44 Recovery as a circular journey—not a straight line
03:16 Why experience matters in understanding recovery
04:13 Going in and out of hopelessness is part of healing
05:19 The myth of regression in mental health
05:56 Relapse as growth: building tools through setbacks
06:41 Recognizing early signs of a depressive slide
07:33 How Lacey and her friend manage bipolar symptoms together
08:04 Redefining strength: holding space for emotions
09:06 What people with depression really need from others
10:23 The importance of having one trusted person to hold space
11:00 The isolating lie of depression: “You’re the only one”
11:37 Supportive language: “I won’t fix you—I’ll stand by you”
12:36 Powerful metaphor: “Don’t ask directions to a place you’ve never been”
12:52 The question that changes everything: “What kind of support do you want?”
13:39 Why being heard is more healing than being fixed
14:24 Coming to your own answers through therapy and self-awareness
15:04 The harm of uninvited “I know how you feel” stories
15:38 Why less is more when supporting someone in pain
16:32 Being heard as a rare, life-changing experience
17:46 Final reflections on duality, holding space, and grace

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