How to Cope With Depression: Key Takeaways and Recovery Tools From Season Two

What have we learned from a full season of listening to people who live with depression and those who support them?

In this special reflection episode, Bridget and Terry share the most powerful lessons and stories from Season Two of Giving Voice to Depression. From practical coping strategies to groundbreaking research, these highlights reveal how storytelling reduces stigma, builds connection, and reminds us all that depression doesn’t define who we are.

This recap includes insights from:

• Liz, on why antidepressants are not failures but tools for healing
• Dr. Patrick Corrigan, on why real stories, not education, best fight stigma
• Dr. Margaret Rutherford, on the dangers of “perfectly hidden depression”
• Dr. Barbara Moser, with clear suicide prevention guidance
• Terry, sharing her personal journey in Depression Lies
• Ben, on building a support “game plan” before crisis hits
• Teens from Not Alone, speaking honestly about depression and suicide

Season Two shows us again and again: depression lies, but stories heal.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why depression is only one part of a person’s identity
• The ripple effect of self-disclosure in reducing stigma
• Antidepressants as leveling tools, not signs of weakness
• Why personal stories are more effective than education in fighting stigma
• Recognizing and addressing “perfectly hidden depression”
• The lies of depression and Terry’s personal survival story
• The importance of planning support conversations ahead of crisis
• Practical suicide prevention strategies and hotline support
• Honest accounts of teen depression and resilience
• The healing power of sharing and listening to lived experience

Timestamps

00:10 Introduction and Season Two reflection
 01:02 “Ask a Different Question” – depression as one part of the self
 02:19 Ripple Report: how personal stories change crisis response
 03:08 Liz on recognizing and managing depression
 04:18 Antidepressants as a tool, not a failure
 04:34 Dr. Patrick Corrigan on fighting stigma through storytelling
 05:30 Dr. Margaret Rutherford on perfectly hidden depression
 06:12 Terry’s survival story in Depression Lies
06:50 Ben on planning for support during stable times
07:19 Duff the Psychic on the metaphor of depression as a parasite
07:50 Jennifer on fear, isolation, and finding relief through medication
08:20 Mary on depression in older adults
09:06 Dr. Tevet on sadness versus clinical depression
10:00 Dr. Barbara Moser on suicide prevention (part one)
11:14 Dr. Moser on suicide prevention (part two)
12:23 Teens from Not Alone on depression and survival
14:29 Closing reflections and preview of Season Three

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