Depression, Stigma, and Suicide: Real Stories of Living With Depression

Season one of Giving Voice to Depression brought together deeply moving, honest, and powerful stories from people living with depression—and those impacted by it. In this special episode, co-hosts Bridget and Terry look back at the lessons, insights, and courage shared across the season.

From the risks of keeping family mental health struggles a secret, to the reality of stigma in schools and workplaces, to the heartbreaking impact of suicide and the unique grief that follows—it’s all here. This season also featured parents, teachers, suicide survivors, and experts, offering an intimate and wide-ranging look at how depression affects individuals, families, and communities.

If you’re new to the podcast, this review is the perfect starting point. And if you’ve been with us all season, it’s a reminder of just how many lives are touched by depression—and how much power comes from giving it a voice.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why openness about family mental health history matters
• The risks and consequences of stigma at school, work, and in families
• Stories of survival and grief after suicide loss
• A parent’s story of losing a child to depression
• A teacher’s initiative to reduce stigma in schools
• The difference between sadness and clinical depression, explained by experts
• Pregnancy-related depression: postpartum and antepartum experiences
• How sharing stories builds language, empathy, and connection

Timestamps

00:10 Introduction from Bridget and Terry
 00:46 Why sharing real stories of depression matters
 01:06 Jose’s story: the cost of keeping family mental health struggles secret
 01:27 Bridget’s dangerous reaction to a new antidepressant
 02:29 Adele’s reminder that depression affects families too
 02:33 A three-week focus on stigma—its presence, risks, and consequences
 03:47 Jeff’s story: reducing stigma in UK workplaces
 04:17 A teacher’s efforts to support students and staff facing depression
 04:47 Exploring suicide from three perspectives: a father, a sibling, a survivor
 06:07 Experts explain the difference between sadness and depression
 06:50 Sarah gives voice to the insidious inner voice of depression
 07:19 Lisa and Isabelle share about pregnancy-related depression
 08:01 Why these stories matter and listener feedback
 08:35 Gratitude for the season and reflections from Bridget and Terry
 09:32 Closing thoughts: speak up if you’re hurting, listen up if someone else is

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