Mental Health Stories: Coping with Depression and Anxiety During COVID

How do you cope with depression and anxiety during a global pandemic?

Season 13 of Giving Voice to Depression was recorded in the middle of COVID-19 — a time when mental health challenges were amplified by uncertainty, isolation, and fear. In this season review, Bridget and Terry revisit the most impactful guest stories and expert insights, including:

• Free online mental health screenings
• Firsthand accounts of living with COVID while managing anxiety
• Therapist advice for navigating constant change and uncertainty
• Practical tools to rewire your brain during stress
• The role of mindfulness and self-compassion in healing
• Why we’re all more connected than we think in our struggles

This episode serves as both a recap and a mental health toolkit for anyone still navigating depression, anxiety, or the long-term effects of pandemic stress.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why COVID-19 amplified depression and anxiety for so many
• Tools for self-monitoring and online screening
• The role of uncertainty in worsening mental health
• Therapist tips for lowering anxiety during unpredictable times
• The importance of connection, even while socially distanced
• Stories of resilience from individuals and families who lived through COVID
• Why mindfulness and self-compassion are essential during crises
• Mental health lessons that apply beyond the pandemic

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome & Season 13 context — mental health in a pandemic
 01:20 Episode 136 recap: Free online screening tools with Paul Gianfrido
 03:35 Episode 137 recap: Living with COVID as a family and lessons learned
 06:04 Episode 138 recap: Therapist advice for coping with pandemic anxiety
 07:48 Episode 139 recap: Deepening connections and asking “How are you?” for real
 09:32 Episode 140 recap: Rewiring your brain for stress relief with Dr. Greenberg
 11:18 Episode 141 recap: Hobbs on the impossibility of answering “How are you?”
 12:40 Episode 142 recap: COVID cohabitating and social support experiments
 13:53 Episode 143 recap: Mindfulness and self-compassion practices
 15:24 Episode 144 recap: Guided mindfulness practice for grounding and connection
 16:44 Hosts reflect on lessons learned and ongoing struggles
 17:55 Invitation to join the Giving Voice to Depression community

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