Depression Symptoms and Signs: How to Recognize, Talk About, and Get Help

Depression affects more than 350 million people worldwide, but too often its symptoms are misunderstood, ignored, or hidden because of stigma. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terri and Brigitte walk through the common signs and symptoms of depression based on the DSM-5, and welcome guest Alexandria Brown, author of You, Me, and Depression.

Alex shares her personal journey from anxiety in her teen years, to experiencing undiagnosed depression through college, to finally learning how to name and manage her illness. She discusses the turning point moments when she realized something was deeply wrong, and how therapy, medication, family support, and even pet therapy became critical tools in her recovery.

The conversation highlights the power of naming depression, breaking stigma, and choosing compassion for yourself instead of judgment. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is a powerful reminder: you are not alone, and help is available.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Defining depression using DSM-5 criteria
• Why stigma prevents early recognition and treatment
• Alexandria Brown’s story: from anxiety to depression diagnosis
• How recognizing depression can change self-compassion and healing
• Coping tools: therapy, antidepressants, pets, and support networks
• The importance of sharing stories and building community
• Breaking myths: depression doesn’t look the same for everyone

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Why talking about depression matters
 01:00 – DSM-5 symptoms of depression explained
 03:00 – Guest intro: Alexandria Brown, author and mental health advocate
 03:40 – Early struggles with anxiety and undiagnosed depression
 05:00 – The impact of stigma and silence around mental health
 06:30 – College years: breakdown and realizing something was wrong
 07:40 – How diagnosis helped with self-compassion and clarity
 09:30 – The role of therapy, antidepressants, and supportive family
 10:45 – The surprising benefits of pet therapy for depression
 12:00 – Why depression is different for everyone
 13:40 – Stigma, judgment, and the invisibility of depression
 15:00 – Finding strength in vulnerability and shared stories
 17:00 – Closing reflections: depression is real, help is possible

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/