Depression and Stigma: Why Mental Illness Is Not a Weakness

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health advocate Victor Armstrong challenges one of the most damaging myths about depression: that it signals weakness or a moral failing. Instead, he reframes living with depression as an act of resilience and courage.

From growing up in the rural South, where mental illness was often stigmatized in church and community life, to his work in public health leadership, Victor brings a candid and compassionate perspective on why mental health stigma persists — and how we can start to change it.

You’ll also hear reflections from the article The Strength in Depression by Lauren Brady, reminding us that even small daily acts — like getting out of bed — demonstrate strength and survival.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone struggling with feelings of shame, guilt, or weakness because of depression, and for those who want to better support loved ones on their mental health journeys.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why depression is often (wrongly) seen as a sign of weakness
• How stigma in families, churches, and communities makes things worse
• The hidden strength of people living with suicidal ideation or chronic depression
• The pandemic’s impact on mental health awareness
• Why compassion, not judgment, is essential for healing
• Lauren Brady’s perspective: “The Strength in Depression”

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest Victor Armstrong
 01:08 – How social media connected the hosts with Victor
 02:14 – Victor’s message of reassurance: “You matter. You are not alone.”
03:23 – Seeing people for their humanity, not “weakness”
04:28 – Why labeling people with depression as weak is harmful
05:41 – The pandemic’s toll on adults, parents, and children
07:37 – Why awareness isn’t enough without action
08:54 – Growing up in the Black church where mental illness wasn’t discussed
09:57 – Why people with depression face unique discrimination
11:21 – Why mental health is still taboo in many communities
13:03 – Reading Lauren Brady’s article “The Strength in Depression”
16:25 – Final reflections: depression as both a burden and a source of resilience

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