Suicide Prevention and Depression Support: Insights on Stigma, COVID-19 Stress, and Recovery Planning

In this special Season 14 review episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry look back at the powerful stories, expert insights, and lessons shared over the past 13 episodes. From navigating depression during the uncertainty of COVID-19 to breaking stigma, preventing suicide, and planning for wellness, this season brought raw honesty and deep hope.

Listeners will hear highlights from conversations about:

• How the pandemic changed mental health and may help reduce stigma
• The reality of “the impossible task” and depression’s hidden struggles
• Returning to work during COVID-19 and frontline mental health challenges
• Personal recovery stories that dismantle stigma and inspire hope
• Suicide prevention through shared lived experience and recovery plans
• Tools like WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) to prepare before crisis

This recap offers reassurance, reflection, and reminders that you are not alone—especially in times of uncertainty and struggle.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How COVID-19 exposed mental health struggles and stigma
• Depression symptoms that don’t always look like sadness
• Workplace challenges during and after the pandemic
• Firsthand stories of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and recovery
• The importance of planning ahead with safety and wellness strategies
• Stigma vs. recovery in mental illness (including bipolar disorder)
• Tools and therapies for calming racing thoughts (ACT therapy)
• The power of children’s voices and recognizing early depression signs

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and context: pandemic, uncertainty, and mental health
 01:11 – Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month mattered more than ever
 02:37 – Could COVID-19 finally destigmatize mental illness? (Dr. Jessi Gold)
 04:13 – The “impossible task” explained with lived experience (M. Mali Bacchus)
 05:28 – Returning to work and pandemic anxiety (Sayair Sultan)
 07:12 – Mental health on the COVID frontline (hospital chaplain Christy)
 09:22 – Stigma vs. recovery: Michelle Yang’s bipolar disorder story
 10:51 – Stopping a racing mind with ACT therapy (Dr. Steven C. Hayes)
 12:59 – Children and depression: spotting the signs (Susan Ringle)
 14:24 – Bob’s story: suicide attempt and recovery
 16:21 – “Don’t give up”: voices of survivors offering hope
 18:00 – Creating a crisis plan: WRAP safety strategies with Katrina Koppel
 20:20 – Closing reflections and looking ahead to Season 15

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
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