Teen Depression: What I Wish I Had Known About Recovery and Hope

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Charlotte Underwood shares her deeply personal story of surviving teenage depression. Looking back, she reflects on the lies depression told her, the hidden strength she didn’t realize she had, and the treatments and support that helped her build a brighter future.

Charlotte offers the perspective she wishes her younger self could have known: that she wasn’t alone, that healing is possible, and that life can become meaningful again. Her story provides a message of hope, compassion, and encouragement for teens, parents, and anyone navigating depression.

This episode is both a validation of the pain of teen depression and a reminder that recovery is possible with support, resilience, and the right tools.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Charlotte’s teenage experience with depression and trauma
• What she wishes her younger self had known about mental illness
• The false narratives depression creates
• The importance of family support and connection
• Why opening up is critical in healing
• Treatment, therapy, and self-care in recovery
• Discovering hope and building a meaningful life

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction by Terry and Anita
 01:11 – The convincing lies of depression
 01:36 – Charlotte’s holiday moment of gratitude that went viral
 02:52 – Charlotte describes her teenage self and early struggles
 03:57 – How she envisioned her future at age 14
 04:23 – Surviving trauma, alcoholism, and self-harm
 04:52 – The life she’s built in her 20s
 05:41 – The night of baking cookies and dancing in her kitchen
 07:10 – What she wishes she’d known about depression as a teen
 07:56 – Hidden strength and resilience
 08:53 – Family support and her father’s response to self-harm
 10:15 – Keeping depression a secret vs. opening up
 11:19 – The lie of being “alone” in depression
 12:08 – What she wishes she’d known about treatment options
 13:10 – Hope and believing in a future worth fighting for
 14:20 – Charlotte’s message to teens and others struggling
 16:09 – Terry and Anita reflect on resilience and strength
 17:28 – Finding the spark of hope in dark times
 19:00 – A quote on resilience and survival
 19:55 – Upcoming holiday and New Year’s episodes
 21:57 – Closing message and reminder: Speak up, listen, and support

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/