Giving Voice to Depression

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Ari Cohen shares her powerful and deeply personal mental health journey. Diagnosed with depression at the age of 11, Ari describes how her identity was once entirely wrapped up in her diagnosis. Initially, her motivation to get better was externally driven—whether to attend summer camp, to avoid causing pain to her family, or to meet others' expectations.A turning point came when a therapist asked her, “Who are you getting better for?”, prompting a shift in perspective. Through intensive therapy and community support, Ari began to explore healing for herself, not just for others. She speaks candidly about suicidal ideation, medication side effects, the importance of peer connection, and the value of compassionate caregiving—particularly from her mother and a social worker who simply asked, “What do you think would help?”Ari now works as a program manager at Families for Depression Awareness and encourages others to recognize their intrinsic worth, engage in self-compassion, and understand that healing “for ourselves” doesn’t have to mean healing “by ourselves.”https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this episode, Giving Voice explores how mental health conversations—especially those aimed at men—need a major rebrand in order to be more effective and approachable. Their guest is Ethan Getchell, a former business student whose career path took a sharp turn after the loss of his brother to suicide. That moment of grief reshaped Ethan’s values and inspired him to pursue a career in mental health counseling, with a focus on reaching men who might otherwise avoid therapy.Ethan shares how cultural ideals like rugged individualism and emotional suppression have created a barrier between many men and the support they need. He discusses how the isolation of the pandemic further revealed the prevalence of covert depression—mental health struggles that often go unnoticed until distraction is stripped away. To help men engage, Ethan emphasizes the importance of rebranding therapy using language and tools that resonate. That includes practical strategies like starting with behavioral changes rather than emotional deep-dives, using habit-tracking apps, and drawing on simple, memorable check-ins like the four elements: earth (food), water (hydration), fire (movement), and air (breathing).The episode highlights the importance of meeting men where they are—whether that’s through humor, shared activities, or just listening without judgment. It also underscores how the way we frame mental health matters. Whether it’s through the creative campaigns of ManTherapy.com or Ethan’s own “Hey Man” newsletter, the message is clear: therapy isn’t about being broken, it’s about being human. Carly and Terry close the conversation with reflections on how everyday moments—like asking if someone has eaten or needs a hug—can become meaningful acts of care and connection.Ethan's Hey Man newsletter: https://ethangetchell.substack.com/Man Therapy: https://mantherapy.org/https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

After nearly a decade of feeling “stuck halfway out of depression’s pit,” Lori bravely took a step she never thought would help: she tried one more treatment option. In this powerful follow-up conversation, Lori shares the subtle yet transformative shifts that began to open her mind, soften her shame, and let in small but meaningful glimmers of hope.Through heartfelt metaphors—like the difference between carrying life in a heavy backpack versus letting it flow through you like a screen door—Lori beautifully articulates the lived experience of persistent depression. Her journey reveals the impact of connection, the danger of contingent self-worth, and the power of believing you’re not broken—you’re just stuck.Whether you're in a dark place yourself or walking alongside someone who is, Lori’s story offers a gentle reminder: even the smallest shift in direction can lead to an entirely new destination.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Living at 60% : A Raw Look at Persistent DepressionIn this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz explore Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)—a lesser-known but profoundly impactful form of chronic depression. Unlike major depressive episodes that ebb and flow, PDD lingers, casting a long, gray shadow over daily life.You’ll meet Lori, a woman who has lived with chronic depression for nearly a decade. Through her brave and unflinchingly honest storytelling, Lori describes what it feels like to live in a world that’s always a little dimmer—functioning, showing up, even laughing at times, all while feeling emotionally flat. She uses striking metaphors—like being underwater while a favorite song plays—to help listeners feel what words often fail to convey.This isn’t a story with a tidy resolution or inspirational turnaround. It’s about endurance, reality, and compassion. Lori shares how even the simplest tasks can require monumental effort, and why phrases like “You look fine” or “Maybe you just need to…” miss the mark. Instead, she asks us to sit with the discomfort, to understand that for some people, “better” doesn’t come—but support, validation, and being seen can still make all the difference.If you or someone you love lives with depression that doesn't lift, this conversation may be the most real and affirming thing you hear all week. It's not about fixing—it’s about understanding.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In the podcast episode, we explore the crucial distinction between feeling sad and experiencing clinical depression:  Sadness is a common emotional state often triggered by specific events. Depression is a pervasive mental illness that significantly impacts daily life and can last for extended periods.The episode features insights from three experts: Dr. Robert Duff, who clarifies that clinical depression involves a consistent pattern of negative feelings that can feel overwhelming and cyclical, likening it to a parasite that drains energy and motivation. Dr. Margaret Rutherford adds that depression is often characterized by a lack of hope and enjoyment, emphasizing that it can present in various forms, including anger and lethargy, and is not simply a choice. Dr. Madhukar Trivedi underscores that depression is a real brain disease, marked by persistent negative thoughts that overshadow any positive experiences.The hosts also share symptoms of major depression, as outlined by WebMD, stressing the importance of seeking professional help if five or more symptoms persist for two weeks or more. The episode aims to provide listeners with a better understanding of depression and encourage compassion for those affected.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this podcast episode, our guest, Jessie, shares her journey, revealing how growing up in a family open about mental illness, yet burdened by it, influenced her understanding of her own struggles. Through candid conversations with her parents about their battles, she learned early on that mental illness is not a secret or a fault but a condition to be managed.Our discussion spotlights the significant, generational impact of honest communication in families, contrasting it with experiences of silence and gaslighting. The conversation touches on the importance of seeking help, the development of coping mechanisms, and the role of support systems in navigating daily challenges.If you or someone you know is navigating the dark roads of depression, this episode is a must-listen, filled with insights, strategies, and a reminder that by being honest about your experience, you can make others' paths more clear.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this practical, inspirational and bittersweet episode, co-host Dr. Anita Sanz, a therapist with over two decades of experience, shares three life-changing questions that she has refined over the years to help people navigate depression and challenging situations. These questions, deeply rooted in neuroscience and psychology, are designed to shake up the mental patterns that keep us stuck.Together, Anita and Terry explore how these simple yet profound prompts—centered on dreaming beyond limitations, embracing life as an adventure, and recognizing inner strength—can serve as a compass during difficult times. Anita explains the science behind why these questions work and shares personal insights on how they've helped her and her clients.As Anita bids farewell after three years of co-hosting the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, this episode is both a parting gift and a message of hope. While change is difficult, she reminds us that endings bring new beginnings. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that may just help you reframe your struggles and take the first step toward a brighter path.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this real and hopeful episode, we continue our conversation with Matt Weedon of the Tors, the UK-based indie band behind the hit song Anything Can Happen. Written in the wake of Matt’s struggles with depression and anxiety, the song has struck a deep emotional chord with millions worldwide—its raw lyrics capturing the weight of mental illness and the slow, steady journey toward healing.In this episode, Matt shares the deeply personal story behind the song’s lyrics, from the crushing heaviness of depression to the first glimmers of recovery—sleeping through the night, hearing birdsong again, and allowing light back into his life, both literally and metaphorically. He reflects on the overwhelming response to the song, the outpouring of messages from listeners who relate, and how vulnerability and authenticity in music create space for healing and connection.Through this candid discussion, we explore the power of storytelling in breaking mental health stigma, the importance of slow, lasting recovery, and the small but significant steps that lead us out of the darkness. Stick around until the end of the episode for a full playthrough of Anything Can Happen, a song that  has resonated with millions walking similar paths.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

There's a saying: "When you're happy, you enjoy the music, but when you're sad, you understand the lyrics." That sentiment resonates deeply in this episode as we sit down with singer-songwriter Matt Weedon of The Tors, the UK-based indie band behind the hauntingly beautiful song, Anything Can Happen.Matt opens up about the song’s unintentional origins—written in the depths of his own struggle with depression. He describes the physical and emotional weight of mental illness, the numbness and pain that coexist, and the exhaustion of simply existing when hope feels out of reach. Through a raw and honest conversation, we explore how music became his outlet and how the unwavering support of a close friend helped him hold on.This episode isn’t just about a song—it’s about survival, the power of being truly heard, and the small, deliberate steps we can take while waiting for change. Whether you’re struggling yourself or looking to better support a loved one, Matt’s story and lyrics serve as both a mirror and a guide. Because as dark as things may seem, anything can happen.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this powerful 30-minute continuation of last week's conversation, Johnny Crowder—vocalist for the metal bands Dark Sermon and Prison, as well as a dedicated mental health advocate—shares how he navigates life with multiple mental health diagnoses. From severe anxiety and OCD to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Johnny reflects on how these conditions intertwined, with depression standing out as the most debilitating force of all.Johnny opens up about the life-altering events that closed out his 2024: losing his home to a hurricane, the end of a valued relationship, and major changes in his music career. He describes how depression isn’t just sadness but a pervasive “universal ambivalence”—a gray fog that strips meaning from everything, even the things that once brought joy.With raw honesty, deep insights and occasional humor, Johnny shares the strategies he's developed to push back against depression's lies, including reaching out to trusted friends for evidence that recovery is possible and practicing self-compassion inspired by Eckhart Tolle’s teachings. His metaphor of depression as the force that prevents you from even pressing an "easy button" to fix your life will resonate deeply with anyone who has struggled to find motivation in their darkest moments.If you’ve ever felt stuck, hopeless, or convinced that things will always be this way, this episode is a must-listen. Johnny’s vulnerability and insight remind us that while depression can feel inescapable, it is a symptom—not a truth—and recovery is always possible.https://recovery.com/https://johnnycrowder.com/TEDx Talk: Why I Don't Want to Die Anymore:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e612-OTu-SATEDx Talk: How to Grow as a Person (and Why it Sucks) https://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_crowder_how_to_grow_as_a_person_and_why_it_suckshttps://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/