Giving Voice to Depression

When someone you love is struggling with depression, knowing what to say can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we share real, heartfelt messages of support collected from our Giving Voice to Depression community — words that made a real difference to someone in crisis.You’ll hear authentic, compassionate responses that show how powerful even a short message can be. We also discuss why validation matters, the healing role of empathy, and what types of comments to avoid.Whether you’re supporting a friend, family member, or colleague — or need to hear these words yourself — this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, and your words can be a lifeline.Primary Topics Covered:The importance of real, non-judgmental support for depressionExamples of what to say to someone struggling (community messages)Why validation and empathy matter more than “fixing”The dangers of dismissive comments like “just snap out of it”Distraction as a healthy coping strategy during depressive episodesHow support works both ways — helping others can help you tooBuilding true community around mental health strugglesTimestamps:00:00 Intro and setup: why this conversation matters 02:30 Community messages of hope and support 06:30 The role of distraction as a mental health tool 09:30 Longer encouragements and reminders that depression lies 13:20 Why lived experience makes support more powerful 16:50 Support as a two-way connection: helping and being helped 20:30 Community empathy: giving support even while struggling 24:30 Why you don’t need perfect words to show up for someone 27:30 Reflections on healing power of community stories 30:30 Closing thoughts: a resource for listeners in dark momentsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Recovery from depression is not a straight line—it’s a journey of progress, setbacks, and resilience. In this candid episode, Lacey shares what she’s learned both as someone who has lived with depression and now works as a mental health provider.She explains why setbacks and relapses are not failures but opportunities to grow stronger and develop new coping tools. Lacey also emphasizes the power of listening without judgment, holding space for someone in pain, and resisting the urge to “fix” what can’t be fixed with quick words.This episode offers insight for anyone living with depression and for those who want to know how to truly support someone they love.Primary Topics Covered:Why recovery from depression is non-linear and more like a circle than a straight lineThe difference between relapse and failure—and why setbacks can make you strongerHow people without lived experience may misunderstand depression recoveryThe importance of recognizing early warning signs of depression returningHow friends can support: listening, holding space, and avoiding “fix-it” adviceWhy people with depression often just need presence, not solutionsLanguage and questions that make support easier and saferThe harm of turning conversations toward your own experience instead of listeningWhy being truly heard is one of the most healing gifts in depression recoveryTimestamps:00:11 Introduction to the episode with Terri and Dr. Anita Sands 01:02 Personal vs. expert perspectives on depression 02:31 Lacey’s experience as both therapy patient and provider 03:31 Why recovery is not linear but cyclical 05:20 How relapse and setbacks can actually build resilience 06:55 Recognizing early warning signs before a deep slide 07:38 Supporting a friend with bipolar disorder by holding space 09:19 What people with depression most need from supporters: presence and listening 10:36 Why asking for support is so difficult—and how to make it easier 11:12 The lie of isolation: remembering you’re not truly alone 12:19 Language supporters can use to make reaching out safer 13:03 Asking: “Do you want advice, solutions, or just someone to listen?” 14:19 Why journaling and therapy work: being heard and externalizing thoughts 14:56 The mistake of “me too” stories that shift focus away from the person struggling 16:39 The deep human need to be seen and heard 17:55 Takeaways: notice, re-ask, and listen as the best ways to help 20:07 How to check in while respecting someone’s boundaries 22:15 Creative ways to remind someone they’re not alone (humor, small gestures) 23:44 Why relapse is not failure but part of recovery 24:41 Closing thoughts and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Depression can show up suddenly, even in a supportive home. For Lacey, symptoms of depression and anxiety began at age 14—confusing her family, friends, and even herself.In this episode, she shares how therapy and medication helped her understand that what she was going through wasn’t just “teen angst,” but real depression that deserved care and support. For the first time, someone told her that mental health was just as important as physical health.Lacey also describes the moment that changed everything: learning that her grandmother, father, and generations before her had also lived with depression. That realization lifted the shame she felt and gave her the first real sense of hope that she could live a full life with depression.Her story is a reminder that early recognition, the right therapist, and open family conversations can turn despair into possibility.Primary Topics Covered:Early signs of teen depression and how they differ from “normal teenage moods”Why uncontrollable crying and eating changes raised red flagsHow therapy gave Lacey her first sense of validation and understandingThe long process of finding the right antidepressant and balanceWhy finding the right therapist matters and may take patienceHow family conversations reduce shame and build hopeGenerational depression and the relief of learning you’re not aloneThe importance of accepting all emotions, not trying to erase sadnessWhy vulnerability is the key to connection and recoveryTimestamps:00:05 Introduction to Season 19 and the power of shared stories 02:07 Why organic conversations lead to deeper lessons 03:20 Meet Lacey: from teen patient to adult social worker 03:30 Symptoms at age 14: crying, withdrawal, eating struggles 04:16 Friends confused by her sudden personality shift 04:56 Why uncontrollable crying pushed her to seek therapy 05:30 Her mom’s perspective: bulimia, not eating, flat affect 06:20 First therapy experience: life-changing validation 06:55 Learning that mental health is as important as physical health 07:24 Therapist explains this is not normal teen angst 08:17 Starting medication and the long trial-and-error process 10:02 Learning to accept all emotions instead of rejecting sadness 10:39 Why finding the right therapist is like finding the right fit in any relationship 11:43 Family revelation: grandmother and father also lived with depression 12:30 The epiphany that lifted shame and brought the first hope 13:28 Vulnerability as the key to connection and healing 14:20 Lacey’s perspective as both patient and provider 15:28 Blurred lines between “mental health” and “mental illness” 16:06 The importance of therapists who teach acceptance and balance 17:16 Closing preview of Part Two: non-linear recovery and real supportExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we sit down with Craig Kramer, a father, advocate, and former Johnson & Johnson executive, who shares his deeply personal journey navigating his children’s mental health challenges. From the shock of missed warning signs to the heartbreak of suicide attempts and substance struggles, Craig’s story highlights the realities parents face when mental illness enters the family.He discusses the lessons he’s learned the hard way, including the importance of early recognition, support systems, safety planning, and reducing stigma. Craig also shares how his advocacy work in both family and corporate settings has shaped his mission to improve mental health awareness and care access for others.Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or ally, this episode offers insight, compassion, and hope for families facing similar challenges.Link to Craig's Johnson & Johnson video about his family's mental health journey: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/craigkramer1_asking-for-help-saved-craig-kramers-career-activity-7090004879254945792-wtoU/Primary Topics Covered:The difficulty of recognizing early warning signs of children’s mental illness.Parenting through depression, anxiety, suicidality, and substance use.The role of family support networks and safety plans.Stigma around mental health vs. physical health (comparing cancer care to mental health care).The importance of parental self-care while supporting struggling kids.How workplaces can (and should) support employees with family mental health crises.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Craig Kramer 02:11 - Craig’s career in global health and the contrast with his family’s hidden struggles 03:45 - Early signs of children’s mental health challenges and missed warning signs 05:16 - Suicide attempt, family loss, and delayed recognition of illness 07:22 - Parenting during constant fear and sleepless nights 09:08 - Building support systems and creating safety plans 10:16 - Stigma and lack of a true mental health system in the U.S. 12:21 - Comparing cancer care to mental health care 13:40 - Lessons parents need to understand about struggling kids 15:14 - The reality of depression as a legitimate medical condition 16:50 - Family progress, advocacy, and ongoing mission for change 18:44 - Parental self-care vs. judgment and stigma 20:14 - The workplace impact of family mental health struggles 22:14 - Corporate leadership, stigma reduction, and the role of “mental health ambassadors” 23:08 - Craig’s reflections on speaking openly and reducing shame 24:17 - Closing thoughts and podcast wrap-upExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

When Jeannine Rivers was 19, she attempted suicide. She expected to never wake up—but she did. In that moment of panic and realization, she discovered something profound: she didn’t actually want to die. She just wanted the pain to stop.Now, decades later, Jeannine shares her powerful survivor story—from her diagnosis of Bipolar II disorder to the voice that told her to get up and live, and the life she built because she survived those 15 critical minutes.This conversation, part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, is raw, real, and filled with hope. Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry reflect with Jeannine on the stigma of mental illness, the importance of language in how we talk about suicide, and the reminder that life is worth holding onto, even when depression tells you otherwise.If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available—and survival is possible.Jeannine's website: https://www.jeanninerivers.com/Primary Topics Covered:The stigma of living with depression and bipolar disorderWhy diagnoses don’t define peopleJeannine’s suicide attempt and the moment she realized she wanted to liveThe shift from “failure” to “survivor” language in talking about suicideThe 15 minutes that saved her life—and everything she went on to accomplishThe role of faith, resilience, and meaning-making in recoveryDr. Sanz’s reflection: how depression disconnects people from self-worthPractical reframing questions for those struggling with hopelessnessThe importance of attention, help, and crisis resources like 988Why persistence matters when reaching out for supportTimestamps:00:00 Intro and framing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month  01:09 Introducing Jeannine Rivers and her survivor story  02:18 Why Jeannine shares her attempt openly now  03:12 Stigma and misunderstanding around depression and bipolar  05:02 Jeannine’s diagnosis of Bipolar II disorder in 2003  06:08 “I am not my diagnosis”: separating identity from illness  07:22 Jeannine’s suicide attempt at age 19  08:39 Shifting language: from “failure” to “survivor”  09:56 Jeannine recalls the day of her attempt  11:45 The voice that urged her to get up and survive  12:20 The hospital stay and the 15 minutes that saved her life  13:32 How survival made way for music, family, and purpose  14:59 Jeannine’s career and life achievements since surviving  15:52 Reflections on worth, depression, and disconnect  17:01 Dr. Sanz on reframing questions: “If I were worthy, what would I seek?”  18:31 Barriers to getting help: shame, cost, and worthiness  20:26 Crisis resources: the importance of calling 988 (or local hotlines)  22:08 Final reflections: “Get to the door. Open it.”  23:23 Closing encouragement and resources  Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Depression often begins with voices—sometimes internal, sometimes from those around us—that tell us we’re not good enough. For Janine, those voices started in childhood, intensified through family and religious pressures, and nearly took her life.In this first part of her two-episode story, Janine reflects on her earliest experiences of depression, the verbal abuse that shaped her self-image, and how faith, music, and self-talk became her tools for survival.She shares how she learned to challenge toxic voices—both internal and external—and replace them with affirmations of worth, gratitude, and hope.Janine’s story reminds us that recovery is possible, but it takes years of persistence, faith, and learning to find what is truly real and good.Link to Jeannine's website: https://www.jeanninerivers.com/Primary Topics Covered:Janine’s earliest experiences with depression as a childThe impact of religious restrictions and verbal abuse on her self-worthHow toxic voices (internal and external) shaped her strugglesThe power of music and creativity in surviving depressionLearning to reprogram harmful self-talk with affirmationsWhy faith, meditation, and gratitude helped her reclaim strengthThe long process of healing and silencing depression’s liesWhy recovery takes time and is built through small daily choicesHope as the foundation of survival and long-term growthTimestamps:00:11 Introduction and context for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 01:10 Introducing Janine’s story and the importance of hearing her now, before Part Two 02:43 Janine on finding the courage to share her story openly 03:53 Early experiences of depression at age 10 05:12 Childhood dreams and love of music 05:38 Family’s conversion to Jehovah’s Witnesses and its impact 06:48 Elders’ rejection of her singing gift and resulting pain 07:28 Experiences of verbal abuse and its long-term effects 08:27 Tools for quieting toxic voices: prayer, meditation, self-talk 09:38 Replacing negative voices with affirmations of strength 10:47 Accomplishments Janine reminds herself of to build confidence 11:20 The healing power of music and the song “Summertime” 13:52 Reflection on the long process of recovery and growth 15:01 Reminders: you are valuable and worthy of a life worth living 16:11 Closing thoughts and preview of Part Two (suicide attempt and recovery)Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Mark Henick, a suicide-attempt survivor, shares his journey of hope and recovery. He discusses the need for open conversation about mental health, early intervention and mental health education, coping strategies for depression, and overcoming self-stigma.

Mark Henick, a TEDx speaker and attempt survivor, along with Licensed Psychologist Anita Sanz, debunk misconceptions, myths, and lies about suicide. They discuss the responsibility of suicide prevention, the connection between depression and suicidal thoughts, the presence of warning signs, and the cognitive pathway of suicidal thoughts.

How do we measure progress when living with a lifelong mental health condition? For Rebecca Lombardo, turning 50 offered the perspective to look back and recognize just how far she’s come.Ten years ago, she was in the hospital after a suicide attempt. Today, she’s celebrating a decade without self-harm, publishing books, connecting with community, and sharing her story to fight stigma.In this candid conversation, Rebecca reflects on the realities of living with bipolar disorder—the hard days, the coping tools, and the support from her husband Joe that helped her move forward. She also talks about why positive self-talk, patience, and self-care are crucial parts of recovery, alongside therapy and medication.This episode is a powerful reminder that progress is possible, even when depression tells us otherwise.Link to the free Kindle version of Rebecca's book: https://bit.ly/47A7FvORebecca's website: www.rebeccaalombardo.comPrimary Topics Covered:Rebecca’s milestone of 10 years without self-harm or hospitalizationWhy progress can be hard to recognize day to dayThe lies of depression: feeling like a burden and unworthy of lifeThe importance of positive self-talk and communication with loved onesHow her suicide attempt changed her perspective on survival and loveThe role of therapy, medication, and ongoing self-work in bipolar recoveryUsing workbooks, education, and peer connection as coping toolsWhy self-care and patience are critical for long-term stabilityHow sharing her story helps fight stigma and support othersTimestamps:00:11 Introduction to the episode and Rebecca’s return 02:03 Rebecca on turning 50 and reflecting on a decade of progress 02:57 Realizing it had been 10 years since hospitalization and self-harm 03:57 Finding the right doctor after 25 years of searching 05:05 Why it’s hard to see progress when depression dominates thoughts 06:44 The lies of depression: believing others have better, more attainable lives 07:28 Celebrating milestones like publishing her book and helping others 07:39 Misunderstandings of her younger self: feeling like a burden 08:38 Positive self-talk and communication as recovery tools 09:56 Remembering her suicide attempt and its impact on her husband Joe 11:26 Choosing life for herself and future possibilities 12:08 Learning that medication is only part of recovery—self-work is essential 13:27 Online learning, peer groups, and writing as healing practices 14:44 Milestones from age 40 to 50: progress, growth, and hope 16:33 Advice to listeners: patience, self-awareness, and self-care 18:23 Rebecca’s blog reminder: don’t settle for the wrong doctor, keep searching 19:00 Why workbooks and therapy together can be powerful tools 20:41 The value of guidance, accountability, and professional support 22:19 Closing reflections and transition to Suicide Prevention Awareness MonthExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

When someone you love is diagnosed with a mental illness, it changes both of your lives. In this deeply honest and loving episode, Becca and Joe Lombardo invite us inside their 22-year marriage—one shaped by bipolar disorder, depression, suicide attempts, and a level of compassion and communication that could teach us all something.Together, they share how they moved from confusion and stigma to trust, understanding, and a shared language for navigating tough days. Whether you’re supporting someone with a diagnosis or you are the one living with it, this episode reminds us that relationships rooted in mutual care can survive—and even thrive—despite mental health challenges.Link to Rebecca's site: www.rebeccaalombardo.comPrimary Topics CoveredWhat it’s like to love someone with bipolar disorderThe early confusion and stigma in their relationshipHow communication became their shared survival toolUnderstanding the difference between support and fixingCreating emotional boundaries as a supportive partnerHow a suicide attempt and hospitalization changed their livesTips for partners: what to say, what not to sayThe importance of mutual respect in mental health caregivingWhy both people need support—not just the one diagnosedBuilding emotional shorthand and showing up with empathyTimestamps:00:00 Intro and episode setup01:45 Revisiting a past episode with Becca and Joe Lombardo02:40 The early days: fear, ignorance, and reconnecting03:46 Joe on loving the person, not just the diagnosis05:15 Becca’s suicide attempt and forced hospitalization06:43 The trauma of separation and lack of control08:11 Communicating struggles without blame09:16 Why trying to “fix it” doesn’t work10:07 Joe’s go-to question: “What can I do or say right now?”11:33 Mutual respect, repair, and recognizing limits12:29 Boundaries and healthy communication at work13:08 Becca’s advice to partners: stay open and listen14:34 Their work on social media and #KeepTalkingMH15:48 Dr. Sanz on index cards, shorthand communication17:02 The value of presence—even on low-functioning days18:32 Reminder: relationships require support on both sidesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/