Giving Voice to Depression: Real Stories & Expert Support for Depression and Mental Health

Caring for someone with depression can feel isolating, overwhelming, and exhausting—especially when it’s your partner or child. In this candid episode, Gwen shares her experience of 23 years of marriage, raising children, and managing family life alongside her husband’s severe depression.From setting boundaries to practicing self-care, Gwen explains how she’s learned to avoid being “sucked into the vortex,” keep her family functioning, and still hold space for joy. With compassion and honesty, she shares strategies for co-parenting, nudging loved ones toward treatment, and finding balance when depression threatens to take over the household.This conversation is both a lifeline and a validation for caregivers: you’re not alone, your needs matter too, and recovery—both for you and your loved one—is possible. Resources for Caregivers:Home - Families for Depression Awareness (familyaware.org)Getting Started: Guide for New Mental Health Caregivers | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)Caregiver Mental Health | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAAPrimary Topics CoveredThe challenges of being a long-term caregiver for a spouse with depressionParenting teenagers while managing a partner’s mental health strugglesSetting and enforcing healthy boundaries as a caregiverHow to avoid being “sucked into the vortex” of someone else’s depressionCoping with the loneliness of feeling disconnected in marriageWhy self-care is essential for caregivers’ survivalThe role of family therapy and shared responsibilities in recoveryGentle “nudging” strategies to encourage treatment and activityHow depression impacts relationships differently than physical illnessThe hope that caregiving and communication can improve over timeTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: National Caregiver Month and why this episode matters  02:23 – Margaret’s story and the call for caregiver-focused support  03:53 – Gwen’s background: 23 years of marriage and raising kids with depression in the family  05:01 – The roller coaster of living with a partner’s severe depression  05:56 – Mourning expectations of marriage and learning to adapt  06:50 – Seeing depression as an illness, not a choice  07:21 – When caregivers lose their cool: pushing for treatment and action  08:02 – Building boundaries and standing firm against harmful behaviors  09:22 – Avoiding the vortex: Gwen’s roller coaster metaphor  10:31 – Partnering and co-parenting when someone withdraws  11:56 – Practical tools: paying bills together, meal planning, and shared calendars  12:42 – Why starting small activities helps break through depression  14:29 – Gentle nudging vs. forcing treatment: stages of change in action  16:54 – The difference between caregiving for depression and physical illness  17:42 – Asking loved ones what kind of support actually helps  18:40 – Why caregiver self-care is critical: filling your own cup first  19:46 – The ground rules and wellness planning that keep relationships functioning  21:37 – Protecting the relationship: not letting depression dictate everything  22:26 – The importance of talking openly about depression in the 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/

Primary Topics CoveredEmotional toll of living with a partner with depressionParenting while managing a spouse's mental illnessThe difference between emotional and physical caregivingThe power of shared experience and validationCoping strategies and the need for external supportCommunication approaches when depression causes emotional withdrawalThe stigma and isolation of mental health in familiesTimestamps00:00 - Intro 00:11 - Welcome and purpose of the podcast 00:32 - Meet the hosts and their mental health experiences 01:10 - Introduction to Margaret's story 01:43 - Background on Margaret's relationship and husband's diagnosis 02:52 - Margaret’s personal request for community and insight 03:20 - Challenges of living with a depressed partner 04:56 - Hopes of hearing from others with shared experience 05:41 - Recognizing the need for caregiver support 07:18 - Margaret reflects on expectations vs. reality of living with depression 08:52 - Coping with rejection from a depressed partner 10:23 - Emotional complexities of caregiving in mental health 12:02 - Lack of understanding from social circle 12:55 - What Margaret wishes people understood 14:24 - Yearning for teamwork in mental health struggles 15:07 - Requests for advice from others in similar situations 16:12 - Importance of validating caregiver struggles 17:45 - How to support a partner without enabling isolation 21:18 - Creating boundaries and recovery action plans 22:33 - Destigmatizing depression as a medical condition 23:19 - Reinforcing a loved one’s value and presence 24:30 - Closing thoughts and reminder to speak up and listenExplore 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 today’s episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Terry and Anita discuss how constant exposure to traumatic news affects our mental health. Drawing on insights from therapists and Dr. Robert Duff (aka Duff the Psych), they explore vicarious traumatization—the way we absorb trauma simply by witnessing it in the media.Listeners will learn why our brains struggle with the nonstop replay of violent or tragic events, and how this repeated exposure can fuel anxiety, fear, and even symptoms of PTSD. More importantly, the episode offers actionable strategies for staying informed without becoming overwhelmed, including setting limits, choosing healthier ways to consume news, and creating balance by intentionally bringing “lightness” into your day.If you’ve been feeling drained, anxious, or helpless after following world events, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening and how to protect your mental health.Related News Article: www.huffpost.com/entry/violent-me…nxiety_n_6671732Related Research: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803729/Dr. Robert Duff (Duff the Psych) website: www.duffthepsych.com/Primary Topics Covered:What vicarious or secondary traumatization means and how it happensThe impact of repeated exposure to traumatic media imagesWhy no one is immune to distress from news coveragePractical strategies for protecting your mental health while staying informedThe importance of balance and creating intentional lightnessTimestamps:00:00 Intro and framing the topic of news-related trauma 01:05 How witnessing traumatic events impacts mental health 02:00 Listener feedback and real-world examples 02:54 Introducing Dr. Robert Duff (Duff the Psych) 04:40 Healthy ways to consume news without being overwhelmed 05:21 The risks of “going down the information hole” 05:55 Why our brains weren’t designed for nonstop traumatic exposure 06:40 Strategies for setting boundaries and knowing your limitsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Sometimes, the simplest gestures can make the biggest difference. In this moving episode, Rosaleen shares how she went from despair—believing she was worthless and alone—to feeling surrounded by love, thanks to dozens of short, heartfelt messages from strangers in our online community.Co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz reflect on the power of real depression support—why it doesn’t have to be complicated, why validation matters more than fixing, and how even a heart emoji or a few words can help someone survive their darkest night.This episode is a reminder that support works best when it’s simple, genuine, and rooted in shared understanding. It’s also proof that you don’t have to have the “perfect words” to make a difference—you just need to show up.Primary Topics Covered:What real depression support looks and feels likeWhy simple gestures (heart emojis, short messages, hugs) matter mostThe danger of reacting only to anger or negativity in depressionRosaleen’s story: from feeling worthless to feeling understoodHow strangers in a Facebook community helped her survive a dark nightThe healing power of validation vs. trying to fix someone’s painWhy lived experience makes supportive words more powerfulThe ripple effect: how supporting someone else can heal us tooPractical advice: what to say (and not say) when someone is hurtingTimestamps:00:00 – Intro and connection to last week’s episode  01:10 – Introducing Rosaleen’s story of real support  02:10 – Why validating pain matters more than fixing it  02:58 – How the story began: a listener complaint  04:15 – Depression isn’t always sadness—sometimes it’s anger  04:51 – Rosaleen describes feeling empty and hopeless  05:47 – Asking for community support (with hesitation)  06:33 – Messages of love and support begin pouring in  07:26 – Rosaleen: “The pain was different. There was healing.”  08:15 – Belonging vs. feeling like an individual in pain  09:02 – The impact of simple gestures: hugs and hearts  10:43 – Why short messages matter more than long posts  12:05 – Examples of supportive words that truly helped  13:36 – How community support shifted Rosaleen’s self-worth  15:32 – Helping others as a way of healing yourself  16:18 – Rosaleen: “I wanted to live because of their kindness.”  18:02 – Why this story is especially timely today  19:21 – Heart emojis, simple words, and why they matter  21:00 – Dr. Sanz on “dark nights of the soul” and hope  24:34 – Why support from lived experience carries more weight  25:39 – Closing gratitude for Rosaleen and the community  26:21 – Final reflections: speak up, listen, and show up  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/

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/