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

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/

For years, Jordan lived with untreated depression that he hid behind success in sports, social life, and eventually alcohol. Drinking offered temporary relief but quickly spiraled into addiction, hospitalization, and even jail.After a suicide attempt and years of struggling, Jordan finally embraced treatment, medication, and sobriety. Now three years sober, he uses his lived experience as both a survivor of depression and addiction and a crisis social worker to connect deeply with people in their darkest moments.In this conversation, Jordan shares how honesty—once seen as weakness—became his greatest strength. By saying the words “I’ve been there,” he gives others the safety and trust they need to believe in the possibility of recovery.This episode is a powerful story of resilience, transformation, and the healing impact of shared experience.Primary Topics Covered:Jordan’s early experiences of depression as a child and teenWhy he hid his feelings from family and friendsHow alcohol became a form of self-medication for depression and anxietyThe destructive cycle of addiction, relapse, and untreated depressionHis suicide attempt and hospitalization as turning pointsThe role of AA, medication, and therapy in his recoveryWhy honesty and vulnerability became his “superpowers”Using lived experience to connect with others in crisisThe healing impact of saying “I’ve been where you are”How helping others sustains his own sobriety and mental healthTimestamps00:11 Introduction and episode theme 01:41 Jordan’s story begins: childhood sadness without a name 03:23 Why he hid depression from his mother and father 04:01 The mask of being a strong Black man in high school and college 04:37 First drink at 17: how alcohol felt like a solution 05:45 Addiction takes hold—AA, jail, hospitalization 06:22 Anxiety, hiding in closets, and living in isolation 07:20 Suicide attempt, hospitalization, and diagnosis of depression 08:25 Turning point: his mother brings him to detox 08:50 Committing fully to AA and beginning sobriety 09:28 Using lived experience as a crisis social worker 10:31 Why honesty and vulnerability connect deeply in recovery work 12:10 The possibility of a 180° life turnaround 13:19 Returning to the same county facility where he was once detained 14:21 Helping others at their lowest points as his new purpose 15:38 Reflections on how weakness became strength 16:31 Closing insights from Terry and Dr. AnitaExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Stigma keeps people silent—and silence keeps people suffering.In this episode, therapist and author Juliet Kuehnle shares how she’s fighting stigma by openly discussing her own diagnoses of anxiety and persistent depressive disorder. Through both personal experience and professional expertise, Juliet explores how language, labels, and everyday choices either reinforce or break down stigma.She outlines seven types of stigma, explains why words like “commit suicide” are harmful, and offers real-life practices—like vulnerability, authenticity, and saying “no” without apology—that help create safer, more supportive conversations about mental health.Juliet reminds us that fighting stigma doesn’t always look like a big movement—it can start with how we talk to each other, how we share our truth, and how we show up for ourselves.Link to Juliet Khuenle's website: https://suncounselingandwellness.com/juliet-kuehnle/Primary Topics Covered:Juliet’s lived experience with anxiety and persistent depressive disorderHow depression feels like “muted” emotions, not just sadnessSeven different types of stigma and how they affect peopleWhy language matters: shifting from harmful terms like “commit suicide”Diagnoses as tools for understanding, not labels for judgmentVulnerability as a powerful way to reduce stigma and build connectionWhy “having needs doesn’t make you needy”The importance of practicing self-care even when depression tells us we’re unworthySetting boundaries and learning that “No” is a complete sentenceHow everyday choices can chip away at stigmaTimestamps00:11 Intro – wrapping up the stigma series 01:11 Why stigma keeps people from seeking help 01:38 Guest introduction: therapist Juliet Kuehnle 02:25 Juliet shares her diagnoses and lived experience 03:26 Depression as “muted” feelings, not just sadness 04:13 Understanding seven types of stigma 05:22 Why diagnoses inform, not define us 05:43 The harm of using labels casually (“so OCD,” “commit suicide”) 07:25 Practicing vulnerability and authenticity to fight stigma 08:44 Choosing safe times and places to share your story 09:30 Vulnerability begets vulnerability—unlocking connection 10:36 Moving beyond the rote “I’m fine” to real answers 11:15 Why asking “Really?” can open the door to honesty 12:17 Vulnerability as risk and reward—our deepest need to be seen 12:47 Asking for what we need without shame 13:42 Why having needs doesn’t make you needy 14:18 Depression’s lies vs. acting in self-worth anyway 15:21 Self-care as a birthright, not a “should” 16:22 Boundaries, saying “no,” and leaving explanations behind 17:33 How practicing these tools reduces stigma in daily life 18:49 Why “No” is a complete sentence 20:20 How habits reinforce unworthiness—and how action rewires it 20:49 Language shifts that matter: “died by suicide” vs. “commit suicide” 21:50 “Has depression” vs. “is depressed”—changing identity-based language 22:56 Everyday practices that move us toward authenticity and wellness 23:53 Safe disclosure: when you can say “my depression is bad” and when you don’t owe an explanation 24:16 Closing thoughts on ending stigma and living authenticallyExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Stigma isn’t just hurtful—it’s dangerous.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita continue the stigma series by showing how reducing stigma not only improves mental health outcomes but can also literally save lives.Drawing on insights from past guests and lived experiences, this conversation explores how stigma keeps people silent for years, increases isolation, and raises the risk of suicide. It also highlights why acceptance, compassion, and open dialogue are the keys to making mental health safer for everyone.From practical examples of how language and attitudes shape recovery to heartfelt testimonies from people who’ve lived with depression, this episode is both a call to action and a message of hope: ending stigma is possible, and it starts with how we treat each other.Primary Topics Covered:Why stigma is discrimination, not just misunderstandingHow stigma silences people and delays diagnosis by an average of 10 yearsThe link between stigma, isolation, and suicide riskFirsthand stories of how stigma prevented or delayed help-seekingWhy talking about depression like a physical illness reduces shameThe importance of visibility, representation, and community supportWhy ignorance is not an excuse—compassion is always possibleSimple, everyday ways to reduce stigma: listen, validate, acceptThe lifesaving impact of being there without judgmentTimestamps00:11 Introduction and series context 01:10 Recap of stigma series: research and real-life accounts 01:55 Defining stigma: prejudice and discrimination 03:00 How stigma silences people struggling with depression 03:40 The average 10-year delay between symptoms and treatment 04:21 Guest reflections on how stigma prevented help-seeking 05:54 Why many avoid therapy due to shame and appearances 06:39 How stigma leads to isolation and suicide risk 07:56 What life could look like if mental illness were treated like physical illness 08:41 The role of visibility, representation, and recovery stories 09:19 Why reducing stigma doesn’t always require big movements 09:53 Sharing stories as a proven method of stigma reduction 10:46 The importance of listening without judgment 11:40 Why ignorance is not an excuse for discrimination 14:02 Practical ways to ask: “What would help you when you’re struggling?” 15:43 Why presence and compassion matter more than advice 16:22 Closing with Dr. Corrigan’s words: “I accept you, I respect you, I am with you as you are.” 17:02 Final reminders: speak up if you’re struggling, listen if someone else isExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/