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

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/

Stigma doesn’t just hurt feelings—it delays help, worsens depression, and puts lives at risk.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Terry and Dr. Anita continue the stigma series with real stories from listeners and past guests who share how fear of judgment, shame, and misunderstanding shaped their mental health journeys.From being shunned at work for taking FMLA, to hiding depression from employers, to living in silence for years before seeking help, these firsthand accounts reveal the very real consequences of stigma.The episode also highlights research showing that on average, people wait ten years between the onset of symptoms and receiving treatment—a delay fueled largely by stigma.This conversation is both eye-opening and validating: if you’ve ever felt silenced by shame, you’re not alone. And if you’ve ever wondered why stigma matters, here’s the proof.Link to article: https://www.findthemind.org/articles/why-is-there-so-much-stigma-surrounding-mental-illnessPrimary Topics Covered:What stigma really is: prejudice, discrimination, and internalized shameWhy stigma prevents open conversations about depressionFirsthand stories of being shunned at work and judged for using FMLAHow stigma silences pregnant women, queer people, and faith communitiesThe “I can’t” feeling—how stigma deepens isolation and self-doubtResearch on the average 10-year delay to diagnosis and treatmentWhy many disguise mental illness as a physical condition to avoid ridiculeThe dangerous misconception that depression = weaknessWhy reducing stigma is critical for suicide prevention and early interventionA reminder that eliminating stigma benefits not just individuals, but societyTimestamps:00:11 Introduction and episode framing 01:10 Continuing the stigma series—why it matters 02:01 Quoting Dr. Corrigan on stigma as prejudice and discrimination 02:49 Listeners and guests share firsthand stigma experiences 03:11 Is there stigma? “Absolutely—alive and well.” 03:57 Fear of disclosure at work due to hiring discrimination 04:12 Stigma as laziness, weakness, or unreliability 04:29 Listener: “If I had cancer, there’d be flowers and meals. With depression, nothing.” 05:12 Bipolar diagnosis at 70—why stigma still lingers 05:36 Guests share experiences of judgment before support 05:57 Stigma during pregnancy—“People don’t understand depression then.” 06:13 Queer and faith intersections where depression isn’t discussed 06:42 The “I can’t” experience—how stigma intensifies daily struggles 07:27 Why people hide their depression out of fear of judgment 08:28 NAMI perspective: stigma still alive, delaying care 09:12 Terry’s personal story—years of untreated depression due to stigma 10:18 Fear of ridicule at work forces people to hide conditions 11:06 Stigma linked to teen suicide, family heartbreak, and silence 12:14 Why depression prevention lags far behind heart disease and cancer 13:32 Learning symptoms of heart attack vs. lack of depression education 14:07 Why there should be no shame in seeking mental health care 14:28 Discrimination for being on disability due to bipolar depression 15:21 Why education and awareness are key to reducing stigma 16:15 Stigma harms not just individuals, but society as a whole 16:52 Preview of next week’s 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/

Education alone doesn’t end stigma—stories do.In this powerful conversation, world-renowned stigma researcher Dr. Patrick Corrigan explains why sharing personal stories of lived experience is the most effective way to fight mental health stigma.Instead of relying on lectures or statistics, Corrigan’s research shows that real-life “on the way down and on the way up” stories—of both struggle and recovery—help people see depression and other mental health conditions with compassion and hope.Corrigan also shares his own story of living with mental illness, explains why authenticity reduces shame, and explores how stigma is best understood as a social justice issue led by people with lived experience—not just professionals.This episode is both a call to action and a reassurance: your voice matters, and your story could change someone else’s life.Primary Topics Covered:Why education about mental illness often fails to reduce stigmaHow lived experience and storytelling shift attitudes and perceptionsThe importance of sharing both “on the way down” and “on the way up” storiesDr. Patrick Corrigan’s personal experience with depression, bipolar disorder, and anxietyWhy authenticity and coming out reduce shame and build connectionThe risks and benefits of disclosing mental health strugglesHow lived experience has driven other stigma movements (like LGBTQ+ rights)Why mental health stigma should be treated as a social justice issueThe Honest, Open, Proud program and safe ways to share your storyEveryday strategies for reducing stigma and finding safe alliesTimestamps00:11 Introduction and welcome 01:30 Mission of Giving Voice to Depression and this episode’s focus 02:24 Guest introduction: Dr. Patrick Corrigan, leading stigma researcher 03:16 Why education about “mental illness as brain disease” doesn’t reduce stigma 03:54 The power of face-to-face interactions and recovery stories 04:29 “On the way down” and “on the way up” stories for balance and hope 05:10 Corrigan shares his personal story of mental illness and recovery 06:29 Why authenticity reduces shame and creates “me too” moments 07:51 Comparisons with the LGBTQ+ movement and visibility 08:09 The risks and benefits of disclosing mental illness 09:13 Reframing the “dirty laundry” narrative—gifts that come with mental health struggles 10:06 Why stigma must be understood as a social justice issue 10:39 The importance of lived experience in leading anti-stigma efforts 11:49 Why disclosure must be a personal, well-considered choice 12:44 Honest, Open, Proud program: safe ways to share your story 13:59 Using podcasts and third-party stories to test safe disclosure 15:04 Dr. Anita on the energy drain of hiding vs. the freedom of authenticity 16:24 Recognizing the gifts of empathy, gratitude, and compassion from lived experience 17:15 The goal: not just resilience, but thriving and social change 18:09 Call to action: listener voices needed for future stigma episodes 18:45 Closing 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/

When you're living with depression, knowing what to do before a mental health crisis hits can be life-saving. In this powerful and practical episode, psychotherapist Dr. Anita Sanz joins Terry to walk listeners through creating a Mental Health Crisis Plan—a personalized, written safety net to help you stay safe and supported when things start to fall apart.This conversation continues last week’s episode on wellness planning, guiding you through the final, often neglected, phases of the WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan): identifying signs that things are getting worse, building a crisis plan, and outlining what support you’ll need during and after a crisis.If you or someone you love lives with depression, this episode provides a concrete, compassionate, and proven tool to make the darkest moments more manageable—and maybe even survivable.Link to WRAP Plan Template: www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdfPrimary Topics CoveredWhat a mental health crisis looks like and how to spot it earlyCreating a personalized crisis plan before you need itWho to include in your support system (and how to prepare them)How to communicate your needs clearly during a crisisExamples of specific crisis behaviors, warning signs, and support tasksHow to build “Plan B” when Plan A failsReducing shame and normalizing mental health planningPost-crisis strategies and recovery stepsWhy this kind of planning benefits both you and your supportersTimestamps:00:00 Intro and Recap of Part 102:10 What Is a Mental Health Crisis Plan?04:13 Identifying Signs of Worsening Depression06:30 “Point of Possible Return” vs. Crisis Mode08:30 Defining a Personal Mental Health Crisis10:35 Examples of Verbal and Behavioral Crisis Cues13:30 Choosing Supporters and Sharing Your Plan14:53 What Help Looks Like During a Crisis18:30 Being Specific: Matching People to Tasks21:06 Planning for When Support Systems Fail23:03 Giving Supporters Confidence and Clarity26:21 Choosing Preferred Crisis Resources in Advance28:00 Defining Post-Crisis Recovery Signs30:50 How Long Should Support Continue After a Crisis?33:00 Reducing Shame and Encouraging Preparedness36:45 Involving Supporters Before a Full-Blown Crisis38:00 Final Thoughts and EncouragementExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/