Giving Voice to Depression

What happens when one of the toughest men in the NFL takes off the mask and admits he’s been battling depression?In this powerful 100th episode of Giving Voice to Depression, NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins opens up about his lifelong struggle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the pressure of hiding behind toughness. Known as “Weapon X” during his 16 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos, Dawkins reveals how silence nearly cost him his life—and how vulnerability, therapy, and faith helped him find freedom.Dawkins shares candidly about the dangers of holding everything in, the importance of building what he calls a “blessed pack” of supportive people, and how medication, therapy, and prayer worked together in his healing. He also reflects on the lessons he wishes he’d learned earlier, and why he now uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, especially for men of color and athletes.This episode is a reminder that true strength is asking for help—and that depression does not discriminate, even among the strongest.Link to Brian Dawkins's website: www.briandawkins.com/Primary Topics Covered:Brian Dawkins’ first experience with depression during his NFL rookie yearThe harmful message of “pain is weakness leaving the body”Why men, especially athletes, are taught to suppress emotionsThe silent pressure that builds when feelings aren’t expressedThe moment depression drove him to consider suicideHow therapy, medication, and faith worked together in his healingThe power of vulnerability and unmaskingBuilding a “blessed pack” of trusted friends and mentorsTeaching the next generation to talk about feelingsHow daily practices like prayer, meditation, and positive focus help recoveryTimestamps00:11 Introduction to the 100th episode and hosts’ reflections 02:09 Brian Dawkins’ NFL career and reputation as “Weapon X” 02:53 Why he chose to reveal his depression in his Hall of Fame speech 03:35 What he thought depression was before experiencing it himself 04:21 Depression hitting hard during his rookie year 05:06 The culture of silence and “toughness” in sports and masculinity 06:18 The silent pressure of unspoken pain 06:35 The concept of a “blessed pack” for support and vulnerability 07:38 Teaching his kids to express emotions and not fear judgment 09:00 The role of faith and prayer in his healing 09:48 How medication and therapy helped him regain perspective 11:05 Suicidal thoughts and searching for ways to end his life 12:34 The mask of performance while dying inside 13:41 Freedom found in authenticity and unmasking 14:34 How dark times can teach resilience and discipline 15:54 The role of focus and daily practices in recovery 16:47 Final message: “You are worth the fight.” 18:17 Brian’s advocacy work and upcoming foundation 18:33 Closing reflections from hostsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Can sharing your darkest struggles create light for others?In this heartfelt episode, Matt Weeden of The Tors Band continues the conversation about the band’s viral hit “Anything Can Happen.” Written during his own battle with depression and anxiety, the song has resonated with millions worldwide, turning raw honesty into connection, hope, and healing.Matt opens up about the slow steps of recovery—sleeping through the night, opening the curtains to let in light, walking his dogs, and starting therapy. He reflects on how being authentic and vulnerable not only helped him heal but also sparked a global community of listeners who felt less alone.This episode explores the power of music to reduce stigma, inspire hope, and connect people who might otherwise suffer in silence.The Tors website: tors.bandPrimary Topics Covered:The unexpected viral success of “Anything Can Happen”How sharing personal struggles with depression created global resonanceThe importance of authenticity and vulnerability in healingSmall but powerful steps in recovery: sleep, light, routine, therapyThe metaphor of opening curtains—literal and emotionalWhy recovery is slow but lasting change matters more than quick fixesThe universal power of music as a tool for mental healthA reminder that progress is possible, even if it’s slowTimestamps:00:11 Introduction to the episode 01:09 The power of vulnerable sharing in mental health 01:38 Recap of The Tors’ viral song “Anything Can Happen” 03:08 The overwhelming response from fans around the world 04:49 The importance of authenticity in music and recovery 06:59 Lyrics and reflections on slow healing: “I think I’m getting better…” 08:29 The significance of opening curtains and hearing birds sing 09:52 Why recovery takes time and the myth of quick fixes 12:03 Small steps: routine, dogs, podcasts, and therapy 13:23 Therapy insights and revisiting childhood experiences 14:21 Matt’s message of hope: healing is slow, but possible 17:00 Therapist reflection on imperceptible change in recovery 18:38 The importance of hearing and sharing real stories 19:14 Closing with The Tors’ full performance of “Anything Can Happen”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/

Music has a way of putting words and emotions to experiences we can’t always explain. In this episode, Matt Weedon of The Tors shares the story behind their song “Anything Can Happen” — written during a difficult season of depression.Matt opens up about how even small tasks felt unbearable, what it was like to feel both pain and numbness at once, and how the support of a loyal friend helped him through the darkest moments. He also explains how the simple reminder — “If you need a minute, take a minute” — became a lifeline of self-compassion and rest.This conversation is both raw and hopeful, offering listeners a reminder that depression can distort our sense of time and possibility, but support, routines, and even music can help us hold on until things shift.Link to The Tors website: http://tors.band/Primary Topics Covered:Depression recovery through music and songwritingThe story behind “Anything Can Happen” by The TorsHow depression feels like both pain and numbnessWhy everyday tasks become overwhelming during depressionThe role of friendship and having someone who truly listensSelf-compassion: “If you need a minute, take a minute”How routines and laughter can bring sparks of hopeWhy being heard can be as powerful as being lovedThe importance of honest support vs. empty reassuranceTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and opening thoughts from Terry & Dr. Anita  02:12 – Meet Matt Weedon of The Tors and the story behind the song  03:44 – Writing during depression: when everything felt heavy  05:08 – Pain and numbness at the same time in depression  05:38 – Lyrics from “Anything Can Happen” and their meaning  06:43 – “I don’t remember happy” — losing joy during depression  08:26 – The power of a friend who listens without judgment  09:29 – Why being heard feels like being loved  10:54 – How not to shut someone down when they share their struggles  11:49 – The meaning of “If you need a minute, take a minute”  15:13 – Finding hope when you can’t see a future  15:35 – Building routines and small daily goals during recovery  18:30 – Laughter, TV shows, and the spark of joy returning  20:09 – Why familiar, comforting inputs help a struggling brain  21:22 – Friendship, “body doubling,” and the power of presence  22:51 – Closing reflections and preview of the next episode  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/

What happens when the doctor becomes the patient?In this moving episode, trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Weinstein shares his deeply personal story of living with treatment-resistant depression, suicidal thoughts, and eventually undergoing ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).Michael describes how depression convinced him he was worthless and a burden to his family, and how—despite years of medical training—he didn’t fully recognize or understand these thoughts until he lived them himself. His story sheds light on the stigma of depression in the medical field, the challenges of receiving psychiatric care as a physician, and the humbling experience of being hospitalized alongside patients he once treated.Now in recovery, Dr. Weinstein emphasizes the importance of speaking openly, breaking stigma, and remembering that healing is possible. His journey is a powerful reminder that depression lies—and that life can become brighter again.Link to YouTube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qBobGOF0fs&t=5sPrimary Topics Covered:The impact of family history on Michael’s depressionHow depression convinced him he was a burden to loved onesWhat it feels like to live with treatment-resistant depressionVoluntarily admitting himself to a psychiatric hospitalExperiencing ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) when nothing else workedThe trauma of being restrained and placed in isolationLessons learned from being “on the other side” as a psychiatric patientWhy stories of lived experience are powerful tools for reducing stigmaThe surprising joy and gratitude he feels in recovery todayTimestamps00:11 Introduction by hosts Terry and Anita 01:09 Recap of previous episode on doctors and depression 01:29 Introduction of guest: trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Weinstein 02:22 Michael’s family history of depression and personal struggle 03:22 Thoughts of worthlessness and being a burden 05:13 The importance of hearing others’ stories to break stigma 06:25 Defining and living with treatment-resistant depression 07:50 Voluntarily entering psychiatric care 08:45 Facing the recommendation for ECT treatment 09:31 Being restrained and placed in isolation during hospitalization 10:36 Lessons learned from being a psychiatric patient 11:43 Why stories of lived experience resonate more than statistics 12:23 Michael’s surprising recovery and optimism today 13:37 Hosts reflect on the power of doctors sharing their humanity 17:21 Closing reflections on destigmatizing depression in medicineExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

If doctors and psychologists are trained to care for others, why are so many struggling with depression and burnout themselves?In this important episode, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez reflect on the stigma surrounding mental illness in medicine, and share the story of Dr. Michael Weinstein, a trauma surgeon who wrote about his experience with depression in the New England Journal of Medicine.Despite outward success, Dr. Weinstein endured profound depression and feelings of failure. He highlights how medical training environments fuel burnout and mental health crises—long hours, lack of sleep, constant pressure, and a culture that stigmatizes asking for help.Dr. Anita also shares her own story of burnout during graduate school, where 80–100 hour work weeks and a “hazing” culture pushed students to their breaking point—ironically while being trained to promote wellness in others.This candid episode pulls back the curtain on how the medical system’s culture of silence and stigma harms both providers and patients—and why a revolution in medical education and training is urgently needed.Primary Topics Covered:Why stigma prevents doctors from seeking mental health treatmentDr. Michael Weinstein’s story of depression and burnout as a surgeonThe gap between medical education and real mental health needsHow medical training environments worsen depression and anxietyThe lack of compassion doctors extend to themselves compared to patientsDr. Anita’s personal burnout story during psychology graduate schoolWhy exhaustion and hazing models persist in medicine and psychologyThe urgent need for systemic change in how we train healthcare providersThe importance of self-compassion and mindfulness for caregiversTimestamps00:11 Welcome and introduction 01:09 Stigma in medicine and doctors’ reluctance to seek help 02:28 Introducing Dr. Michael Weinstein, trauma surgeon living with depression 03:21 Outward success vs. internal suffering 04:29 The failures of medical education in preparing doctors for mental health realities 05:23 How depression rates rise sharply during medical training 05:56 The need for self-compassion and mindfulness in medicine 07:21 Why doctors struggle to ask for or accept help 10:11 The culture of avoidance in medicine and lack of peer support 12:09 Focusing this episode on Weinstein’s medical perspective 12:34 Dr. Anita recalls her own graduate school burnout 13:37 The disconnect between training and promoting wellness 15:26 The unhealthy, unsustainable model of medical training 17:33 Why hazing-style training damages mental health long-term 18:02 The urgent need for systemic change in medical and psychology training 19:06 Closing reflections and preview of Dr. Weinstein’s personal story in the next episodeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Can a small crocheted heart save a life?In this powerful Valentine’s Day episode, Kathleen shares how her battle with depression, anxiety, complex PTSD, and suicidal thoughts led her to create the Little Heart Project. What began as a therapy-inspired hobby turned into a global movement of kindness, spreading handmade hearts with encouraging messages to strangers in need.Kathleen opens up about her eight years in the grip of depression, the relief she finally found through ketamine therapy, and how acts of kindness—whether receiving them or creating them—helped restore her hope.Her story is a reminder that small actions can spark big change, and that hope can return even when it feels impossible.Primary Topics Covered:Kathleen’s late-onset depression following family traumaLiving with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidality for eight yearsThe role of therapy, medication, and eventually ketamine treatmentCreating the Little Heart Project as both therapy and suicide preventionHow crocheted hearts and messages spread kindness in public spacesWhy small acts of kindness can open conversations about mental healthReal stories of people who found hope through the Little Heart ProjectThe importance of waiting for the right treatment to unlock recovery toolsChoosing to focus on what we can do instead of what we can’tTimestamps:00:11 Valentine’s Day introduction 01:17 Hearts as symbols of kindness and suicide prevention 02:23 Kathleen’s story: depression after family trauma 03:20 Eight years of living with depression and anxiety 05:07 How her therapist introduced crocheted hearts 05:52 Launching the Little Heart Project 06:40 The ripple effect: makers, givers, and receivers of hearts 07:52 Stories of people touched by the project 09:08 Choosing meaningful, supportive messages for the hearts 10:26 How ketamine therapy lifted treatment-resistant depression 11:25 Recognizing progress and using her mental health “toolbox” 13:13 Speaking publicly and reducing stigma through storytelling 14:05 A heart placed → a life saved: real suicide prevention story 16:01 The importance of finding the right treatment and holding onto hope 17:42 Focusing on what you can do instead of what you can’t 20:10 A reminder that change is possible, even after years of depression 21:25 Closing reflections and resources to join the Little Heart ProjectExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What does it mean to live with a dual diagnosis?In this episode, Don shares his candid story of navigating clinical depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder—a combination often called a dual diagnosis.After decades of silent suffering, Don finally received the correct diagnoses and found a treatment plan that worked, including medication, support groups, and telehealth through the VA. He talks openly about how depression convinced him he was worthless, how addiction fueled the darkness, and what finally helped him find hope again.Don also shares how music, gratitude, and peer support networks became essential tools in his recovery. His story is a reminder that recovery is possible, stigma must be challenged, and sometimes just listening is the greatest form of support.Primary Topics Covered:What “dual diagnosis” really meansDon’s early struggles with undiagnosed depression and anxietyMisdiagnosis of bipolar disorder and finding the right treatmentThe role of medication (escitalopram and gabapentin) in his stabilityDon’s history of substance use and recovery through AA/NAHow telehealth and the VA became a lifeline for mental health careMusic as a powerful coping tool against depression and anxietyWhy asking “How can I support you today?” mattersChallenging stigma by speaking openly about depression and addictionTimestamps00:05 Introduction and welcome 01:03 Podcast updates and live webinar announcement 02:06 What “dual diagnosis” means (mental illness + substance abuse) 03:15 Introducing Don and his story 04:21 Don’s early experiences with anxiety as a child 04:58 First diagnosis (misdiagnosed bipolar, later corrected) 06:05 Finding the right medication for depression and anxiety 07:59 How depression and anxiety feel without medication 08:10 Don’s history of substance use and recovery journey 09:03 Building a strong support network through AA/NA 09:56 The importance of connection, even long-distance, through technology 11:28 How telehealth with the VA transformed Don’s access to care 12:20 Why Don values the VA’s mental health services 13:07 Music as a daily coping tool and source of gratitude 14:58 Recognizing early signs of depressive episodes and acting quickly 15:50 The empathy and wisdom gained from lived experience 17:14 How friends and family can best support someone in depression 19:47 Why stigma is dangerous—and why Don refuses to stay silent 22:28 Closing reflections and reminders of hopeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What role does family play in depression recovery?In this episode, Sandeep, a 33-year-old British-Asian woman, shares her journey through depression, OCD, and an eating disorder, and how her family became a vital part of her healing. From her father first recognizing red flags, to her mother creating a monthly “family trust circle” where everyone shares openly, Sandeep highlights the power of connection, communication, and empathy in managing depression.She also opens up about her suicide attempt, what helped her hold on, and why she now advocates for open, stigma-free conversations about mental health. This conversation reminds us that recovery is not only personal, but communal—and that loved ones can play a life-saving role.Primary Topics Covered:How depression and eating disorders were first noticed in Sandeep’s lifeThe role of cultural stigma in silencing conversations about mental healthHer father’s intervention and family support during diagnosisThe mix of relief and shame that comes with receiving mental health labelsSurviving a suicide attempt and what shifted her thinking in that momentRed flags families can watch for: withdrawal, anger, and behavioral changesThe Family Trust Circle: a structured way to share positives, struggles, and needsWhy listening without judgment is one of the most powerful supportsHow connection—whether with family, peers, or online groups—can save livesChanging the conversation from “you’re not alone” to “you’re not the only one”Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the episode 01:09 Different ways to manage depression (therapy, medication, tools) 01:53 Introducing Sandeep’s story 02:41 Self-criticism, weight stigma, and childhood pressures 03:45 Early eating disorders and OCD diagnosis 04:50 Her father’s recognition of red flags 05:53 First doctor’s visit and getting a diagnosis 06:56 The relief and stigma of receiving labels 07:59 Reframing diagnoses and advocating for humanity beyond labels 08:59 Sandeep’s suicide attempt and internal conflict of voices 09:30 Her mother’s intervention that saved her life 10:43 How to check in with loved ones effectively 11:47 Warning signs: withdrawal, anger, temperament changes 13:18 Creating a Family Trust Circle for open dialogue 14:33 Why mental health check-ins must be safe, consistent, and trustworthy 16:15 Crisis resources: 988 in the U.S. and local hotlines abroad 16:51 Why it’s okay to not be okay—and to speak up 17:22 Reflections on family support and safe spaces 19:05 Extending trust circles to friends and chosen families 21:39 Emotional literacy and generational growth in mental health 22:39 The healing power of honest conversation 23:49 “You’re not the only one” vs. “You’re not alone” 25:05 Closing thanks 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/

What happens when a child grows up with a parent who has depression or bipolar disorder?In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Michelle Dickinson shares what it was like to be raised by a mother living with untreated bipolar disorder. She recalls the unpredictability of her childhood, the pressure to keep the peace, and the lasting impact of always adjusting herself to her mother’s moods.Michelle describes the confusion of thinking her mother’s illness was somehow her fault, and how years of therapy helped her separate her mom from her disease. Her story sheds light on the resilience children develop—and the struggles they carry into adulthood—when mental illness goes unacknowledged in the home.The co-hosts also discuss practical, low-energy ways parents can protect and support their kids while managing their own depression. From honesty and modeling self-care to simple rituals of connection, they highlight how love and presence matter more than perfection.If you’re a parent struggling with depression—or the child of one—this episode offers validation, understanding, and hope.Link to Related resources: https://www.familyaware.org/Link to Michelle's website: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/Primary Topics Covered:Michelle’s childhood experience with a mother who had bipolar disorderHow children often blame themselves for a parent’s mental illnessThe emotional toll of walking on eggshells and being a “chameleon” childSeparating the parent from their diseaseHow stigma and lack of awareness in the 70s–80s shaped family lifeMichelle’s own experience with depression and empathy for her momPractical tips for parents managing depression to support kidsWhy kids need to hear “this is not your fault”Small, low-energy rituals that build connection despite illnessResources for families living with parental depressionTimestamps00:11 Introduction and episode context 01:00 A son recognizes his father’s depression through a friend’s eyes 02:00 Remembering earlier interview with Michelle Dickinson 03:20 Michelle’s story: growing up with a mother with bipolar disorder 04:24 Her mother’s depressive and manic episodes 05:41 Hospitalizations and lack of family understanding 06:39 How Michelle blamed herself and tried to “be a good girl” 07:16 Adapting as a “chameleon” to survive 07:50 Feeling voiceless and unseen in her own home 08:26 Fear of bringing friends home due to stigma and embarrassment 09:41 Why Michelle shares her story publicly now 10:05 The message she wishes someone had told her as a child 11:08 Realizing her childhood was not “normal” 11:59 Learning to separate her mother from her illness 12:23 Processing her mother’s death and finding forgiveness 13:19 Michelle’s own depression and new understanding of her mom 14:51 The importance of care, medication, and responsibility in mental health 16:10 Over 15 million children live with a parent who has depression 18:06 Why honesty with kids about mental illness matters 18:47 How children internalize blame when parents don’t explain 21:15 Advances in awareness and support for families today 21:48 Parents managing depression and protecting their children 23:54 Low-energy rituals that help kids feel loved 25:27 Resources for families and closing reflectionsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What does depression feel like when you’re right in the middle of it?In this candid episode of Giving Voice to Depression, author and advocate Gina Capobianco courageously shares her experience of recording while actively struggling through a depressive relapse. Instead of looking back from a place of distance, Gina offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the reality of living with depression in real time.She talks about how depression stole the joy of her book launch, the weight of intrusive thoughts, and the ongoing struggle to find treatments that help. Yet even in the midst of the darkness, Gina continues to use her voice to advocate for awareness, break stigma, and remind others that healing is possible—even if recovery is a lifelong journey.This episode is a rare and powerful insight into the lived experience of depression and the resilience it takes to keep showing up, even when hope feels far away.Link to Gina's website: https://www.ginacapobianco.com/Primary Topics Covered:How depression “steals” opportunities, relationships, and joyGina’s relapse after TMS treatment and starting ketamine therapyWhy thoughts can be the hardest symptom to manageThe stigma that makes it hard to talk about depression at workWhat it feels like to be in the middle of a depressive episodeHealing vs. recovery: why the difference mattersThe importance of care teams, rest, and self-advocacyUsing poetry and writing as tools for mental health expressionWhy speaking up from the darkness helps others feel less aloneHow hope can come from leaning on others when you can’t hold it yourselfTimestamps00:11 Introduction to the episode 01:10 How depression takes things from people’s lives 02:03 Stories from the Facebook community about what depression has stolen 03:10 Meet Gina, author and mental health advocate 04:47 Gina describes her depressive relapse despite TMS treatment 06:14 Her care team’s recommendation to take sick leave 07:44 Coping with darkness and intrusive thoughts 08:15 Why she chose to record while still struggling 09:15 The impact of stigma in the workplace 10:23 Intrusive and suicidal thoughts as the hardest symptom 11:53 Recognizing thoughts as symptoms, not truths 14:04 Losing her book launch to depression’s grip 15:30 How healing differs from recovery 17:49 Depression as a lifelong illness requiring ongoing management 18:56 Healing as a journey, not a destination 19:15 Finding purpose by giving back through advocacy 20:11 Update: ketamine treatment begins working 20:29 Reflections from the co-hosts on what depression really steals 22:30 Why being honest about depression in the moment matters 24:27 Closing reflections 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/