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

Christmas can be especially difficult for those living with depression, grief, or loneliness. While many people celebrate joy and togetherness, others quietly struggle to get through the day.In this special holiday episode of Giving Voice to Depression, writer and pastor John Pavlovitz offers a compassionate message for anyone who feels out of place during the holidays. His words acknowledge the pain, losses, and internal battles that don’t disappear just because it’s Christmas.This episode is a reminder that you are not alone. Whether you’re mourning a loved one, facing depression, or simply trying to survive the season, you’ll hear encouragement, solidarity, and hope that brighter days are still ahead.Link to John's article, if you'd like a copy or to read vs. hear it is linked here: johnpavlovitz.com/2017/12/24/to-th…-this-christmas/Primary Topics Covered:Why Christmas can feel especially painful for those with depression or griefAcknowledging loneliness, loss, and invisible struggles during the holidaysReassurance that you are not the only one hurting on ChristmasCompassionate words of hope from John PavlovitzEncouragement to accept the season as it is and hold on for better daysTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction from Terry: why this special episode matters 00:48 – John Pavlovitz’s essay begins: addressing those struggling this Christmas 02:00 – Recognizing the reality of grief, depression, and broken expectations 03:20 – Naming invisible struggles: internal battles we don’t talk about 04:20 – Words of comfort: you are not suffering alone 05:00 – Hopeful reminder: this season is not the end of your story 05:37 – Closing reflections and encouragement for the days aheadExplore 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 would you say to your younger self if you could go back in time?In this heartfelt episode of Giving Voice to Depression, author and advocate Charlotte Underwood shares the lessons she wishes she had known as a teenager battling depression, trauma, and suicidal thoughts.Charlotte reflects on how isolating and confusing it was to grow up without the language or understanding of mental illness, and how she thought she’d never survive into adulthood. Now in recovery, she offers messages of compassion, validation, and hope for anyone—especially teens—who feels trapped in darkness.Her story is both a reflection and a roadmap: a reminder that depression lies, that strength is often hidden until we need it most, and that recovery—even if imperfect—is possible.Primary Topics Covered:Charlotte’s experience as a teen with undiagnosed depression and anxietyThe role of trauma, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts in her adolescenceThe power of realizing you’re not alone in your struggleHow stigma and silence deepen sufferingWhat she wishes she had known about resilience and strengthThe importance of support from family, friends, and communityDiscovering that multiple forms of therapy and self-care existLearning that the future can hold joy and love despite depressionHer message to teens: you are not a failure, and your life is worth fighting forReflections on how surviving led to unexpected love, safety, and peaceTimestamps00:11 Introduction to the episode 01:11 Why depression feels permanent when you’re in it 01:36 How Charlotte’s holiday message of hope first caught attention 02:49 Charlotte describes her teenage self and struggles 03:49 Why she didn’t believe she had a future 04:23 Surviving trauma, alcoholism, assault, and mental illness 04:52 What her life looks like now at 23—healing and stability 05:41 The joy of baking cookies and dancing with her husband 07:10 What she wishes her younger self had known about depression 07:56 Discovering her own hidden resilience 08:53 Lessons about support and self-harm conversations with her father 10:21 Keeping depression a secret and learning openness later in life 11:59 How she separated her mother’s illness from her identity 12:23 Finding forgiveness and compassion through her journey 13:10 Why the future is worth fighting for, even when you can’t see it 14:20 Her message to teenagers today: you are not a monster, you are not alone 16:09 Hosts reflect on Charlotte’s resilience and inner strength 17:47 The spark of hope and curiosity that keeps us going 19:00 A message of encouragement to listeners heading into the new yearExplore 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, Dr. Barbara Moser shares three simple, research-backed practices you can use anytime to calm anxiety, reduce stress, and strengthen self-compassion. These tools require no cost, no appointments, and no side effects—just a willingness to pause and try. Guided by Dr. Moser, listeners will learn a three-minute STOP practice, a six-minute CALM practice, and an eight-minute Self-Compassion Break. Each technique can be used daily, even in small moments, to support mental health and build resilience.Whether you’re struggling with depression, seeking ways to manage daily stress, or looking for accessible mental health strategies, these practices can help you find calm and grounding in tough moments.Primary Topics Covered:Accessible mental health tools that require no cost or appointmentsBreathing exercises to activate the parasympathetic nervous systemThe STOP practice for mindful pausing and better transitionsThe Self-Compassion Break (mindfulness, common humanity, self-kindness)How small daily practices build resilience and emotional strengthTimestamps:00:00 Intro 01:20 Episode context and focus on free mental health tools 02:06 Dr. Barbara Moser introduction 02:42 Guided calming breath practice 09:21 Benefits of breathing for calming the nervous system 10:08 The six-minute STOP practice 14:08 Using STOP to navigate daily transitions 14:22 The eight-minute Self-Compassion Break 18:40 Recognizing shared human struggle 20:03 Practicing supportive self-talk 22:32 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/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez speak with Dr. Barbara Moser, a medical doctor and long-time suicide prevention advocate, about two powerful tools for managing depression: mindfulness and self-compassion. Dr. Moser explains how these practices can help regulate emotions, ease anxiety, and bring calm during difficult times. She also guides listeners through simple breathing and self-soothing exercises, showing how small, accessible practices can reduce stress and foster resilience. This episode highlights how treating ourselves with the same care we give to loved ones is both healing and necessary.Link to more information, exercises and research: self-compassion.org/Link to research on mindfulnessAmerican Mindfulness Research Association: https://goamra.org/amra-resourcesPrimary Topics Covered:The role of mindfulness in emotional regulationHow self-compassion improves mental health and reduces depressionSimple breathing exercises to calm the nervous systemUsing soothing touch as a self-care practiceApplying these tools during times of stress, grief, and anxietyTimestamps:00:00 Intro and welcome 01:11 Growing awareness of mental health in society 02:13 Introducing mindfulness and self-compassion as tools 03:27 What self-compassion really means 05:16 Research on self-compassion and mental health benefits 06:00 Defining mindfulness and its role in emotional regulation 07:03 How mindfulness helps in uncertain times 08:04 Applying mindfulness and self-compassion to real struggles 09:21 Naming emotions to create space and respond skillfully 09:45 Using mindful breathing to reset in stressful moments 10:22 Breathing as a self-compassionate practice 11:05 Guided breathing exercise with longer exhalations 12:16 How breathing calms the nervous system 13:16 Using soothing touch to support emotional well-being 14:45 The importance of feeling safe for mental health 15:17 Connection and shared humanity during difficult times 16:13 The importance of kindness and not judging others 17:04 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/

What happens when we finally speak the truth about depression? In this episode of SelfWork, Dr. Margaret sits down with Terry McGuire, former journalist and co-creator of the podcast Giving Voice to Depression. Terry shares her deeply personal journey of living with depression, the years she lost to silence and stigma, and why she chose to dedicate her career to amplifying the voices of others who struggle.Listeners will learn how storytelling reduces shame, why recognizing early warning signs matters, and how talking openly can strengthen family bonds and save lives. Whether you’ve experienced depression yourself or love someone who has, this episode is a powerful reminder that you are not alone—and healing begins when we speak out.Primary Topics CoveredTerry McGuire’s lifelong journey with depression and her turning point in her 50sHow stigma and silence keep people from getting helpWhy “naming” depression is crucial for recoveryThe mission behind the Giving Voice to Depression podcastEarly warning signs of depression—and how to recognize themThe healing power of storytelling and peer supportBreaking myths about talking openly about suicideTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and sponsor message 03:00 - Meet Terry McGuire: journalist, advocate, and mental health storyteller 07:00 - Early signs of depression and family silence 10:30 - Terry’s darkest period and the two years she lost to depression 15:00 - The turning point: recognizing depression and seeking treatment 19:00 - Why she launched Giving Voice to Depression 23:30 - Lessons learned from interviewing hundreds of people about depression 30:00 - Breaking the stigma: talking about suicide and mental health 36:00 - Stories of connection, family healing, and new understanding 42:00 - Where to find Giving Voice to Depression and how to support it 44:30 - Closing reflections from Dr. MargaretExplore 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 if depression isn’t just sadness, but something more insidious—like a parasite that feeds on your energy, motivation, and joy?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychologist and author Dr. Robert Duff (Hardcore Self-Help series) shares his unique way of describing depression and the practical tools he teaches clients to push back against it.Duff explains how behavioral activation—starting with the “easy wins”—can help break depression’s vicious cycle of inactivity and guilt. He also introduces a simple mindfulness exercise that helps people coexist with intrusive thoughts without letting them take control.With candid honesty and humor, Duff reminds us that depression is not weakness, laziness, or personal failure. It’s an illness that thrives on isolation and inertia—and one we can fight by taking small, consistent steps toward connection and activity.If you’ve ever felt trapped in depression’s lies, this conversation offers validation, hope, and concrete strategies you can start using today.Link to Dr. Robert Duff (Duff the Psych) website: www.duffthepsych.comPrimary Topics Covered:Why Dr. Duff describes depression as a “parasite”How depression tricks us into inactivity and guiltThe science behind behavioral activation for depressionChoosing “low effort, high reward” activities to get moving againWhy small wins matter more than perfectionA practical mindfulness exercise to manage intrusive thoughtsHow thoughts can be treated as interruptions, not truthsSelf-awareness around coping strategies that soothe but don’t helpWhen and how to seek outside support (therapy, medication, community)Why self-compassion is essential in recoveryTimestamps00:11 Introduction and welcome 01:10 The mission of the podcast: keeping it real and hopeful 02:42 Dr. Robert Duff describes depression as a parasite 03:37 How depression drains energy and reinforces itself 03:56 Behavioral activation explained through cost-benefit analysis 04:43 Choosing activities based on effort vs. reward 05:39 Starting with small wins to build momentum 06:26 The brain chemistry of depression and motivation 07:18 Why consistency matters in breaking the cycle 07:40 Duff’s mindfulness exercise to handle intrusive thoughts 08:18 Noticing, acknowledging, and releasing negative thoughts 09:45 Practicing attention-shifting daily (e.g., while brewing coffee) 10:29 The difference between soothing and actually helping behaviors 11:00 Options for support: therapy, medication, self-help, community 11:38 Final reflections on compassion, trial-and-error, and persistence 12:52 Co-host reflections on using Duff’s methods personally 14:02 Why making a “menu” of easy activities helps in low-energy states 14:35 Closing thoughts and mention of Duff’s Hardcore Self-Help series 15:11 Next week’s preview: more practical techniques for everyday use 15:27 Outro and listener 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/

What does it mean to call depression a “terrible gift”?In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, poet and artist Kristen Roedl shares her lived experience with bipolar II disorder and recurring severe depression. She speaks candidly about her hospitalizations, suicidal thoughts, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going day after day.Through poetry, journaling, and creativity, Kristen transforms pain into connection, helping others feel less alone in their struggles. She also reflects on the role of medication, therapy, and the unwavering support of her husband in her healing journey.Her story reminds us that while depression steals energy, hope, and joy, it can also cultivate empathy, resilience, and art. Kristen’s words are a beacon for anyone who needs to hear: Carry on. You are worthy. Carry on.To learn more about Kristin and her poetry: KristinRoedell.wikidot.comPrimary Topics Covered:Why Kristen calls depression a “terrible gift”Living with bipolar II disorder and recurrent depressionThe experience of psychiatric hospitalization and finding community insideLearning that depression is time-limited and survivableUsing poetry and journaling as tools for healingTalking back to depression and anxiety with affirmationsThe role of medication, therapy, and partner supportAccepting depression without shame or self-judgmentLessons about rest, self-compassion, and resilienceReading of Kristen’s poem “I Swallowed Hope That Winter”Timestamps00:11 Introduction and welcome 01:10 Redefining “gift” during the holiday season 02:10 Why sharing lived experience is a true gift 02:57 Introducing Kristen, poet and mental health advocate 04:13 Kristen explains her process of preparing for this interview 05:06 Lessons about self-worth beyond productivity 06:06 Surviving depression and offering a hand to others 06:50 Managing overwhelm and chronic panic attacks 07:24 Giving room and grace to depression when it comes 07:43 Depression’s voice and how Kristen channels it through poetry 09:05 Recognizing that depression lies and we are not alone 09:59 Living with bipolar II disorder 10:25 Understanding hypomania vs. depression 11:14 Kristen’s experiences with hospitalization for suicidal thoughts 13:24 Using poetry to move through darkness and connect with others 14:21 Why she calls depression a “terrible gift” 15:22 Talking back to depression with affirmations of worth 16:26 Journaling, painting, and writing as daily coping tools 17:08 Kristen reads her poem “I Swallowed Hope That Winter” 18:30 Reflections on the power of her words 19:45 Takeaways: resting, acceptance, and self-compassion 21:37 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/

Navigating the holiday season while living with depression can be overwhelming. In this episode, clinical psychologist Anita and host Terry discuss why the holidays can trigger emotional distress and offer actionable strategies for self-care, boundary-setting, and reclaiming joy. Whether you're facing loneliness, family friction, or fatigue, this conversation provides practical advice to help protect your mental health and make the season more manageable.Primary Topics Covered:Why the holidays are especially hard for those with depressionThe emotional and energy demands of the seasonSetting boundaries with family and managing expectationsCreative coping tools like the “holiday bingo card”How to handle grief and loss during festive timesThe importance of buffer days and self-care ritualsTimestamps:00:00 - Intro and context for the episode 01:11 - Why the holidays can be especially difficult 02:28 - Energy demands and emotional expectations 03:51 - Family stress and social pressures 05:32 - Key advice for simplifying the holidays 07:39 - Navigating holidays alone and redefining traditions 10:00 - Grieving during the holidays 11:57 - The “turtle” grief metaphor 12:13 - Strategies for managing difficult family gatherings 13:51 - Creating and using the holiday bingo card 14:38 - Shifting focus with humor and internal rewards 14:57 - Setting firm boundaries and travel planning 15:58 - Scheduling a post-holiday buffer day 16:32 - Respecting your energy and recovery time 17:03 - Final thoughts and listener call-to-action 17:46 - Invitation to contribute tips for future episodesExplore 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 too many Black and Brown communities, depression and other mental health struggles are hidden behind stigma, silence, and cultural expectations of strength. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, advocate Didi Hairston, known online as Diva with Depression, shares her deeply personal journey of living with chronic, treatment-resistant depression while raising children, working, and building a platform for advocacy.Didi speaks openly about what it means to function in “the dark place” every day, the role of trauma and postpartum struggles in her mental health story, and the devastating loneliness that often comes with untreated depression. She also highlights how cultural stigma makes it harder for Black and Brown individuals to seek therapy or medication, and why honest conversations and supportive networks are essential for healing.Her unfiltered account offers validation for those suffering in silence and a call to action for communities to break chains of stigma and embrace empathy and mental health care.Didi's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_bkjYo7HjBTgcYS9NuW9QFB Didi's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divawdepression/Didi's Twitter: https://twitter.com/divawdepIG: Didi's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divawdep/Primary Topics Covered:The reality of living with chronic, treatment-resistant depressionCultural stigma around mental health in Black and Brown communitiesFunctioning daily in “the dark place” while raising children and workingThe impact of childhood trauma and postpartum depressionNaming depression “the monster” and why it helps describe the experienceCoping strategies: therapy, medication, advocacy, and peer supportLoneliness, loss, and why connection is critical to survivalA call to communities: breaking stigma and encouraging healingTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and themes 01:11 – Depression as part of identity and owning the diagnosis 01:29 – Guest introduction: Didi Hairston, “Diva with Depression” 02:11 – Functioning daily in a dark place 02:47 – The roots of depression in childhood trauma 03:48 – Postpartum depression and worsening symptoms 05:03 – Surviving while parenting with depression 06:18 – Naming depression “the monster” 08:40 – Coping with therapy, medication, and advocacy work 09:55 – Cultural stigma in Black and Brown communities 11:29 – Loneliness, loss, and the “empty nest” crash 13:54 – The pain of isolation and longing for connection 16:12 – Supportive texts and small acts of care 16:48 – The responsibility of loved ones to notice and respond 17:40 – Living in “hell” but still functioning 19:18 – Acceptance and resilience in chronic depression 21:40 – Final reflections and call to break stigmaExplore 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 the words we use reveal the depth of our depression and even our risk of suicide? Dr. Mohammed Al-Mosaiwi, psychologist and researcher, joins us to explore how absolutist thinking—using words like always, never, completely—is linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.In this episode, Dr. Al-Mosaiwi explains how the process of our thinking is just as important as the content, why absolutist language is a marker of vulnerability, and how disputing rigid thought patterns can open the door to healing.Whether you’re living with depression, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how language reflects mental health, this conversation provides both insight and practical tools for challenging destructive patterns of thought.Primary Topics Covered:What “absolutist thinking” is and why it matters for depression and anxietyHow words like always and never can signal suicidal ideationThe difference between content (negative thoughts) and process (rigid thinking)Why absolutist thinking may be a vulnerability for depressionPractical strategies for identifying and disputing absolutist thoughtsThe role of rumination and self-focus in deepening depressionHow language analysis is being used in research and clinical careThe promise and risks of using technology to detect mental health strugglesTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Dr. Mohammed Al-Mosaiwi and his research focus 01:14 Why depression, anxiety, and suicide are interconnected 01:42 Understanding absolutist thinking and its role in mental health 02:56 How words like “always” and “never” become markers of depression 05:08 Is absolutist thinking a cause of depression or a symptom? 06:49 Research findings: absolutist language in recovered patients 07:49 How to identify absolutist thinking in yourself and others 08:51 Practical disputing: breaking down rigid thought patterns 09:45 Why change takes repetition and time 10:14 Applications for crisis hotlines and early detection 11:13 Self-focus, pronouns, and rumination in depression 13:37 Why absolutist thoughts feel all-consuming 15:20 Using disputing techniques as homework and prevention 16:40 Practicing flexible thinking patterns over time 17:35 Why loved ones can help when clarity is lost in depression 19:14 Different absolutist thoughts tied to different mental health struggles 20:01 Shifting focus from negative content to thinking style 21:48 Using text analysis and technology in clinical care 24:09 Where research data comes from (forums, writings, diaries) 25:58 Closing reflections on why this research mattersExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/