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

In this powerful episode, we hear from J.J. Singleton, who has lived with terminal colorectal cancer for years while also battling depression, PTSD, and anxiety. J.J. shares how therapy, peer support, and even small moments of distraction have helped him survive mentally as he undergoes constant rounds of chemotherapy. He opens up about suicidal thoughts, the stigma around men discussing mental health, and the importance of advocating for both physical and emotional healing. This episode is a reminder that cancer doesn’t just affect the body—it deeply impacts the mind, and no one should have to carry that burden alone.Link to Man Up to Cancer: https://www.manuptocancer.com/Primary Topics Covered:J.J. Singleton’s cancer diagnosis and treatment journeyHow cancer triggered depression, anxiety, and PTSDThe stigma around men discussing mental healthThe role of therapy in processing suicidal thoughtsCoping strategies: peer support, therapy, and distractionAdvocating for awareness of the mental toll of cancerTimestamps:00:00 Intro and welcome 02:27 J.J. shares his cancer diagnosis and treatment history 03:20 Why mental health is central to his journey 04:25 How cancer triggered anxiety, PTSD, and depression 05:39 Suicidal thoughts and feelings of being a burden 06:40 Shifting mindset: realizing the need for help 07:41 The life-changing impact of therapy 09:41 Opening up about suicidal thoughts in therapy 10:55 Why mental health struggles are often invisible 11:15 Coping tools: therapy, peer support, and distraction 12:30 Choosing to advocate for cancer and mental health awareness 13:43 How mental health education could help new cancer patients 13:52 J.J.’s hope for listeners who feel alone in their struggles 15:02 Reflections on the mind-body connection of illness and mental health 17:13 Closing thoughts and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What do you do when even brushing your teeth or standing up feels impossible?This deeply validating and practical episode features Emily Derecktor, founder of Cereal for Dinner, a free online resource built to help people function during depression’s darkest days. With evidence-based tools and insights from lived experience, Emily shares realistic self-care tips that actually work when energy and motivation are nowhere to be found.From waking up in bed to feeding yourself and dealing with dishes, Emily breaks down survival into the smallest, kindest steps. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by daily tasks—and wants to learn how to meet themselves with grace, not guilt.Cereal for Dinner's Website: https://www.cerealfordinner.org/Primary Topics Covered:Why well-meaning advice like “go for a run” can be invalidatingAcknowledging the physical and emotional paralysis of depressionEvidence-based micro-steps to begin your day, starting in bedRealistic hygiene hacks for when showering feels impossibleGentle, practical nutrition strategies—even if it’s cereal for dinnerHow to manage cleaning tasks in small, achievable waysTips for reducing shame around messy living spacesPlanning ahead for depressive episodes with a “go bag”The behavioral activation model: motivation follows actionEncouragement to ask for help and invest in mental health toolsTimestamps:00:00 Intro and mission of the podcast01:11 Meeting people with depression where they are02:20 Why “just try harder” doesn’t help03:36 Introducing “Cereal for Dinner” and its founder Emily04:26 There’s no playbook for day-to-day depression management05:25 Waking up: hydration, breathwork, and micro-movements06:57 The weight of depression as a physical barrier08:26 Hygiene hacks: dry shampoo, baby wipes, bedside kits10:13 Shampoo caps and other rinse-free options11:02 Building a bedside hygiene basket with wisps and wipes12:11 Feeding yourself: meal shortcuts and prep for low-energy days13:43 Easy meals: rotisserie chicken, frozen veggies, canned beans14:30 It’s okay to use paper plates and disposable pans15:04 Clean space vs. messy space: emotional impact16:26 Cleaning in phases: trash today, clothes tomorrow17:23 Pairing cleaning with existing habits17:40 Asking for help: cleaning, companionship, or both18:29 When to invest in your environment or outsource help19:50 Behavioral activation: action before motivation21:33 Harnessing hope through apps, community, and lived experience22:46 Final therapist takeaways: smallest steps matter most24:10 Website and community remindersExplore 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, Emily Director shares her deeply personal journey through depression, beginning with her struggles during college. From the overwhelming loneliness she felt at Brown University to building peer-support initiatives at Penn, Emily’s story reflects both the pain and resilience of living with depression. She opens up about her diagnosis, hospitalization, and the importance of peer support, therapy, and reframing how we view emotions. Her honesty sheds light on what it’s really like to live with severe depression and how small steps, community, and understanding can make a difference.Link to Cereal for Dinner's website: https://www.cerealfordinner.org/Primary Topics Covered:Emily’s early struggles with depression in collegeThe role of environment in mental healthLeaving medical school and identity lossHospitalization, ECT treatments, and living with chronic depressionLearning to accept and process “negative” emotionsThe fear of recovery and losing supportThe importance of peer support and communityTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction by hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez 01:23 – Introduction of guest Emily Director 03:05 – Emily’s academic background and Ivy League pressures 03:42 – Depression and loneliness at Brown University 04:26 – Family history of mental illness (“the Director curse”) 05:17 – Transferring schools and finding mental health advocacy at Penn 06:46 – Creating a peer counseling program and mental health screening tool 07:26 – Depression as a spectrum, varying by person and episode 08:53 – Struggles in medical school and worsening depression 10:01 – Leaving medical school, identity crisis, and hospitalization 11:32 – Role of therapy and recognizing PTSD 12:11 – Reframing emotions: learning to accept sadness and negative feelings 13:35 – Naming emotions and reducing panic about sadness 15:20 – Depression as an ongoing, waxing-and-waning condition 16:18 – Experiencing joy again after years of numbness 17:02 – Fears about losing support during recovery 18:32 – The daily struggle of completing basic tasks during depression 19:17 – Co-host reflections on debilitating depression 20:30 – Importance of practical tips for daily functioning (next week’s episode preview) 21:38 – Power of peer support and Facebook community invitation 22:27 – Call for listener engagement and feedback 22:47 – Closing thoughts and preview of Emily’s website/resource sharingExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

This episode features Chloe, who opens up about her early struggle with depression beginning at age 11. After facing intense emotional pain, suicidal thoughts, and multiple crises during her teen years, Chloe’s journey shifted when a high school teacher noticed the signs and intervened. She recounts her attempt at suicide, the impact of a single caring conversation, and the long road to finding hope, purpose, and a life filled with meaning.Primary Topics Covered:Early signs of teen depressionSuicide ideation and attemptsThe impact of stigma and silenceImportance of trusted adult interventionRecovery, resilience, and finding purposeBeing a mental health advocate and coachTimestamps00:00 - Intro 00:11 - Meet the hosts 00:30 - Importance of shared experiences 01:48 - Recap of suicide prevention episodes 02:49 - Quotes from listeners and guests on surviving suicidal thoughts 05:33 - Chloe shares her mental health journey 06:06 - Silence and stigma around emotions growing up 07:03 - First panic attack at 16 07:38 - Teacher begins supporting Chloe 08:04 - Chloe’s suicidal thoughts intensify 09:35 - Unhelpful hospital response 10:28 - Mother's support begins 10:51 - Chloe reflects from the other side of depression 11:47 - Attempted second suicide around Christmas 12:31 - Teacher intervenes and saves her life 14:00 - Importance of asking directly about suicide 15:20 - Chloe recognizes hidden suffering in others 16:17 - Her first mental health advocacy effort: a 220-mile charity walk 16:50 - Moving to the U.S. for college and soccer 17:44 - Rediscovering joy and learning self-reflection 18:03 - How life has changed for the better 18:49 - Coaching and mentoring young athletes 20:13 - Importance of noticing signs and asking questions 22:15 - Trusting your gut instincts 23:38 - A neighbor story of caring and wellness check 24:38 - Conclusion and takeaway: Be a good neighbor 25:00 - Accessing podcast archives and support 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 powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we continue our conversation with Ken Baldwin, one of the very few people to survive a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge. Ken shares candid insights into the thoughts that led him to that moment, the instant regret he felt, and the transformative journey of healing and recovery he has lived since.Ken’s story breaks down dangerous myths about suicide, emphasizes the importance of timely intervention, and highlights the power of connection, honesty, and supportive relationships. His message is clear: even in the darkest moments, recovery is possible, and life can still hold deep meaning and joy.This conversation is both raw and hopeful, offering encouragement to anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts and inspiration for those supporting loved ones through depression.Primary Topics Covered:Debunking myths about suicide and recoveryThe moment of regret and the will to liveHow intervention and support can save livesThe role of relationships and honest conversations in healingDepression’s lies vs. the truth of self-worthChoosing recovery and living a fulfilled lifeTimestamps:00:00 Intro and welcome 01:10 Continuing Ken Baldwin’s story from Episode 220 02:17 Debunking myths about suicide and intent 03:49 What Ken would tell his past self 05:08 The importance of intervention and support 06:04 The regret after jumping and realizing the impact on loved ones 06:50 Rediscovering the will to live 07:47 Shifting mindset from hopelessness to healing 09:17 Rebuilding trust in relationships after the attempt 10:03 The role of his wife as support and “guardian angel” 10:31 Living with depression without denying its risks 11:46 Why recovery is possible for anyone struggling 12:55 Ken’s gratitude for survival and his ongoing recovery 13:18 Reflection from hosts on Ken’s honesty and hope 14:39 Closing message: Depression lies, recovery is possibleExplore 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 powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Ken Baldwin shares his story of surviving a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge and the profound lessons he’s learned over the past three decades as a mental health advocate. Hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez explore the impact of suicidal ideation, the critical role of intervention, and the importance of recognizing depressive thoughts as symptoms—not truths. This episode emphasizes the lifesaving power of empathy, timely conversations, and the hope that recovery is always possible.Primary Topics Covered:Ken Baldwin’s survival story and recovery journeyThe misconception that suicidal individuals can’t be helpedThe emotional experience of living with depressionWhat might have prevented Ken’s suicide attemptThe impact of compassion, connection, and early interventionHow others can support someone experiencing suicidal ideationTimestamps:00:00 - Intro 00:11 - Meet the hosts: Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez 01:11 - Recap of Episode 219 and introduction to Ken Baldwin’s story 01:38 - The Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Deterrent System 02:09 - The survivors’ shared message: instant regret 02:59 - Ken Baldwin’s background and advocacy 03:48 - How Ken began telling his story 05:19 - Honoring the courage of those who fight suicidal thoughts 06:48 - How suicidal ideation began for Ken 08:20 - Feeling like a failure and becoming suicidal 09:21 - Life and mental state between first and second attempts 10:30 - Daily dread and exhaustion from depression 11:50 - Could someone have changed the outcome? 12:40 - The power of offering help and hope 13:55 - The importance of recognizing early signs of suicidal ideation 14:13 - The role of intervention and how it could have helped 16:13 - Combating myths about suicide and recovery 18:19 - Why most suicidal individuals are ambivalent 19:28 - You don’t need credentials—just care 20:12 - Preview of next week’s 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/

What does it take to talk someone back from the edge of suicide? In this powerful episode, we hear from Kevin Briggs, retired California Highway Patrol officer known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate, who has spent countless hours having life-or-death conversations with people standing on the Golden Gate Bridge.Kevin opens up about his own struggles with depression and PTSD, how empathy—not authority—made him effective in helping others, and why slowing down and truly listening can be lifesaving. Terry and Anita reflect on the importance of upstream prevention, the role of connection in healing, and the reminder that help is always available—even before a crisis point.If you or someone you love is struggling, please know: you are not alone. Help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Primary Topics CoveredKevin Briggs’ journey from military and law enforcement to mental health advocacyHow stigma shaped his early views on depression and what changed his perspectiveThe toll of untreated depression and PTSDLessons from conversations with more than 200 people contemplating suicideWhy empathy, patience, and slowing down matter in crisis conversationsThe importance of staying on medication and seeking the right therapistUpstream prevention: asking for and offering help before crisis hitsTerry and Anita’s reflections on breaking stigma and the power of human connectionTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:11 - Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month matters 01:37 - Introducing Kevin Briggs and his courageous conversations 02:24 - Kevin’s background: military, law enforcement, and “macho” culture 02:38 - Early stigma: believing mental illness was weakness 02:59 - How depression impacted his life outside of work 03:37 - Diagnosis through the PHQ-9 and learning depression is real 04:25 - Accepting help and hope in recovery 04:37 - The nickname “Guardian of the Golden Gate” 05:05 - Guiding more than 200 people off the Golden Gate Bridge 06:05 - Finding the right therapist and medication support 06:40 - Why simply listening is often lifesaving 07:06 - Common triggers: financial stress, relationships, lack of access to care 07:41 - The danger of stopping medication suddenly 08:10 - Why dignity matters: people choosing to step back themselves 08:52 - The power of empathy over credentials 09:27 - What didn’t help: talking too fast and not slowing down 10:23 - Coping with the emotional toll of this work 11:01 - How Kevin cares for his own mental health (family, pets, medication) 12:16 - Reflections on upstream prevention and breaking stigma 13:40 - Making tough conversations safer and more common 14:16 - Reminder: call 988 in the U.S. if you need support 15:11 - Closing reflections 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/

What does it mean to live with suicidal thoughts every single day—and still choose to live?In this profoundly honest episode, Wally, a U.S. veteran and trauma survivor, shares what it’s like to manage chronic suicidal ideation without intent. From physical pain and brain injuries to trauma and toxic self-talk, Wally explains how he built an arsenal of mental health tools—mindfulness, cognitive therapy, personal inventory systems—and why talking about suicide needs to become safer, not more secret.This episode redefines what survival looks like and opens a critical, compassionate space for those navigating similar battles. Suicidal ideation is not always an emergency—it’s often a symptom asking to be heard. Wally shows us how to listen.CSSRS info link: http://cssrs.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/C-SSRS-Brochure-for-First-Responders-1.pdfPrimary Topics Covered:Differentiating suicidal ideation from suicidal intentWally’s personal experience living with chronic suicidal thoughtsThe role of pain, trauma, and TBI in persistent ideationWhy people avoid sharing suicidal thoughts—and the danger of stigmaWally’s Personal Assessment Scale for suicide safetyCoping strategies: CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and customized check-insCreating a mental health inventory for self-assessmentHow to support someone without trying to “fix” themThe power of curiosity, empathy, and asking the right questionsTimestamps:00:00 Welcome and introduction01:10 Suicidal thoughts on a spectrum: understanding the difference between ideation and intent02:04 The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS)03:49 Meet Wally: Veteran, trauma survivor, and mental health advocate04:18 Why people keep suicidal thoughts secret05:11 Wally on managing suicidal ideation without being in crisis06:29 Childhood abuse and early trauma07:11 Military service, structure, and hard-earned wisdom07:45 Surviving a 45-foot fall and traumatic brain injuries08:24 Chronic pain and toxic self-talk after injury09:20 The daily mental ritual of dismissing despair10:33 Public conversations about suicidal ideation on social media11:00 Mental health tools: CBT, DBT, and breathwork11:45 Creating a personal inventory for self-assessment12:49 Wally’s three-level Personal Assessment Scale for suicidal ideation14:06 What to ask someone having suicidal thoughts15:17 Boundaries when offering help online or in person16:08 Holding space and creating safer conversations about suicide17:07 Reducing knee-jerk responses to suicidal ideation18:29 How to be a better listener and supporter19:11 Links to Wally’s blog, CSSRS, and personal inventory templateExplore 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 the 12 Steps weren’t just for addiction—but also for healing from depression, PTSD, and trauma?In this transformative episode, Wally shares his personalized version of the traditional 12 Steps—revised for mental health instead of substance use. Drawing from decades of lived experience, he walks us through a deeply intentional, self-compassionate approach to healing that emphasizes grace, self-accountability, and supporting others.Wally’s steps incorporate therapy, medication, meditation, and more. They're not about perfection—they’re about progress and integrity. If you’re looking for practical tools to manage your mental health, or just need a new framework that speaks your language, this episode offers a powerful shift.Link to Wally's Twelve Steps: http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.TheMHTwelveStepsLink to AA's Twelve Steps: https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditionsLink to Wally's Self-Inventory Template:http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.PersonalInventoryTemplatePrimary Topics Covered:Wally’s personal adaptation of the 12 Steps for managing mental healthHow black-and-white thinking can be rechanneled into accountabilityUsing the 12 Steps to address PTSD, depression, and chronic painGranting yourself the grace to be human—and why that mattersUnderstanding how trauma affects self-talk and internal integrityThe role of intentional living, mindfulness, and daily toolsWhy “all boats must be lifted” in relationships and recoveryTools beyond prayer: medication, therapy, meditation, self-inquiryTaking personal inventory through a mental health lensUsing lived experience to shine light and support othersTimestamps:00:00 Welcome and podcast introduction01:10 Meet Wally and learn how the 12 steps were reimagined for mental health02:33 Wally reads his “Mental Health 12 Steps” in full04:01 Why black-and-white thinking shaped his need for accountability06:04 Redefining step six: embracing effort over external fixes07:39 Step seven: granting ourselves the grace to be human08:20 How self-judgment spirals harm trauma survivors08:50 Catching negative self-talk with the reminder: “I’m human”09:13 Step eight: Understanding how symptoms affect relationships10:12 Empathy, understanding, and learning through amends10:57 Internal integrity and accountability to self11:35 “Intentional” living as a key to healing12:36 Tools for mental health: medication, therapy, meditation14:08 Step 12: Helping others through your own recovery story15:24 The power of visibility and being a light in dark places16:37 Psychologist reflections on accountability without shame17:41 Offering take-what-you-need tools for mental health management18:17 Closing thoughts and next steps for applying Wally’s modelExplore 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 you decide there’s “no more BS” when talking about depression? In this candid and unfiltered conversation, Sarah, a 28-year-old actress and personal trainer, shares her lived experience with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the impact of stigma.She opens up about the role of hormones in her most severe episode, how suicidal ideation felt like it came “out of nowhere,” and why she chooses to speak openly and shame-free about mental illness. Sarah also shares the coping tools that help her most, from support groups to pug videos, and the mindset shift that keeps her going: “I don’t feel fine, but I am fine.”This episode is a reminder that stigma kills, but stories save lives—and that talking openly about depression can make all the difference.Link to the article quoted: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/art-20047725Primary Topics Covered:Sarah’s decision to share her mental health story without shameHow depression distorts thought patterns and fuels suicidal ideationThe role of support groups in reducing isolationWhy stigma prevents people from seeking helpThe connection between hormones, birth control, and depressionTools Sarah uses to cope: community, movement, joy, and reframing thoughtsInsights from Mayo Clinic on hormones and depressionThe importance of speaking up and seeking treatmentTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and welcome 02:45 - Why sharing mental health stories matters 03:12 - Meet Sarah: no BS about depression 04:07 - How depression shifts thoughts toward worthlessness 05:01 - Alcohol, suicidal ideation, and finding safety in support groups 05:26 - Stigma, culture, and why emotions aren’t “sexy” 06:14 - Removing stigma to open doors for help 07:01 - The ups and downs of living with depression 07:39 - Sarah’s coping strategies: support groups, friends, pug videos 07:57 - The phrase that helps: “I don’t feel fine, but I am fine” 09:13 - Hormones, birth control, and suicidal depression 10:38 - Mayo Clinic insights on hormones and depression 14:50 - Symptoms to watch for and when to seek help 15:29 - Closing thoughts and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/