Giving Voice to Depression

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/

What role can pets play in surviving depression? In this heartfelt episode, Lori shares her powerful story of how her beloved rescue dogs helped her through family trauma, a painful divorce, and the darkest moments of depression.From the structure of daily walks to the unconditional love of her standard poodles, Lori explains how her pets provided companionship, protection, purpose, and even healing when she felt she couldn’t go on. Along with Terry and Bridget, she also reflects on how fostering, volunteering, or even simply pet-sitting can bring connection and relief to people who struggle.If you’ve ever wondered whether pets can really make a difference in mental health, this episode offers both real-life testimony and practical ways animals can help ease depression.Primary Topics CoveredHow pets provide unconditional love and loyalty during depressionFamily history of depression and how stigma silenced open conversationSurviving a painful divorce and how dogs kept Lori goingThe healing role of therapy dogs and rescue petsHow walking dogs created structure, purpose, and daily connectionDistraction and grounding: focusing on pets instead of painThe calm and peace that pets bring into chaotic timesPractical ways to bring animals into your life, even if you can’t own oneTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 01:13 - Why pets can be powerful allies in mental health 01:35 - Meet Lori: a lifelong dog lover and mental health advocate 02:10 - Family history of depression and silence around mental illness 03:42 - Lori’s personal struggles and painful divorce 04:33 - How her dogs kept her alive during her darkest year 05:09 - The healing role of her rescue poodles 06:07 - Loyalty, protection, and companionship in hard times 06:20 - How walking dogs provided structure and purpose 07:17 - Pets as a lifeline during chaos and depression 08:06 - Walking and crying: the release of grief with dogs by her side 09:04 - Distraction and focusing on pets instead of depression 09:56 - How medication and dogs together built a safety net 11:22 - The calming presence of pets and the peace they bring 13:12 - The role of human connection alongside pets 14:10 - Daily check-ins and accountability with a best friend 15:47 - Advice: rescue, foster, volunteer, or pet-sit if you can’t own a pet 16:29 - 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 if the hardest part of surgery wasn’t physical recovery, but emotional healing? In this episode, Jordan shares his journey with post-surgical depression and anxiety after undergoing open-heart surgery at just 24 years old.He describes how intrusive thoughts, shame, and hopelessness set in after his operation—and how getting the right diagnosis and treatment (including medication) finally brought relief. Jordan also opens up about living with anxiety, why “calm down” is the worst thing you can say to someone experiencing it, and how curiosity, listening, and silence can be the most supportive responses.Terri and Dr. Anita also share their own experiences with post-surgical mood changes, highlighting how common and under-discussed they are. This episode is both validating and practical, reminding us that emotional recovery is just as real—and just as important—as physical healing.Primary Topics CoveredJordan’s open-heart surgery at age 24 and its impact on mental healthThe difference between physical and emotional recovery after surgeryPost-surgical depression (cardiac depression) and how common it isIntrusive thoughts, shame, and the link to OCDHow medication (SSRIs) eased anxiety and intrusive thoughtsWhy “calm down” is not helpful for someone with anxietyBetter ways to support people living with anxiety or depressionTerri and Dr. Anita’s own experiences with post-surgical depressionThe importance of recognizing and naming post-surgical emotional strugglesTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and welcome 02:21 - Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand 03:07 - Jordan’s story: diagnosed with congenital heart condition at 24 03:36 - The shock of open-heart surgery for a young athlete 04:21 - Emotional recovery harder than physical recovery 04:54 - Intrusive thoughts, shame, and depression after surgery 05:45 - Post-surgical depression: how common it is after heart surgery 06:32 - Struggles with medical professionals and finding the right psychiatrist 06:54 - OCD diagnosis, SSRI medication, and relief from intrusive thoughts 07:36 - Jordan explains what anxiety feels like from the inside 08:08 - Why telling someone to “calm down” makes things worse 09:32 - How to truly support someone with anxiety 11:40 - Misconceptions about asking people about suicide or anxiety 12:25 - Why talking openly creates safety and connection 13:56 - Jordan’s closing reflections: self-knowledge and validation 14:46 - Terri and Dr. Anita share their own post-surgical depression experiences 17:00 - 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 happens when your job contributes to your anxiety and depression? In this episode, former Unilever executive Jeff MacDonald shares his personal story of being diagnosed with anxiety-fueled depression, how he navigated the stigma in corporate culture, and why he decided to speak openly about his struggles.Jeff discusses the challenges of returning to work while still in recovery, the risks many employees face when disclosing mental health concerns, and how stigma silences far too many. He also highlights how organizations benefit when they prioritize emotional well-being—not just physical safety—and why breaking stigma is both good for people and good for business.If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about mental health at work, or how organizations can better support their employees, this episode is an honest, practical, and hopeful conversation about ending stigma and building workplaces where people can truly thrive.Primary Topics Covered:Jeff MacDonald’s diagnosis with anxiety-fueled depressionWhy stigma keeps employees from talking about mental health at workReturning to work as part of recoveryThe role of leadership in shaping workplace cultureWhy organizations must invest beyond “wellness weeks”How breaking stigma improves employee engagement, loyalty, and retentionPractical advice for having vulnerable workplace conversationsThe powerful role of love and hope in recoveryTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and welcome 00:56 - The pressure of masking depression at work 01:37 - When the job itself contributes to mental health struggles 02:13 - Jeff MacDonald’s story: high stress, misdiagnosis, and anxiety-fueled depression 03:00 - Four months away from work and the recovery process 03:23 - Returning to work gradually and finding purpose again 04:13 - The liberation of receiving a diagnosis 04:45 - How position and credibility helped Jeff speak openly 05:41 - Why stigma keeps most employees silent 06:28 - Advice: when to disclose and when to seek help outside work 07:27 - Few organizations truly addressing stigma—less than 10% 07:49 - How COVID changed workplace mental health conversations 08:30 - The duty of care: why mental health matters as much as physical safety 09:14 - Breaking stigma as good business: costs of presenteeism and turnover 09:51 - Younger generations demanding workplaces that care 10:39 - Beyond wellness weeks: real organizational responsibility 11:40 - Why superficial wellness programs aren’t enough 12:34 - Speaking the language executives understand: energy and performance 13:33 - Overcoming fear of hard conversations about mental health 14:06 - How to start a supportive workplace conversation 15:22 - Jeff on love and hope as keys to recovery 17:35 - Reflections on stigma, culture, and real change 18:46 - Closing 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/

In July 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline became the new three-digit number in the U.S. for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. But how does it actually work—and why does calling matter?In this special episode, Dr. John Draper, Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, joins Terri and Dr. Anita to explain what happens when you dial 988, how trained crisis counselors support callers, and why most people who experience suicidal thoughts survive—and go on to live meaningful lives.Through research, lived experience, and compassionate insight, listeners will learn why 988 is more than a hotline—it’s a pathway to hope, healing, and connection.Primary Topics CoveredThe launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineWhy an easy-to-remember number matters during crisisHow hotlines reduce distress—even for non-suicidal callersThe neuroscience of crisis: why feeling heard restores calmReal statistics on suicide attempts, survival, and recoveryThe five key steps in suicide prevention: Ask, Keep Safe, Be There, Connect, Follow UpWhy caring connections—not shame—are the strongest prevention toolHow 988 offers hope, empathy, and life-saving supportTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:10 - What is 988 and why it matters 01:44 - The challenge of remembering the old 11-digit number 02:16 - Concerns about overwhelming the system with demand 03:02 - Research proving the life-saving impact of crisis hotlines 03:36 - Interview with Dr. John Draper, Director of the Lifeline 04:15 - Why calls are increasing and why that’s a good thing 04:54 - Most callers are not suicidal: why anyone in distress should call 06:17 - How crisis calls reduce distress and restore calm 06:33 - The brain in crisis: fight, flight, freeze vs. empathy and connection 07:55 - The lasting impact of hotline calls weeks later 09:16 - What to expect if you call 988: questions and safety planning 10:42 - Why counselors won’t judge—and what survival statistics show 12:20 - Regret after suicide attempts and why life is worth living 13:29 - How survivors describe finding hope and meaning after crisis 14:56 - The five steps of suicide prevention explained 16:13 - The power of connection: why being there matters most 16:53 - Bringing others in: support networks and follow-up 17:37 - Why 988 should become as natural as 911 18:59 - Calling for yourself—or alongside someone you love 19:22 - 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/

Rates of teen depression and suicide are rising at alarming levels, creating what experts now call a youth mental health crisis. In this deeply personal episode, we hear from Lauren, who was diagnosed with depression at 13 and attempted suicide at 15.Now a survivor and advocate, Lauren shares the subtle but important warning signs her loved ones missed, what might have helped her open up sooner, and how stigma and invalidation pushed her deeper into silence. She also explains why asking direct, compassionate questions about suicide can actually save lives—and what parents, friends, and teachers can do to support struggling teens.If you’re worried about a young person in your life, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope.Primary Topics Covered:The CDC’s alarming statistics on teen depression and suicideLauren’s journey from silent suffering to suicide attempt and survivalEarly warning signs of teen depression and suicidal thoughtsWhy stigma and invalidation can make depression worseHow parents and friends can ask the right questionsThe lifesaving impact of empathy and listening without judgmentThe importance of crisis resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineMessages of hope: why survivors like Lauren are glad to be aliveTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:10 - Rising rates of youth depression and suicide 01:59 - PBS documentary “Hiding in Plain Sight” 02:57 - Introducing Lauren, teen suicide attempt survivor 03:59 - Lauren’s early symptoms of depression at age 13 04:25 - Warning signs of isolation and withdrawal 05:40 - What others might have noticed before her attempt 07:02 - Why wording matters when asking about mental health 07:56 - Would she have admitted suicidal thoughts if asked? 08:38 - Why she hid her struggles from parents and friends 09:47 - Hoping someone would reach out before it was too late 10:42 - The importance of validating emotions, not dismissing them 12:08 - How stigma and invalidation increase suicide risk 12:53 - Depression’s lies: feeling worthless and hopeless 13:54 - The reality of facing death during an attempt 15:01 - Why asking directly about suicide can save lives 16:38 - What to do if someone says they are suicidal 17:50 - How Lauren now copes with suicidal thoughts 18:40 - Lessons for friends, parents, and teachers 20:55 - Role of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 22:22 - Gratitude for Lauren’s story 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 if you could predict and prepare for depression triggers before they hit? In this powerful conversation, Terri opens up about her own experience anticipating grief around her mother’s passing and the steps she took to avoid being blindsided by depression.Alongside psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz, we explore the concept of stress and energy forecasting—a proactive mental health tool that helps you recognize high-risk periods, create support plans, and reduce the likelihood of a depressive episode.Whether you’re coping with grief, relationship stress, or sudden life crises, this episode will give you practical strategies to strengthen your mental health resilience and protect your well-being before it spirals.Primary Topics CoveredTerri’s personal story of anticipatory grief and depression riskWhat “stress and energy forecasting” means for mental healthHow to prepare for grief, loss, and life’s hardest momentsThe difference between grief, sadness, and depressionWhy pacing your emotions can prevent relapse into depressionBuilding a proactive plan for unexpected crisesTools for self-care during stressful seasonsHow preparation can reduce the impact of triggersTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and why this episode is different 01:30 - Terri’s story: preparing for her mother’s death and grief 02:44 - What is stress and energy forecasting? 03:16 - Comparing mental health planning to weather forecasting 04:24 - Anticipatory grief and pacing difficult emotions 05:36 - How therapy and open conversations can help 06:54 - Why practicing feeling sadness strengthens resilience 08:42 - The difference between grief, sadness, and depression 10:24 - Using pacing to prevent depressive relapse 11:27 - How to respond to unexpected crises and stressors 12:23 - Creating a written crisis plan and identifying supports 14:08 - Forecasting for predictable stresses like relationships and work 14:36 - Self-care prioritization: what really matters during crisis 15:48 - Final reflections on stress forecasting and resilienceExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Depression is often misunderstood—and overlooked—in older adults. In this deeply moving episode, Mary, a 93-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, speaks candidly about aging, loneliness, stigma, and how depression changes the way she sees her life.Despite being surrounded by family, Mary shares the quiet struggles of late-life depression: losing friends, declining health, and the difficulty of talking about emotions in her generation. Her reflections remind us of the universal human need for connection and presence, no matter our age.Originally recorded in 2017 and replayed in her memory after her passing, this conversation honors Mary’s courage in sharing her truth. Her words are both heartbreaking and hopeful—showing that talking about depression at any age helps break stigma and builds bridges of understanding.Primary Topics Covered:Depression in older adults and why it’s often overlookedMary’s candid reflections on aging, loss, and lonelinessThe role of stigma in silencing seniors’ mental health strugglesWhy older generations often dismiss or hide depressionHow simple presence and connection provide comfortHealthy habits that support mood in older adultsUniversality of depression across all agesHonoring Mary’s legacy and voice after her passingTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and remembering Mary 01:10 - Depression in older adults: statistics and concerns 02:28 - Meet Mary: 93 years old, candid about depression 03:10 - Growing up in a generation that dismissed emotions 03:36 - Loss of friends, declining health, and late-life sadness 04:59 - Stigma and self-stigma around mental health in seniors 06:06 - Why older adults see depression as weakness 06:50 - Life in senior housing and struggles with connection 07:57 - Generational silence about emotions and vulnerability 08:25 - Mary reflects on depression taking the “flavor” out of life 08:53 - What older adults need most: presence and consistency 09:54 - Universality of wanting someone to care and show up 10:14 - Habits that support senior mental health 11:21 - Honoring Mary’s courage in speaking openly 12:10 - Closing reflections and transition to 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/