Giving Voice to Depression

Depression isn’t always about sadness. For many, it shows up in the everyday responsibilities that suddenly feel impossible — showering, doing dishes, folding laundry, or even picking up medication. These “impossible tasks” are not signs of laziness or weakness, but very real symptoms of depression.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Molly Bacchus shares how naming this phenomenon as “the impossible task” helped thousands of people feel validated and less alone. Molly explains how depression magnifies guilt and shame around daily responsibilities, why asking for help is a survival tool, and how support from others can make all the difference.Bridget, Terry, and Molly shine a compassionate light on one of the most overlooked aspects of living with depression — showing listeners that these struggles are symptoms, not character flaws.Link to an article about Molly's tweets: bit.ly/37rLjm8Primary Topics Covered:What “the impossible task” means in the context of depressionWhy simple chores suddenly feel overwhelmingThe emotional toll of guilt and shame in daily lifeReal-life examples of impossible tasks: dishes, laundry, showeringMolly’s viral thread that resonated with thousands onlineThe importance of normalizing these hidden symptoms of depressionWhy asking for help is not weakness, but survivalHow friends and loved ones can support someone facing impossible tasksWhy impossible tasks are depression symptoms — not personal failingsTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction  01:00 – Introducing “the impossible task”  01:35 – When daily chores become overwhelming  02:32 – Molly’s viral tweets and community response  03:18 – Defining the impossible task and its emotional weight  04:18 – Examples: laundry, dishes, and showering  05:28 – Why outsiders don’t understand the struggle  06:13 – Guilt and shame as companions of depression  07:36 – How depression blinds you to your surroundings  08:54 – Emotional triage: survival over responsibilities  09:41 – Even medication pickups can feel impossible  10:42 – How friends can lighten the load  11:43 – Reminder: “This will not last forever”  12:15 – Depression’s lie about your “new normal”  12:42 – Helping others with their impossible tasks  13:40 – Why supporting someone else also helps you  14:44 – Asking for help isn’t being a burden  15:37 – Closing reflections and community invitation  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/

For many people living with depression, the hardest struggles aren’t always the big life events — they’re the “impossible tasks.” Things like showering, doing dishes, making a bed, or even picking up medication can suddenly feel overwhelming and insurmountable.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Molly Bacchus shares how naming this experience as “the impossible task” helped thousands of people feel less alone. She explains how depression magnifies guilt and shame around daily responsibilities, why these moments don’t mean you’re lazy or weak, and how support from others can make all the difference.By unpacking this overlooked but common depression symptom, Bridget, Terry, and Molly shine a light on how small acts of compassion — including asking for help — can bring hope and relief.Link to an article about Molly's tweets: https://bit.ly/37rLjm8Primary Topics CoveredWhat the “impossible task” means in depressionWhy simple tasks like laundry or dishes feel unmanageableThe role of guilt, shame, and self-blame in daily strugglesReal-life examples of how depression blocks basic responsibilitiesWhy asking for help is not a weakness but a survival toolHow support from friends can make tasks more bearableMolly’s viral Twitter thread that named “the impossible task”The importance of transparency and normalizing mental health strugglesWhy these experiences are symptoms of depression — not character flawsTimestamps:00:00 – Intro and welcome  01:00 – Introducing “the impossible task”  01:35 – Everyday responsibilities that suddenly feel overwhelming  02:32 – How Molly’s tweets resonated with thousands online  03:18 – Defining the impossible task and its emotional toll  04:18 – Real examples: making a bed, doing laundry, dishes  05:28 – Why outsiders can’t understand the hidden struggle  06:13 – Guilt, shame, and feeling like you’re failing  07:36 – How depression blinds you to daily surroundings  08:54 – Emotional triage: choosing survival over chores  09:41 – Even picking up antidepressants can feel impossible  10:42 – The power of supportive friends to make tasks doable  11:43 – Reminder: “This will not last forever”  12:15 – Why depression lies about being your “new normal”  12:42 – Helping others with their impossible tasks  13:40 – How assisting others also helps you heal  14:44 – Why asking for help isn’t being a burden  15:37 – Closing reflections and Facebook community invite  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 does it look like to live with depression, raise children, survive breakdowns, and still find ways to laugh? In this candid conversation, Shannon — known online as ShannyPants — opens up about the struggles of depression, the healing role of humor, and the turning point when she sought therapy and medication.Shannon’s story is a reminder that depression doesn’t erase our joy, humor, or resilience. With honesty, vulnerability, and laughter, she shares how she moved from denial and breakdown to breakthrough and hope — all while helping others feel less alone.If you’ve ever wondered how to cope with depression day-to-day or what it feels like to live openly with mental illness online, this episode is for you.Primary Topics Covered:Why humor and laughter can be powerful tools against depressionDaily struggles of living with depression and how Shannon manages themThe role of routines and small wins in mental health recoveryParenting children with mental health challenges during the pandemicReaching a breakdown point and finally asking for medical helpHow medication and therapy transformed Shannon’s outlookThe power of vulnerability in sharing your mental health story onlineBuilding connection and reducing stigma through honestyWhy isolation makes depression worse and how to fight itFinding hope and strength in communityTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and topic 01:00 - Humor and distraction as therapy for depression 02:28 - Shannon introduces her public vs. private self 03:11 - Living with daily depression struggles 04:22 - Using routines and small tasks to cope 06:01 - Explaining off days to those without depression 06:55 - The importance of leaving the house to fight depression 07:47 - Learning to balance self-kindness with discipline 08:48 - Parenting challenges during COVID and mental health decline 08:55 - Reaching a breakdown point and seeking help 10:25 - Breaking stigma around medication and mental illness 11:31 - Realizing depression had been present since childhood 11:37 - Turning point: seeking therapy and medication 12:39 - Humor as both therapy and connection 13:14 - Going viral by sharing honestly about depression 15:40 - The power of speaking openly about mental illness 16:22 - Reaching a healthier place after years of struggle 17:24 - Why sharing stories matters in fighting stigma 18:16 - Where to find Shannon’s humorous content online 18:46 - Next week’s preview: EMDR and asking for help 20:08 - Closing reflections and 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/

Shannon, better known online as @ShannyPants, is funny, vibrant, and energetic—but she’s also someone who lives with depression every single day. In this deeply honest and hopeful conversation, Shannon describes what it’s like to appear fine on the outside while struggling silently inside.She shares her journey from denial to diagnosis, how she finally sought help after a breakdown, and why humor became both a personal therapy and a public platform. Her viral videos brought laughter, connection, and, most importantly, proof that vulnerability and visibility can change lives. If you’ve ever felt alone in your depression, this episode reminds you—you’re not.Shannon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealshannypantsPrimary Topics Covered:What “living with depression every day” really meansShannon’s contrast between her outgoing public self and depressive episodesThe importance of routines and intentionally manageable to-do listsHow working from home can intensify depressive symptomsParenting children with mental health needs during COVID lockdownHitting a breakdown point and finally considering antidepressantsChallenging the stigma around medication and mental illnessHer journey to mental clarity through therapy and medicationHow humor became her therapy—and a platform for helping othersThe emotional power and viral impact of sharing her truth onlineTimestamps:00:00 Intro and podcast welcome00:54 Why funny people can still have depression01:42 Humor as therapy and a coping mechanism02:28 Meet Shannon—public personality vs. private depression03:11 What depression looks like day to day03:47 The power of routine and easy wins on hard days04:22 Paper planners, medication checklists, and feeling productive05:28 The contrast between good days and couch-bound ones06:13 Leaving the house to disrupt depressive spirals07:23 Learning to be gentle with herself after years of harsh self-talk07:53 COVID, parenting, and the moment her mental health collapsed08:55 Friends noticing her breakdown and encouraging treatment09:36 How seeing her child benefit from medication shifted her perspective10:33 Denial, strength, and finally recognizing lifelong depression11:37 Starting antidepressants—and feeling the fog lift12:39 Talking publicly about mental health and the impact of honesty13:14 Viral vulnerability: the post that changed everything14:12 Choosing humor *and* truth: blending entertainment with advocacy14:51 The post that went global—and why it resonated so deeply15:40 Depression as a disease of isolation16:22 What healing sounds like in the present tense17:24 Sharing stories as a form of therapy—for both speaker and listener18:16 Where to find Shannon’s humorous videos for emotional lift18:46 Preview of next episode: EMDR therapy and asking for help19:48 Podcasts as accessible, therapeutic support20:08 Final reflections: connection, hope, and honest healingExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

For years, Alex Brown battled anxiety and depression in silence. Like many, she thought what she was experiencing was “just life” — anger, exhaustion, and darkness that she couldn’t explain. A breakdown on a family trip finally forced her to face what was really happening: years of untreated anxiety had developed into major depression.In this conversation, Alex shares how naming her depression brought relief, how therapy and medication help her manage symptoms, and why she made the choice to stop hiding her struggles. She talks about pet therapy, supportive relationships, and the healing power of speaking openly about mental health.Alex’s story is a powerful reminder that depression is not weakness — it’s an illness. And that choosing to share your truth can bring both connection and strength.One of Alex's articles: https://alexandriabrown12.medium.com/truth-be-told-my-depression-actually-does-define-me-27ef27107f0eAlex's book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Me-Depression-Battle-Heart-ebook/dp/B07531N5TMPrimary Topics CoveredCommon but often overlooked symptoms of depressionHow stigma delays recognition and treatment of mental illnessAlex’s childhood anger, anxiety, and teenage coping through drinkingBreaking point: a public breakdown that led to diagnosisRelief in naming depression and accessing treatmentTherapy, antidepressants, and building a support systemHow her dog helps with anxiety and groundingWhy Alex chose to stop hiding her depressionThe importance of small daily self-care stepsHow honesty reduces shame and builds resilienceTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and overview of depression symptoms 02:41 - Why noticing changes matters more than symptom lists 04:09 - Meet Alex Brown, author and mental health advocate 05:04 - Childhood anxiety, anger, and teenage coping behaviors 06:46 - College struggles and growing darkness 06:55 - Public breakdown and depression diagnosis 07:52 - Relief in naming depression and finding compassion 09:04 - Learning to distinguish rough patches from depression 09:42 - Building a support system: therapy, medication, family 09:53 - Pet therapy and the healing role of animals 10:50 - Choosing to stop hiding depression and share her story 11:19 - Connection through lived experience and honesty 12:26 - Why depression looks different for everyone 13:26 - Depression as the hardest, invisible opponent 14:56 - Facing stigma and helping others face their own struggles 15:32 - The importance of small daily coping strategies 16:25 - Closing reflections on naming depression and finding 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 does it mean to feel “homesick” for yourself before depression? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Savannah Wall joins us to share her deeply personal story of living with depression—describing the emptiness, weight, and longing for the person she once was.Through candid reflections, Savannah explains how depression can leave you feeling disconnected from loved ones and even from yourself, and why superficial fixes like candles or trendy self-care routines often fall short. She also shares how the support of her husband and access to therapy and treatment became the turning point in her recovery.This conversation explores the power of naming and articulating depression, the dangers of hiding it, and the importance of reaching out for help. If you’ve ever felt far away from yourself, or like you’re waiting for something that never seems to come, this episode will remind you that recovery is possible—and that you don’t have to go through it alone.Primary Topics Covered:The concept of being “homesick” for your pre-depression selfThe physical and emotional weight of depressionWhy self-care trends often don’t solve deep depressive strugglesHiding symptoms vs. admitting to depressionThe role of shame, stigma, and feeling like a burdenHow Savannah sought help and found recoveryThe importance of supportive loved ones in noticing and acting on warning signsBuilding a depression “toolkit” to manage symptomsWriting reminders to yourself as a way to counter depression’s liesEpisode Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and co-hosts 01:00 - The idea of being “homesick” for your pre-depression self 02:30 - Savannah describes the emptiness and heaviness of depression 04:00 - Why self-care trends don’t always help in deep depression 06:00 - Hiding depression symptoms behind excuses and shame 07:40 - The tension between gratitude and hopelessness 09:20 - Feeling disconnected from loved ones and from self 10:30 - Savannah’s breaking point and her husband’s role in encouraging treatment 11:00 - Seeking therapy, medical support, and the slow return of hope 12:00 - Recognizing missed warning signs of depression 13:00 - Building a “toolkit” for managing symptoms 13:40 - The value of writing affirmations to yourself for future depressive episodes 14:30 - The risks of holding depression in and the importance of sharing 16:00 - How loved ones can recognize changes and offer support 17:20 - Closing reflections and quotes on depression and recovery 18:30 - Outro 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 does it mean to feel homesick for yourself? Savannah Wall describes depression as being “homesick for the life and the person she used to be.” In this powerful conversation, she opens up about the weight of emptiness, the shame of hiding her symptoms, and the turning point when her husband insisted she seek help.Savannah’s words capture what many living with depression struggle to explain: the paradox of feeling both heavy and empty, grateful yet hopeless, surrounded by love but unable to feel it. She also shares how treatment, faith, and supportive relationships helped her slowly find light and hope again.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt distant from themselves because of depression — and for the loved ones who want to better understand.The full article that prompted the episode: https://savannahwallsblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/22/when-youre-homesick-for-all-that-you-were-before-depression/comment-page-3/Primary Topics Covered:The concept of being “homesick” for your pre-depression selfThe physical weight and emotional emptiness of depressionWhy candles, baths, and “quick fixes” don’t work for clinical depressionShame, stigma, and hiding symptoms from othersThe role of supportive loved ones in recognizing when help is neededSeeking therapy, medication, and faith as part of recoveryHow depression can convince you it will last foreverBuilding a personal “toolkit” for coping and preventing relapseThe power of writing reminders to yourself during well timesWhy it’s okay to not be okay — and the consequences of staying silentTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode 01:00 - Exploring the idea of being “homesick” for your old self 02:15 - Savannah describes her experience of depression 03:35 - The physical heaviness of emptiness 04:00 - Why self-care trends don’t fix clinical depression 05:40 - Hiding symptoms and making excuses to avoid people 07:15 - The struggle of gratitude vs hopelessness in depression 08:32 - Feeling cut off from loved ones despite their support 08:52 - Waiting for the day depression disappears 09:19 - Breaking point and turning to self-harm 09:49 - Husband’s support and decision to seek help 10:17 - Starting therapy, medication, and healing 11:37 - Recognizing warning signs of depression earlier 12:42 - Building a personal depression “toolkit” 13:01 - Writing reminders to yourself during well periods 13:57 - Consequences of hiding depression too long 15:34 - How hearing others share inspired someone else to seek help 16:11 - Depression’s lies and the truth that healing is possible 17:21 - The importance of supportive loved ones in recovery 18:20 - Closing reflections and hopeful takeawayExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Tara has lived with depression and anxiety since childhood — beginning with panic attacks at age four after a traumatic accident. For decades, she carried shame, exhaustion, and guilt, especially as a mother who felt she couldn’t live up to the “supermom” image.In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Tara shares how she finally found words for what she was experiencing, why asking for help changed everything, and how she’s learning to accept her own version of “normal.” From surviving panic attacks to redefining success as cooking meals or simply getting out of pajamas, Tara’s story is a reminder that living with depression is not weakness — it’s courage.Her journey also highlights the importance of supportive friends, family, therapy, and medication — and why telling your truth can reduce shame and stigma.Link to one of Alex's articles: https://alexandriabrown12.medium.com/truth-be-told-my-depression-actually-does-define-me-27ef27107f0eLink to Alex's book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Me-Depression-Battle-Heart-ebook/dp/B07531N5TMPrimary Topics Covered:Why asking for help with depression and anxiety is not weaknessTara’s early childhood trauma and the onset of panic attacksThe long road to finally having words for what she was experiencingHow anxiety and depression often go hand in handCollege years, stigma, and being forced to leave school due to depressionThe impact of multiple personal losses on her mental healthParenting with depression and explaining it to her childrenRedefining “normal” when living with depressionThe importance of therapy, medication, and supportive familyHow choosing to stay alive every day is an act of resilienceTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and purpose of sharing stories 01:22 - The difficulty of starting conversations about depression 01:42 - Tara shares feelings of guilt and shame as a mother with depression 02:23 - Why asking for help is so important 05:02 - Tara’s first panic attacks at age four 05:55 - Traumatic childhood accident and early PTSD 07:02 - Discovering the term “panic attacks” at age 14 08:04 - Relief in finally having words for her symptoms 08:56 - Depression intensifies during college years 09:39 - Loss of loved ones and impact on her mental health 10:12 - Struggling to work full-time while living with depression 11:33 - Parenting with depression and explaining it to her kids 12:55 - Medication, therapy, and redefining “normal” 14:17 - Choosing every day to keep going as resilience 15:16 - Closing reflections: asking for help and telling your truthExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Taking medication for depression doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’re fighting for your life. In this powerful and candid conversation, sports broadcaster and mental health advocate Michael Landsberg (founder of Sick Not Weak) shares his decades-long journey with depression, anxiety, and antidepressants.Michael speaks openly about his early resistance to medication, the relapses he endured after stopping, and the moment he realized his meds were keeping him alive. He explains his philosophy of “learning to love the thing you hate the least” — choosing antidepressants, despite side effects, because they free him from depression’s grip.This episode challenges the stigma that keeps so many from seeking help and offers hope, validation, and practical language for anyone living with depression or supporting someone who is.Link to Sick Not Weak, Michael Landsberg's website: www.sicknotweak.com/Primary Topics CoveredMichael Landsberg’s personal journey with depression and anxietyEarly resistance to antidepressants and lessons from relapsesThe dangers of untreated depression and denialStigma, masculinity, and why men avoid seeking helpAntidepressants: benefits, side effects, and misconceptions“Learning to love the thing you hate the least” approachWarning signs of relapse and how Michael manages themHow one person’s openness can break stigma for othersWhy recovery is about management, not cureThe importance of honest conversations about mental healthTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and thank you to supporters 01:27 - Introducing Michael Landsberg and his advocacy work 03:09 - Michael’s story: living with depression and anxiety 03:44 - Speaking openly about depression and breaking stigma 04:49 - Michael’s first experience with antidepressants 05:37 - Stopping meds and painful relapses 06:57 - The turning point: realizing medication was essential 07:42 - Addressing stigma and misconceptions about meds 08:57 - “Learning to love the thing you hate the least” explained 09:45 - Why some people resist treatment and how to respond 11:07 - Mistakes Michael learned from in managing depression 12:36 - Warning signs of relapse and how he responds 14:25 - Coping strategies: patience, perspective, and self-awareness 15:21 - Destigmatizing through honest, everyday conversations 16:02 - Tracking “bad days” and the role of hope in recovery 17:37 - Final reflections and gratitudeExplore 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 be sick, not weak? In this candid conversation, broadcaster and mental health advocate Michael Landsberg shares his personal journey with anxiety and depression—and the power of naming depression as an illness, not a weakness.Michael speaks openly about his early struggles with anxiety, the turning point when depression took hold at age 40, and how seeking help from a psychiatrist became his “first step back toward the light.” Together, we explore the stigma around antidepressants, how to support someone who resists treatment, and why sharing our stories can shorten the suffering for others.If you’ve ever questioned whether depression is “real” or struggled with the idea of taking medication, this episode is for you.Primary Topics Covered:Why depression is an illness, not a weaknessThe stigma around antidepressants and how to counter itMichael’s early struggles with anxiety and later depressionWhy many people delay treatment for yearsThe slow and subtle way depression takes over daily lifeThe importance of friends and family noticing changesHow openness and shared stories empower othersBalancing honesty about medication benefits and challengesTimestamps00:00 - Welcome and episode introduction 01:22 - Listener question about resistance to antidepressants 02:28 - Why sharing openly about medication matters 03:11 - Personal reflections on using antidepressants 04:29 - Michael Landsberg’s early experiences with anxiety 05:48 - The insecurity of wondering if symptoms are “real” 06:20 - Depression at age 40 and the phrase sick not weak 06:45 - Why depression often goes unrecognized for years 08:33 - Michael’s first psychiatrist appointment as a turning point 09:14 - The importance of early recognition and intervention 10:45 - Subtle changes that signal depression 11:10 - How loved ones can notice and start supportive conversations 12:05 - The loss of joy as a marker of depression 13:33 - Why we feel alone when millions share this struggle 14:05 - The power of sharing openly about mental health 15:14 - Putting words to experiences for the first time 16:16 - Closing thoughts and preview of part twoExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/