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

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/

So many people living with depression hear the advice: “If you need help, just ask.” But when you’re in the middle of a dark episode, those words can feel vague, overwhelming, or even impossible.In this powerful conversation, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch—a suicide attempt survivor who has lost friends to suicide—shares his 10 practical scripts for asking for help with depression. These aren’t abstract ideas, but real words you can use when you’re struggling and don’t know what to say.From small requests like asking someone to remind you of your value, to urgent pleas such as, “I’m suicidal. I need help right now,” Sam’s language is compassionate, clear, and potentially lifesaving.This episode is one you’ll want to save, share, and return to whenever you—or someone you love—feels lost in the darkness of depression.Link to Sam's article: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/Primary Topics Covered:Why “just ask for help” isn’t always realisticSam’s personal story of loss and survival10 practical scripts for asking for specific supportHow to request help with everyday tasks when depressedAsking loved ones for affirmations and reminders of worthLanguage to use when you feel unsafe or suicidalWhy believing you are worthy of help is criticalBreaking stigma around needing supportTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and why this episode matters 01:07 - The gap between advice to “ask for help” and reality 01:37 - Sam’s personal loss and reflections on not reaching out 02:24 - Why vague advice fails people in crisis 03:17 - What tools and scripts can offer in the moment 04:02 - Script #6: Asking for help with specific tasks 05:22 - How small support requests help both sides 06:04 - Script #7: Asking for affirmations or favorite memories 07:15 - Reminiscing as a healing tool 07:42 - Script #8: “I’m struggling and afraid I’m reaching my limit” 08:41 - Balancing urgency and clarity in crisis requests 09:00 - Script #9: Reaching out to acquaintances when isolated 09:51 - The importance of believing you’re worthy of connection 10:27 - Script #10: Directly saying “I’m suicidal. I need help now.” 11:22 - Why suicide is an emergency like any other 12:16 - Why reaching out is always worth it 12:35 - The importance of staying alive and asking again 13:05 - Reflections on believing you are worthy of support 14:09 - Personal examples of using Sam’s strategies 14:37 - Healing through affirmations and positive reminders 15:12 - Closing messages of hope and connectionExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Being told to “just ask for help” isn’t helpful when you don’t have the words. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares his first five practical scripts for reaching out when depression makes it hard to speak up.As a suicide attempt and suicide loss survivor, Sam understands the barriers that keep people from asking for help—and why clear, specific language can save lives. From simply saying “I don’t want to be alone” to asking a friend to check in on you, these tools give you a starting point when words feel impossible.This episode offers compassionate, real-world guidance that makes asking for help with depression less intimidating and more doable.Link to Sam's list: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/Link to Sam's blog: letsqueerthingsup.com/tag/mental-health/Primary Topics CoveredWhy “just ask for help” isn’t always realistic adviceSam Dylan Finch’s personal story of loss and survival5 practical scripts for reaching out during depressionAsking for company when you don’t want to be aloneHow to make specific requests that loved ones can honorAsking for distraction when you’re not ready to talkWhy check-ins can be lifesavingThe role of peer support in mental health recoveryTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression 01:02 - Social media posts that inspire peer support 02:29 - Introducing Sam Dylan Finch: writer, advocate, survivor 03:06 - Why Sam wrote “10 Ways to Reach Out When Struggling” 03:54 - Losing a close friend to suicide and lessons learned 04:42 - Why loved ones—not just clinicians—matter in crisis 05:20 - Normalizing the need to ask for help 06:03 - Script #1: “I don’t want to be alone” 07:00 - Script #2: “What I’ve been trying isn’t working—can we make a plan?” 08:46 - Script #3: “I don’t feel safe—can you stay on the phone or come over?” 09:39 - Script #4: “I’m in a bad place, but not ready to talk. Can you distract me?” 11:49 - Script #5: “Can you check in with me (on a specific schedule)?” 13:36 - Why connection and visibility matter in recovery 14:48 - How early check-ins prevent crises from escalating 15:13 - Closing reflections and preview of Part 2Explore 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 actually helps when you’re deep in depression? After five years and over 300 episodes of Giving Voice to Depression, Terry and Bridget reflect on the most powerful coping tools they’ve learned from guests who’ve lived it.From journaling and safety plans to laughter, music, and sleep, they revisit the strategies that consistently come up as life-saving—and why no single tool works for everyone, every time. They also reflect on the heartbreaking reality that even with resources and support, families sometimes still lose loved ones to suicide—and how that truth drives their mission.This heartfelt conversation honors the courage of every guest who shared vulnerably, and the power of story to remind us that while we may sometimes feel alone, we are never truly alone in our struggles with depression.Primary Topics CoveredThe most powerful depression coping tools learned over 5 yearsWhy journaling and expressive writing can be transformativeSleep as a critical foundation for mental healthDistraction strategies: comedy, YouTube, games, and musicCreating a “toolbox” or “comfort box” to use during tough timesBuilding safety plans for moments of crisisThe painful reality of suicide loss despite resources and effortThe difference between being physically alone vs. not alone in experienceThe power of shared stories to reduce isolationGratitude for the community built through the podcastTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Part 2 of reflections 00:12 - Exploring coping tools learned from guests 00:30 - Journaling and expressive writing as therapy 01:18 - Morning routines and accountability practices 01:54 - Sleep as a key to managing depression 02:20 - Distraction tools: comedy, puzzles, music, and more 03:08 - Creating a comfort box of reminders and supports 03:43 - Safety plans: preparing for moments of crisis 04:46 - Writing affirmations in your own handwriting 05:22 - Why it’s hard to accept compliments when depressed 06:01 - The most impactful guest stories and metaphors 07:34 - The reality of suicide loss despite support 09:01 - Suicidal thoughts and depression: overlapping circles 09:45 - The authenticity of real-time lived experiences 10:19 - Understanding “you’re not alone” differently 11:08 - Choosing solitude vs. the power of shared story 12:16 - Creating distance to process painful experiences 13:22 - A poet’s metaphor: visualizing thousands of listeners 13:56 - Building a global community of connection and hope 15:24 - Reflections on the personal and shared journey 16:33 - Celebrating growth, advocacy, and future contributionsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

After more than 300 episodes and countless powerful interviews, what stands out the most about living with depression? In this reflective conversation, Terry and Bridget share the biggest lessons they’ve learned from five years of cohosting Giving Voice to Depression.From understanding how depression manifests differently in each person, to seeing the courage it takes for someone to tell their story, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the impact of thousands of conversations. Terry and Bridget also open up about how their personal understanding of depression has deepened, the responsibility of holding others’ stories, and why naming depression can be the first step toward recovery.This is part one of a special two-part series looking back on five years of learning, growing, and giving voice to depression.Primary Topics Covered:What 5+ years of podcasting about depression has revealedMoving from statistics to personal, human stories of depressionHow sharing lived experiences reduces stigma and isolationThe courage and vulnerability of guests who share their truthsDifferent ways depression manifests across individualsWhy recognizing symptoms earlier can change recovery pathsThe impact of consistent listener feedback and supportBuilding a “toolkit” for managing depression over timeTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and 311 episodes milestone 00:33 - From statistics to people: why stories matter 02:00 - The honor of holding others’ lived experiences 04:19 - Listener impact: moments of connection and hope 06:26 - Why Terry and Bridget committed to this work 08:21 - Key takeaways about depression from hundreds of interviews 10:25 - How personal experiences shaped their understanding 11:57 - Depression manifests differently for everyone 13:05 - Gratitude and depression can coexist 13:43 - The universal “voice of depression” and its lies 15:05 - Building a depression toolkit through shared storiesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. In this episode, Dr. David Jacobi from Rogers Behavioral Health joins us to explain how CBT works, why it helps people break free from negative cycles, and what small steps we can take to start feeling better.We explore the CBT triangle—how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected—and why changing your behaviors first can help shift your mindset and emotions. Dr. Jacobi also shares practical strategies like behavioral activation and explains the role of routine, pleasurable, and valued activities in recovery.If you’ve ever felt stuck in depression’s grip, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable tools to support healing.Primary Topics Covered:What Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is and how it worksThe CBT triangle: how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each otherWhy behavioral activation is key to breaking depressive cyclesSmall steps that make a big impact in recoveryThe importance of support without enabling depressive behaviorsThe role of medication as part of a broader treatment planTimestamps:00:00 Intro to the episode and guest 01:05 What CBT is and how it helps with depression and anxiety 02:12 The CBT triangle: thoughts, feelings, and behaviors 04:16 Why behavior changes matter most for recovery 05:48 Avoidance vs. active coping strategies 07:25 Shifting from helplessness to empowerment through action 08:37 Routine, pleasurable, and valued activities in recovery 10:52 Building motivation by committing to small actions 12:35 The role of support and accountability in CBT 13:11 Avoiding symptom accommodation in loved ones 14:26 Encouraging engagement without enabling depressive behaviors 14:59 Medication as another tool in the recovery toolbox 15:45 Why consistent small steps matter most in healing 16:27 No step is too small: celebrating progress 17:28 Supporting yourself with self-encouragement 18:07 Closing reflections and upcoming announcementsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Negative thoughts can feel like facts when you live with depression or bipolar disorder. But they aren’t always true—and they don’t have to control your mood or behavior.In this episode, Patty shares her decades-long journey with bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidal thoughts—and how discovering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) later in life gave her new tools to challenge destructive thought patterns. Alongside guest co-host Dr. Anita Sands, the conversation explores how learning to question your thoughts can protect your mental health, relationships, and even your life.Patty’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to learn skills that can change your future.Link to article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610Primary Topics Covered:Patty’s late diagnosis with bipolar disorder after decades of symptomsThe impact of manic highs, depressive crashes, and suicide attemptsHow untreated mental illness strained her family and relationshipsThe turning point: learning about her illness and building a “toolbox”Why sleep disruption is an early warning sign for mania or depressionHow CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) reframed her thought patternsA real-life example of using CBT to stop spiraling after rejectionThe “big four” habits for managing bipolar and depression: sleep, nutrition, joyful activity, and stress managementWhy it’s never too late to learn new coping strategiesTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and guest co-host Dr. Anita Sands 01:19 - Why it’s hard to keep trying new tools when depression persists 01:47 - Introducing Patty, diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 30 02:20 - Early struggles with symptoms and lack of family support 03:28 - Working in the record industry while masking mood swings 04:48 - Manic highs, depressive lows, and hospitalizations 05:24 - Impact on children and family life 06:34 - Learning more about her illness and building a coping toolbox 07:42 - Medication side effects and long-term stability 08:09 - Early warning signs: sleep disruption and mania 09:18 - Strategies to prevent episodes from escalating 10:39 - Depression’s “black hole” and negative thought patterns 11:20 - Discovering CBT and learning to challenge thoughts 12:45 - Example: spiraling after a canceled lunch 13:48 - Using CBT to reframe thoughts and protect relationships 16:34 - Challenging deep, self-critical thoughts with gratitude and love 17:46 - Why it’s never too late to learn new skills for mental health 19:48 - Bipolar disorder as a circadian rhythm disorder 20:45 - The “big four” for mental health: sleep, nutrition, joyful activity, stress management 22:11 - Wrap-up and preview of next week’s CBT-focused 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/