Giving Voice to Depression

Recovery from depression doesn’t always come through major breakthroughs. Sometimes it begins with the smallest shift — a single degree of change that sets you on a new path.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Lori shares her raw experience of persistent depression and how discovering the “power of yet” helped her reclaim hope. With support from Dr. Anita Sanz, she explains how connection, reframing, and small daily adjustments can make recovery possible, even when depression insists that nothing will ever change.If you’ve ever asked yourself how to recover from depression or felt hopeless after repeated setbacks, this conversation will remind you that you’re not broken — you’re just stuck. And even the tiniest shifts can help you move toward healing.Primary Topics Covered:Why recovery from depression often starts with small shiftsLori’s journey of living with persistent depressionThe “power of yet” as a new way of seeing progressHow connection with others reduces isolation and shameDepression’s lies: “It will always feel this way”Metaphors of healing: airplane’s one-degree shift, backpack vs. screen doorReleasing contingent self-worth and shameFinding hope in daily life, even during ongoing strugglesWhy persistence and patience matter in depression recoveryTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Small shifts in depression recovery  01:18 – Lori opens with her experience of persistent depression  02:38 – What it means to live halfway out of depression’s pit  04:00 – Starting a treatment program after years of struggle  04:20 – Connecting with others living with depression  05:30 – Why shared experience reduces isolation  05:57 – Discovering hope again after failed treatments  06:44 – Depression’s lies: “You’ll never feel different”  07:32 – The power of yet: not broken, just stuck  08:43 – Airplane metaphor: one-degree shifts change your course  09:51 – First sparks of hope: noticing tiny improvements  10:35 – Unpacking shame and contingent self-worth  11:40 – Sitting with pain instead of avoiding it  12:37 – Recognizing self-worth as a given, not earned  13:26 – Backpack vs. screen door metaphor for carrying burdens  14:37 – Small moments of contentment in everyday life  15:32 – The role of persistence and patience in healing  19:39 – Why small shifts matter in depression recovery  20:49 – Closing: You are not broken, and you are not alone  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/

Persistent depression doesn’t just come and go. It lingers — shaping daily routines, relationships, energy, and even self-worth.In this raw and honest episode of Giving Voice to Depression, our guest shares what it feels like to “live at 60 percent,” carrying the weight of chronic depression every day. From constant fatigue to feelings of hopelessness, she describes the signs and symptoms of living with depression that rarely lets up.This conversation isn’t about quick fixes or miracle cures. It’s about survival, resilience, and the courage it takes to speak openly about struggles many people silently endure. Whether you live with persistent depression yourself or support someone who does, this episode offers validation and the reminder that you are not alone.Primary Topics Covered:The reality of persistent (chronic) depressionWhat it means to “live at 60 percent”Key signs and symptoms of ongoing depressionWhy depression is different from occasional sadnessHow chronic depression affects daily energy and motivationThe impact on relationships and self-worthSmall survival strategies and redefining successWhy naming depression takes away some of its powerThe importance of honesty and vulnerability in sharing strugglesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why persistent depression matters  01:22 – Living at “60 percent” and what that feels like  03:41 – The daily symptoms of chronic depression  05:02 – Self-worth and identity under the weight of depression  07:14 – How depression limits motivation and energy  09:33 – Relationships affected by long-term depression  12:11 – Survival vs. recovery: redefining progress  14:28 – The value of honesty when sharing about depression  16:42 – Small wins: showing up even when exhausted  19:56 – Finding hope and meaning amid ongoing struggles  21:30 – Closing reflections: why naming depression matters  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 depression really feel like — and how is it different from ordinary sadness?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychologists Dr. Robert Duff, Dr. Margaret Rutherford, and Dr. Maduka Trivedi help clarify one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health. While sadness is a temporary emotional state, depression is a serious and persistent illness that can impact every part of life.Through metaphors, expert insights, and lived experience, our guests explain why depression is not a weakness, why positive events don’t always “snap someone out of it,” and what symptoms signal a need for professional help. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you—or someone you love—are experiencing is sadness or depression, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope.Primary Topics Covered:What depression feels like vs. what sadness feels likeDr. Robert Duff’s “Big D” vs. “Little d” depression explanationDepression as a recurring pattern and “parasite”Why sadness fades but depression lingers day and nightDr. Margaret Rutherford on forgetting how to be happyThe hidden faces of depression: irritability, exhaustion, despairDr. Maduka Trivedi on why external positives don’t cure depressionClinical signs of major depression (per WebMD’s criteria)When to seek professional help and available treatmentsTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why sadness and depression are often confused  01:14 – Episode overview and why this distinction matters  02:24 – Dr. Robert Duff on “Big D” vs. “Little d” depression  03:24 – Depression as a recurring uphill battle  04:25 – Metaphors: depression as a “parasite” that feeds on itself  05:09 – Dr. Margaret Rutherford on crossing from sadness into depression  06:55 – Why depression consumes daily life in a way sadness does not  07:07 – Forgetting happiness: why it’s not a choice  07:31 – Depression as a genetic predisposition, not weakness  08:45 – Dr. Maduka Trivedi: the two major signals of depression  09:48 – Why positive events don’t always shift depression’s weight  10:23 – WebMD’s nine symptoms of major depression  11:22 – How to recognize major depressive disorder  11:33 – Treatment options: therapy, medication, and sleep hygiene  11:45 – Closing encouragement for those living with depression  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 difference does it make when families actually talk about depression instead of hiding it?In this episode, Jesse reflects on growing up in a family where mental illness was openly discussed at home, long before society embraced those conversations. She shares what it was like to watch her mother struggle with depression, how honesty helped reduce shame, and how those early conversations shaped her own lifelong journey with depression and anxiety.Joined by guest co-host John, who also carries a deep family history of depression and addiction, the discussion explores the healing power of openness, the damage of silence, and how breaking cycles of secrecy can change lives — including the next generation’s.This is a powerful reminder that talking about depression is not just brave — it’s transformative.Primary Topics Covered:Why “talking about depression” is essential for reducing stigmaJesse’s family history of depression and anxiety across generationsHow her parents’ honesty helped her as a child understand mental illnessThe experience of watching her mother live with chronic pain and depressionHow secrecy, silence, and gaslighting fueled shame and confusion in other familiesJohn’s contrasting story of growing up in a family that denied problemsThe impact of being told “it’s not your fault” as a childHow honesty creates resilience and helps future generationsPractical ways families can break cycles of silence about mental healthTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why talking about depression matters  01:00 – Meet Jesse and guest co-host John  01:27 – Jesse’s lifelong journey with chronic depression and anxiety  02:05 – Family openness about depression in the 1960s  03:14 – How honesty shaped Jesse’s understanding as a child  04:42 – Her parents’ candid conversations about mental illness  07:15 – Watching her mother’s struggle with depression and chronic pain  09:10 – The power of being told “it’s not your fault” as a child  11:38 – Jesse internalizes stress and develops physical symptoms  12:38 – The complexity of hearing a parent say “I wish I could die”  15:00 – Jesse’s lifelong daily depression and morning struggles  15:58 – Her “tripod of support”: medication, diet, and exercise  16:46 – Daily practices from 12-step recovery and writing letters  18:18 – Metaphor of the snowball: unpacking depression one piece at a time  19:32 – Finding functional, self-respectful ways to cope with depression  20:46 – John’s contrasting family experience: silence, gaslighting, and addiction  24:10 – How secrecy undermines children’s trust in themselves  26:41 – Breaking the cycle: creating openness for the next generation  27:16 – Closing reflections: the healing power of honest conversations  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 if the right question could shift how you see yourself, your struggles, and your recovery journey? In this farewell episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz shares the three most powerful questions she’s used with clients — and in her own life — to challenge the lies of depression and uncover new paths forward.After three years as co-host of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Sanz leaves listeners with these tools as a parting gift: practical, hope-filled questions that can help you reframe hopelessness, break through mental ruts, and reconnect with your inner strength.If you’re living with depression or supporting someone who is, this conversation will remind you that even the smallest shifts in perspective can open the door to recovery.Primary Topics Covered:Why questions can be powerful tools in depression recoveryThe first question: What dream would you explore if you felt fully supported?How reframing challenges can break depression’s mental “rut”The second question: What if life is an adventure and not a mission?Why seeing life as an adventure reduces pressure and comparisonThe third question: What if I am stronger than I think I am?Using self-compassion and inner strength to navigate dark timesReflections on Dr. Sanz’s role as co-host and her farewell message of hopeThe importance of authenticity, connection, and shared storiesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The mission of Giving Voice to Depression  00:32 – Dr. Anita Sanz reflects on her years of clinical practice  01:27 – Why Anita is leaving the podcast and her farewell gift  02:00 – Introducing three life-changing questions for mental health  02:40 – Why powerful questions work with depression and anxiety  04:48 – Question #1: What dream would you explore if you felt fully supported?  07:45 – How this question helps break the mental rut of depression  09:42 – Personal examples from Dr. Sanz’s life and work  11:49 – Question #2: What if life is an adventure and not a mission?  13:25 – The difference between adventures and missions in recovery  15:41 – How shifting perspective removes pressure and comparison  17:18 – Question #3: What if I am stronger than I think I am?  19:19 – How this question challenges self-doubt and hopelessness  21:41 – Dr. Sanz reflects on hope, authenticity, and connection  22:40 – Farewell reflections and gratitude from both hosts  24:51 – Where to follow Dr. Anita Sanz and her next adventure  25:19 – Closing: The importance of speaking up and listening  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/

Depression recovery rarely happens in one breakthrough moment—it’s usually a series of small, almost invisible steps that slowly add up to change. For The Tors Band, those moments of light became the foundation of their viral song “Anything Can Happen” and their journey of speaking openly about mental health.In this episode, Matt Weedon shares how sleeping through the night for the first time in months, opening the curtains, and noticing tiny sparks of joy signaled the slow but powerful lifting of depression. He reflects on how honesty and vulnerability have shaped their music, connected with millions, and reminded others that healing is possible—even if progress feels painfully slow.If you’re on your own recovery journey, this episode offers proof that even the smallest steps can bring hope when the darkness begins to lift.Primary Topics Covered:Depression recovery as a slow process of small winsThe Tors Band’s viral song “Anything Can Happen” and its impactWhy sleeping through the night marked a turning point in recoveryThe metaphor of opening curtains and letting in lightThe role of authenticity and truth-telling in music and healingHow sharing vulnerability helped The Tors connect with millionsBuilding daily routines: walking, music, writing, and therapyAccepting both bad and good days as part of the recovery processWhy even imperceptible progress matters in depression recoveryTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The Tors Band and their story of hope  02:11 – From “Anything Can Happen” to global impact: 9.5 million streams  03:26 – The emotional listener response to honest lyrics  05:29 – Why depression and anxiety connect universally  06:53 – The power of truth-telling in music and mental health  08:16 – Sleeping through the night: a small but life-changing win  09:39 – Opening the curtains: a metaphor for recovery  10:49 – Why depression recovery is slow, not instant  12:21 – Accepting setbacks while noticing small improvements  13:25 – The role of daily routines: dogs, walking, podcasts, writing  14:35 – Therapy and uncovering childhood experiences  15:18 – The message of slow but real healing  16:15 – Why the smallest progress matters most  18:59 – Authenticity and why music resonates so deeply  20:11 – Full performance: *“Anything Can Happen”* by The Tors Band  23:30 – Final reflections: slow recovery, real hope  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/

Coping with depression often means searching for ways to turn struggle into something that helps you keep going. For Matt Weedon of The Tors, that outlet was music.In this heartfelt conversation, Matt shares how the band’s song “Anything Can Happen” was written during a season of deep depression. He describes what it felt like to carry both pain and numbness, why even simple tasks felt impossible, and how the support of a true friend became a lifeline.Matt and The Tors remind us that music, friendship, and self-compassion can turn even the heaviest moments into sparks of hope.Link to The Tors website: https://www.tors.band/Primary Topics Covered:Coping with depression through creativity and songwritingThe story of “Anything Can Happen” and its personal meaningWhat it feels like to live with pain and numbness at the same timeThe challenge of daily tasks when depression is overwhelmingWhy trusted friendships are essential for survival and healingSelf-compassion in practice: “If you need a minute, take a minute”The role of routines and small joys in recoveryThe power of listening without judgment or solutionsHow music helps give language to mental health strugglesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: why coping with depression requires support  02:12 – Meet Matt Weedon of The Tors and the song’s backstory  03:44 – Writing during depression and the emotional weight of creativity  05:08 – Pain and numbness: the paradox of depression’s symptoms  05:38 – Lyrics from “Anything Can Happen” and how they resonate  06:43 – “I don’t remember happy” — losing joy and memory in depression  08:26 – The role of a friend who listens without judgment  09:29 – Why being heard feels like being loved  10:54 – Responding with compassion when someone shares their struggle  11:49 – The reminder: “If you need a minute, take a minute”  15:13 – Building hope even when the future feels impossible  15:35 – Routines and small goals as building blocks for recovery  18:30 – Laughter, TV shows, and sparks of joy returning  20:09 – Comfort inputs: why familiar routines support the brain  21:22 – Friendship, presence, and “body doubling” in recovery  22:51 – Closing thoughts: music as medicine for depression  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/

Depression doesn’t just bring sadness—it can strip away hope, motivation, and even the will to fight for recovery. For Johnny Crowder, frontman, mental health advocate, and founder of Cope Notes, depression became the most debilitating part of his long list of diagnoses, which also included anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.In this deeply honest conversation, Johnny shares how depression convinced him not to seek help, why it felt impossible to do the things that could make him better, and how he eventually began to challenge those dark, repetitive thoughts. He also explains how he monitors his own “tells” to recognize when depression is rising—and how noticing even small sparks of joy helped him rebuild hope.Together with Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz, Johnny explores the paradox of depression, the importance of self-compassion, and practical strategies for surviving when life feels impossible.Link to Johnny Crowder's Website:https://johnnycrowder.com/Link to Johnny Crowder's first TEDx Talk: "Why I Don't Want to Die Anymore":https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e612-OTu-SALink to Johnny Crowder's second TEDx Talk: "How to Grow as a Person (and Why it Sucks)" https://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_crowder_how_to_grow_as_a_person_and_why_it_sucksPrimary Topics Covered:Why depression can feel more debilitating than other diagnosesJohnny’s lived experience with bipolar disorder, OCD, and schizophreniaThe metaphor of depression as the “thing that keeps you from the solution”How hopelessness prevents people from seeking treatmentThe difference between acceptance and surrender in mental healthEckhart Tolle’s approach to reframing intrusive thoughtsRecognizing personal “tells” that signal the onset of depressionWhy monitoring sparks of joy can help recoveryPractical coping strategies and the importance of safe supportTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why depression conversations matter  02:07 – Meet Johnny Crowder: musician, advocate, and psychology graduate  03:09 – Johnny’s mental health diagnoses: depression, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia, bipolar  05:45 – Depression as the most debilitating diagnosis  06:54 – How depression prevents people from seeking help  07:24 – Explaining depression’s nature to those who haven’t experienced it  09:13 – Sadness vs. depression: the difference  10:12 – Losing hope and vision for the future  11:47 – Seeking evidence outside depression’s lies  12:53 – Writing truths for yourself when you’re well  13:27 – Therapist insight: “Who would you have to be to not be affected?”  14:33 – Connecting life stress with depressive episodes  15:22 – Learning from Eckhart Tolle: reframing thoughts  17:31 – Johnny’s personal “tells” that depression is worsening  18:28 – Recognizing signs of recovery: sparks of joy returning  19:19 – Depression as the blocker to solutions and hope  20:44 – Acceptance vs. surrender: finding balance  23:36 – Responding differently to symptoms without resisting  28:10 – Acceptance as empowerment, not giving up  29:35 – Early warning signs and recognizing positive change  30:59 – Johnny’s advocacy and Cope Notes 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 happens when everything falls apart at once? Musician and mental health advocate Johnny Crowder recently faced that exact reality—losing his home, his band, and his relationship (with the woman he expected to marry,) all within days.In this 25-minute episode, he talks about the depression that followed ("a bear he has wrestled many times before,") and the mindset shift that helped him rebuild and reconnect with hope. If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t find your way out of a dark place, Johnny’s story—and the practical strategies he shares—will remind you that healing is possible, one step at a time.Link to Johnny Crowder's Website: https://johnnycrowder.com/Link to Johnny Crowder's 1st TEDx Talk: Why I Don't Want to Die Anymore:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e612-OTu-SALink to Johnny Crowder's 2nt TEDx TalkTEDx Talk: How to Grow as a Person (and Why it Sucks) : https://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_crowder_how_to_grow_as_a_person_and_why_it_sucksPrimary Topics Covered:Depression recovery after multiple major life lossesJohnny’s story: hurricane, relationship ending, and band breakupHow depression resurfaced and what it felt like this timeWhy fighting depression doesn’t always workReframing loss as an opportunity for growth and changeAsking trusted friends/family for reminders of past resilienceDepression’s lies: hopelessness, time distortion, and lack of joyThe importance of acceptance and patience in healingTools like writing, reflection, and Cope Notes for daily supportSelf-compassion and practicing early intervention strategiesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Johnny Crowder  01:26 – Johann Hari’s view on depression as a response to abnormal experiences  02:11 – Johnny’s background: survivor, musician, and advocate  03:12 – Hurricane destroys Johnny’s home and sparks reflection  04:16 – Band breakup, relationship loss, and simultaneous crises  06:00 – Depression returns after years of stability  08:36 – Avoidance, denial, and the first signs of depression  10:58 – Processing loss and the fear of not rebuilding  11:45 – What’s different this time: hope instead of suicidal thoughts  13:55 – Building resilience through past experiences and evidence  14:07 – Writing, speaking, and developing new coping frameworks  15:50 – Asking others to reflect resilience back to you  17:30 – Depression’s lies: hopelessness and distorted time  18:59 – Building an “emergency box” for future depressive episodes  20:56 – Awareness, timing, and early intervention  22:39 – Closing thoughts and links to Johnny’s work (TEDx, Cope Notes)  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/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Gwen shares her lived experience of supporting her husband and children while navigating the challenges depression brings into a family home. She discusses the importance of ground rules, open communication, and small acts of kindness that help maintain connection during hard times. Gwen also emphasizes self-care for caregivers, the value of finding supportive friends, and accessing resources to prevent burnout. Her story offers hope, practical strategies, and encouragement for anyone caring for a loved one with depression.Link to Families for Depression Awareness website/resources:https://www.familyaware.org/Primary Topics CoveredThe emotional impact of depression on partners and familiesEstablishing ground rules for communication and household responsibilitiesEarly intervention: recognizing and addressing warning signs of depressionMaintaining connection through small acts of kindnessBalancing family life when a partner is strugglingThe importance of self-care and finding a support systemAvailable resources for caregivers of people with depressionTimestamps00:00 Intro to the podcast and mission 01:42 Depression’s impact on caregivers and loved ones 02:08 The cairn metaphor: leaving markers for others on the path 03:26 Introducing Gwen and her family’s story 04:02 Finding joy and humor in daily life despite depression 04:39 Creating ground rules for communication and support 05:52 Recognizing early warning signs and taking action 06:34 Balancing responsibilities and avoiding total withdrawal 08:13 Careful communication: word choice and timing 10:15 Small acts of kindness to maintain connection 11:45 Allowing family life to continue when a partner opts out 12:57 Explaining absence to children and friends 15:19 Remembering the person you fell in love with 16:12 The importance of caregiver self-care and support networks 18:41 Being honest with trusted friends about struggles 20:22 Accessing resources and finding creative support solutions 22:24 Key takeaways: remembering your partner before depression and finding core people 26:24 Resources for caregivers and support organizations 27:53 Closing reflections and encouragement to seek supportExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/