Giving Voice to Depression

This Giving Voice to Depression episode explores the challenges and complexities of supporting a loved one with depression, focusing on the experiences of caregivers. The episode responds to a listener, Margaret, who shared her struggles in last week's episode about often feeling disconnected in her marriage due to her husband's treatment-resistant depression.To provide insight, the hosts interview Gwen, a woman who has been married for 23 years to a husband living with severe depression. Gwen shares the emotional and practical realities of navigating her husband's mental health journey while also parenting their two children, both of whom have also faced depression. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries, managing expectations, and maintaining self-care to avoid being emotionally drained by the experience.Gwen emphasizes the need for clear communication and shared responsibilities, even when her husband is struggling. She describes strategies such as having structured family meetings, using a shared calendar, and encouraging small activities to keep him engaged. She also highlights the significance of maintaining her own well-being by setting aside personal time, recognizing that caring for herself ultimately benefits the whole family.Cohosts Dr. Sanz and Terry highlight the key takeaways from Gwen’s experience, including the power of gentle nudging, the importance of having a wellness plan, and how open conversations can prevent depression from dictating family dynamics. The episode provides a hopeful perspective, reinforcing that while supporting a loved one with depression is challenging, it is possible to navigate it with resilience, compassion, and the right strategies.Listeners are reminded that they are not alone and are encouraged to seek support, communicate openly, and prioritize their own mental well-being while caring for others.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Episode 346 - How Do You Do It? (Rerun)In this deeply personal episode, we hear from Margaret, a GVTD podcast listener who bravely shares the challenges of parenting and maintaining a partnership with a spouse living with treatment-resistant depression. With honesty and vulnerability, she speaks about the loneliness, the frustrations, and the love that keep her searching for ways to make it work.Margaret’s story is one that many can relate to—how do you navigate life when the person you depend on is struggling with a debilitating mood disorder? How do you balance understanding and patience with the very real need for partnership and support? Through her words, she asks not just for advice but for connection, for reassurance that she is not alone in this struggle.Cohosts Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry McGuire explore practical ways to approach these challenges, including setting boundaries, fostering communication, and planning ahead for the difficult moments. They also highlight the importance of community support and breaking the silence around the unique burdens that caregivers and loved ones carry.This episode is an invitation—to those who have been in Margaret’s shoes, to share what has helped them, and to those who haven’t, to listen and learn. Because no one should have to figure it all out alone.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this impassioned, 22-minute episode, we continue our conversation with Chris Coulter, a father who tragically lost his teenage daughter, Maddy, to suicide. Chris speaks candidly about his growing frustration with the systems that are supposed to support struggling kids—schools, communities, and even parents who may not recognize the urgency of addressing mental health. With a mix of vulnerability, passion, and hard-earned wisdom, he shares what he’s learned about emotional intelligence, the importance of early intervention, and the vital role of simply listening to our children.Chris also discusses his initiative to hold schools accountable for their mental health resources by asking the students themselves to evaluate the support they receive. His goal isn’t to assign blame but to spark real change—so that other can avoid the pain his family has experienced. This episode is a call to action, but it’s also a message of hope: with awareness, education, and open conversations, we can do better for our children.https://chriscoulter-66476.medium.com/from-grief-to-growth-a-journey-of-healing-e647e426bb5ehttps://www.amazon.com/WAKE-COULD-LOSE-YOUR-SUICIDE-ebook/dp/B0CQQ61F2Rhttps://www.thefinishlinegroup.com/emotional-wellness-bloghttps://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this deeply-moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Chris Coulter shares the heartbreaking story of losing his 14-year-old daughter Maddie to suicide and the profound journey of understanding and healing that followed. Chris opens up about Maddie’s vibrant, kind spirit, her struggles with depression, and the challenges of recognizing and supporting a loved one in pain.Chris also reflects on his own battle with depression, which intensified after Maddie’s passing, giving him a painful but invaluable insight into what she might have felt. He candidly shares about the darkest periods of his life, his despairing thoughts, and how he found the strength to carry on for his family.Through his raw honesty, Chris shines a light on the importance of persistent support, open conversations, and recognizing the signs of depression. This episode is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, reminding us of the life-saving impact of checking in with those we love—even when it feels like they’re pushing us away.Tune in to hear Chris’s powerful story and learn practical advice from co-hosts Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz on how to support someone battling depression. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to better understand mental health and the strength it takes to navigate life’s toughest challenges.Chris Coulter's website/resources:  https://www.thefinishlinegroup.com/wake-up-resource-guideSimon Sinek's "Do You Have 8 Minutes?" video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lH6x5zn0GIhttps://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this deeply-relatable episode, Davey shares his journey of living with and managing major depressive disorder and social anxiety. Having reached out after finding solace hearing about previous guests'  journeys, Davey hopes his story resonates with listeners who feel isolated by their struggles.Davey recounts the physical and emotional toll depression took on him, leading to a pivotal moment in 2017 when he sought help after being utterly exhausted and unable to continue. With the support of compassionate doctors and therapists, he began learning how to confront his "enemy"—a term he uses to describe depression—through research, reflection, and trial-and-error with coping mechanisms.One of the most striking metaphors in the episode comes from Davey's hobby of restoring vintage chainsaws. He describes how clogged components in a chainsaw mirror the mental buildup caused by depression, a vivid image that underscores the importance of addressing internal issues to regain functionality.Davey also emphasizes the importance of "tools for time"—strategies that help him manage his condition moment by moment. These include hobbies like playing the guitar and restoring chainsaws, which provide small yet meaningful dopamine boosts and distractions from the darkness.Throughout the episode, Davey reflects on the unhelpful advice well-meaning people often give, comparing it to offering chicken soup to someone recovering from the flu—kind intentions that cannot be digested in the moment. He highlights the value of compassionate listening and understanding over unsolicited advice.As the episode concludes, Davey shares a message of cautious hope: while depression might not completely disappear, it is possible to live with it, build coping strategies, and find purpose through resilience and connection.This remix of Davey’s story serves as a reminder that even when life feels broken, there is strength in seeking help, learning, and sharing one's experiences.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

When depression hit hard, Rena turned inward, exploring yoga, meditation, breathwork, art, and other practices to navigate her healing journey. In this inspiring episode, she shares how she reframed depression as one of many human emotions, and committed to building a relationship with it instead of resisting it.From the weight of depression's dark, repetitive thoughts to the empowering tools that helped her process them, Rena’s story is a raw and relatable exploration of what it means to manage depression holistically. She reminds us that while healing is deeply personal, it can also be an invitation to go inward and grow.Discover how embracing depression and moving at its pace can create space for transformation. Whether you’re seeking tools or perspective, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating their own mental health journey.Rena's website: https://www.renashoshana.com/https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In the episode titled "Straight Talk about Mental Health and Addictions," we engage in a candid discussion with Zane Thomas, a rapper and comedian known for his openness about his mental health challenges, including depression and bipolar disorder. Zane shares personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of addressing suicidal thoughts and addiction without shame. He encourages listeners to challenge negative self-talk and to view these thoughts as external bullies.The conversation highlights the therapeutic power of humor and connection, illustrating how Zane uses laughter to cope with his struggles. He discusses his journey through substance use, acknowledging the complexity of managing addiction alongside mental health issues. Zane stresses the significance of reaching out for support, offering practical advice, like asking others what they're excited for, to foster hope and connection.Throughout the episode, the hosts aim to destigmatize discussions around mental health and addiction, fostering an environment where sharing these experiences feels safe. They emphasize that recovery is possible and encourage listeners to keep trying, reinforcing that they are not alone in their struggles.https://www.instagram.com/zanetherapper/https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this New Year podcast episode , "Protecting Our Mental Health in Uncertain Times,"  cohosts Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry discuss strategies for protecting mental health as we enter 2025. They acknowledge that while some people feel optimistic about the New Year, others experience stress, pressure, and overwhelming expectations. The episode focuses on simple, practical tips for well-being that don't require spending money or drastic changes, emphasizing small shifts that can yield big results over time.Key recommendations include:Scheduled Breaks: Anita encourages taking a 15-minute break daily to reset the brain, especially with the overwhelming influx of information we process daily. These breaks can reduce stress and improve productivity.Disconnecting from Media: Regularly unplugging from media and practicing mindfulness or spending time in nature can help reduce mental strain and promote relaxation.Building Meaningful Connections: Whether through in-person or virtual communities, showing up consistently at the same place or time can foster a sense of belonging, reducing isolation and supporting mental health.Seeking Help Early: The hosts stress the importance of seeking support before mental health struggles become overwhelming. Recognizing discomfort and addressing it early can prevent more severe issues.Throughout the episode, the hosts encourage listeners to embrace manageable, realistic practices that can improve mental health without the pressure of traditional New Year’s resolutions.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

 This special annual episode is produced for those of you who are finding "celebrating" really difficult (impossible?) this holiday season-- for any number of reasons, including grief, addictions, loneliness and mental health conditions. The 6-minute episode features a reading by John Pavlovitz titled: "To Those Who Struggle This Christmas." The sincere, supportive message is dedicated specifically to those who find the holiday season difficult due to personal struggles such as grief, loss, depression, or loneliness. The essay acknowledges the pain and hardships that many experience during the holidays, offering a message of solidarity and encouragement. Pavlovitz reminds listeners that they are not alone in their struggles and that the pain they feel now is not the end of their story. He reassures them that though the holiday may feel bleak, there will be brighter days ahead. The episode encourages listeners to embrace their feelings without guilt and reminds them of the love and support that exists, even in times of sorrow. The hosts. Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry, also offer support through their Giving Voice to Depression Facebook community as a resource for those seeking understanding and connection. Link to John's essay: https://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/12/24/to-those-who-struggle-this-christmas/https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Strategies for Those Grieving During the Holidays offers suggestions and insights for all coping with loss, not only from the death of loved ones but also from  unfulfilled dreams, health challenges, missed opportunities, etc.  Guest Krista St-Germain, a grief expert, highlights the differences between depression (a broader, general sadness) and grief (which is more specific to the loss itself). She emphasizes that grief can stem from any perceived loss, not just death, and suggests that holidays, often associated with idealized family gatherings, can amplify these feelings when someone is missing or things have changed.Krista encourages listeners to communicate their needs clearly during the holiday season. If someone is grieving, they may not want the typical festive activities, but they should be able to express their preferences—whether they need solitude or companionship. The episode also touches on the importance of setting boundaries, even if it disappoints others.Krista introduces a technique called "NOW" (Name, Open, Witness) to help process emotions by naming them, opening up to them, and witnessing their physical sensations, helping people cope with intense feelings.The hosts reflect on the significance of giving oneself permission to feel and accept disappointment, both from oneself and others. They discuss the value of honoring one's emotions and boundaries during the holidays and the challenges of dealing with external expectations. The episode provides helpful advice for those navigating grief or depression during a time when societal pressure for happiness can make emotional struggles feel even more intense.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/