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

Recovery isn’t a checklist—and progress isn’t always forward. In this powerful follow-up to Episode 191, social worker Lacey shares why mental health recovery is circular, not linear, and how both professionals and loved ones can better support those who are struggling.Lacey speaks from both sides of the therapeutic relationship, offering insight into how we hold space without trying to fix, why relapses can be necessary steps in growth, and what it means to truly hear and see someone. If you’ve ever blamed yourself for “slipping back” into depression or felt awkward supporting someone who’s suffering, this episode is full of honesty, wisdom, and relief.Primary Topics Covered:Why mental health recovery doesn’t follow a straight lineThe importance of holding space instead of offering fixesWhy relapses or “steps back” can actually be growth momentsLacey’s dual perspective as a therapist and lived-experience advocateUnderstanding depression as a lifelong journey, not a one-time episodeThe harm of assuming mental illness is always a problem to be solvedThe power of naming needs and asking, “Are you looking for advice or support?”The strength in vulnerability, connection, and emotional honestyHow trying to relate through “me too” stories can silence someoneValidating anger as a mask for deeper hurt and unheard painTimestamps:00:00 Intro and reflection on different perspectives of depression01:33 Lacey’s return: from client to social worker with lived experience02:44 Recovery as a circular journey—not a straight line03:16 Why experience matters in understanding recovery04:13 Going in and out of hopelessness is part of healing05:19 The myth of regression in mental health05:56 Relapse as growth: building tools through setbacks06:41 Recognizing early signs of a depressive slide07:33 How Lacey and her friend manage bipolar symptoms together08:04 Redefining strength: holding space for emotions09:06 What people with depression really need from others10:23 The importance of having one trusted person to hold space11:00 The isolating lie of depression: “You’re the only one”11:37 Supportive language: “I won’t fix you—I’ll stand by you”12:36 Powerful metaphor: “Don’t ask directions to a place you’ve never been”12:52 The question that changes everything: “What kind of support do you want?”13:39 Why being heard is more healing than being fixed14:24 Coming to your own answers through therapy and self-awareness15:04 The harm of uninvited “I know how you feel” stories15:38 Why less is more when supporting someone in pain16:32 Being heard as a rare, life-changing experience17:46 Final reflections on duality, holding space, and graceExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

At 14, Lacey didn’t have the words to describe her depression—just the tears, the withdrawal, and the deep confusion of feeling broken despite a stable life. In this powerful episode, she reflects on what changed everything: finding a therapist who listened, getting the right diagnosis, and hearing her grandmother share a life-changing truth—“You’re not alone.”Now a social worker, Lacey shares her full-circle journey from silently suffering teen to mental health advocate. Her story is a beacon of hope, especially for anyone wondering if life can get better. It can. This is the beginning of that hope.Primary Topics Covered:What teenage depression looks like without a clear external triggerLacey’s transformation from outgoing to withdrawn at age 14The emotional and physical symptoms that signaled deeper strugglesThe impact of being heard, understood, and validated in therapyWhy finding the right therapist—and sticking with it—mattersHow hearing her grandmother’s story changed Lacey’s lifeWhat “the beginning of hope” feels like for someone with depressionLessons learned through lived experience and professional practiceHow vulnerability creates powerful human connectionWhy mental health is a spectrum, not a fixed diagnosisTimestamps:00:00 Podcast intro and welcome to Season 1901:02 Lessons from interviewing hundreds of people with depression02:07 Letting conversations flow beyond expectations03:20 Meet Lacey and her early experience of depression at 1404:46 From energetic extrovert to isolated introvert05:28 When the crying wouldn’t stop: recognizing something deeper06:46 Therapy begins—and everything starts to change07:55 Learning mental health matters just as much as physical health08:53 Medication trials, therapy, and building emotional awareness10:07 Why sadness isn’t the enemy—and acceptance is key10:39 The importance of finding the *right* therapist11:43 A conversation with her grandmother changes everything13:06 “The beginning of hope” and the power of shared family stories13:54 How vulnerability became her greatest strength as a social worker14:20 The blurry line between mental health and mental illness15:34 Rethinking mental illness as human responses to inhuman circumstances16:06 Gratitude for therapists who help us hold space for all we feel16:52 Remembering that no one is happy all the time—and that’s okay17:34 Tease for part two: recovery, peer support, and deeper 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/

Season 18 of Giving Voice to Depression was filled with raw honesty, resilience, and hope. In this review episode, co-hosts Bridget and Terry reflect on a deeply challenging season personally and professionally, while revisiting the most powerful conversations with guests. From long and difficult journeys with depression to moments of transformation and hope, these stories remind us that while depression is real, so is recovery.You’ll hear about lived experiences with treatment-resistant depression, how families are impacted by mental illness, the role of race and trauma in treatment, suicide prevention lessons, and creative ways people support one another in dark times.This episode is both a reflection and a roadmap: highlighting the importance of routine, purpose, connection, and the simple truth that hope often arrives in unexpected ways.Primary Topics Covered:Why reviewing past stories strengthens hope and resilienceThe power of hearing lived experiences with depressionJennifer’s decades-long depression and her turning point with ECTEight lessons learned from living with depressionThe origin story of the podcast and why sharing mattersRace, trauma, and barriers in the mental health systemFamily dynamics and depression across generationsLearning to recognize early warning signs and apply coping toolsSuicide prevention insights from grieving familiesSmall but powerful acts of support that can change everythingTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and reflections on Season 18 01:23 - Coping with personal struggles while continuing the podcast 02:22 - Jennifer’s decades-long depression journey 04:15 - How ECT brought Jennifer relief and renewed hope 06:04 - Lessons learned from living with depression 07:37 - Revisiting the podcast’s origin story 08:30 - Treatment trauma, race, and mental health with Dr. Braden 09:52 - Mental health as a family affair with Matt Zinman 11:34 - The “Three-Day Rule” for depression management 12:19 - Realizing you’ve had depression your whole life 13:23 - The one thing that made a huge difference in recovery 14:40 - A tragic truth about suicide and prevention lessons 16:36 - A grieving mother’s message about honesty in treatment 17:47 - Creative ways to support a struggling friend 18:40 - Closing reflections on the seasonExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Supporting a loved one with depression can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t always require grand gestures or complicated interventions. In this episode, Michelle Madison shares her powerful story of how a friend’s lighthearted, creative challenge—a silly selfie over coffee—helped pull her out of depression’s darkness.We explore how small acts of kindness, validation, and genuine presence can make all the difference for someone struggling. Michelle also reflects on her own experiences with suicidal ideation, stigma, and the importance of speaking openly about mental health.This episode reminds us that suicide prevention isn’t only about crisis moments. It’s about millions of caring acts along the way.Link to the article referenced in episode: Suicide Prevention Doesn't Have to Be a Huge, Scary Thing: https://bit.ly/3ixsikyPrimary Topics CoveredWhy simple, unexpected gestures can be powerful support toolsHow humor and creativity can interrupt depression’s gripThe role of validation vs. advice when helping a friendBreaking silence and stigma by speaking openly about mental healthSuicide prevention as everyday compassion, not just crisis responseTimestamps00:05 – Introduction to the episode and hosts01:41 – The post that inspired this conversation02:22 – How a silly selfie became a lifeline04:00 – Supporting others through humor and connection06:00 – Michelle describes “the worst of it” with depression07:07 – How a friend recognized the signs and stepped in08:16 – Growing up with stigma and silence around mental health10:17 – Family history, secrecy, and courage to speak out12:20 – Practical ways to ask: “How can I support you?”14:33 – The power of validation in dark times15:05 – Michelle’s message of hope: surviving bad days proves you can survive more17:31 – Recovery as ongoing work—and why it’s worth it18:51 – Why checking in matters, even when it’s simple20:39 – Suicide prevention as “a million caring acts”23:48 – Final reflections and reminders to reach in, not just wait for someone to reach outExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

When mental health care itself causes harm, it leaves lasting scars. Dr. Warren Braden, a licensed marriage and family therapist in training, joins Giving Voice to Depression to explain treatment trauma—when people seeking help encounter bias, stigma, or a lack of cultural understanding in the system meant to support them.From the challenges of finding therapists who truly understand racial and cultural contexts, to the risks when law enforcement becomes involved in mental health crises, Dr. Braden sheds light on why Black and Brown communities often hesitate to seek care. He also shares hopeful changes: younger generations breaking stigma, crisis intervention training for police, and a growing demand for culturally competent therapists.This candid and eye-opening episode explores how racism, systemic inequities, and stigma intersect with depression and trauma—and how individuals and families can find hope, healing, and better care.Primary Topics Covered:What “treatment trauma” means in mental health careHow cultural stigma prevents people from seeking helpThe risks of therapy that ignores cultural and systemic contextWhy representation matters in counseling and treatmentThe role of law enforcement in mental health crises—and the risks involvedExamples of how depression can’t be treated without addressing environment and traumaHopeful generational shifts in openness about mental healthThe rise of culturally competent care and peer supportMoving beyond a broken system to find trusted supportTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to treatment trauma and racial disparities in care 02:07 – Defining “treatment trauma” and why it matters 03:08 – Stigma in Black and Brown communities around depression 04:02 – How younger generations are breaking the silence 05:14 – Why many therapists fail to account for culture and trauma 06:01 – Example: a teen facing abuse, bullying, and depression 07:18 – Representation gaps in therapy and why shared experience matters 08:38 – Depression as “normalized” stress in many communities 10:16 – The risks of police involvement in mental health crises 11:08 – Crisis intervention teams and improving law enforcement training 12:02 – The influence of athletes and public figures in reducing stigma 12:49 – Seeing depression as a public health issue, not a family secret 13:09 – Tools for resilience, healing, and moving forward 14:48 – Finding the right therapist despite systemic challenges 15:31 – 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/

Suicide is devastating, complex, and deeply misunderstood. In this powerful conversation, Patty Kajawa shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 18-year-old son, Jack, to suicide—and the ways she continues to honor his memory.Patty’s story reminds us that depression doesn’t always look like the stereotypes. Jack was funny, outgoing, and deeply loved. Yet behind the mask, he was struggling with an illness that ultimately took his life. Patty shares what she wishes more parents, teens, and communities understood about depression, suicide warning signs, and the importance of telling the truth in therapy.This episode is raw and difficult, but also filled with love, resilience, and hope. Patty’s message is one of remembrance, kindness, and courage—urging us to support one another, ask the hard questions, and build a world where people feel they truly belong.Primary Topics Covered:Why “awareness” alone is not enough for suicide preventionThe role of kindness and community in supporting mental healthA mother’s experience of losing her teenage son to suicideThe reality of masking depression and hiding suicidal thoughtsHonest conversations parents can have with teens: “Are you safe?”The importance of telling the truth in therapy and psychiatryBreaking stereotypes about who struggles with depressionWhere hope still lives, even after devastating lossTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and context for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 01:15 - Jess Stoneman-Raney’s post on radical belonging and prevention 02:54 - Patty Kajawa introduces her kindness challenge for her son Jack’s birthday 04:02 - The importance of small acts of kindness in a hurting world 05:27 - Revisiting Patty’s 2018 interview after her son’s death 06:38 - Dr. Barbara Moser on the complexity of suicide prevention 09:28 - Patty shares her son Jack’s story and the family’s struggle 11:24 - Jack’s humor, kindness, and hidden depression 12:31 - The difficulty of getting honest answers in therapy 13:55 - Why depression doesn’t always match media stereotypes 15:09 - How Patty and Jack used the phrase “Are you safe?” 16:05 - Creating mental health days and giving kids tools to cope 17:12 - Grappling with “what ifs” and the limits of parental control 18:26 - Patty’s faith and ongoing commitment to sharing Jack’s story 19:08 - Updated language guidelines for talking about suicide 19:31 - Closing reflections and encouragementExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

When someone dies by suicide, the grief is unlike any other. It’s filled with questions, guilt, love, and a desperate wish to understand. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we share the story of Patty Kijawa, a grieving mother who lost her teenage son Jack to suicide.Through her pain, Patty has chosen to speak openly to help others. She talks about the importance of listening for subtle warning signs, breaking down stigma, and reminding teens and families that help is always available.Her heartbreaking yet powerful message underscores this truth: suicide can happen even when families do everything right. But it also shows how one voice, even in grief, can inspire others to reach out, speak up, and get help.If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.🎙️ Primary Topics CoveredA mother’s story of losing her son to suicideWhy grief after suicide is unique and complicatedThe importance of listening for subtle warning signsWhat teens often share with friends instead of adultsWhy speaking up could save a lifeHow Patty’s message spread to other teens and familiesThe role of faith and finding purpose in lossSuicide prevention hotlines and resources⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to episode and suicide awareness 01:41 – Why acknowledging suicide loss matters 02:13 – Patty shares her son Jack’s story 03:18 – Their last family conversation 04:37 – A mother’s painful goodbye 04:56 – Speaking at Jack’s memorial mass 06:23 – Teens honoring Jack’s memory 07:39 – Jack’s words of support to others 08:12 – His private struggles revealed in his diary 09:08 – Why warning signs can be missed or masked 09:53 – Friends noticing changes before adults do 10:39 – Red flags teens and families should look for 10:58 – Patty brings her message to schools 11:31 – Finding faith and purpose in loss 12:23 – Suicide prevention resources (988 & crisis text line)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, John shares his deeply personal journey of living with undiagnosed, lifelong depression—and how the pandemic brought him to his darkest place. Struggling with suicidal thoughts during quarantine, John finally sought help through therapy, medication, and connection with others.He describes the powerful shift that came from hearing people speak openly about depression—not as weakness, but as illness. By listening to the real stories of peers, John discovered self-acceptance, community, and the courage to share his own truth.John’s story is a moving reminder that depression thrives in silence but weakens when voices unite. If you’re struggling, you are not broken, you are not alone, and help is available.Primary Topics Covered:The impact of childhood trauma and self-esteem on lifelong depressionHow the pandemic triggered John’s darkest depressive episodeSuicidal ideation and the turning point that led him to seek helpThe difference between intellectual knowledge and emotional understanding of depressionWhy hearing peer stories is powerful for breaking stigma and finding hopeThe challenges—and relief—of telling friends and family about depressionDaily routines, therapy, and medication as tools for recoveryStrategies for interrupting negative thought loopsTimestamps:00:05 – Introduction to the episode and quotes on healing through words 01:29 – John’s background and lifelong struggle with depression 04:22 – The pandemic and John’s deepest depressive episode 05:32 – Suicidal ideation during quarantine and seeking medical help 07:00 – Discovering that depression is illness, not weakness 08:14 – Why hearing lived experiences is more powerful than clinical definitions 09:27 – John’s message to his past self and to listeners: you are not broken 11:26 – The struggle of reaching out—and the surprising relief of sharing with a friend 13:15 – Realizing many people carry the same secret about depression 15:34 – How life changed after treatment, therapy, and daily routines 17:29 – Self-worth, self-care, and the importance of consistency 18:16 – Strategies for interrupting negative thought loops and shifting state 21:16 – Closing reflections on the power of sharing 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/

What happens when you finally put a name to the pain you’ve been carrying for years? For John, acknowledging that what he was experiencing was depression was the turning point in his journey from silence and stigma toward hope and healing.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, John shares openly about growing up in a household marked by trauma and alcoholism, the heavy self-stigma men often face, and the years he spent trying to “tough it out.” Through therapy, medication, and finally naming his depression for what it was, John discovered that healing begins with self-compassion and connection.If you’ve ever wondered “What’s wrong with me?” or struggled to accept your mental health challenges as real, this episode offers reassurance that naming and owning your depression is not weakness—it’s the first step toward freedom.Links to ACEs test: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/media-coverage/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-meanhttps://www.naadac.org/assets/2416/michael_bricker_acesassessment_ac16_ho.pdfPrimary Topics Covered:How stigma and masculinity silence men’s depressionThe “pit of snakes” metaphor for self-critical thinkingGrowing up with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)The lasting impact of low self-esteem and verbal abuseRecognizing depression as a medical condition, not a weaknessHow COVID-19 and personal crises intensified depressionAccessing therapy, medication, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)Why naming depression opens the door to hope and recoveryThe role of compassion—for others and for ourselves—in healingTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and listener story 02:45 - John’s first acknowledgment of depression 03:57 - Stigma, masculinity, and self-stigma in men 05:17 - Concealing depression and unhealthy coping 06:15 - The “pit of snakes” of negative self-talk 07:04 - Childhood trauma, ACEs, and low self-esteem 08:41 - How abuse shaped John’s depression 09:56 - The childhood memory of being asked, “What’s wrong with you?” 11:38 - Owning the name of depression and feeling hope again 13:00 - What recovery really looks like—ups and downs 14:50 - Therapy, antidepressants, and situational vs. chronic depression 16:14 - How COVID deepened John’s depression 16:50 - Using EAP and counseling for help 17:56 - The importance of grabbing a lifeline 18:28 - Revisiting ACEs and understanding adult struggles 20:06 - Closing reflections and takeawaysExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

When depression starts to pull you under, the hardest step is often realizing it’s happening. In this powerful conversation, guest Matt Zinman shares the practical strategies he’s used to manage depression and stop it from spiraling out of control.Matt introduces the 3-Day Rule, a simple framework for knowing when it’s time to act. He also discusses the role of mood scales, exercise, hydration, nutrition, coping skills menus, and self-kindness in building a sustainable foundation for mental health.Terry and Dr. Anita reflect on Matt’s story and highlight why early action is so important. This episode is full of practical tools—and hopeful reminders—that managing depression is possible with awareness and support.Link to Matt's website: https://mattzinman.com/Primary Topics Covered:How grief triggered Matt’s most severe depressionThe 3-Day Rule: why day three is criticalSetting boundaries with depressionUsing mood scales to track mental healthCoping skills for breaking a depression cycleThe power of endorphins and movementWhy “messy” coping strategies still helpBuilding resilience through earned confidenceMaking self-kindness a daily practiceTimestamps:00:00 – Opening reflections on depression recovery tools  01:34 – Matt Zinman’s story and motivation for sharing  03:06 – Depression, grief, and the turning point  05:02 – The 3-Day Rule explained: why day three matters most  06:07 – How physical activity supports mental health  06:59 – Joyful and messy coping skills: both can work  09:21 – Shifting state: small steps to break thought loops  10:27 – Earned confidence: building on past resilience  12:41 – Practicing daily self-kindness  14:42 – Terry and Bridget reflect on Matt’s challenge to self-kindness  17:22 – Discussion on coping skills that work for different people  19:16 – How to recognize depression early and act quickly  20:33 – Resources, links, and closing thoughts  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/