Giving Voice to Depression

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Adel Corker shares his personal journey from decades in clinical medicine to becoming a passionate advocate for mental health. Despite an accomplished career in nephrology, his most important lessons came from lived experience—facing severe panic attacks, depression, and learning firsthand the critical link between body and mind.Dr. Corker reveals how exercise, mindfulness, and self-compassion became essential tools in his recovery and explains why prioritizing physical wellness is one of the most overlooked ways to support mental health. He also highlights systemic issues, like underfunded brain research, and why society must shift its priorities.This episode is both practical and hopeful, offering listeners evidence-based yet accessible tools to manage depression and anxiety while reminding us of the healing power of treating ourselves with kindness.Primary Topics Covered:The overlooked connection between physical and mental healthDr. Corker’s personal experience with panic attacks and depressionHow exercise can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety and depressionThe role of meditation and mindfulness in building resilienceThe importance of self-compassion, self-respect, and self-loveWhy mental health research is underfunded compared to physical healthSmall, daily practices that improve both body and mindTimestamps00:00 – Introduction and partnership with A.B. Corker Foundation 02:27 – Dr. Corker’s medical training and lack of mental health education 03:54 – First encounters with patients struggling mentally while on dialysis 04:56 – His personal experience with panic attacks 06:05 – Why exercise became a lifesaving mental health tool 07:19 – Meditation and learning to slow down 08:07 – Photography, focus, and the importance of where we place attention 10:04 – Building resilience through self-compassion 12:36 – The funding gap in mental health research 14:09 – Hope for shifting priorities post-pandemic 14:31 – Final message: healthy body, healthy mind, and practicing self-careExplore 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 someone with depression or another mental health condition can feel overwhelming. What do you say? What do you avoid saying? How do you show up without overstepping?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, returning guest Sam Dylan Finch shares 11 specific, meaningful ways his loved ones have supported him during mental health struggles—actions that helped him feel seen, safe, and cared for.We cover how to check in authentically, how to maintain trust even when you don’t agree with someone’s choices, and how to provide real support without slipping into judgment or unsolicited advice.If you’ve ever wanted to help but weren’t sure how, this episode gives you the tools, language, and encouragement to be the kind of support your loved one needs.Primary Topics Covered:Why unsolicited advice can do more harm than goodHow to help someone navigate the complex mental health care systemBuilding and maintaining trust—even when you don’t agree with their choicesSupporting someone struggling with substance use without judgmentThe importance of checking in after someone seems betterBalancing caregiver fatigue with staying connected and supportiveWhy we can’t wait for people to ask for help—and how to reach out meaningfullyTimestamps:00:02 – Introduction to the episode and series 00:46 – Why support matters even when it’s hard to ask for help 02:46 – #6: Don’t lecture or push treatment advice 04:42 – #7: Helping navigate the mental health system 07:20 – #8: Maintaining trust, even in difficult choices 08:44 – Supporting without judgment in substance use struggles 10:21 – How to encourage safety planning with compassion 11:10 – #9: Keep checking in, even when they appear better 12:33 – #10: Taking a caregiver break without causing harm 14:15 – #11: Don’t wait for someone to ask for help—reach out 16:27 – Why ongoing support matters after the “crisis” moment 20:31 – Two powerful things supporters can say to help someone feel safe 21:59 – Why we must learn this “support language” for mental health 22:32 – Closing thoughts and gratitude to guest Sam Dylan FinchExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

It’s hard to know what to say—or what not to say—when someone you love is struggling with depression. You want to help, but you also don’t want to push too hard, make things worse, or offer advice they don’t want.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares 11 specific, practical ways his loved ones supported him during difficult times. These real-life examples show how small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference in building trust and helping someone feel safe, cared for, and understood.Whether you’re a friend, family member, or partner, this episode offers guidance you can use right away to support someone you love through depression or another mental health struggle.🎙️ Primary Topics Covered11 real-life ways to support someone with depressionWhy giving advice often backfiresHow to help someone navigate the mental health care systemMaintaining trust even when you don’t agree with their choicesHow to support a loved one struggling with substance useWhy checking in matters even after someone “seems better”Balancing caregiver fatigue with meaningful supportHow to reach out when someone doesn’t ask for help⏱️ Timestamps00:02 – Introduction to the episode and series 00:46 – Why support matters even when it’s hard to ask for help 02:46 – #6: Don’t lecture or push treatment advice 04:42 – #7: Helping navigate the mental health system 07:20 – #8: Maintaining trust, even in difficult choices 08:44 – Supporting without judgment in substance use struggles 10:21 – How to encourage safety planning with compassion 11:10 – #9: Keep checking in, even when they appear better 12:33 – #10: Taking a caregiver break without causing harm 14:15 – #11: Don’t wait for someone to ask for help—reach out 16:27 – Why ongoing support matters after the “crisis” moment 20:31 – Two powerful things supporters can say to help someone feel safe 21:59 – Why we must learn this “support language” for mental health 22:32 – Closing thoughts and gratitude to guest Sam Dylan FinchExplore 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 through depression or a mental health crisis can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to say or how to help. In this episode, Sam Dylan Finch joins us to share five specific, real-life ways that friends and family members have supported him during his darkest times.From the power of simply listening to taking a team-based approach, Sam offers compassionate, practical strategies anyone can use. These suggestions not only reduce stigma but also remind us that even small, thoughtful actions can make a meaningful difference.Whether you’re walking alongside a partner, a child, or a friend, this episode gives you the tools and encouragement to show up in ways that truly matter.Link to Sam's blog post with all 11 suggestions: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/Primary Topics Covered:Why listening is often more powerful than offering adviceThe importance of asking what someone actually needs instead of assumingSimple but powerful acts of practical support (like meals, chores, reminders)Learning about your loved one’s condition to show respect and reduce stigmaThe value of thoughtful, tangible reminders of careWhy a team approach is essential in supporting someone through crisisTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Why supporting others through depression matters 01:28 - “Reaching in” vs. “reaching out” during Suicide Prevention Month 02:41 - Sam Dylan Finch on the need for proactive support 03:50 - Tip #1: Listen more than you talk 05:07 - Following their lead instead of trying to “fix” 05:29 - Tip #2: Ask what they need instead of assuming 07:03 - Offering small, helpful distractions as support 08:06 - Practical help: groceries, dishes, and daily needs 09:33 - Asking about basic wellness (sleep, hydration, meds) 09:47 - Tip #3: Learn about your loved one’s mental health condition 10:22 - Respect shown by self-education 10:57 - Tip #4: Give thoughtful, tangible reminders of care 11:07 - Tip #5: Take a team approach to supporting mental health 13:07 - Why the “buddy system” helps both the supporter and the person in crisis 14:18 - Creating a support list: friends, family, hotlines, professionals 14:56 - Crisis Text Line and hotline resources 15:27 - Final reflections: Why listening with an open heart matters most 16:55 - Closing message: Speak up if you’re hurting, listen up if someone else isExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Knowing how to support someone you love who is struggling with depression or anxiety can feel overwhelming. What do you say? What’s helpful—and what isn’t? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Sam Dylan Finch shares five practical, real-life-tested ways people have supported him during his darkest moments. From simple listening to small acts of kindness, these strategies can make a life-saving difference.If you’ve ever wanted to show up for someone but didn’t know how, this episode offers guidance, compassion, and concrete steps you can take today.Link to Sam's blog post with all 11 suggestions: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/Primary Topics Covered:Why listening often matters more than adviceThe importance of asking instead of assuming needsSimple but powerful daily support strategiesWhy learning about a loved one’s disorder shows respect and careThe value of teamwork in mental health supportTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and episode purpose 01:28 - Why reaching in can be as important as reaching out 02:41 - Guest Sam Dylan Finch shares his lived experience 03:50 - Support Strategy #1: Listen more than you talk 05:07 - Support Strategy #2: Ask what’s needed instead of assuming 07:09 - Support Strategy #3: Offer practical help with daily tasks 08:32 - Support Strategy #4: Check in on the basics (food, sleep, meds) 09:33 - Support Strategy #5: Learn about your loved one’s disorder 10:22 - Support Strategy #6: Send tangible reminders of care 11:07 - Support Strategy #7: Take a team approach, don’t go it alone 14:56 - Crisis resources and the importance of backup support 16:55 - Key takeaways: connection, presence, and compassionExplore 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 you’re struggling with depression, asking for help can feel overwhelming. Too often, advice stops at “reach out if you need support” — but no one gives you the actual words to say.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, writer and mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch offers life-saving tools: practical, ready-to-use phrases that make it easier to ask for help. From requesting small acts of support like reminders or meals, to directly saying “I’m suicidal. I need help now,” Sam shares language that bridges the gap between suffering in silence and receiving care.Whether you’re reaching out to a close friend, a family member, or someone you barely know, this episode provides actionable ways to get the support you need when depression makes speaking up nearly impossible.Link to Sam's Article: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/Link to Sam's Blog: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/archive/Primary Topics Covered:Why asking for help with depression feels so hardSam Dylan Finch’s personal journey after losing a friend to suicidePractical scripts and phrases for reaching outHow to ask for small, specific support (chores, meals, reminders)Requesting affirmation and reminders of your valueLanguage for when you’re nearing crisisWhat to say when reaching out to acquaintances vs close loved onesDirect language for suicidal moments that saves livesHow stigma and fear of being a burden hold people backWhy words matter: turning silence into connection and survivalTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction  01:02 – Why “just ask for help” advice isn’t enough  01:35 – Sam Dylan Finch’s story: loss, grief, and lessons learned  02:22 – The missing piece: not knowing what to say  03:07 – Why practical, ready-to-use language matters  04:08 – Example 6: Asking for small, specific help with daily tasks  05:44 – How small requests build connection and support  06:42 – Example 7: Requesting reminders of your worth and value  07:56 – Affirmation and reminiscing as healing tools  08:21 – Example 8: What to say when nearing your emotional limit  09:21 – Example 9: How to reach out to someone you’re not close with  10:28 – Example 10: Using direct language in a suicidal crisis  11:57 – Breaking stigma: why asking for help isn’t a burden  12:37 – Why clarity in language can save lives  13:34 – How these tools challenge depression’s negative messages  14:33 – Sam’s impact and the importance of his phrasing  15:03 – Closing reflections and encouragement  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/

Asking for help sounds simple — but when you’re struggling with depression, it can feel nearly impossible. Too often, we’re told “reach out if you need help,” without being given the language or tools to actually do it.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health advocate and writer Sam Dylan Finch shares practical, real-world phrases anyone can use when depression makes it difficult to ask for support. From small requests like asking a loved one to help with daily tasks, to urgent language for suicidal moments, Sam provides life-saving tools to bridge the gap between suffering in silence and reaching out for help.This conversation reminds us that needing help is not weakness — and that having words ready can make the difference between isolation and connection, despair and survival.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 Covered:Why asking for help with depression feels so difficultSam Dylan Finch’s journey after losing a friend to suicidePractical phrases and scripts for reaching out when you’re strugglingHow to ask for small, specific kinds of support (meals, chores, reminders)Asking for affirmation and reminders of your valueLanguage to use when you’re nearing a crisis pointWhat to say when reaching out to someone you’re not very close toThe critical importance of directly saying, “I’m suicidal. I need help now.”How stigma and self-doubt keep people from speaking upWhy having ready-to-use words can save livesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction  01:02 – Why “just ask for help” advice often falls short  01:35 – Sam Dylan Finch’s story: loss, grief, and reflection  02:22 – Why not knowing what to say prevents people from reaching out  03:07 – The need for practical language when support systems fall short  04:08 – Example 6: Asking for help with specific daily tasks  05:44 – Why small requests benefit both the person struggling and their supporter06:42 – Example 7: Asking loved ones to remind you of your value  07:56 – Reminiscing and affirmation as healing tools  08:21 – Example 8: Language for when you’re nearing your limit  09:21 – Example 9: Reaching out to someone you don’t know well  10:28 – Example 10: Direct language for suicidal crisis  11:57 – Challenging stigma: why asking for help isn’t a burden  12:37 – Why clear, direct words can save a life  13:34 – How using these tools can reframe depression’s negative messages  14:33 – Sam’s impact and why his phrasing resonates  15:03 – Closing reflections and support reminders  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/

Being told to “just ask for help” often feels impossible when depression makes words hard to find. In this episode, writer and mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares five practical, compassionate scripts anyone can use to reach out for support.Sam’s insights come from lived experience—he’s both a suicide attempt survivor and someone who has lost loved ones to suicide. He explains why vague advice isn’t enough, and why specific, actionable language is key to breaking isolation and getting through the hardest moments.Whether you’re struggling yourself or want to better support someone you love, this episode provides real-world tools that make asking for help less intimidating and more effective.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: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/tag/mental-health/Primary Topics CoveredWhy vague advice to “just ask for help” doesn’t workSam Dylan Finch’s journey as a suicide loss and attempt survivor5 practical scripts for reaching out during depressionAsking for company when you feel unsafe or aloneHow distraction can be a lifeline when you’re not ready to talkWhy check-ins and consistency build safetyBreaking stigma around needing emotional supportThe importance of peer and community care in recoveryTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression 01:02 - Social media posts that inspire peer support 02:29 - Meet Sam Dylan Finch: writer, advocate, suicide survivor 03:06 - Why Sam wrote “10 Ways to Reach Out When Struggling” 03:54 - Losing a friend to suicide and lessons learned 04:42 - Why loved ones—not only clinicians—are vital 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 - Early check-ins as prevention against crisis escalation 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/

Being told to “just ask for help” often feels impossible when depression makes words hard to find. In this episode, writer and mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares five practical, compassionate scripts anyone can use to reach out for support.Sam’s insights come from lived experience—he’s both a suicide attempt survivor and someone who has lost loved ones to suicide. He explains why vague advice isn’t enough, and why specific, actionable language is key to breaking isolation and getting through the hardest moments.Whether you’re struggling yourself or want to better support someone you love, this episode provides real-world tools that make asking for help less intimidating and more effective.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: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/tag/mental-health/Primary Topics CoveredWhy vague advice to “just ask for help” doesn’t workSam Dylan Finch’s journey as a suicide loss and attempt survivor5 practical scripts for reaching out during depressionAsking for company when you feel unsafe or aloneHow distraction can be a lifeline when you’re not ready to talkWhy check-ins and consistency build safetyBreaking stigma around needing emotional supportThe importance of peer and community care in recoveryTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression 01:02 - Social media posts that inspire peer support 02:29 - Meet Sam Dylan Finch: writer, advocate, suicide survivor 03:06 - Why Sam wrote “10 Ways to Reach Out When Struggling” 03:54 - Losing a friend to suicide and lessons learned 04:42 - Why loved ones—not only clinicians—are vital 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 - Early check-ins as prevention against crisis escalation 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/

Do you ever wonder if you’re just burned out — or if what you’re experiencing is actually depression? Psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold, an expert on physician burnout and mental health, helps us understand the critical differences between the two and why it matters.In this episode, Dr. Gold explains how burnout and depression overlap, how to recognize the warning signs of each, and the risks if burnout is left unaddressed. She also shares her personal journey of realizing she was burned out during the pandemic, even as a mental health professional, and what helped her recover.Whether you’re struggling with workplace stress, emotional exhaustion, or clinical depression, this conversation offers clarity and actionable tools for healing.Links to articles referenced in episode: https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2021/03/04/physician-burnout-covid-19-pandemic-jessi-goldhttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.htmlPrimary Topics CoveredWhat “languishing” means and how it fits between burnout and depressionDr. Jessi Gold’s personal experience with burnout during the pandemicThe key differences between burnout and depressionHow burnout can increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughtsWhy self-compassion and rest are essential to recoveryPractical coping strategies, including “chunking” overwhelming tasksHow to listen to your body and set boundaries to protect your mental healthTimestamps00:01 – Introduction: languishing, burnout, and depression 02:30 – Dr. Jessi Gold shares her personal burnout story 05:15 – Even mental health experts miss burnout warning signs 07:20 – Burnout as a workplace issue vs. depression as a medical condition 08:45 – Key symptoms of depression vs. burnout 11:00 – The impact of burnout and depression on relationships 12:45 – Giving yourself patience and grace during recovery 13:40 – Listening to your body and recognizing limits 14:30 – Why coping skills must be tailored to each person 16:00 – Self-care as rest, not another task on your to-do list 18:20 – Closing thoughts 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/