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

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/

What happens when mental illness runs in a family? In this deeply moving conversation, Matt Zinman shares his lived experience of growing up with a bipolar father and a mother who survived a suicide attempt. Matt later faced his own battles with depression and suicidal ideation—experiences that shaped his understanding of both the pain and resilience that mental illness brings to families.This episode also explores the devastating loss of Matt’s brother to opioid misuse and depression, the complexities of medication struggles, and the importance of supportive networks. By telling his story, Matt helps break stigma and shows how honesty, anger, grief, and love can all coexist in mental health recovery.If you or a loved one are living with depression, bipolar disorder, or family trauma, this conversation offers validation, tools, and hope.Matt Zinman's website: https://mattzinman.com/Primary Topics Covered:The role of genetics and environment in depression and bipolar disorderGrowing up in a family deeply impacted by mental illnessChildhood confusion and anger around a parent’s suicide attemptProcessing grief and mixed emotions after losing a sibling to suicide and addictionThe dangers of medication side effects, including suicidal ideationHospitalization, inpatient vs. outpatient treatment, and gaps in careHow stigma and silence compound family traumaBuilding a support system of people who “lift you up”The coexistence of love, grief, and anger in mental health strugglesPractical takeaways for coping with depression in familiesTimestamps:00:00 - Intro 01:09 - Genetics, family history, and risk of depression 02:11 - Matt’s childhood with a bipolar father and depressed mother 03:34 - Growing up around silence and stigma about mental health 04:07 - Mother’s suicide attempt and early confusion as a child 06:13 - First experiences of depression in adolescence 07:15 - Losing his brother to depression and opioid misuse 08:31 - Mixed emotions: anger and grief after suicide loss 10:15 - Rebuilding connection with his mother after her attempt 11:05 - Hospitalization for depression and medication struggles 12:22 - Gaps in the mental health care system 13:13 - The importance of support systems and people who lift you up 14:38 - Acknowledging complexity: anger, love, and forgiveness 16:55 - Closing thoughts and preview of Part TwoExplore 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 mental health care—meant to heal—actually causes harm? That harm has a name: treatment trauma.In this episode, Dr. Warren Braden, a licensed marriage and family therapist in training, unpacks how racism, stigma, and systemic inequities shape the mental health experiences of Black and Brown communities. He explains why cultural silence often discourages seeking help, how representation gaps in therapy create mistrust, and why traditional models of care often ignore the realities of trauma and discrimination.Dr. Braden also discusses hopeful changes: younger generations are speaking more openly about depression, athletes and public figures are breaking stigma, and more therapists are being trained in culturally competent care.This conversation is both challenging and hopeful—reminding us that mental health cannot be separated from culture, environment, and justice.Primary Topics Covered:What “treatment trauma” means in mental health careHow stigma in Black and Brown communities prevents people from seeking helpWhy many therapists fail to consider racial and cultural contextThe dangers of ignoring trauma in treatmentThe role of law enforcement in mental health crisesCrisis intervention teams as a step toward safetyThe importance of representation in therapy and recoveryGenerational shifts in openness about depression and careMoving toward culturally competent and community-centered supportTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to treatment trauma and racism in mental health 02:07 – Defining treatment trauma and why it matters 03:08 – Stigma in Black and Brown communities around depression 04:02 – Younger generations breaking silence about mental health 05:14 – Why many therapists lack cultural awareness in treatment 06:01 – Example of a teen facing trauma, bullying, and depression 07:18 – The importance of representation in therapy and care 08:38 – Normalized depression and untreated pain in communities 10:16 – The risks of police involvement in mental health crises 11:08 – Crisis intervention teams and safer responses 12:02 – Athletes and public figures breaking stigma 12:49 – Depression as a public health issue, not a private failure 13:09 – Tools for resilience, healing, and support 14:48 – Finding the right therapist despite systemic barriers 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/

What does it really feel like to live with depression — and how do you fight back against its lies?In this deeply personal episode, Terri, co-host of Giving Voice to Depression, shares her own battle with mornings, dark thoughts, and the exhaustion of living with depression in silence. She opens up about the moment she realized her thinking had turned dangerously unhealthy, the decision to return to medication, and how that choice saved her life.Her journey from despair to founding this podcast is a testament that recovery is possible. If you’ve ever wondered how to deal with depression or doubted your worth because of it, Terri’s story is a powerful reminder: depression lies, and you are not alone.Primary Topics Covered:Terry’s struggle with depression’s toxic “morning mantra”What depression really feels like day after dayRecognizing unhealthy thinking and a near crisis pointChoosing to seek medical help and return to antidepressantsHow medication and therapy can be lifesaving toolsFounding Giving Voice to Depression as an act of recoveryWhy sharing stories reduces stigma and isolationThe truth: depression is an illness, not a personal failingBuilding resilience through community and hopeTimestamps:00:00 Terry explains pausing new episodes to prioritize rest 01:14 Revisiting one of the podcast’s very first episodes 02:03 Terry introduces her personal story of living with depression 03:11 Depression’s toxic “morning mantra” and daily struggles 05:10 How depression convinces us we’re not enough 07:03 Terry’s near crisis moment with physical health and dark thoughts 09:15 Calling her doctor and choosing to return to antidepressants 10:34 Founding Giving Voice to Depression as a way to make meaning 12:00 Why sharing stories breaks stigma and builds connection 13:35 The importance of medication and self-care in recovery 15:04 The truth about depression: it lies — you have worth 16:22 Bridget and Terry reflect on the courage of telling our stories 18:05 Closing message: speak up, listen up, you are not aloneExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/