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

What if depression, as soul-crushing as it can be, also offered unexpected lessons that shape who we become?In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Tom Wavre shares eight lessons he’s learned from his own battle with depression. From confronting stigma and discovering inner strength, to learning empathy and helping others, Tom reframes depression not just as an illness, but as an experience that can bring unexpected growth and perspective.Listeners will walk away with validation, hope, and practical insights into how depression can change—not define—us.Primary Topics Covered:How depression leads to deeper self-awarenessThe real source of stigma and how to challenge itWhy opening up can be a turning point in recoveryDiscovering unexpected inner strength in daily survivalThe power of empathy and helping othersRecognizing you are not alone in the struggleReframing depression as part of your story, not your identityTimestamps:00:40 – Introducing the conversation on lessons from depression 01:30 – Tom Wavre and his article Eight Ways I’m Grateful for My Depression 02:48 – Accepting depression and going on the journey with it 03:17 – Lesson 1: Knowing yourself better through self-awareness 04:00 – Lesson 2: Understanding the true nature of stigma 05:27 – Lesson 3: The power of opening up about depression 06:39 – Lesson 4: Discovering inner strength you didn’t know you had 08:13 – The mountain-climbing metaphor for living with depression 08:20 – Lesson 5: Realizing you’re not alone in your struggles 09:18 – Lesson 6: Building empathy through depression 09:36 – Lesson 7: Helping others and the reward of giving back 10:34 – Lesson 8: Becoming a person you never thought you could be 12:17 – Moving from survival to progress in recovery 13:07 – Depression as just one part of your story 14:29 – Tools and resources for tracking mental health progress 15:05 – Closing reflections and invitation to share your lessonsExplore 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 powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jennifer returns to share her deeply personal journey of living with major depression for nearly three decades. From countless hospitalizations and medications to breakthrough treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Jennifer’s story illustrates both the painful persistence of depression and the importance of holding on to hope.She describes what it felt like to finally wake up one morning without depression after years of relentless suffering, why support from loved ones matters, and how she learned to ask for what she needs.This conversation is both realistic and inspiring—reminding listeners that while treatment journeys can be long and difficult, recovery is possible, and hope is always worth fighting for.Link to ECT article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/electroconvulsive-therapy/about/pac-20393894Link to TMS article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625Primary Topics Covered:Jennifer’s decades-long journey with depressionExperiences with psychiatric hospitalizations and failed medicationsHow TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) provided temporary reliefHow ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) led to a dramatic transformationThe importance of supportive relationships in managing depressionLearning to ask for what you need when strugglingHolding on to hope—even when progress feels impossibleTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and quotes about hope 02:21 – Jennifer re-introduced: her history with depression and hospitalizations 03:30 – Trying TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and initial results 04:49 – Moving on to ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) 05:13 – A life-changing morning: waking up without depression 07:20 – Living “without depression”: what normalcy feels like 08:38 – Jennifer’s decades-long mental health journey since age 12 09:38 – Medication frustrations and trials with nearly every antidepressant 10:09 – The role of sleep, food, and self-care in stabilizing mood 11:01 – The power of a supportive husband and family 12:56 – Learning to ask for help and what support looks like 15:22 – Why being listened to (without judgment) makes a difference 16:03 – Lessons Jennifer would share with others living long-term with depression 17:13 – Clinging to small moments of hope and joy 19:09 – How little distractions (like TV or hobbies) can help shift depression 20:24 – Jennifer’s message: keep hope alive, even when it feels impossible 21:34 – Closing thoughts and resources on TMS and ECTExplore 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, Jennifer shares her decades-long journey with severe depression, including the struggle to find effective medications, her coping tools for surviving dark times, and the importance of support and connection.Jennifer describes how depression robs her of joyful experiences, yet she continues searching for treatments—from antidepressants to TMS and ECT—that provide relief. She also shares how knitting, pacing, and making small daily connections have helped her resist depression’s pull and even support high school students facing their own challenges.This powerful conversation highlights the realities of living with depression, the resilience required to keep fighting, and the hope that emerges when we share our stories. Primary Topics Covered:Jennifer’s early experiences and diagnosis of severe depressionThe long journey of trying different medications and treatmentsHow depression robs people of joy and meaningful life experiencesCoping strategies: pacing, knitting, and grounding toolsThe role of support from loved ones and partnersUsing lived experience to connect with and support othersJennifer’s update on trying TMS and ECT for treatmentThe importance of small daily connections in fighting stigma and building hopeTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression 01:28 – Why Jennifer decided to share her story 03:34 – Loneliness, medical leave, and finding comfort in voices 04:21 – First experiences of depression and early diagnosis 05:23 – Long and frustrating journey with medications 06:34 – Living with trial and error in depression treatment 07:32 – Strength in surviving when tomorrow feels unbearable 07:53 – How depression feels like being controlled by an outside force 08:59 – What depression has taken away: joy and experiences 09:54 – The role of her supportive partner 10:20 – Why being alone can give depression more power 11:08 – Coping strategies: knitting, pacing, and distraction 12:09 – Using lived experience to connect with students 13:24 – How she stopped self-harming and advice for others 13:51 – The importance of small connections in reducing stigma 15:05 – Reflection on what depression robs us of 16:25 – Jennifer’s update on TMS and ECT treatments 17:17 – The resilience required to keep searching for hope 18:31 – Closing thoughts and invitation to continue the conversationExplore 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 Season 17 of Giving Voice to Depression, we shared powerful conversations exploring depression, burnout, family and generational trauma, and real-world strategies for both seeking and offering support. From deeply personal stories to practical tools provided by trusted mental health advocates and psychiatrists, this season highlighted the many ways we can better understand, live with, and respond to depression.Whether you’re looking for insight on antidepressants, ways to ask for help when you’re struggling, or guidance on how to support a loved one, Season 17 delivered honest, hopeful, and stigma-busting perspectives.Primary Topics CoveredMusic as a tool for coping with depressionTeaching children about mental health earlyWhat to expect when seeing a psychiatristGenerational and family trauma in Black and Indigenous communitiesBurnout vs. depression: how to tell the differencePractical, specific strategies for asking for and offering helpNavigating the mental health system with compassion and persistenceTimestamps00:05 – Introduction to Season 17 01:02 – Music and coping with depression (Demetra Prohoska’s story) 02:45 – Teaching children mental health awareness 04:31 – Antidepressants and psychiatry with Dr. Jessi Gold 05:52 – Generational trauma and Indigenous communities 07:20 – Family trauma, race, and mental health 09:40 – Depression vs. burnout explained 11:48 – Asking for help when it’s not intuitive (Sam Dylan Finch) 13:15 – How to ask for the help you need – Part 2 16:32 – How to support someone who’s struggling – Part 1 18:14 – How to support someone who’s struggling – Part 2 20:10 – Closing reflections on Season 17 and reminders of hopeExplore 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 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/