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

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/

Many of us feel exhausted, drained, and overwhelmed—especially in times of high stress. But how do you know if what you’re experiencing is burnout or depression? Psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold, an expert on physician burnout and mental health, joins us to explain the difference, why it matters, and how to care for yourself before burnout turns into something more serious.This episode explores the overlap between workplace exhaustion and clinical depression, common signs of each, and practical coping tools. Dr. Gold also shares her own story of realizing she was burned out—even as a mental health professional—and the lessons she’s learned about rest, boundaries, and self-compassion.If you’ve been asking yourself, “Am I burned out, or is this depression?”, this conversation will help you better understand your experience and take steps toward 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 Covered:The concept of “languishing” and how it relates to burnoutDr. Gold’s personal experience recognizing her own burnoutThe key differences between burnout and depressionWhy burnout increases the risk of depression and suicidal thoughtsHow self-compassion and rest are vital forms of self-careCoping tools: chunking life into smaller, manageable piecesWhy listening to your body and setting boundaries is crucialTimestamps:00:01 – Introduction to languishing and the spectrum of mental health02:30 – Dr. Jessi Gold’s personal story of burnout during the pandemic05:15 – How even mental health experts can miss the signs of burnout07:20 – Burnout as a workplace issue and how it differs from depression08:45 – Symptoms of depression vs. burnout explained11:00 – The challenge of relationships when you feel burned out12:45 – Practicing patience and grace with yourself13:40 – Listening to your body and adjusting your workload14:30 – Why coping skills must be personalized, not one-size-fits-all16:00 – Self-care as rest, not just more items on a to-do list18:20 – Closing thoughts, resources, and upcoming episodesExplore 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, Trony Small shares his family’s journey through trauma, loss, and resilience. Growing up in Milwaukee with a mother living with cerebral palsy, Trony and his brothers experienced discrimination, instability, and profound grief after their mother’s death. When his younger brother Justin was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, stigma and lack of resources made getting help difficult. Justin’s eventual suicide left a lasting impact, fueling Trony’s mission to support other families navigating mental health challenges.This conversation explores the ways family trauma, cultural silence, and systemic inequities intersect—and how breaking stigma, increasing resources, and starting honest conversations can save lives.Link to video with more information: https://www.facebook.com/2016557181923354/posts/2948490168730046/?d=nMHA of WI's Next Step Clinic: http://www.mhawisconsin.org/mha-wi-counseling-clinicPrimary Topics Covered:The impact of family trauma and generational silence on mental healthGrowing up with poverty, discrimination, and instabilityGrieving a parent’s death at a young ageThe effects of unaddressed trauma on siblings and family dynamicsStigma and cultural barriers in Black communities around mental healthA brother’s struggle with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and suicideHow lack of resources and systemic inequities worsen outcomesFinding hope through advocacy, education, and breaking silenceTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and theme of family trauma 01:31 - How trauma shapes family dynamics and belonging 02:27 - Growing up in Milwaukee with poverty and discrimination 03:42 - The loss of Trony’s mother and its impact on his family 05:00 - Prayer as the family’s response to trauma instead of open discussion 06:05 - Writing a poem about his brothers and their mother’s legacy 07:22 - How the youngest brother, Justin, was most affected by loss 08:12 - Early signs of Justin’s struggles and the family’s response 09:12 - Learning about mental illness through NAMI and conversations with Justin 10:40 - Justin’s diagnosis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder 11:34 - His death by suicide at age 23 12:03 - The need for better family and community support 13:06 - Barriers to mental health care in underserved communities 14:39 - Trony’s work today helping families access treatment and resources 15:22 - Closing reflections and advocacy for changeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Family trauma doesn’t just affect one person — it ripples through generations, shaping identities, relationships, and opportunities for healing.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Trony Small shares his family’s story of growing up in Milwaukee with poverty, discrimination, and loss. After the death of his mother, Trony and his brothers faced instability, grief, and stigma that made conversations about mental health nearly impossible. When his youngest brother Justin was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, the family struggled to navigate a system with limited resources and cultural barriers to care. Justin’s death by suicide at 23 left a lasting impact and inspired Trony to help other families facing similar challenges.This moving conversation highlights the intersections of family trauma, racial inequities, and mental health stigma—and reminds us that storytelling, advocacy, and community support are vital parts of healing.Link to video with more information: https://www.facebook.com/2016557181923354/posts/2948490168730046/?d=nMHA of WI's Next Step Clinic: http://www.mhawisconsin.org/mha-wi-counseling-clinicPrimary Topics Covered:The impact of family trauma and silence on mental healthGrowing up with poverty, discrimination, and systemic inequitiesCoping with the loss of a parent at a young ageHow stigma and cultural silence affect conversations about mental illnessA brother’s struggle with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and suicideThe role of NAMI and education in understanding mental illnessBarriers to accessing quality mental health care in underserved communitiesTurning grief into advocacy and support for other familiesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: family trauma and mental health 01:31 – How trauma shaped Trony’s childhood and family dynamics 02:27 – Growing up in Milwaukee amid poverty and discrimination 03:42 – The loss of his mother and its lasting impact 05:00 – Prayer and silence instead of open discussions about trauma 06:05 – Writing poetry as a way to process pain 07:22 – How Justin, the youngest brother, was most deeply affected 08:12 – Early signs of mental illness and the family’s struggles to respond 09:12 – Learning through NAMI about schizophrenia and bipolar disorder 10:40 – Justin’s diagnosis and challenges navigating treatment 11:34 – His death by suicide at 23 12:03 – The importance of family and community support 13:06 – Systemic barriers to mental health care for Black families 14:39 – Trony’s advocacy and mission to help other families 15:22 – Closing reflections on healing and changeExplore 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, we explore the healing impact of peer support and online community in managing depression. Through the powerful stories of Bea and Debbie, listeners hear how reaching out—even to strangers online—can provide connection, hope, and life-saving encouragement during the darkest moments.From tattoos symbolizing love, life, and sorrow, to messages that pulled someone back from the brink of suicide, these lived experiences highlight that sometimes the most meaningful help doesn’t come from professionals, but from people who have “been there” too.Whether you’re seeking support or wondering how to offer it, this conversation reveals how empathy, kindness, and a few heartfelt words can make all the difference.Primary Topics Covered:Why peer support is critical for people with depressionThe role of online communities in reducing stigma and isolationReal-life stories of support during moments of crisisHow empathy and lived experience can save livesEncouragement for reaching out and responding when someone is strugglingTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and hosts 01:00 - The importance of asking for and offering support 02:00 - How a Facebook community stepped up to support struggling members 03:30 - Bea’s story: life, love, sorrow, and finding connection online 05:00 - The value of empathy in mental health struggles 07:20 - How support helped Bea through her husband’s sudden death 09:00 - Debbie’s story: reaching out during a suicidal crisis 11:30 - Why lived experience matters more than clinical advice in certain moments 13:30 - The lifesaving impact of online support and encouragement 15:00 - Reflection: the human need for connection and peer support 17:00 - Closing thoughts and invitation to join the communityExplore 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, we explore how online peer support groups provide strength, connection, and hope for those living with depression. Guests Bea and Debbie share deeply personal stories of how community and lived experience offered them comfort and even saved lives during times of despair.From messages that pulled someone back from suicidal thoughts to the ongoing encouragement of strangers who “get it,” this conversation shows the real impact of peer support for depression. Sometimes, the most powerful help doesn’t come from professionals, but from people who have walked the same road and are willing to listen, validate, and stand beside you.If you’ve ever wondered how to find depression help online or how to be there for someone who’s struggling, this episode offers practical insight, encouragement, and hope.Primary Topics Covered:The role of online communities in coping with depressionHow peer support reduces stigma and isolationBea’s story: grief, love, and finding strength through connectionDebbie’s story: how an online message prevented suicideWhy lived experience matters in supporting mental healthThe healing power of empathy, validation, and being heardEncouragement for reaching out and offering supportTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and hosts 01:00 - Why asking for and offering support matters 02:00 - Online communities as safe spaces for depression support 03:30 - Bea’s story: tattoos, grief, and the importance of connection 05:00 - The role of empathy in mental health struggles 07:20 - How community helped Bea after her husband’s sudden death 09:00 - Debbie’s story: reaching out during a suicidal crisis 11:30 - The lifesaving impact of simple, caring words 13:30 - Why lived experience support differs from clinical advice 15:00 - Reflections on connection, hope, and peer support 17:00 - Closing thoughts and invitation to join 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/

Deciding whether to try medication for depression or anxiety can feel overwhelming. How do you know if it’s time to see a psychiatrist? What should you expect from a first visit? And what role do antidepressants really play in treatment?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold joins the conversation to break down the realities of medication as a treatment option. From addressing stigma to explaining side effects and the importance of therapy, Dr. Gold provides clarity and reassurance for anyone considering antidepressants—or supporting a loved one who is.If you’ve ever wondered about the pros and cons of medication, what “treatment-resistant depression” really means, or how to find the right support system, this episode offers insight, honesty, and hope.Primary Topics Covered:The stigma and misconceptions surrounding antidepressantsWhen it may be time to see a psychiatristWhat to expect during your first psychiatric visitWhy therapy plus medication is often the most effective treatmentSide effects of antidepressants and how to manage themThe timeline for antidepressants to start workingMisunderstandings about “treatment-resistant depression”Why meds aren’t a magic fix but can be an important tool in recoveryTimestamps:00:05 - Introduction to the episode 01:02 - Meme that captures the antidepressant debate 01:31 - Why antidepressants are controversial 01:52 - Considering medication for depression or anxiety 02:28 - Guest introduction: Dr. Jessi Gold 03:15 - When people typically seek psychiatric help 03:38 - Why therapy plus medication often works best 04:11 - How to know when it’s time to consider meds 05:14 - What happens during a first psychiatric visit 06:14 - The stigma around psychiatry and seeking help 07:17 - How long antidepressants take to start working 08:05 - Common side effects and what to expect 08:56 - Do antidepressants actually work? 09:53 - Addressing fears about meds changing personality 11:02 - Comparing untreated depression vs. being on meds 11:22 - Concerns about long-term use of antidepressants 12:34 - What “treatment-resistant depression” really means 14:14 - Why medication isn’t a magic fix 14:59 - The role of therapy alongside antidepressants 16:24 - The goal of medication: balance, not constant happiness 17:20 - Bridget shares her medication experience 17:47 - Terry reflects on her own journey with meds 18:15 - Why treatment can feel like “throwing darts in the dark” 18:37 - Closing thanks to Dr. Gold 18:53 - Final reflections and invitation to connectExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/