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

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we explore how to prevent a mental health crisis before it escalates. Our guest, Corinne, shares her powerful story of reaching out for help during one of her darkest moments — a call that saved her life.She explains the early warning signs of depression and how she uses a simple scale to monitor her mental health before reaching a breaking point. Corinne walks us through practical coping strategies like therapy, exercise, sleep, meditation, and building a strong support network.This conversation is a reminder that crisis prevention starts with awareness — knowing when to check in with yourself, when to reach out, and how to stay connected. Mental health struggles don’t have to be faced in silence or shame.Whether you live with depression or love someone who does, this episode offers life-saving insights about staying safe, building resilience, and finding hope.Link to Corinne's article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/Primary Topics Covered:Why early intervention is critical in managing depression and anxietyCorinne’s personal story of calling a suicide prevention hotlineThe “mental health scale” tool for monitoring warning signsCoping strategies that help prevent escalation into crisisThe role of connection, empathy, and honesty in healingBreaking the silence: why we need to talk openly about depressionTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and episode context 01:14 - Corinne’s experience with depression during pregnancy 02:31 - Why sharing recovery stories matters 04:25 - The mental health “scale” for self-monitoring 05:31 - Corinne’s personal coping steps: therapy, exercise, sleep, meditation 06:20 - The importance of trusted connections and support 07:34 - Understanding when depression shifts from sadness to crisis 09:19 - Suicide prevention hotlines as life-saving interventions 10:44 - The power of honesty and breaking silence about depression 12:04 - Final reflections and takeaways 13:20 - 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/

If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens when you call a suicide prevention hotline, you’re not alone. Fear, stigma, and uncertainty often stop people from reaching out for the help they desperately need.In this episode, journalist Corinne Purtill courageously shares her story of calling a crisis line during one of the darkest moments of her life. She describes the shame, hesitation, and fear she carried into the call — and how the compassionate voice on the other end helped her find hope.We’ll explore what happens when you call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, how trained counselors respond, and why you don’t need to be at “rock bottom” to reach out. This conversation is proof that talking saves lives, and that help is always available.Primary Topics Covered:Misconceptions about suicide hotlines and crisis linesCorinne Purtill’s lived experience of calling for helpWhat really happens when you call 988How shame and stigma stop people from reaching outThe power of hearing a supportive voice in crisisWhy you don’t need to be suicidal to call a hotlineSigns it’s time to reach out for helpTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why suicide hotlines matter 01:00 – The purpose of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 02:06 – Corinne’s story: reaching the breaking point 03:34 – Depression’s silence and isolation 04:35 – Shame and stigma around calling for help 06:05 – The “smile mask” and hidden depression 06:54 – Suicidal thoughts and secrecy 08:08 – Depression’s biggest lie 09:09 – Planning to end her life 09:43 – The moment she called the hotline 10:30 – What to say when reaching out 10:57 – The importance of having the right words 11:24 – What happens if you’re placed on hold 12:46 – Recovery: therapy and medication support 13:38 – Recognizing warning signs before crisisExplore 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, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelming emotions, picking up the phone to call a suicide prevention hotline can feel intimidating. But knowing what to expect can make it easier to take that first step.In this episode, journalist Corinne Purtill shares her powerful personal story of calling a crisis line at one of the darkest points in her life. She opens up about the fear, shame, and misconceptions she carried into the call — and how the trained listener on the other end helped her find connection and hope.We explore the reality of what happens when you dial 988, the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: how the call works, who answers, and why you don’t need to be suicidal to reach out. This conversation is a reminder that crisis lines save lives, and that help is always available, 24/7.Primary Topics Covered:Misconceptions about suicide prevention hotlinesWhat really happens when you call 988Corinne’s personal story of reaching out during crisisHow depression convinces people to stay silentThe role of shame and stigma in hiding suicidal thoughtsThe lifesaving power of having the right words to ask for helpRecovery and support after making that first callTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why 988 matters 01:00 – The purpose of the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 02:06 – Corinne’s story: never expecting to call 03:34 – How depression silences us 04:35 – Privacy vs. shame: the myths about hotlines 06:05 – Hiding depression behind a smile 06:54 – The role of shame in suicidal thoughts 08:08 – Depression’s biggest lie 09:09 – Corinne makes a plan to end her life 09:43 – The moment she called the hotline 10:30 – What to say when you reach out 10:57 – Why the right words matter 11:24 – What happens if you’re on hold when calling 988 12:46 – Recovery through therapy and medication 13:38 – Warning signs to watch for before “code red”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/

Depression often hides in plain sight — not just in behaviors, but in the words we use every day. Research shows that certain language patterns can signal emotional distress, depression, and deeper mental health struggles.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry explore the warning signs of depression in everyday language. From Crisis Text Line’s analysis of millions of high-risk messages to Dr. Mohammed Al-Masawi’s research on absolutist thinking (“always,” “never,” “completely”), listeners will learn how seemingly simple word choices can reveal hidden struggles.This episode offers insight into how language can both reflect and shape our mental health, and why paying attention to the words we — and our loved ones — use can open the door to better support, understanding, and recovery.Link to article: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/depression-language-differently-mental-health-kurt-cobain-a8194731.htmlPrimary Topics Covered:How depression shows up in the words we useCrisis Text Line’s findings on language patterns in people at riskUnexpected keywords and emojis that reveal emotional distressDr. Mo’s research on absolutist thinking and depressionThe role of words like “always,” “never,” and “completely” in rigid thought patternsWhy thinking style is as important as content in predicting depressionHow recognizing warning signs in language can help with early interventionPractical tips to shift from harmful word patterns to healthier communicationHow awareness of language can support both prevention and recoveryTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why everyday language reveals depression  01:00 – Crisis Text Line’s keyword analysis on high-risk messages  02:21 – Surprising words and emojis tied to emotional distress  03:26 – Dr. Mohammed Al-Masawi’s research on language and depression  04:08 – What absolutist thinking looks like in practice  05:33 – Words like “always,” “never,” “completely” as warning signs  06:33 – How rigid language signals underlying mental health struggles  07:05 – Identifying absolutist thinking in yourself and others  07:53 – Strategies to challenge harmful thought patterns  08:38 – Why changing thinking style takes time and support  09:59 – The role of loved ones, peers, and therapists in noticing language  11:45 – Absolutist thinking across anxiety, depression, and self-harm  12:32 – Using technology and research to improve prevention  13:23 – Bridget’s reflection: catching herself using rigid words  14:37 – Key takeaway: words matter, and they reveal hidden struggles  15:17 – 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/

Did you know the words we use every day can reveal whether someone is struggling with depression — or even having suicidal thoughts?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry explore how symptoms and signs of depression show up in language. Drawing on research from Crisis Text Line and Dr. Mohammed Al-Masawi, we look at how certain words, phrases, and thinking styles provide clues to a person’s mental state.From surprising text keywords that flag high suicide risk, to the dangers of absolutist thinking (“always,” “never,” “completely”), this conversation shows how small language cues can signal something much deeper. By noticing these signs — in ourselves and in others — we can start meaningful conversations, offer support, and even save lives.Link to article: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/depression-language-differently-mental-health-kurt-cobain-a8194731.htmlPrimary Topics Covered:The connection between depression and language patternsHow Crisis Text Line uses keyword analysis to detect suicide riskSurprising words and emojis linked to suicidal thoughtsDr. Mo’s research on absolutist thinking in depression and anxietyWhy words like “always,” “never,” and “completely” are red flagsHow rigid language reveals mental health strugglesThe difference between negative thoughts and rigid thinking stylesHow therapists and loved ones can challenge harmful word patternsWhy paying attention to language can prevent suicidePractical strategies for recognizing and shifting depressive thinkingTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The power of words in depression  01:00 – Crisis Text Line’s findings on suicide-related keywords  02:21 – Surprising signs: “800 mg” and the pill emoji  03:26 – Dr. Mohammed Al-Masawi’s research on depression language  04:08 – What absolutist thinking means and why it matters  05:33 – Common words: “always,” “never,” “completely” as indicators  06:33 – How language rigidity signals deeper mental struggles  07:05 – Spotting absolutist thinking in everyday conversations  07:53 – Strategies to challenge harmful word patterns  08:38 – Why thinking style, not just content, predicts depression  09:59 – The role of loved ones and therapists in noticing language  11:45 – Absolutist thinking across anxiety, depression, and self-harm  12:32 – How technology is being used to detect suicide risk  13:23 – Bridget reflects on her own word choices  14:37 – Key takeaway: noticing words can save lives  15:17 – Closing thoughts 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/

In this season review, Terri and Bridget reflect on the powerful mental health conversations from Season 16 of Giving Voice to Depression. From learning how breathwork can ground us in overwhelming moments, to confronting stigma, to understanding medication without shame, this season covered a wide range of tools and truths about living with depression.Listeners will hear highlights on:Why breath is a free and effective mental health management tool.Honest discussions about depression, stigma, and suicidal thoughts as common experiences.The importance of hope and meaning, even when it feels impossible to find.The reality of antidepressants—not as a cure-all, but as a valid option.Why shared stories are powerful in dismantling stigma.The mental health system in crisis—barriers to access, representation, and affordability.This recap is both informative and hopeful, reminding us that while depression isolates, connection and open conversations can make all the difference.Primary Topics Covered:Depression coping strategies (breathing, tracking, and routines)Talking openly about suicidal thoughts without stigmaHope as a therapeutic and necessary lifelineAntidepressants: benefits, drawbacks, and real experiencesHow stigma prevents people from seeking helpSystemic mental health challenges: access, cost, and representationTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and purpose of Season 16 recap 01:26 – Episode 163: Breath as a Mental Health Management Tool 02:55 – Episode 164: Talking About Depression Like It’s Common 04:06 – Episode 165: The Year in Review – Mental Health in 2020 05:17 – Episode 166: Holding on to Hope 06:28 – Episode 167: Depression Is a Sickness, Not a Weakness 07:42 – Episode 168: A Conversation About Antidepressants 09:01 – Episode 169: The Power of Shared Stories in Fighting Stigma 10:27 – Episodes 170–171: Stigma is Real & Life Would Be Safer Without Stigma 12:22 – Episode 172: The Value of Tracking Mental Health Symptoms 14:17 – Episode 173: Depression Is Not a Weakness (Victor Armstrong) 15:06 – Episode 174: The Mental Health System in Crisis 17:00 – Looking ahead to Season 17 and call for listener feedback 18:04 – Closing thoughts 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/

Season 16 of Giving Voice to Depression was filled with raw honesty, practical tools, and powerful insights into living with depression. In this recap, Terri and Bridget highlight the most impactful lessons from the season, offering listeners both validation and hope.The season explored:Breath as a grounding tool to manage overwhelming emotions.Suicidal thoughts as a common, not shameful, part of depression.The essential role of hope in recovery.Real talk about antidepressants—their benefits, limitations, and stigma.The power of sharing stories to dismantle shame and isolation.Hard truths about the mental health system—including access, affordability, and representation.Whether you’re struggling with depression or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t linear—but community, hope, and honest conversations can make the journey lighter.Primary Topics Covered:Coping strategies for depression (breath, routines, tracking)The role of hope in mental health recoveryDepression stigma and why shared stories matterAntidepressants and medication managementTalking openly about suicidal thoughtsSystemic barriers in the mental health systemTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and reflection on Season 16 01:26 – Breath as a mental health management tool 02:55 – Talking about depression like it’s common 04:06 – Reviewing the mental health impact of 2020 05:17 – Holding on to hope in dark times 06:28 – Depression is a sickness, not a weakness 07:42 – Real conversations about antidepressants 09:01 – Fighting stigma through shared stories 10:27 – The dangers of stigma and its real consequences 12:22 – The value of tracking mental health symptoms 14:17 – Why depression is not weakness (Victor Armstrong’s insights) 15:06 – The mental health system in crisis 17:00 – Looking ahead to Season 17 and listener feedback 18:04 – 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/

The U.S. mental health system is under immense strain. Too many people experiencing depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts face stigma, delayed care, or even criminalization instead of support. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we speak with Victor Armstrong, Director of North Carolina’s Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse, about the urgent need for systemic change.Victor explores why mental health is often misunderstood, how racial and cultural barriers limit access to treatment, and why our reliance on law enforcement in mental health emergencies too often leads to tragic outcomes. He also discusses suicide prevention, peer support, and why shifting from “crisis response” to real emergency care could save countless lives.If you’ve ever wondered why the mental health system feels broken—and what can be done to fix it—this episode provides hope, perspective, and a roadmap for change.Primary Topics Covered:Why depression is widely misunderstood and stigmatized.The racial and cultural gaps in U.S. mental health care.Masculinity, stigma, and the underdiagnosis of depression in men.Criminalization of mental illness and the failure of crisis response.Why we must treat mental health episodes as emergencies, not just “crises.”Suicide prevention strategies that go beyond hotlines and hospitalizations.The role of peer support and community resources in mental health recovery.A message of hope: “No matter who you are, your life matters.”Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode 01:20 – Why understanding depression matters 02:07 – Misunderstandings and stigma around mental illness 03:18 – Racial and cultural barriers to seeking treatment 04:23 – Masculinity, stigma, and underdiagnosis in men 05:19 – How mental illness becomes criminalized 06:02 – Emergency vs. “crisis”: the language problem 07:10 – The risks of involving law enforcement in mental health calls 08:29 – Why the system—not the individual—is in crisis 09:11 – How we talk about suicide: shifting the narrative 11:27 – Why people fear discussing mental illness too closely 12:09 – The value of 24/7 crisis lines and anonymous support 13:22 – Suicide prevention as “upstream” intervention 14:04 – Building stronger community partnerships for care 14:18 – The power of peer support specialists 15:23 – A message of hope: “You matter. Your life matters.” 17:42 – Closing reflectionsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

The United States is facing a mental health crisis, but too often the people most in need are met with stigma, misunderstanding, or even criminalization instead of care. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we talk with Victor Armstrong, Director of North Carolina’s Division of Mental Health, about why the system feels broken and what needs to change.Victor explains why depression and other conditions are so often misunderstood, how racial and cultural barriers prevent access to care, and why law enforcement is too often called on during mental health emergencies—with dangerous results. He also shares hope and practical solutions, including suicide prevention strategies, peer support programs, and the importance of treating mental health as an emergency instead of a secondary issue.If you or someone you love has ever struggled to get help, this episode will help you understand the bigger picture of America’s mental health system—and where real change is possible.Primary Topics Covered:Why depression is misunderstood and stigmatizedHow cultural and racial barriers shape access to careThe dangerous intersection of mental illness and law enforcementWhy we should say “mental health emergency” instead of “crisis”Suicide prevention: going beyond hotlines and hospitalsPeer support and community partnerships that make a differenceA message of hope: every life matters, and help is availableTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode 01:20 – Why understanding depression matters 02:07 – Misunderstandings and stigma around mental illness 03:18 – Racial and cultural barriers to seeking treatment 04:23 – Masculinity, stigma, and underdiagnosis in men 05:19 – How mental illness becomes criminalized 06:02 – Emergency vs. “crisis”: the language problem 07:10 – The risks of involving law enforcement in mental health calls 08:29 – Why the system—not the individual—is in crisis 09:11 – How we talk about suicide: shifting the narrative 11:27 – Why people fear discussing mental illness too closely 12:09 – The value of 24/7 crisis lines and anonymous support 13:22 – Suicide prevention as “upstream” intervention 14:04 – Building stronger community partnerships for care 14:18 – The power of peer support specialists 15:23 – A message of hope: “You matter. Your life matters.” 17:42 – Closing reflectionsExplore 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, mental health advocate Victor Armstrong takes on the harmful myth that depression is a sign of weakness. He explains how stigma — in families, communities, and churches — adds unnecessary shame and prevents people from getting help.Victor shares his lived experience growing up in the rural South, where mental illness wasn’t openly discussed, and reflects on how cultural and systemic stigma still shape the way we talk about depression today. He also highlights the hidden strength of people who live with depression or suicidal thoughts — noting that survival itself is an act of courage.The episode also features an excerpt from Lauren Brady’s piece, “The Strength in Depression,” which powerfully reframes depression not as weakness, but as resilience.This is an important conversation for anyone who has ever felt shame because of their mental health — and for allies who want to better understand and fight stigma.Primary Topics Covered:Why depression is misunderstood as “weakness”How stigma in communities and churches impacts mental healthDepression as resilience, not moral failureThe pandemic’s role in increasing awareness — and challengesReading from “The Strength in Depression” by Lauren BradyWhy compassion and understanding are more powerful than judgmentTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to guest Victor Armstrong 01:08 – How social media led to this important conversation 02:14 – Victor’s message: “You matter. You are not alone.” 03:23 – Seeing people for who they are, not their illness 04:28 – Why depression is not weakness 05:41 – How the pandemic impacted mental health stigma 07:37 – Why awareness must lead to action 08:54 – Growing up where mental health wasn’t discussed 09:57 – Why people with depression face discrimination 11:21 – How cultural stigma prevents open conversations 13:03 – Lauren Brady’s essay “The Strength in Depression” 16:25 – Closing reflections: strength in survivalExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/