Giving Voice to Depression

For many, Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year. If you’re grieving, battling depression, or simply struggling to make it through the holidays, this episode is for you.Written and read by John Pavlovitz, this heartfelt message speaks directly to those carrying heavy burdens during a season that often amplifies loneliness and loss. Whether you’re mourning a loved one, facing addiction, or simply trying to survive another day, these words remind you of two vital truths: you are not alone—and this is not the end of your story.This episode is a gift of solidarity and hope for anyone who feels unseen in the glow of holiday lights.🎙️ Primary Topics CoveredWhy holidays can worsen depression, grief, and lonelinessMessages for those struggling with addiction, self-hatred, or despairThe unseen reality behind holiday celebrationsThe importance of solidarity: you are not the only one hurtingHope that today’s pain does not define tomorrowA compassionate reminder that the story isn’t overHow Giving Voice to Depression offers support year-round⏱️ Timestamps00:00 - Welcome to this special holiday message 00:40 - Introduction to John Pavlovitz’s reflection 01:15 - For those grieving or missing loved ones this Christmas 02:10 - For those living with depression or mental illness 02:55 - For those struggling with addiction or self-hatred 03:40 - For those feeling alone or isolated during the holidays 04:20 - You are not alone in this struggle 04:50 - This pain is not permanent—your story continues 05:15 - Closing words of encouragement and solidarityExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

For most of his life, Dan lived with depression in silence — hiding his pain from friends, family, and even himself. It wasn’t until a mental health crisis and hospitalization that he realized secrecy was costing him more than depression itself.In this moving conversation, Dan shares his first public story of living with depression, suicidal thoughts, and shame — and how finally talking about it has lifted some of the weight. His honesty is a gift of connection, gratitude, and hope to anyone struggling in silence.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be living with depression while pretending everything is fine, Dan’s courage to stop hiding will resonate deeply.Primary Topics Covered:Why depression stigma keeps people silent, even with friendsDan’s story of living with depression since childhoodThe toll of hiding pain: exhaustion, isolation, and shameHow grief, family stress, and work pressures worsened his illnessHospitalization as a turning point in survival and recoveryThe role of family support during suicidal ideationWhy speaking up reduces shame and builds connectionIntergenerational conversations: learning openness from his sonDepression as an illness — not a personal failureThe healing power of gratitude and shared storiesTimestamps:00:00 Welcome and intro 00:35 Holiday reflections and the “gifts” of connection, gratitude, and hope 01:26 Introducing Dan: first-time storyteller in recovery 02:42 Why men often hide depression, even from close friends 04:20 Dan’s personal crisis: grief, back pain, and family stress 05:01 Suicidal thoughts and hospitalization as a turning point 06:16 Discovering the importance of speaking up 07:53 The emotional drain of hiding depression 09:28 Why talking takes away shame and stigma 10:40 Depression impacts loved ones too — guilt and family conversations 11:45 Open discussions with his son about depression 12:36 Fighting stigma: “depression doesn’t care who you are” 13:22 The voice of depression vs. the voice of self 14:15 Learning to describe depression so others can understand 15:25 Connection and community as gifts for healing 16:32 Closing reflections: courage, hope, and gratitudeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

2020 was a year unlike any other. The pandemic, political division, racial injustice, and social isolation created what mental health professionals call a collective trauma — leaving many of us struggling with depression, anxiety, and loneliness.In this year-in-review episode, psychologist Dr. R. Kwaku-Smith joins Giving Voice to Depression to reflect on the mental health challenges of 2020 and share tools for moving forward. He discusses why it’s okay not to be okay, how to manage emotional exhaustion, and why connection, love, and daily intentional practices are essential for recovery.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, depleted, or hopeless after a year of nonstop stress, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone — and that healing is possible.Primary Topics Covered:How the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routines and worsened depressionThe role of collective trauma in 2020 (pandemic, racism, political division)Why loss and isolation deepened the mental health crisisThe “syndemic”: overlapping crises that amplified stress and hopelessnessCoping strategies: diet, exercise, sleep, journaling, meditation, self-reflectionWhy it’s okay not to be okay — but dangerous to stay stuck thereThe healing role of love, community, and accountability partnersHow to forgive yourself and start again after setbacksBuilding resilience and hope for the futureTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: reviewing 2020 through a mental health lens 01:16 – Pandemic, division, and racial injustice as defining challenges 02:10 – Early hopes of 2020 vs. shocking global realities 03:31 – How the pandemic disrupted routines and stability 04:38 – The concept of collective trauma 06:01 – Emotional exhaustion, alcohol use, and rising domestic violence 07:34 – How depression deepened during overlapping crises 08:05 – Why admitting “I’m not okay” is the first step 08:15 – Coping basics: diet, exercise, sleep, and managing what we consume mentally 09:11 – Finding support: clinicians, accountability partners, friends, family 10:23 – Facing hard truths and building willpower for change 11:27 – Love as the greatest medicine for depression 12:20 – Why it’s normal to feel depressed in extraordinary times 13:19 – Dr. Smith’s daily practices: journaling, morning meditation, nightly reflection 14:37 – Forgiveness, fresh starts, and self-compassion 15:15 – Breathing practices and stoking embers of hope 16:29 – Looking forward to a healthier new yearExplore 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 look like to live through bipolar disorder, depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts—and still find hope?In this episode, comedian and rapper Zane Thomas shares his raw and unfiltered story of mental illness and recovery. From battling substance abuse to learning how to “talk back” to depression, Zane uses humor and honesty to break stigma and show what healing really looks like.He also reveals why asking someone “What are you excited for?” can be a more powerful lifeline than “Are you okay?”—and how small shifts in language can open the door to meaningful conversations about mental health.This is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, that depression’s lies are not the truth, and that laughter can be a tool for survival.Primary Topics Covered:Zane’s lived experience with bipolar disorder, depression, and addictionHow depression lies and repeats the same script to everyoneUsing humor as a tool for healing and connectionThe dangers of alcohol and substance abuse with bipolar disorderThe turning point: losing a friend and spiraling further into addictionHow self-talk and “talking back” to dark thoughts became a coping toolWhy “What are you excited for?” is a life-saving questionThe role of music, comedy, and community in recoveryTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Zane Thomas and his story 02:09 - Viral Instagram post on suicidal thoughts 04:23 - Talking back to depression like a bully 06:49 - Realizing depression tells everyone the same lies 07:57 - Humor as a coping strategy for mental health 09:05 - When depression comes from “nowhere” 10:37 - The power of the word “yet” in recovery 11:42 - Music, comedy, and creativity shaped by illness 12:35 - Substance abuse as a coping mechanism 13:31 - Losing a friend and spiraling deeper into addiction 14:29 - The toxic relationship between alcohol and bipolar disorder 15:28 - Gambling with alcohol and emotions 16:54 - Offering to listen before it’s too late 17:01 - Asking “What are you excited for?” as a mental health tool 18:00 - Breaking stigma by keeping conversations realExplore 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, Ambrose, a coach specializing in movement, nutrition, and mindfulness, shares how breathwork can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. From understanding the biological connection between breathing and emotional regulation, to learning simple, actionable techniques like “straw breath,” listeners will walk away with practical tools they can use anytime.We explore how mindful breathing supports emotional resilience, why self-compassion is essential when practicing, and how breath connects us back to balance during challenging times.Link to stress-free schools program: https://skyschools.org/Primary Topics CoveredWhy breathing practices are powerful for mental healthThe link between movement, nutrition, and emotional wellbeingHow isolation affects mood and biology (hormones like serotonin & oxytocin)The importance of self-compassion in mental health managementMisconceptions about meditation and mindfulnessSKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) and other breath techniquesStep-by-step guide to practicing Straw BreathHow to integrate daily breathing practices into your routineTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why self-care tools matter more than ever 02:15 – Ambrose’s background in coaching body, mind, and nutrition 03:50 – How movement, nutrition, and connection affect mental health 05:30 – Ambrose’s lived experiences with depression and low mood 07:20 – Why breathwork and mindfulness require practice 09:30 – Misconceptions about meditation and how to reframe them 11:30 – Introduction to SKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) breathing practice 13:30 – Guided “Straw Breath” practice for calming anxiety 16:30 – Reflections on practice, self-compassion, and daily application 18:00 – Resources, links, and encouragement to keep practicingExplore 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 holiday season can be one of the hardest times of year for those living with depression and anxiety. Expectations of joy and celebration often clash with grief, loneliness, and stress—especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.In this episode, psychologist Dr. Maggie Mulqueen offers compassionate insights and actionable strategies for coping with holiday depression. She discusses the importance of releasing unrealistic expectations, embracing a both/and mindset (grief and gratitude can coexist), and finding purpose in small, meaningful actions.If you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or weighed down this holiday season, this conversation is a reminder: you are not alone, and there are real ways to protect your mental health while honoring your truth.Link to referenced article: https://www.drmaggiemulqueen.com/publicationsPrimary Topics Covered:Why depression and anxiety intensify during the holidaysThe impact of seasonal affective disorder and lingering pandemic stressThree groups of people struggling differently at ChristmasThe emotional weight of grief and “empty seats at the table”How to embrace a both/and mindset during difficult timesThe harm of toxic positivity and why minimizing doesn’t helpSmall acts of kindness and finding purpose to ease depressionThe role of uncertainty in worsening mental health strugglesA hopeful holiday reflection: In the Time of Pandemic by Kitty O’MearaTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and introduction to holiday struggles 01:00 - Why depression and anxiety worsen during the holidays 01:22 - Dr. Maggie Mulqueen shares pandemic and holiday insights 02:14 - Why therapists are busiest November through March 02:53 - Cancelled gatherings and emotional fallout 03:11 - Three groups most impacted by holiday depression 04:57 - Families “stuck” together and added stress 05:56 - The weight of grief and missing loved ones 06:31 - No single “right” way to celebrate holidays 07:26 - Embracing both/and thinking for resilience 08:24 - Depression and the pressure to “be happy” 09:30 - Why purpose helps protect mental health 10:47 - Pandemic uncertainty and collective anxiety 12:13 - The harm of toxic positivity and not being heard 13:52 - Shame, silence, and holiday expectations 14:39 - Final takeaway: compassion and complexity 15:55 - Reading of In the Time of Pandemic by Kitty O’Meara 17:23 - Gratitude, hope, and the “great reset” 18:05 - Closing reflections and next week’s previewExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

How can civilians better support veterans living with PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychiatrist and veteran Dr. Mike McBride shares insights on the unique challenges veterans face after service — from the military culture of hiding pain to the stigma that prevents many from seeking help.Dr. McBride explains how civilians can bridge the cultural gap and support veterans through listening, appreciation, and practical community support. He also discusses how families can recognize when a loved one is struggling, how to talk about safe firearm storage, and why suicide prevention requires honest conversations.If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to truly support the veterans in your life, this episode offers compassionate, actionable guidance.Link to Veterans Crisis Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/Link to Military Benefits Explainer: https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/be-there-for-veterans.htmlPrimary Topics Covered:Why veterans often struggle to ask for mental health helpThe cultural disconnect between military and civilian lifeThree ways civilians can support veterans: listen, appreciate, and supportHow neighbors and communities can show awareness (e.g., fireworks and PTSD)The role of families in recognizing signs of depression or PTSDSafe firearm storage as suicide preventionHow to have difficult conversations without triggering defensivenessWhy talking about service builds trust and connectionTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Veterans Day reflection 01:03 – Dr. Mike McBride on veterans’ unique culture and mental health challenges 02:19 – Why veterans feel disconnected from civilian life 03:06 – Military training: mission first, self-care last 04:03 – First step: civilians should ask veterans about their service 05:24 – The healing power of telling one’s story 06:02 – Second step: showing appreciation for service and sacrifice 06:49 – Dr. McBride’s own sacrifices for deployments 07:29 – Third step: supporting veterans in school, work, and community life 08:26 – Fireworks, PTSD, and a community’s compassionate response 09:49 – Families reaching out when veterans resist help 10:57 – Suicide risk in veterans: statistics and prevention efforts 11:43 – Firearm culture, safe storage, and crisis prevention 12:48 – How to talk about guns and suicide safely with veterans 14:23 – Dr. McBride’s direct message to veterans: lead with your strengths 15:22 – Closing reflections: the power of talking openly about trauma 16:28 – Crisis line resources for veterans and familiesExplore 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 Veterans Day conversation, psychiatrist and veteran Dr. Mike McBride joins the podcast to discuss the unique mental health challenges facing those who served. Drawing from his experience in the Army and Navy as well as his work at the Milwaukee V.A., Dr. McBride explains why PTSD, depression, and suicide risk are critical issues for veterans — and how both medical professionals and civilians can better support them.He shares how loss and isolation, worsened by the pandemic, compound mental health struggles, and outlines practical tools for veterans to stay connected, resilient, and hopeful. From the Veterans Creed to safe gun storage conversations, this episode offers guidance not only for veterans themselves but also for families, friends, and communities who want to help.Link to Veteran's Crisis Linehttps://www.veteranscrisisline.netHow to Be There for Veterans: https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/be-there-for-veterans.htmlServing Together Project: https://servingtogetherproject.org/MHA RR House: https://www.facebook.com/RRHouseMHA/Primary Topics Covered:Veterans’ unique mental health challenges (PTSD, depression, trauma)The role of loss and isolation in worsening depressionHow the Veterans Creed can provide grounding and purposeSuicide prevention: the importance of connection and safe gun storageCivilian support: asking about service, showing appreciation, and creating safe communitiesBuilding resilience and post-traumatic growth after serviceWhy veterans often avoid seeking help — and how families can bridge the gapTimestamps:00:11:00 – Dr. McBride introduces himself and his dual role as psychiatrist and veteran00:16:40 – His journey from child psychiatry to serving in the Army and Navy after 9/1100:18:35 – Reflections on deployments, trauma, and the lasting toll of war00:22:47 – Why military culture requires people who understand veterans’ experiences00:25:15 – COVID-19, isolation, and the rise in depression among veterans00:27:18 – Exploring the link between loss and depression00:30:20 – The Veterans Creed as a tool for daily resilience00:33:44 – Importance of connection and suicide prevention outreach00:36:46 – How civilians can better understand and support veterans00:39:42 – Why veterans struggle to ask for help — and how families can step in00:44:33 – Teaching medical students to ask difficult questions about depression, suicide, and firearm safety00:47:07 – The challenge of gun safety in veteran suicide prevention00:48:59 – Final message: veterans as leaders in healing divided communitiesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Millions of children grow up with a parent struggling with depression or another mental illness. This episode explores the hidden impact parental mental illness can have on kids, including the silence, guilt, and self-blame they often carry. Guest Michelle Dickinson shares her story of growing up with a mother with bipolar disorder and how it shaped her childhood and adulthood.Clinical psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz offers expert insights into what children need to know, how parents can protect their kids even while struggling, and practical, low-energy strategies that foster love and connection at home.This episode is for anyone navigating the challenges of mental illness in families—whether you are a parent, child, or loved one.Link to Michelle Dickinson's site: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/Link to Michelle Dickinson's article: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/protecting-our-happy/Link to Michelle Dickinson's book:https://breakingintomylife.com/Primary Topics Covered:Michelle Dickinson’s experience growing up with a parent with bipolar disorderHow children often internalize a parent’s mental illness as their faultThe “chameleon effect” of kids adapting to unpredictable moodsWhat parents can do to protect and support their children while managing depressionThe importance of honesty and low-barrier parenting strategiesHow children can begin separating their parent from the illnessThe role of therapy, support networks, and modeling careTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and topic 01:00 - How a son realized his father’s depression through a friend’s perspective 02:00 - Revisiting an interview with Michelle Dickinson about growing up with a bipolar parent 03:20 - Early signs of her mother’s mental illness 04:20 - Living through cycles of mania and deep depression 05:10 - Hospitalizations and limited explanations as a child 06:40 - Internalizing blame for a parent’s illness 07:15 - Adapting as a “chameleon” to survive at home 08:00 - The fear and unpredictability of coming home 09:00 - The long-term impact on voice, needs, and self-worth 10:00 - What kids need to hear: “It’s not your fault” 11:00 - Learning that her mother was not her disease 12:20 - Forgiveness and understanding after her mother’s death 13:20 - How Michelle’s own depression deepened her empathy 14:30 - Advice for kids and partners of people with depression 16:10 - The importance of treatment and medication 18:00 - Expert insights from Dr. Anita Sands on parenting with depression 19:00 - Why honesty and consistency matter for children 21:00 - How kids often misinterpret a parent’s symptoms as rejection 23:00 - Practical low-energy strategies for parents to connect with kids 24:30 - Terri shares her own story of a Thanksgiving spent in bed 25:20 - Final reflections and resources for familiesExplore 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 bonus episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Barbara Moser—trained in Mindful Self-Compassion and a passionate mental health advocate—guides listeners through a short self-compassion break. This accessible meditation draws from Kristin Neff’s foundational work and integrates the three pillars of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness.The practice is designed to be used in moments of stress, anxiety, or emotional struggle, offering a gentle and effective tool you can return to anytime.Listeners are reminded that self-compassion is not about ignoring difficulties but about meeting them with kindness, perspective, and care. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking for a reliable practice to add to your mental health toolkit, this guided exercise provides a grounding, healing pause.Primary Topics CoveredIntroduction to self-compassion as a mental health toolThe three pillars of self-compassion (mindfulness, common humanity, self-kindness)Step-by-step guided self-compassion breakPractical ways to adapt the practice for daily stress and anxietyThe importance of gentle, non-judgmental self-supportTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to mindfulness and self-compassion 00:48 - Starting the guided self-compassion practice 01:15 - Choosing a manageable situation for practice 02:10 - Recognizing mindfulness: naming the difficulty 03:05 - Common humanity: knowing you’re not alone 04:00 - Self-kindness: soothing touch and kind words 06:10 - Offering yourself supportive phrases 07:20 - Applying the practice in daily life 08:35 - Closing thoughts and community supportExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/