Giving Voice to Depression

How do you know if your child’s irritability, tummy aches, or withdrawal from friends might actually be signs of depression in children? In this powerful conversation, mental health professional Susan Ringle joins us to share how depression often looks different in kids than adults—and why parents should trust their instincts when something feels “off.”You’ll learn how to recognize childhood depression symptoms, what next steps to take if you’re worried, and how to support both your child and yourself through the process.This episode is a must-listen for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone who loves a child struggling with emotions that go deeper than sadness.Link to Mental Health America self-screening tools: https://screening.mhanational.org/Primary Topics CoveredWhy depression looks different in children than in adultsCommon signs of depression in kids: irritability, tantrums, somatic complaints (tummy aches, headaches)How to distinguish between sadness and clinical depressionThe “COAL” framework for parents: Curiosity, Observation, Acceptance, Loving GuidanceThe role of sleep, appetite, and regression in detecting mental health strugglesHow COVID-19 and isolation have impacted kids’ mental healthWhen and how to seek professional help (pediatricians, school counselors, child therapists)Why parents also need support when raising a child with depressionBreaking stigma: why seeking help is a strength, not a weaknessResources for families, including screenings and child-focused therapyTimestamps:00:00 Intro and technical setup  02:39 Why childhood depression looks different than adult depression  03:55 Symptoms parents might overlook: irritability, tantrums, regression  05:10 Red flags: appetite changes, sleep problems, loss of interest in play  06:52 Why parents are the best experts on their kids’ behavior  08:26 The COAL approach: Curiosity, Observation, Acceptance, Loving Guidance  10:48 COVID-19’s impact on children’s emotional health  12:57 Balancing isolation with safe peer connection  15:18 Where to seek help: pediatricians, school counselors, child therapists  16:55 Why parents need their own support when caring for a depressed child  20:09 Stigma, guilt, and why depression isn’t anyone’s fault  22:32 Why screenings and early intervention matter  26:22 The risks of untreated childhood depression and accidental self-harm  29:30 Suicide prevention and children’s limited understanding of death  31:10 Depression’s impact on school performance and memory  33:15 Final thoughts and trusted resources for families  Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What does depression really feel like?For John, it feels like an attack in his own voice — a relentless, negative inner monologue determined to erase his self-worth. In this deeply moving conversation, he shares what it’s like to grow up hiding depression, self-medicate with alcohol, avoid treatment for decades, and finally begin opening up about his struggles.John’s story offers one of the most visceral explanations of depression you’ll hear. His metaphors — from a toxic guest in your head to a spreadsheet of self-worth where positives are erased and negatives multiply — put words to what so many of us silently endure.If you’ve ever wondered what depression feels like or how stigma delays treatment, John’s honesty will help you feel less alone — and remind you that healing is possible.Primary Topics Covered:John’s first experiences with depression as a teenagerHiding pain while appearing “fine” to othersDecades of self-medicating with alcohol instead of seeking helpHow stigma kept him from reaching outAntidepressants as an imperfect but helpful toolThe metaphor of depression as “an attack in your own voice”The spreadsheet of self-worth: positives erased, negatives multiplyingThe importance of hearing others’ stories to feel less aloneHis message of hope: depression does not last foreverTimestamps:00:00 Terri explains the rebroadcast and importance of self-care 01:34 Announcement: partnership with Mental Health America Wisconsin 02:34 John shares why he reached out to tell his story 03:15 First depression in adolescence — hiding behind a brave face 05:07 Turning to alcohol as self-medication for decades 06:16 Stigma and the fear of asking for help 07:14 Antidepressants: benefits and frustrations 08:00 John describes what depression feels like — “an attack in my own voice” 09:38 The spreadsheet of self-worth metaphor 11:10 Why hearing others’ stories made him feel less alone 12:42 Conversation about commonalities in depression experiences 13:02 John’s message of hope: “this will end, there is light at the end” 14:37 Gratitude for his courage in sharing his first public story 15:45 Closing reflections and reminders to speak up, listen upExplore 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 do you deal with depression when your mind won’t stop racing?In this episode, Dr. Steven C. Hayes — founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — shares practical tools for calming intrusive thoughts, reducing self-criticism, and finding psychological flexibility.Through humor, metaphors, and science-backed strategies, Dr. Hayes explains how naming your mind, playfully reframing negative thoughts, and practicing self-compassion can help stop the cycle of overthinking. He also describes why being of service to others works like an antidepressant, and how mindfulness gives us the power to pivot back into the present moment.If you’ve ever struggled with coping with depression and a racing mind, this episode offers hope, tools, and perspective from one of the most quoted psychologists in the world — and someone who’s lived it himself.Primary Topics Covered:What Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is and how it worksWhy naming your mind (“George”) can help calm intrusive thoughtsSimple exercises to diffuse negative self-talkHow to humanize your inner critic with humor and playUsing mindfulness to slow down racing thoughtsWhy being of service can act like a natural antidepressantReframing depression as an opportunity for connection and growthWhy honesty about mental health struggles increases empathy and connectionThe importance of self-compassion and seeing yourself as wholeTimestamps:00:00 Intro — Welcome and episode overview 01:00 Guest introduction: Dr. Steven C. Hayes, founder of ACT 02:00 What ACT therapy is and why it helps with depression 03:30 Learning psychological flexibility through mentors and self-kindness 04:30 When your brain becomes a dictator: intrusive thoughts and self-criticism 06:20 How being of service can act like an antidepressant 07:40 The “racing car” brain metaphor — and learning to put on the brakes 08:50 Naming your mind (Dr. Hayes calls his “George”) to create distance 10:20 Playful ways to diffuse negative thoughts: cartoons, singing, repetition 12:40 Reframing negative self-talk with compassion for your younger self 14:50 Why we should stop hiding our depression — and how openness builds connection 17:40 Depression as an opportunity: turning “lemons into lemonade” 19:20 Mindfulness as a pivot back into the present moment 21:00 Closing reflections and reminder: “Speak up if you’re struggling, listen up if someone else is.”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/

Too often, stigma and misunderstanding keep people living with bipolar disorder in silence and shame. In this episode, mental health advocate Michelle Yang shares her powerful journey from misdiagnosis and crisis to stability, advocacy, and thriving with bipolar disorder.Michelle’s story highlights how stigma—at school, at home, and in the workplace—nearly derailed her life, but also how she found strength through treatment, resilience, and community. Today, she’s breaking the cycle by speaking out, proving that people with bipolar disorder can and do live full, successful, and joyful lives.If you or someone you love lives with bipolar disorder, this episode will bring insight, encouragement, and a reminder that recovery is possible—and stigma does not define us.Link to Michelle's article: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/asian-american-mental-illness_n_5cacad09e4b02e7a705dae97Link to Michelle's Blog: http://www.livingwellhappily.com/Primary Topics Covered:How stigma impacts mental health diagnosis and recoveryMichelle Yang’s lived experience with bipolar disorderThe difference between wellness and external “success markers” like grades or jobsCultural barriers to recognizing and treating mental illnessWhat people most misunderstand about bipolar disorderWhy sharing positive stories of recovery is vital to breaking stigmaTimestamps:00:01 – Why real stories of recovery matter when you feel alone 00:29 – Michelle Yang’s early experiences with stigma and dismissal 02:28 – A high school moment overlooked as a cry for help 04:05 – “Good grades don’t equal good mental health” 05:07 – Depression spiraling into mania while abroad in college 07:09 – Family response and hospitalization after a psychotic episode 08:48 – Taking a leave of absence and returning stronger 09:21 – Building a career, family, and community while living with bipolar disorder 10:36 – Choosing advocacy over silence: ending the shame cycle 11:56 – “It doesn’t define me”: Michelle’s message of hope 13:07 – Common misconceptions about bipolar disorderExplore 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 sit down with Michelle Yang, who courageously shares her journey of living with depression and bipolar disorder while growing up in an immigrant family. For over 20 years, Michelle kept her struggles a secret—battling shame, fear, and cultural stigma that prevented her from getting help.She describes the trauma of immigration, the pressure of being a high-achieving student, and the terrifying symptoms of untreated bipolar disorder. Michelle also opens up about how stigma in her family and community delayed her access to care, and why sharing her story now is an act of healing and advocacy.If you or someone you know is living with depression or bipolar disorder, Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder that you are not alone—and that finding your voice can break stigma and inspire others.Link to Michelle's Blog: http://www.livingwellhappily.com/Link to Michelle's article we referenced: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/asian-american-mental-illness_n_5cacad09e4b02e7a705dae97Primary Topics Covered:The hidden struggles of living with bipolar disorder and depression as a teen.The impact of immigration trauma and family pressures on mental health.How cultural stigma delayed Michelle’s access to treatment.The dangers of dismissing symptoms as “teen drama” or “cultural differences.”The power of naming your experiences and finding support.Timestamps:00:49 – Introduction to Michelle’s story 01:28 – Keeping depression and bipolar disorder secret for 20 years 02:38 – Immigration trauma and cultural challenges 04:03 – Childhood responsibilities and family pressures 05:31 – Early symptoms of bipolar disorder and mania 06:18 – The crushing shame of mental illness in adolescence 07:19 – How stigma and cultural misconceptions delayed help 09:13 – Michelle begs her parents for mental health support 10:15 – Family fear and stigma preventing treatment 11:24 – Reading from Michelle’s Huffington Post article 12:41 – A heartbreaking dismissal from a doctor 13:06 – Looking ahead to part two of Michelle’s storyExplore 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 COVID-19 pandemic has taken a devastating toll on frontline workers — not only physically, but emotionally and mentally. Nurses, doctors, chaplains, and caregivers have carried the burden of loss, isolation, and trauma, often while working without rest or adequate protection.In this episode, chaplain and mindfulness instructor Christy shares her firsthand experience supporting patients, families, and healthcare workers during the pandemic. From complicated grief and burnout to the early signs of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, Christy describes what it’s really like on the COVID-19 frontline.This powerful conversation explores how healthcare workers can cope with trauma, why self-care is not optional, and how compassion, solidarity, and connection are key to surviving — and healing from — this crisis.Link to article #1: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/07/coronavirus-special-mental-health-disaster/613510/Link to article #2: https://time.com/5817435/covid-19-mental-health-coronavirus/Primary Topics Covered:The mental health toll of COVID-19 on frontline workersWhy nurses, doctors, and caregivers are at higher risk of PTSD and depressionHow chaplains and spiritual care providers support both patients and staffThe weight of grief: patients dying without family at their sideComplicated emotions for healthcare workers (fear, gratitude, overwhelm)The importance of self-care, peer support, and professional mental health carePost-traumatic stress vs. post-traumatic growth in healthcare settingsWhy compassion, solidarity, and nurturing self-talk matter now more than everTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The mental health impact of COVID-19 01:17 – Comparing COVID-19 with the SARS outbreak and its psychiatric aftermath 02:24 – Focus on healthcare workers: guest chaplain Christy’s perspective 03:36 – Emotional overwhelm and the weight of social injustice 04:46 – Shifting from supporting patients to supporting staff as well 05:58 – Isolation, mortality, and grief in hospitals 07:15 – Early signs of PTSD in frontline workers — even caregivers themselves 08:04 – Potential for both post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth 09:37 – Loss of connection and the difficulty of grieving without touch 12:00 – Nurses and doctors share their “complicated” feelings about the pandemic 13:54 – What frontline workers can do to reduce mental health risks 14:48 – The essential role of self-care and nurturing self-talk 15:30 – A message of hope: courage, compassion, and light in the darkness 16:37 – How we can continue to support frontline workers after the crisis 18:20 – Closing reflections: tending to ourselves while caring for othersExplore 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 do you deal with depression and anxiety when returning to work after working from home?For many, going back to the workplace after months of shutdowns has stirred more than routine — it’s brought fear, exhaustion, and deep uncertainty. In this conversation, therapist Sa'Aire Salton shares what she sees in her clients: people who grew comfortable in their depression during isolation now struggling to readjust, and how anxiety about safety and change amplifies those struggles.We discuss why depression can feel “normal” after long periods of isolation, how to spot the warning signs when someone is slipping deeper, and what both peers and employers can do to help support mental health during this transition.If you’ve wondered how to balance living with depression, anxiety, and the pressure of returning to work, this episode offers compassion, tools, and hope.Link to article on employee health: https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/employee-mental-healthLink to article on depression symptoms: https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression#1Primary Topics Covered:Why the return to work feels overwhelming for many with depression and anxietyHow isolation made depression feel “normal” for some peopleThe double impact of anxiety + depression when facing workplace changeStigma, fear, and why asking for help is still so hardSigns to look for in yourself or others that depression is worseningSimple ways to reach out and check on someone without judgmentHow friends, family, and coworkers can provide supportThe role of employers in creating a mentally healthy return-to-work cultureWhy peer connection and honesty reduce stigma and increase healingTimestamps:00:00 Intro — Setting the stage: strange and uncertain times 01:12 The challenge of reopening and uncertainty around safety 02:08 APA report: mental health risks in returning to work 03:00 Guest introduction: Sa'Aire Salton, therapist and consultant 03:45 How isolation made depression feel “comfortable” for many 05:18 Anxiety and fear about COVID-19 amplifying depression 06:40 Complacency and why it’s so hard to seek treatment 08:00 The role of friends, family, and coworkers in helping people return 09:42 Signs and symptoms of depression to look for in ourselves and others 10:23 How to reach out: compassionate, non-judgmental conversations 12:09 Gentle invitations: walks, calls, shared activities to reconnect 12:46 The role of employers in supporting emotional health at work 14:17 Reducing stigma by normalizing post-pandemic struggles 15:44 Why everyone deserves mental health support after trauma 16:46 The importance of reaching in when someone can’t reach out 18:00 Closing reflections: kindness, compassion, and connectionExplore 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 isn’t always about sadness — sometimes it shows up in the everyday tasks that suddenly feel impossible. Showering, folding laundry, doing dishes, or even picking up medication can feel overwhelming, leaving many people trapped in guilt, shame, and self-blame.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Molly Bacchus introduces the idea of the “impossible task,” a phrase that resonated with thousands online. She shares how putting a name to this struggle helps people realize they’re not lazy or broken — they’re experiencing a symptom of depression.Bridget, Terry, and Molly discuss how loved ones can better support someone facing these challenges, why compassion matters, and how even small acts of help can make daily life more manageable.Primary Topics CoveredWhat “the impossible task” means for people with depressionWhy everyday chores can suddenly feel insurmountableThe emotional weight of guilt and shame in depressionExamples of impossible tasks: dishes, laundry, showering, medicationWhy asking for help is a survival tool, not a weaknessThe role of friends in making overwhelming tasks doableMolly’s viral Twitter thread that gave this symptom a nameThe importance of normalizing and validating these experiencesWhy impossible tasks are symptoms of depression — not character flawsTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction  01:00 – The concept of “the impossible task”  01:35 – Small responsibilities that feel overwhelming  02:32 – How Molly’s tweets connected with thousands  03:18 – Defining “the impossible task” in daily life  04:18 – Real examples: laundry, dishes, showering  05:28 – Why outsiders can’t understand the hidden struggle  06:13 – The guilt and shame depression piles on  07:36 – Depression’s blindness to daily surroundings  08:54 – Emotional triage: surviving vs. functioning  09:41 – Even picking up antidepressants feels impossible  10:42 – The power of friends to lighten the load  11:43 – Remembering: “This won’t last forever”  12:15 – Depression’s lie that this is your new normal  12:42 – Helping others with their impossible tasks  13:40 – Why helping someone else can also help you  14:44 – Asking for help doesn’t make you a burden  15:37 – Closing thoughts and invitation to community  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/

Could COVID-19 finally change the way we see mental illness?In this timely conversation, psychiatrist Dr. Jessica Gold explores how the pandemic reshaped our understanding of depression, anxiety, and mental health overall. For the first time, many people experienced what it’s like to struggle with concentration, low energy, and overwhelming worry — symptoms that millions live with daily.We discuss whether this shared experience could finally reduce the stigma of mental illness, encourage earlier intervention, and push for systemic changes in the way care is provided and valued.If you’ve ever wondered how COVID changed mental health awareness — and whether it could help us build a more compassionate and supportive culture — this episode offers both hope and challenge.Links to articles:https://time.com/5835960/coronavirus-mental-illness-stigma/http://www.mhawisconsin.org/depressivedisorders.aspxhttp://www.mhawisconsin.org/anxiety_disorders.aspxhttps://mhanational.org/covid19Primary Topics Covered:Why predictions of a post-pandemic “mental health crisis” need contextHow COVID-19 normalized anxiety and depression for millionsThe role of early intervention and the “Before Stage Four” approachWhy mental health is inseparable from physical healthStigma reduction: how shared struggle can lead to empathySystemic challenges: access, affordability, and insurance parityThe role of racism and inequality in mental health outcomesWhy employers, schools, and healthcare must prioritize mental health post-pandemicThe opportunity COVID presents to transform stigma into awarenessTimestamps:00:00 Welcome to Season 14 of Giving Voice to Depression 01:12 How the pandemic disrupted mental health — and revealed new challenges 02:18 Dr. Jessica Gold on COVID, stigma, and mental illness 03:38 Predictions of post-pandemic mental health crises — what’s real and what’s not 05:00 Anxiety, depression, and the importance of early intervention 06:19 “Before Stage Four” — why prevention matters in mental health 07:21 How COVID blurred the lines between mental and physical health 08:37 Pandemic as a stigma-buster: empathy through shared struggle 09:54 The role of employers and leaders in normalizing mental health needs 11:15 Racism, inequity, and systemic failures exposed by COVID 12:26 Could this moment actually transform mental health care? 14:00 The opportunity to break down stigma and myths about depression 15:23 Practical next steps: early screening, therapy, accessible care 16:30 Closing reflections: hope for systemic change in mental healthExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Work can feel overwhelming when depression or anxiety makes even simple tasks difficult. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, writer Sarah Fielding, author of Nine Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work When You’re Struggling Mentally (Healthline), shares practical strategies for staying motivated and managing mental health challenges in the workplace.From celebrating small wins to using music and short breaks as tools for focus, these approaches are designed to support—not pressure—you. This conversation reminds us that motivation isn’t about forcing productivity; it’s about creating realistic, compassionate habits that keep us moving forward, even on the hardest days.Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or burnout, these insights can help you find balance, protect your mental health, and rediscover purpose at work.Primary Topics CoveredWhy depression and anxiety impact workplace performanceHow absenteeism and presenteeism cost employees and organizationsPractical ways to review progress and build momentumThe importance of short breaks for resetting energyUsing music playlists as a focus and motivation toolFood, caffeine, and clothing as small but powerful mindset shiftsAccepting that tough days are part of the journey—and giving yourself graceTimestamps00:00 - Introduction: Work struggles with depression and anxiety 01:14 - The hidden costs of absenteeism and presenteeism 03:16 - Reviewing progress to boost confidence and motivation 04:56 - Taking five minutes to reset your energy 06:51 - The power of playlists for focus and mood 08:05 - Food and caffeine as tools for mental energy 09:05 - How clothing choices impact mindset at work 10:28 - Practicing self-compassion on hard days 11:29 - Looking ahead: future mental health topics 12:28 - Recognized as a top depression podcast 13:23 - Closing message: Speak up, listen upExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/