Giving Voice to Depression

What difference does it make when families actually talk about depression instead of hiding it?In this episode, Jesse reflects on growing up in a family where mental illness was openly discussed at home, long before society embraced those conversations. She shares what it was like to watch her mother struggle with depression, how honesty helped reduce shame, and how those early conversations shaped her own lifelong journey with depression and anxiety.Joined by guest co-host John, who also carries a deep family history of depression and addiction, the discussion explores the healing power of openness, the damage of silence, and how breaking cycles of secrecy can change lives — including the next generation’s.This is a powerful reminder that talking about depression is not just brave — it’s transformative.Primary Topics Covered:Why “talking about depression” is essential for reducing stigmaJesse’s family history of depression and anxiety across generationsHow her parents’ honesty helped her as a child understand mental illnessThe experience of watching her mother live with chronic pain and depressionHow secrecy, silence, and gaslighting fueled shame and confusion in other familiesJohn’s contrasting story of growing up in a family that denied problemsThe impact of being told “it’s not your fault” as a childHow honesty creates resilience and helps future generationsPractical ways families can break cycles of silence about mental healthTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why talking about depression matters  01:00 – Meet Jesse and guest co-host John  01:27 – Jesse’s lifelong journey with chronic depression and anxiety  02:05 – Family openness about depression in the 1960s  03:14 – How honesty shaped Jesse’s understanding as a child  04:42 – Her parents’ candid conversations about mental illness  07:15 – Watching her mother’s struggle with depression and chronic pain  09:10 – The power of being told “it’s not your fault” as a child  11:38 – Jesse internalizes stress and develops physical symptoms  12:38 – The complexity of hearing a parent say “I wish I could die”  15:00 – Jesse’s lifelong daily depression and morning struggles  15:58 – Her “tripod of support”: medication, diet, and exercise  16:46 – Daily practices from 12-step recovery and writing letters  18:18 – Metaphor of the snowball: unpacking depression one piece at a time  19:32 – Finding functional, self-respectful ways to cope with depression  20:46 – John’s contrasting family experience: silence, gaslighting, and addiction  24:10 – How secrecy undermines children’s trust in themselves  26:41 – Breaking the cycle: creating openness for the next generation  27:16 – Closing reflections: the healing power of honest conversations  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 if the right question could shift how you see yourself, your struggles, and your recovery journey? In this farewell episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz shares the three most powerful questions she’s used with clients — and in her own life — to challenge the lies of depression and uncover new paths forward.After three years as co-host of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Sanz leaves listeners with these tools as a parting gift: practical, hope-filled questions that can help you reframe hopelessness, break through mental ruts, and reconnect with your inner strength.If you’re living with depression or supporting someone who is, this conversation will remind you that even the smallest shifts in perspective can open the door to recovery.Primary Topics Covered:Why questions can be powerful tools in depression recoveryThe first question: What dream would you explore if you felt fully supported?How reframing challenges can break depression’s mental “rut”The second question: What if life is an adventure and not a mission?Why seeing life as an adventure reduces pressure and comparisonThe third question: What if I am stronger than I think I am?Using self-compassion and inner strength to navigate dark timesReflections on Dr. Sanz’s role as co-host and her farewell message of hopeThe importance of authenticity, connection, and shared storiesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The mission of Giving Voice to Depression  00:32 – Dr. Anita Sanz reflects on her years of clinical practice  01:27 – Why Anita is leaving the podcast and her farewell gift  02:00 – Introducing three life-changing questions for mental health  02:40 – Why powerful questions work with depression and anxiety  04:48 – Question #1: What dream would you explore if you felt fully supported?  07:45 – How this question helps break the mental rut of depression  09:42 – Personal examples from Dr. Sanz’s life and work  11:49 – Question #2: What if life is an adventure and not a mission?  13:25 – The difference between adventures and missions in recovery  15:41 – How shifting perspective removes pressure and comparison  17:18 – Question #3: What if I am stronger than I think I am?  19:19 – How this question challenges self-doubt and hopelessness  21:41 – Dr. Sanz reflects on hope, authenticity, and connection  22:40 – Farewell reflections and gratitude from both hosts  24:51 – Where to follow Dr. Anita Sanz and her next adventure  25:19 – Closing: The importance of speaking up and listening  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 recovery rarely happens in one breakthrough moment—it’s usually a series of small, almost invisible steps that slowly add up to change. For The Tors Band, those moments of light became the foundation of their viral song “Anything Can Happen” and their journey of speaking openly about mental health.In this episode, Matt Weedon shares how sleeping through the night for the first time in months, opening the curtains, and noticing tiny sparks of joy signaled the slow but powerful lifting of depression. He reflects on how honesty and vulnerability have shaped their music, connected with millions, and reminded others that healing is possible—even if progress feels painfully slow.If you’re on your own recovery journey, this episode offers proof that even the smallest steps can bring hope when the darkness begins to lift.Primary Topics Covered:Depression recovery as a slow process of small winsThe Tors Band’s viral song “Anything Can Happen” and its impactWhy sleeping through the night marked a turning point in recoveryThe metaphor of opening curtains and letting in lightThe role of authenticity and truth-telling in music and healingHow sharing vulnerability helped The Tors connect with millionsBuilding daily routines: walking, music, writing, and therapyAccepting both bad and good days as part of the recovery processWhy even imperceptible progress matters in depression recoveryTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The Tors Band and their story of hope  02:11 – From “Anything Can Happen” to global impact: 9.5 million streams  03:26 – The emotional listener response to honest lyrics  05:29 – Why depression and anxiety connect universally  06:53 – The power of truth-telling in music and mental health  08:16 – Sleeping through the night: a small but life-changing win  09:39 – Opening the curtains: a metaphor for recovery  10:49 – Why depression recovery is slow, not instant  12:21 – Accepting setbacks while noticing small improvements  13:25 – The role of daily routines: dogs, walking, podcasts, writing  14:35 – Therapy and uncovering childhood experiences  15:18 – The message of slow but real healing  16:15 – Why the smallest progress matters most  18:59 – Authenticity and why music resonates so deeply  20:11 – Full performance: *“Anything Can Happen”* by The Tors Band  23:30 – Final reflections: slow recovery, real hope  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/

Coping with depression often means searching for ways to turn struggle into something that helps you keep going. For Matt Weedon of The Tors, that outlet was music.In this heartfelt conversation, Matt shares how the band’s song “Anything Can Happen” was written during a season of deep depression. He describes what it felt like to carry both pain and numbness, why even simple tasks felt impossible, and how the support of a true friend became a lifeline.Matt and The Tors remind us that music, friendship, and self-compassion can turn even the heaviest moments into sparks of hope.Link to The Tors website: https://www.tors.band/Primary Topics Covered:Coping with depression through creativity and songwritingThe story of “Anything Can Happen” and its personal meaningWhat it feels like to live with pain and numbness at the same timeThe challenge of daily tasks when depression is overwhelmingWhy trusted friendships are essential for survival and healingSelf-compassion in practice: “If you need a minute, take a minute”The role of routines and small joys in recoveryThe power of listening without judgment or solutionsHow music helps give language to mental health strugglesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: why coping with depression requires support  02:12 – Meet Matt Weedon of The Tors and the song’s backstory  03:44 – Writing during depression and the emotional weight of creativity  05:08 – Pain and numbness: the paradox of depression’s symptoms  05:38 – Lyrics from “Anything Can Happen” and how they resonate  06:43 – “I don’t remember happy” — losing joy and memory in depression  08:26 – The role of a friend who listens without judgment  09:29 – Why being heard feels like being loved  10:54 – Responding with compassion when someone shares their struggle  11:49 – The reminder: “If you need a minute, take a minute”  15:13 – Building hope even when the future feels impossible  15:35 – Routines and small goals as building blocks for recovery  18:30 – Laughter, TV shows, and sparks of joy returning  20:09 – Comfort inputs: why familiar routines support the brain  21:22 – Friendship, presence, and “body doubling” in recovery  22:51 – Closing thoughts: music as medicine for depression  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 doesn’t just bring sadness—it can strip away hope, motivation, and even the will to fight for recovery. For Johnny Crowder, frontman, mental health advocate, and founder of Cope Notes, depression became the most debilitating part of his long list of diagnoses, which also included anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.In this deeply honest conversation, Johnny shares how depression convinced him not to seek help, why it felt impossible to do the things that could make him better, and how he eventually began to challenge those dark, repetitive thoughts. He also explains how he monitors his own “tells” to recognize when depression is rising—and how noticing even small sparks of joy helped him rebuild hope.Together with Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz, Johnny explores the paradox of depression, the importance of self-compassion, and practical strategies for surviving when life feels impossible.Link to Johnny Crowder's Website:https://johnnycrowder.com/Link to Johnny Crowder's first TEDx Talk: "Why I Don't Want to Die Anymore":https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e612-OTu-SALink to Johnny Crowder's second TEDx Talk: "How to Grow as a Person (and Why it Sucks)" https://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_crowder_how_to_grow_as_a_person_and_why_it_sucksPrimary Topics Covered:Why depression can feel more debilitating than other diagnosesJohnny’s lived experience with bipolar disorder, OCD, and schizophreniaThe metaphor of depression as the “thing that keeps you from the solution”How hopelessness prevents people from seeking treatmentThe difference between acceptance and surrender in mental healthEckhart Tolle’s approach to reframing intrusive thoughtsRecognizing personal “tells” that signal the onset of depressionWhy monitoring sparks of joy can help recoveryPractical coping strategies and the importance of safe supportTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why depression conversations matter  02:07 – Meet Johnny Crowder: musician, advocate, and psychology graduate  03:09 – Johnny’s mental health diagnoses: depression, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia, bipolar  05:45 – Depression as the most debilitating diagnosis  06:54 – How depression prevents people from seeking help  07:24 – Explaining depression’s nature to those who haven’t experienced it  09:13 – Sadness vs. depression: the difference  10:12 – Losing hope and vision for the future  11:47 – Seeking evidence outside depression’s lies  12:53 – Writing truths for yourself when you’re well  13:27 – Therapist insight: “Who would you have to be to not be affected?”  14:33 – Connecting life stress with depressive episodes  15:22 – Learning from Eckhart Tolle: reframing thoughts  17:31 – Johnny’s personal “tells” that depression is worsening  18:28 – Recognizing signs of recovery: sparks of joy returning  19:19 – Depression as the blocker to solutions and hope  20:44 – Acceptance vs. surrender: finding balance  23:36 – Responding differently to symptoms without resisting  28:10 – Acceptance as empowerment, not giving up  29:35 – Early warning signs and recognizing positive change  30:59 – Johnny’s advocacy and Cope Notes 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 happens when everything falls apart at once? Musician and mental health advocate Johnny Crowder recently faced that exact reality—losing his home, his band, and his relationship (with the woman he expected to marry,) all within days.In this 25-minute episode, he talks about the depression that followed ("a bear he has wrestled many times before,") and the mindset shift that helped him rebuild and reconnect with hope. If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t find your way out of a dark place, Johnny’s story—and the practical strategies he shares—will remind you that healing is possible, one step at a time.Link to Johnny Crowder's Website: https://johnnycrowder.com/Link to Johnny Crowder's 1st TEDx Talk: Why I Don't Want to Die Anymore:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e612-OTu-SALink to Johnny Crowder's 2nt TEDx TalkTEDx Talk: How to Grow as a Person (and Why it Sucks) : https://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_crowder_how_to_grow_as_a_person_and_why_it_sucksPrimary Topics Covered:Depression recovery after multiple major life lossesJohnny’s story: hurricane, relationship ending, and band breakupHow depression resurfaced and what it felt like this timeWhy fighting depression doesn’t always workReframing loss as an opportunity for growth and changeAsking trusted friends/family for reminders of past resilienceDepression’s lies: hopelessness, time distortion, and lack of joyThe importance of acceptance and patience in healingTools like writing, reflection, and Cope Notes for daily supportSelf-compassion and practicing early intervention strategiesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Johnny Crowder  01:26 – Johann Hari’s view on depression as a response to abnormal experiences  02:11 – Johnny’s background: survivor, musician, and advocate  03:12 – Hurricane destroys Johnny’s home and sparks reflection  04:16 – Band breakup, relationship loss, and simultaneous crises  06:00 – Depression returns after years of stability  08:36 – Avoidance, denial, and the first signs of depression  10:58 – Processing loss and the fear of not rebuilding  11:45 – What’s different this time: hope instead of suicidal thoughts  13:55 – Building resilience through past experiences and evidence  14:07 – Writing, speaking, and developing new coping frameworks  15:50 – Asking others to reflect resilience back to you  17:30 – Depression’s lies: hopelessness and distorted time  18:59 – Building an “emergency box” for future depressive episodes  20:56 – Awareness, timing, and early intervention  22:39 – Closing thoughts and links to Johnny’s work (TEDx, Cope Notes)  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 episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Gwen shares her lived experience of supporting her husband and children while navigating the challenges depression brings into a family home. She discusses the importance of ground rules, open communication, and small acts of kindness that help maintain connection during hard times. Gwen also emphasizes self-care for caregivers, the value of finding supportive friends, and accessing resources to prevent burnout. Her story offers hope, practical strategies, and encouragement for anyone caring for a loved one with depression.Link to Families for Depression Awareness website/resources:https://www.familyaware.org/Primary Topics CoveredThe emotional impact of depression on partners and familiesEstablishing ground rules for communication and household responsibilitiesEarly intervention: recognizing and addressing warning signs of depressionMaintaining connection through small acts of kindnessBalancing family life when a partner is strugglingThe importance of self-care and finding a support systemAvailable resources for caregivers of people with depressionTimestamps00:00 Intro to the podcast and mission 01:42 Depression’s impact on caregivers and loved ones 02:08 The cairn metaphor: leaving markers for others on the path 03:26 Introducing Gwen and her family’s story 04:02 Finding joy and humor in daily life despite depression 04:39 Creating ground rules for communication and support 05:52 Recognizing early warning signs and taking action 06:34 Balancing responsibilities and avoiding total withdrawal 08:13 Careful communication: word choice and timing 10:15 Small acts of kindness to maintain connection 11:45 Allowing family life to continue when a partner opts out 12:57 Explaining absence to children and friends 15:19 Remembering the person you fell in love with 16:12 The importance of caregiver self-care and support networks 18:41 Being honest with trusted friends about struggles 20:22 Accessing resources and finding creative support solutions 22:24 Key takeaways: remembering your partner before depression and finding core people 26:24 Resources for caregivers and support organizations 27:53 Closing reflections and encouragement to seek 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/

Supporting a partner with depression is an act of love, but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating. In this episode, Gwen shares her lived experience navigating marriage, parenting, and family life while her husband struggles with treatment-resistant depression. She offers candid insights about setting boundaries, managing responsibilities, and practicing self-care—without letting depression define the relationship.Alongside Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry, this conversation explores how to maintain hope, establish healthy routines, and gently encourage a depressed partner to stay engaged, while also protecting your own mental health and well-being. Whether you’re a spouse, caregiver, or family member, this episode provides both validation and practical tools for the journey.Primary Topics Covered:The realities of marriage when a partner has treatment-resistant depressionBalancing caregiving responsibilities with self-careSetting healthy boundaries and enforcing them compassionatelyCo-parenting challenges when depression impacts family dynamicsGentle “nudging” strategies that encourage engagement without enablingThe importance of routines, shared responsibilities, and open communicationRecognizing caregiver burnout and creating a personal self-care planUsing couples or family therapy to navigate communication barriersFinding hope and resilience through long-term mental health challengesTimestamps:00:02:00 - The emotional toll of caregiving and why it often feels isolating 00:04:15 - Gwen shares her family’s story: marriage, kids, and depression 00:07:10 - Navigating the ups and downs of a partner’s depressive episodes 00:08:24 - The power of boundaries: protecting yourself from harmful behaviors 00:09:46 - Gwen’s “roller coaster” metaphor for staying grounded 00:11:00 - Coping with a partner who pushes you away 00:12:15 - Shared responsibilities and routines that strengthen the family 00:15:43 - Why depressed partners often resist using coping tools—and what to do 00:18:01 - Supporting someone who isolates during depression vs. physical illness 00:19:00 - The importance of self-care for the caregiver: protecting your energy 00:20:51 - Gentle nudging, small wins, and staying hopeful 00:23:37 - Final reflections: protecting relationships from being defined by depressionExplore 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, we share Margaret’s story of living with a partner who struggles with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety while raising a child. Margaret opens up about the challenges of feeling unsupported, navigating parenting, and maintaining connection in the face of a mental health disorder. Clinical psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz provides insights on recognizing when depression — not the person — is speaking, and strategies for setting boundaries and maintaining communication. This episode sheds light on the loneliness caregivers often experience, while offering hope and practical guidance for families navigating depression together.Primary Topics CoveredThe emotional toll of living with a partner with depressionParenting challenges when one parent struggles with mental illnessThe loneliness and lack of support caregivers often faceHow depression changes relationship dynamics and communicationSetting boundaries and pre-planning responses to depressive episodesWhy hope matters for both partners and caregiversTimestamps00:00 Intro to Giving Voice to Depression 01:07 About the podcast and its mission 02:15 Listener Margaret’s story and request for guidance 03:26 The challenges of living with a partner with depression 05:13 The loneliness of caregiving in silence 06:32 How Margaret’s understanding of depression has evolved 08:19 The struggle when tools aren’t being used by a depressed partner 09:29 Longing for support and partnership while raising a child 10:59 The difficulty of caregiving when depression pushes you away 12:37 Lack of support from family and friends 13:34 What caregivers most wish others understood 15:05 The challenge of managing parenting and partnership with depression 15:48 Margaret’s closing thoughts on loneliness and survival strategies 17:11 Reflections on the need for connection in relationships 18:38 Dr. Sanz on separating depression from the person 19:47 How to create a plan for depressive episodes 22:12 Respecting the person but not respecting depression 23:30 Using wellness recovery action plans in relationships 24:17 Including a depressed partner even in small ways 25:15 Closing reflections 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/

After losing his teenage daughter to suicide, Chris Coulter turned his grief into a mission: demanding real change in how schools and parents address teen mental health.In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Chris shares the lessons he learned too late — about prevention, emotional intelligence, grief, and the dangerous indifference many parents and schools show toward mental health. Joined by Dr. Anita Sanz, this conversation highlights the urgent need for systemic change, while also giving parents practical tools to support their children before crisis hits.This episode is both a call to action and a guide for parents who want to do better — because awareness, listening, and early intervention can save lives.Link to Chris Coulter's article: https://chriscoulter-66476.medium.com/from-grief-to-growth-a-journey-of-healing-e647e426bb5eLink to Chris's Coultere-book: https://www.amazon.com/WAKE-COULD-LOSE-YOUR-SUICIDE-ebook/dp/B0CQQ61F2RLink to Chris's Coulter blog: https://www.thefinishlinegroup.com/emotional-wellness-blogPrimary Topics Covered:Why teen depression and suicide rates are far higher than many realizeChris’s story of loss and transformation into an advocateWhy prevention is more effective than crisis responseThe importance of teaching emotional intelligence and grief to kidsThe difference between sadness and depression in teensHow parents can listen without always “fixing”Celebrating small wins to build resilience and hopeWhy schools must be held accountable for mental health programsHow student-led evaluations could drive systemic changeTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and episode context 01:27 – Chris Coulter’s mission after losing his daughter to suicide 02:53 – Teen depression statistics and misconceptions 04:06 – Why prevention matters more than crisis intervention 05:33 – Teaching emotional intelligence and grief at an early age 07:10 – Parents’ role: listening vs. fixing 08:30 – Why celebrating small wins builds resilience 09:34 – Understanding sadness vs. depression in teens 10:30 – Supporting children through silence and presence 12:05 – Building trust and emotional safety with kids 13:14 – Hard lessons learned through loss 13:46 – Chris’s frustration with school indifference to mental health 14:37 – Holding schools accountable for student mental health support 16:25 – Why student ratings could spark systemic change 17:11 – Dr. Anita Sanz on ignorance vs. education in mental health 19:17 – The importance of teaching grief and emotions to children 20:50 – Final reflections and call to action for parents and schoolsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/