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

When people talk about maternal mental health, postpartum depression often gets the spotlight. But what about the depression that begins during pregnancy?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Isabelle shares her experience with antepartum depression — the deep sadness, hopelessness, and stigma she felt while expecting both of her children. She describes how little people talk about depression during pregnancy, why the shame is so heavy, and how her ongoing recovery looks years later.With honesty, reflection, and a dose of Buddhist wisdom, Isabelle opens up about coping strategies, managing depression like a chronic condition, and how friends and community support can help lighten the weight. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression during pregnancy, this story reminds you that you are not alone — and healing is possible.Primary Topics Covered:What antepartum depression is and why it’s rarely discussedIsabelle’s experience of depression during both pregnanciesThe difference between postpartum and antepartum depressionThe stigma of being depressed during pregnancyHow hormones, fear, and expectations contribute to maternal depressionDepression as a lifelong condition to be managedCoping strategies: therapy, exercise, childcare support, and communityThe role of perspective: learning to say “this will pass”Why hearing other people’s stories can make depression less isolatingTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Maternal Mental Health Month  01:31 – What is antepartum depression?  02:07 – Isabelle shares her story of depression during pregnancy  02:30 – The stigma of saying “I’m depressed while pregnant”  02:48 – Why maternal depression is rarely discussed  03:32 – Hormones, fear, and the reality of pregnancy  04:13 – Postpartum depression after her first child  04:22 – A different experience during second pregnancy  04:57 – Depression as a managed, chronic condition  05:21 – Coping strategies: therapy, exercise, childcare support  05:33 – How depression distorts reality and emotions  06:10 – Learning to recognize “bad days” as temporary  06:57 – The power of hearing others’ stories  07:46 – Accepting the full spectrum of emotions  07:56 – Buddhist practice: sitting with depression until it passes  08:32 – Writing letters to yourself during good times  09:48 – Giving voice to depression as a way of separating from it  10:22 – How pregnancy reshapes identity and mental health  10:53 – Closing reflections on maternal depression and 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/

What happens when the pain of childhood is never spoken aloud — or validated? For Trina Kennedy, it meant carrying an invisible backpack of heavy rocks: unresolved grief, shame, and loneliness. That burden grew into depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Trina shares her journey of living with the weight of childhood trauma — and how finding safe spaces, supportive adults, and therapy helped her begin to unpack it. Alongside reflections from hosts Terry and Carly, this conversation explores the difference between stress and trauma, why validation matters so deeply, and how healing is possible through connection and post-traumatic growth.If you’ve ever wondered about the connection between childhood trauma and depression, or struggled to make sense of unspoken pain, Trina’s story will remind you: you are not alone, and healing is possible.Link to Trina's website: https://trinaleekennedy.ca/Primary Topics CoveredThe link between childhood trauma and depressionWhy unspoken pain becomes a lifelong burdenThe “backpack of rocks” metaphor for unresolved emotionsDifference between stress and trauma — and why both matterThe role of validation in completing the “distress loop”How parental responses (or lack of them) shape a child’s copingSuicidal thoughts in adolescence and finding life-saving supportThe importance of safe spaces and compassionate professionalsPost-traumatic growth: transforming pain into purposeWhy healing requires connection, not isolationTimestamps00:00 – Introduction and purpose of the podcast  01:12 – Mr. Rogers: “Anything human is mentionable”  01:34 – Trina Kennedy shares her “messy middle” journey  02:36 – How definitions of trauma have shifted  03:45 – Stress vs. trauma: why the distinction matters  04:28 – Trina’s childhood and relational trauma with her father  06:36 – The “backpack of rocks” metaphor for unprocessed pain  08:34 – Accumulated pain leading to depression and suicidal thoughts  09:43 – Hospitalization at 16 after a suicide attempt  10:34 – Finding a life-changing psychologist who provided safe space  12:22 – Healing is messy but growth is possible  12:39 – Post-traumatic growth: learning, growth, and helping others  14:11 – What people most need to hear in their darkest moments  15:33 – Gabor Maté’s “The Myth of Normal” and societal trauma  17:41 – Trauma as a normal response to abnormal conditions  20:21 – Why adults must validate children’s emotions  22:53 – Adults admitting they don’t have the answers — and why it matters  24:26 – How consistent caring adults buffer childhood trauma  26:01 – Somatization: when unspoken pain shows up in the body  27:19 – Resources and closing reflections  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/

Many people living with depression are told to “get better” for their families, their partners, or their friends. But what happens when you realize you deserve to recover for yourself?In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Ari Cohen shares her lifelong journey with depression, from being diagnosed at age 11 to navigating suicidal thoughts, family loss, and the pressure to heal for others. Through therapy and reflection, Ari discovered a profound truth: true recovery begins when we believe we are worthy of healing for our own sake.If you’ve ever wondered what recovery from depression really looks like — and how self-worth plays a central role — this conversation offers validation, hope, and practical insights for your own healing journey.Primary Topics CoveredWhy recovery from depression often feels like it’s “for others”Ari’s first diagnosis of depression as a childHow antidepressants triggered suicidal thoughts at age 11The devastating impact of losing a family member to suicideMaking a personal commitment to seek help in crisisThe importance of connection and meeting others with similar strugglesHow trauma-informed therapy reframed healing around self-worthThe role of self-compassion, journaling, and gentle practices in recoveryWhy healing for yourself (not just others) is essentialRecognizing that doing it “for you” doesn’t mean doing it aloneTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and framing of the episode  01:18 – How depression is often framed in relation to others  02:35 – Ari Cohen’s story begins  03:09 – Early depression diagnosis at age 11  05:12 – Antidepressants, side effects, and first suicidal thoughts  06:24 – Crisis intervention and support from family  08:13 – Starting high school while still depressed  09:19 – Losing a stepbrother to suicide and its impact  09:28 – Making a personal commitment to seek help in crisis  10:11 – Discovering the importance of peer support  11:26 – Trauma-informed outpatient program in late 20s  12:05 – Writing a letter to suicide: realizing its grip on life milestones  12:37 – The key question: Who are you getting better for?  13:08 – Shifting toward healing for self-worth  15:13 – Doing it for yourself doesn’t mean doing it alone  16:34 – Gentle practices: hobbies, self-compassion, journaling  18:25 – Dr. Anita’s reflections on Ari’s message  19:33 – The importance of community and safe spaces  21:07 – Closing thoughts and resources  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/

Men are less likely than women to seek therapy — but not because they don’t need it. Stigma, cultural expectations, and outdated ideas about masculinity often keep men silent when they’re struggling with depression or grief.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health counselor Ethan Getchell shares his personal story of losing his brother to suicide and how it inspired him to change careers and rebrand therapy for men. From using humor and relatable language to creating safe, judgment-free spaces, Ethan shows how new approaches to therapy can help men open up, heal, and save lives.If you’ve ever wondered why men avoid therapy — and what can be done about it — this candid and hopeful conversation offers fresh insights, practical tools, and reasons to believe change is possible.Link to Ethan's Hey Man newsletter: https://ethangetchell.substack.com/Link to "Man Therapy" website: https://mantherapy.org/Primary Topics Covered:Why men are less likely to seek therapy for depressionEthan’s personal story of grief after losing his brother to suicideCultural expectations of masculinity and “rugged individualism”How the pandemic exposed covert depression in menRebranding therapy to make it more approachable for menUsing CBT, apps, and behavioral tracking to engage clientsThe “Core Four” basics: earth, air, fire, and water as self-care toolsThe role of vulnerability and safe spaces in men’s mental healthHow humor and creative campaigns (like Man Therapy) break stigmaWhy rebranding mental health can literally save livesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Carly joins as guest co-host  01:25 – Why men get depressed (Man Therapy excerpt)  02:12 – Why rebranding mental health communication matters  02:44 – Meet Ethan: his story and motivation  03:04 – Losing his brother to suicide and its impact  04:14 – Masculinity, independence, and the “lone cowboy” myth  05:07 – The pandemic and covert depression in men  06:21 – Why men avoid therapy and how to rebrand it  07:06 – CBT and behavioral strategies for men  08:19 – The “Core Four” elements: basics of self-care  10:08 – Two modes of therapy: crisis vs exploration  11:29 – Humor, campaigns, and the power of rebranding  13:17 – Happiness through discomfort, growth, and resilience  14:39 – Listening first: building trust with young men  16:22 – The importance of male therapists as role models  18:02 – Vulnerability vs fear of judgment  19:17 – Core needs and acronyms like HALTS  21:00 – “Hey Man” newsletter: shoulder-to-shoulder conversations  22:40 – Safe spaces, community, and reducing stigma  23:22 – Why more people should embrace therapy without shame  24:32 – Closing thoughts and resources  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/

Recovery from depression doesn’t always come through major breakthroughs. Sometimes it begins with the smallest shift — a single degree of change that sets you on a new path.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Lori shares her raw experience of persistent depression and how discovering the “power of yet” helped her reclaim hope. With support from Dr. Anita Sanz, she explains how connection, reframing, and small daily adjustments can make recovery possible, even when depression insists that nothing will ever change.If you’ve ever asked yourself how to recover from depression or felt hopeless after repeated setbacks, this conversation will remind you that you’re not broken — you’re just stuck. And even the tiniest shifts can help you move toward healing.Primary Topics Covered:Why recovery from depression often starts with small shiftsLori’s journey of living with persistent depressionThe “power of yet” as a new way of seeing progressHow connection with others reduces isolation and shameDepression’s lies: “It will always feel this way”Metaphors of healing: airplane’s one-degree shift, backpack vs. screen doorReleasing contingent self-worth and shameFinding hope in daily life, even during ongoing strugglesWhy persistence and patience matter in depression recoveryTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Small shifts in depression recovery  01:18 – Lori opens with her experience of persistent depression  02:38 – What it means to live halfway out of depression’s pit  04:00 – Starting a treatment program after years of struggle  04:20 – Connecting with others living with depression  05:30 – Why shared experience reduces isolation  05:57 – Discovering hope again after failed treatments  06:44 – Depression’s lies: “You’ll never feel different”  07:32 – The power of yet: not broken, just stuck  08:43 – Airplane metaphor: one-degree shifts change your course  09:51 – First sparks of hope: noticing tiny improvements  10:35 – Unpacking shame and contingent self-worth  11:40 – Sitting with pain instead of avoiding it  12:37 – Recognizing self-worth as a given, not earned  13:26 – Backpack vs. screen door metaphor for carrying burdens  14:37 – Small moments of contentment in everyday life  15:32 – The role of persistence and patience in healing  19:39 – Why small shifts matter in depression recovery  20:49 – Closing: You are not broken, and you are not alone  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/

Persistent depression doesn’t just come and go. It lingers — shaping daily routines, relationships, energy, and even self-worth.In this raw and honest episode of Giving Voice to Depression, our guest shares what it feels like to “live at 60 percent,” carrying the weight of chronic depression every day. From constant fatigue to feelings of hopelessness, she describes the signs and symptoms of living with depression that rarely lets up.This conversation isn’t about quick fixes or miracle cures. It’s about survival, resilience, and the courage it takes to speak openly about struggles many people silently endure. Whether you live with persistent depression yourself or support someone who does, this episode offers validation and the reminder that you are not alone.Primary Topics Covered:The reality of persistent (chronic) depressionWhat it means to “live at 60 percent”Key signs and symptoms of ongoing depressionWhy depression is different from occasional sadnessHow chronic depression affects daily energy and motivationThe impact on relationships and self-worthSmall survival strategies and redefining successWhy naming depression takes away some of its powerThe importance of honesty and vulnerability in sharing strugglesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why persistent depression matters  01:22 – Living at “60 percent” and what that feels like  03:41 – The daily symptoms of chronic depression  05:02 – Self-worth and identity under the weight of depression  07:14 – How depression limits motivation and energy  09:33 – Relationships affected by long-term depression  12:11 – Survival vs. recovery: redefining progress  14:28 – The value of honesty when sharing about depression  16:42 – Small wins: showing up even when exhausted  19:56 – Finding hope and meaning amid ongoing struggles  21:30 – Closing reflections: why naming depression matters  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 — and how is it different from ordinary sadness?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychologists Dr. Robert Duff, Dr. Margaret Rutherford, and Dr. Maduka Trivedi help clarify one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health. While sadness is a temporary emotional state, depression is a serious and persistent illness that can impact every part of life.Through metaphors, expert insights, and lived experience, our guests explain why depression is not a weakness, why positive events don’t always “snap someone out of it,” and what symptoms signal a need for professional help. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you—or someone you love—are experiencing is sadness or depression, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope.Primary Topics Covered:What depression feels like vs. what sadness feels likeDr. Robert Duff’s “Big D” vs. “Little d” depression explanationDepression as a recurring pattern and “parasite”Why sadness fades but depression lingers day and nightDr. Margaret Rutherford on forgetting how to be happyThe hidden faces of depression: irritability, exhaustion, despairDr. Maduka Trivedi on why external positives don’t cure depressionClinical signs of major depression (per WebMD’s criteria)When to seek professional help and available treatmentsTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why sadness and depression are often confused  01:14 – Episode overview and why this distinction matters  02:24 – Dr. Robert Duff on “Big D” vs. “Little d” depression  03:24 – Depression as a recurring uphill battle  04:25 – Metaphors: depression as a “parasite” that feeds on itself  05:09 – Dr. Margaret Rutherford on crossing from sadness into depression  06:55 – Why depression consumes daily life in a way sadness does not  07:07 – Forgetting happiness: why it’s not a choice  07:31 – Depression as a genetic predisposition, not weakness  08:45 – Dr. Maduka Trivedi: the two major signals of depression  09:48 – Why positive events don’t always shift depression’s weight  10:23 – WebMD’s nine symptoms of major depression  11:22 – How to recognize major depressive disorder  11:33 – Treatment options: therapy, medication, and sleep hygiene  11:45 – Closing encouragement for those living with 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/

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/