Giving Voice to Depression

When Pablo Muirhead and his family of four tested positive for COVID-19, the diagnosis brought not only physical symptoms but also waves of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. In this candid conversation, Pablo shares what it’s really like to live through coronavirus as a family — from the shock of the test results to the emotional toll of quarantine.Despite having underlying health conditions and mild depression and anxiety, Pablo and his family’s experience highlights an often-overlooked truth: for many, COVID-19 is not a death sentence. Most cases are mild — but the mental health impact of fear, stigma, and isolation can be profound.This episode offers a reassuring, real-world perspective on coping with illness during a pandemic, staying hopeful, and protecting both mental and physical health while in quarantine.Link to Pablo's YouTube posts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7WvvjxyQGq6BYrrR8rqnDAZvI9AqOjMNPrimary Topics Covered:A family’s firsthand experience of testing positive for COVID-19Mild symptoms vs. worst-case fears: finding perspectiveCoping with anxiety, depression, and uncertainty during illnessQuarantine as a family: balancing health, parenting, and connectionThe role of stigma and why going public was liberatingHow fear and misinformation can amplify anxietyWhy maintaining hope and kindness supports the immune systemLessons for treating ourselves — and others — with compassion during crisisTimestamps:00:00 – Intro: mental health focus during the pandemic 01:18 – Meet Pablo: family of four tests positive for COVID-19 02:35 – First symptoms: chills, headache, mild fever 03:44 – Testing experience: negative flu, then COVID-19 confirmation 04:35 – Family reaction: tears, fear, and uncertainty 05:46 – Coping with anxiety and depression during illness 06:32 – Mild symptoms and quick recovery: a reassuring reality 07:55 – Family members’ experiences: loss of taste, sniffles, mild asthma 09:34 – Quarantine at home: masks, distancing, and adjusting routines 10:27 – Anxiety about exposure and stigma before going public 11:24 – Going public: social media video and community response 12:12 – The mental toll of uncertainty and fear-driven thinking 13:21 – Immune system and mental health: why hope matters 14:38 – Parenting challenges during quarantine: screen time, routines 15:19 – Perspective: most people will experience mild or no symptoms 16:23 – Silver linings: slowing down and finding opportunities in change 17:24 – Staying connected while physically distant 18:17 – Closing reflections: compassion, resilience, and hopeExplore 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 tested not only our physical health but also our mental resilience. In this episode, we sit down with Paul Gionfriddo, President and CEO of Mental Health America (MHA), to explore the best mental health resources available during these uncertain times.Paul shares free and reliable online screening tools, expert-curated resources, and simple but effective self-care practices to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. From reducing isolation with technology to finding trustworthy sources of information, this conversation provides a roadmap for maintaining mental wellness through crisis.Whether you’re struggling personally or looking to support loved ones, this episode offers actionable tools to help you stay connected, informed, and hopeful.Link to MHA Free Online Mental Health Screening Tools: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/Primary Topics Covered:Why the pandemic impacts mental health as much as physical healthPractical ways to manage stress and anxiety at homeHow to use MHA’s free online screening tools for depression and anxietyThe importance of reducing isolation and checking in with othersTrusted sources for accurate and supportive mental health informationAffordable and free mental health support options for the uninsuredSelf-care strategies for building resilience in uncertain timesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and context of the pandemic’s impact on mental health 00:33 – Launching a season focused on protecting mental health 00:58 – Guest introduction: Paul Gionfriddo of Mental Health America 02:48 – Why COVID-19 is a mental health crisis as well as a physical one 03:34 – The dangers of isolation and how to counter it 04:04 – Why phone and video check-ins matter more than ever 04:48 – Balancing accurate information with comfort and hope 07:06 – How MHA curates reliable mental health resources 07:37 – Free anxiety and depression screening tools explained 10:12 – The rise of telehealth and relaxed counseling access rules 11:10 – Mental health support for the uninsured 12:11 – Small, consistent self-care practices to manage stress 14:13 – Personal routines and hobbies as protective factors 15:12 – Why resilience is built in times of struggle 16:07 – Closing reminders: you are not alone + links to MHA 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/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest T.J. shares his deeply personal journey of living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD—and how he found the courage to talk openly with his young son about it.Far too many parents delay or avoid these conversations, leaving children confused, worried, or misinformed. T.J.’s story offers an honest example of why talking early matters, how to explain mental illness without overwhelming kids, and how openness can build trust and resilience.Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this conversation provides practical tools and emotional encouragement for discussing mental health with children in ways that reduce stigma, strengthen relationships, and foster hope.Link to WebMD article on the signs of depression in children:https://www.webmd.com/depression/qa/what-are-signs-and-symptoms-of-depression-in-childrenPrimary Topics Covered:Why children notice changes in parents’ mental health even when adults think they don’tThe importance of naming and validating depression in family conversationsPractical tips for explaining depression and anxiety to children without frightening themHow honesty about mental illness can break stigma for the next generationWhy ongoing conversations—not one-time talks—are essentialThe role of love, listening, and non-judgment in helping kids feel safe to shareTimestamps:00:01 - Why mental health conversations with children matter 00:02 - What experts say about childhood depression 00:03 - Meet T.J. and his story of living with depression and PTSD 00:05 - Struggles with medication, relapse, and suicide attempts 00:07 - The moment T.J. realized his son noticed his depression 00:09 - Turning pain into motivation for an honest conversation 00:11 - Explaining depression to children in age-appropriate ways 00:13 - Why ongoing conversations matter more than one-time talks 00:14 - Encouraging children to express feelings without shame 00:15 - Breaking stigma by starting early and leading by example 00:17 - Final reflections: preparing kids for a healthier futureExplore 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 cope with depression and anxiety — and how do you support loved ones who are struggling?Season 12 of Giving Voice to Depression explored powerful personal stories and expert insights on living with depression, preventing relapse, and breaking the silence around suicide. In this recap episode, Bridget and Terry revisit highlights from the season, offering both hope and practical tools for recovery.You’ll hear from:Savannah Wall on feeling homesick for the person she was before depressionLori on how pets can help with depression by providing routine, exercise, and unconditional loveGary on confronting the stigma he once carried, and learning depression is not a choiceDouglas Bloch on preventing depression relapse and spotting early warning signsDeb Sherwood on the cost of secrecy after her husband’s suicide — and why words matterResearchers on how the language of depression reveals hidden warning signsBecky Stoll on the risks after psychiatric hospitalization and the urgent need for better careThis season is filled with wisdom, honesty, and courage — reminding us that while depression and suicide are complex, healing and connection are always possible.Primary Topics Covered:What it feels like to lose yourself in depressionThe role of pets in coping with depression and anxietyConfronting the stigma: learning depression is real, not a choiceStrategies for preventing depression relapseWhy secrecy around suicide fuels shameHow words shape our understanding of depression and suicideThe heightened suicide risks after psychiatric hospitalizationBest practices for suicide prevention and post-discharge careTimestamps:00:00 Welcome to Season 12 in Review 01:20 Episode 126 recap — When depression makes you homesick for yourself (Savannah Wall) 02:57 Episode 127 recap — How pets help with depression (Lori) 04:39 Episode 128 recap — From stigma to understanding: a father’s journey (Gary) 06:25 Episode 129 recap — Preventing depression relapse with Douglas Bloch 07:40 Episode 130 recap — Keeping a suicide a secret (Deb Sherwood) 08:57 Episode 131 recap — Words matter when discussing suicide (Deb Sherwood) 10:31 Episode 132 recap — The language of depression and what words reveal 12:00 Episode 133 recap — Post-hospitalization suicide risks (Becky Stoll) 13:43 Episode 134 recap — When we know better, we must do better (suicide prevention practices) 15:10 Reflections on Season 12’s lessons 16:48 Closing thoughts and invitation to the Giving Voice to Depression communityExplore 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 weeks immediately following psychiatric hospitalization are some of the most dangerous for suicide risk — yet many patients and families leave without knowing this reality.In this episode, Becky Stoll, Vice President of Crisis & Disaster Management at Centerstone, shares best practices for bridging the gap between inpatient and outpatient care. She explains how families, providers, and support networks can help keep loved ones safe, reduce stigma, and build a framework of ongoing support.From safety planning at home to making sure the “baton is passed” between hospital and community care, this conversation sheds light on what truly saves lives during this vulnerable transition period.If you or someone you love is facing a recent discharge from psychiatric care, this episode offers practical strategies, hope, and lifesaving tools for suicide prevention.Link to article: https://time.com/5709368/how-to-solve-suicide/ Link to resource mentioned: https://www.dropbox.com/s/40c9se12z4dorv2/AA-Best%20Practices%20v9.pdf?dl=1Primary Topics Covered:Why suicide risk spikes after psychiatric hospitalizationStatistics: 300x higher risk in the first week, 200x higher in the first monthWhy patients often fall into a “care gap” between inpatient and outpatient treatmentThe importance of suicide risk screenings and continuous monitoringBest practices for “passing the baton” from hospital to community careExamples of systems that keep patients connected and safeThe role of families: reducing access to lethal means, monitoring, and supportThe value of peer specialists and school counselors in care coordinationWhy follow-up appointments and reminders are essential for recoveryThe long-term goal: not just survival, but helping people build meaningful livesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to post-hospitalization suicide risk 01:16 – Why the weeks after discharge are uniquely dangerous 02:10 – National Action Alliance data: suicide rates 300x higher in first week 03:25 – The “care gap”: who is responsible after discharge? 05:25 – Examples of safe discharge systems (Houston, Centerstone) 07:11 – Importance of thorough suicide risk screenings 08:25 – Creating a “safety grid” like air traffic control for patients 09:42 – How missed appointments trigger safety checks 11:04 – Real story: preventing a suicide attempt through outreach 13:23 – Raising the bar across systems of care nationwide 15:32 – Goal: not just survival, but purposeful, meaningful lives 16:19 – Role of families: safety planning, removing lethal means 17:38 – Connecting patients with peer support and schools 18:46 – Recap and call to action: we must do betterExplore 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 weeks immediately following discharge from a psychiatric hospital are among the most dangerous periods for suicide risk—a reality too few people are aware of. In this episode, we speak with Becky Stoll, VP of Crisis and Disaster Management at Centerstone, about the staggering statistics, why this window is so fragile, and how patients, families, and the healthcare system can do better.Becky explains why suicide prevention must be treated as its own priority, separate from depression and other mental health diagnoses. She also shares practical steps families and clinicians can take to bridge the gaps in care, stay vigilant, and save lives.This candid discussion challenges assumptions about hospitalization, sheds light on systemic shortcomings, and emphasizes that true recovery requires both treatment and continued connection.Link to article: https://time.com/5709368/how-to-solve-suicide/Primary Topics Covered:Why suicide risk skyrockets after psychiatric hospitalizationThe “Swiss cheese” problem in the transition from inpatient to outpatient careWhy hospitalization is more about safety than “fixing” mental illnessHow lack of clinician training impacts suicide preventionThe evolving view of suicide as its own diagnosable conditionPractical advice for families to support loved ones post-dischargeThe role of connection, follow-up, and intentional care transitionsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and today’s focus 01:17 - Why statistics about suicide risk after hospitalization matter 02:16 - The shocking numbers: 300x higher risk in the first week 03:06 - Guest introduction: Becky Stoll from Centerstone 03:42 - Why post-hospitalization is such a fragile time 04:17 - Are families warned about this heightened risk? 05:35 - The stigma of not “getting fixed” after treatment 07:39 - Why discharge appointments often fail patients 08:45 - The “Swiss cheese” of inpatient-to-outpatient care 09:42 - Why hospitalization is about safety, not a cure 10:33 - Lack of suicide prevention training in clinicians 11:39 - Suicide prevention as an evolving field 13:26 - Why suicide must be treated as its own condition 14:10 - Prioritizing suicide prevention above all else 15:28 - How the field is slowly learning and growing 16:09 - Systemic gaps and the urgent need for change 17:03 - Why it feels “perverse” not to prioritize suicide care 18:07 - Key takeaways for families and the importance of vigilance 18:42 - Closing thoughts and resources for listenersExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Sometimes depression doesn’t show up in dramatic ways — it shows up in the words we use every day. Research reveals that our language patterns can signal not only depression, but also suicidal thinking.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry explore what’s been called the language of depression — from the subtle signs of absolutist thinking (“always,” “never,” “completely”) to the surprising keywords flagged by Crisis Text Line in their analysis of millions of texts from people in distress.Listeners will learn how to recognize warning signs in their own language and in the speech of loved ones, why certain words signal higher risk of suicidal thoughts, and how shifting our thinking patterns can open a path toward healing.This episode blends data, psychology, and compassion to remind us of one important truth: words matter — and noticing them can save lives.Link to article: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/depression-language-differently-mental-health-kurt-cobain-a8194731.htmlPrimary Topics Covered:How depression can be detected in language patternsCrisis Text Line’s keyword analysis of high-risk textersSurprising words and emojis linked to suicidal ideationDr. Mohammed Al-Masawi’s research on absolutist thinkingThe impact of words like “always,” “never,” and “completely”How rigid language signals distress and depression severityThe difference between negative thoughts and thinking stylesHow therapists and loved ones can challenge harmful word patternsWhy noticing language is a tool for suicide preventionPractical ways to shift from rigid, absolutist thinking to healthier perspectivesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why words matter in depression  01:00 – Crisis Text Line’s research on suicide-related keywords  02:21 – Surprising signals: “800 mg” and the pill emoji  03:26 – Introducing Dr. Mohammed Al-Masawi and his research  04:08 – Understanding absolutist thinking in depression  05:33 – Key words: “always,” “never,” “completely” as red flags  06:33 – How rigid language patterns reveal mental health struggles  07:05 – Spotting absolutist thinking in everyday speech  07:53 – Practical strategies to challenge harmful word patterns  08:38 – Why changing thinking style requires time and support  09:59 – The role of loved ones and therapists in noticing language  11:45 – Absolutist thoughts across anxiety, depression, and self-harm  12:32 – Using data and technology to detect suicide risk  13:23 – Bridget’s reflection: catching her own word choices  14:37 – Key takeaway: noticing words can save lives  15:17 – Closing reflections 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/

When someone dies by suicide, words can either bring comfort or cause more pain. In this episode, journalist and suicide loss survivor Deb Sherwood shares the insensitive, stigmatizing comments she received after her husband’s death — and the powerful lessons she learned about the importance of language.From doctors asking hurtful questions to friends making judgmental remarks, Deb reveals how even well-meaning words can deepen grief. Together, we explore how to talk about suicide with compassion, what not to say, and how small acts of kindness can make all the difference for suicide loss survivors.If you’ve ever struggled with what to say after a suicide, or if you want to better support someone grieving such a loss, this conversation offers practical, empathetic guidance.Link to article on recommended things to say after a suicide: https://www.self.com/story/help-friend-suicide-loss-survivorPrimary Topics Covered:Why words matter after a suicide lossExamples of comments that cause harm, even when unintentionalThe role of stigma and taboo in how people respondHelpful vs. harmful language in suicide preventionHow medical and mental health professionals can better support survivorsWhy asking “how could you not have seen it coming?” retraumatizes survivorsPractical alternatives: offering specific help instead of vague supportThe healing power of memory-sharing and support groupsWhy it’s okay to leave a therapist who doesn’t respect your griefTimestamps:00:00 – Intro: Giving Voice to Depression’s mission 01:18 – Deb Sherwood shares her husband’s suicide and the secrecy that followed 02:08 – Why stigma shaped the advice she was given after his death 03:17 – “Words matter”: harmful language from professionals and friends 04:32 – Insensitive medical advice and its lasting impact 06:01 – The retraumatizing effect of intrusive questions in therapy 07:19 – How others misread her strength as lack of pain 08:53 – Curiosity vs. empathy: knowing when not to ask questions 09:32 – The loss of friendships due to stigmatizing comments 10:22 – Examples of statements that added to her trauma 11:23 – What actually helps: “sorry for your loss” and offering specific help 12:03 – Creating memory booklets and sharing stories of the deceased 13:41 – Why memories matter more than assumptions 14:22 – Grieving questions survivors will never be able to answer 15:22 – A tool for kindness: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? 16:06 – Why suicide support groups offer unique healing and understanding 17:02 – Choosing therapists and supports that respect your grief 17:24 – Closing thoughts on compassion and languageExplore 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 suicide loss is kept a secret?In this deeply moving episode, Deb Sherwood shares her journey after her husband’s suicide — a story marked by shock, stigma, guilt, and ultimately, the hard decision to break the silence.Deb opens up about the unique challenges of coping with suicide loss:The trauma of discovering her husband’s deathWhy guilt is such a common burden for suicide loss survivorsHow stigma and secrecy delayed her healing for more than a yearWhy speaking openly about suicide became the key to recoveryHer story is a reminder that while grief after suicide is uniquely complex, no one should have to carry it in silence.If you or someone you love is struggling after suicide loss, this conversation offers compassion, understanding, and hope.Link to Harvard article: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/left-behind-after-suicideLink to Speaking of Suicide blog: https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2013/06/30/keeping-suicide-secret/?subscribe=success#blog_subscription-2Primary Topics Covered:Why suicide loss grief is different from other types of griefThe trauma of discovering a loved one’s suicideSurvivor guilt and the impact of last conversationsHow stigma and secrecy around suicide prevent healingThe personal cost of keeping a suicide hiddenWhy honesty and openness are essential in healing after suicideThe role of support groups and therapy in recoveryWhat to say (and not say) to suicide loss survivorsTimestamps:00:00 Introduction — Suicide loss as uniquely traumatic grief 01:20 Harvard Medical School insights on suicide loss 02:25 Stigma, shame, and secrecy after suicide 03:09 Deb shares her love story and her husband’s illness 04:40 The exhaustion of caregiving and words she regrets 06:40 Discovering her husband’s death by suicide 08:00 Police investigation and immediate guilt 10:00 Deciding whether to tell the truth about the cause of death 11:30 Pressure to keep the suicide a secret 12:45 The personal cost of secrecy: isolation and delayed healing 14:59 Ongoing guilt and survivor’s burden 15:46 Why Deb chose to share her story publicly 16:36 Talking about suicide as a pathway to healing and prevention 17:40 Closing reflections on stigma, language, and 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/

What are the warning signs of a depression relapse — and how can you stop it before it gets worse?In this episode, author and mental health educator Douglas Bloch shares his lived experience with recurrent depression and his insights on preventing relapse. He explains how depression rarely crashes in overnight; instead, it builds through subtle changes in sleep, thoughts, and daily habits.You’ll learn how to identify your personal triggers, track your mood with a daily diary, and use self-care strategies like sleep hygiene, exercise, and social support to stay balanced. Douglas also shares how to face relapse without shame, using compassion and the mindset of “response-able” — being able to respond instead of blaming yourself.If you’ve ever wondered how to deal with depression relapse, this conversation offers tools, hope, and validation.Link to Douglas's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/healingdepressionPrimary Topics Covered:Why depression relapse is common and not a personal failureThe three stages of relapse: early warning signs, crisis, and breakdownCommon relapse triggers: stress, loss, trauma, and poor sleepHow insomnia often signals the start of a relapseThe importance of daily mood tracking as an early detection toolPractical self-care strategies to stabilize moodWhy denial can delay seeking help — and how to break that cycleHow to accept relapse without shame or self-blame“Response-able” living: responding with tools, not fearTimestamps:00:00 Intro — Depression is not a one-time illness 01:20 Guest introduction: Author Douglas Bloch 02:10 Why depression relapse is more common than many realize 03:05 Relapse as part of recovery — lessons from addiction treatment 04:10 Living in depression’s shadow without living in fear 05:00 Early warning signs: subtle shifts in mood, thoughts, and sleep 05:40 Why poor sleep is often the canary in the coal mine 06:20 The value of a daily mood diary to track patterns 07:30 Self-care strategies to stabilize mood (exercise, support, connection) 08:44 Stage 2: crisis and denial when symptoms worsen 09:50 Stage 3: breakdown and the despair of believing it’s “forever” 11:20 Why not to trust your depressed brain’s narrative 12:18 Practicing self-compassion during relapse 13:10 Balancing prevention with living fully in recovery 14:20 Real-life example: relapse prevention strategies that work 15:45 Response-able, not blame: how to move forward with hope 16:50 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/