Giving Voice to Depression

Is depression real — or just a choice?That’s what Gary believed — until his teenage daughter’s severe illness shattered that misconception. What he once dismissed as “negativity” quickly became the fight of his life as he watched his child struggle with debilitating depression, hospitalization, and survival.In this candid episode, Gary shares his transformation: from disbelief and stigma to a deep understanding of depression as a real, life-threatening illness. He also reflects on how the experience changed the way he now supports others, urging people to look for the warning signs, ask questions, and believe those who are suffering.If you’ve ever struggled with family members or friends who don’t understand depression — or if you’ve questioned it yourself — this story offers compassion, clarity, and hope.Primary Topics Covered:Why many people wrongly believe depression is a choiceHow stigma and lack of awareness delay supportA father’s journey from denial to acceptance through his daughter’s crisisThe shock of psychiatric hospitalization and learning the severity of depressionThe role of therapy and medication in saving livesWhy understanding depression as an illness is crucial for supportHow personal experience can transform stigma into empathyWhat to say — and not say — to someone who doubts depression is realTimestamps:00:00 Intro — Setting the stage: “depression isn’t a casserole illness” 01:10 Guest Gary shares his early belief that depression wasn’t real 02:30 Why he thought people could “just be positive” 03:15 Equating depression only with suicide and misunderstanding the illness 04:20 When everything changed: his daughter’s crisis and urgent intervention 05:45 The shock of psychiatric hospitalization 07:45 The fear and helplessness of leaving her in treatment 09:20 Learning depression is genetic and life-threatening 10:50 How therapy and medication helped his daughter survive 12:20 Today: his daughter’s recovery and thriving life 12:40 How his perception of depression changed forever 13:15 Advice to those who doubt depression: “It is real — believe it.” 15:00 Closing reflections: why sharing stories reduces stigmaExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Can pets really help us survive depression? In this episode, Lori shares her moving story of how her dogs gave her the structure, love, and grounding she needed to make it through family struggles, divorce, and deep depression.She explains how walking her dogs gave her purpose, how their unconditional loyalty kept her going when she wanted to give up, and why their companionship brought peace in her most painful moments.Along with Terry and Bridget, Lori explores the unique ways pets act as lifelines—whether through daily routines, calming presence, or simple, unconditional love. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt saved by an animal’s companionship—or wondered if pets can really make a difference in mental health.Primary Topics Covered:How dogs provide grounding and structure during depressionLori’s family history of depression and silence around mental healthSurviving divorce with the help of loyal canine companionsThe healing role of therapy dogs and rescue animalsHow walking pets creates purpose and accountabilityThe calming presence of pets in chaotic timesDistraction and redirection: focusing on pets instead of painWays to experience pet companionship even if you can’t own oneTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 01:13 - Why dogs can be powerful allies in mental health 01:35 - Meet Lori: lifelong dog lover and advocate 02:10 - Family history of depression and silence around mental illness 03:42 - Lori’s struggles and painful divorce 04:33 - How her dogs kept her alive during her darkest year 05:09 - The healing role of her rescue poodles 06:07 - Loyalty, protection, and companionship in hard times 06:20 - How walking dogs provided structure and purpose 07:17 - Dogs as a lifeline during chaos and depression 08:06 - Walking and crying: the release of grief with dogs by her side 09:04 - Distraction and focusing on pets instead of depression 09:56 - How medication and dogs together built a safety net 11:22 - The calming presence of pets and the peace they bring 13:12 - The role of human connection alongside pets 14:10 - Daily check-ins and accountability with a best friend 15:47 - Advice: rescue, foster, volunteer, or pet-sit if you can’t own a pet 16:29 - 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/

What does depression really feel like?In this powerful conversation, Savannah describes her experience of depression as feeling homesick for her former self — disconnected from her joy, her loved ones, and even her own identity. She opens up about the crushing physical heaviness, the emptiness that no candle or self-care ritual could fix, and the shame that made her hide her struggles behind excuses.With honesty and courage, Savannah shares how her husband’s support, therapy, and medical treatment helped her begin to heal. Her story is a vivid answer to the question so many ask: what does depression feel like — and how do you find hope again?Link to full article that prompted the episode: https://savannahwall.wordpress.com/2018/12/22/when-youre-homesick-for-all-that-you-were-before-depression/Primary Topics Covered:The unique way Savannah describes depression: feeling “homesick” for herselfThe physical weight of depression and why it feels both empty and heavyWhy surface-level fixes (candles, baths, food) can’t touch clinical depressionThe shame and excuses that make people hide their strugglesHow depression feels like waiting for something that never comesThe turning point: self-harm, her husband’s intervention, and getting helpCounseling, medication, and faith as tools for healingWhy holding it in has serious consequences — and the importance of speaking upThe role of loved ones in noticing and supporting recoveryTimestamps:00:00 Intro and framing: “homesick” as a metaphor for depression 01:26 Savannah describes feeling far from herself and her loved ones 03:00 Depression’s weight: heavy yet empty, like “bricks on your chest” 04:33 Why self-care trends didn’t work in her darkest days 05:40 The shame of hiding depression behind excuses 07:10 Gratitude vs. depression: why being thankful doesn’t fix the emptiness 08:32 Feeling disconnected: “like a string cut from everyone I love” 09:19 Turning point — self-harm and her husband urging her to seek help 10:17 How treatment slowly helped her feel lighter and hopeful again 11:37 Recognizing depression’s warning signs vs. brushing off bad days 12:42 Building a “toolkit” for recovery and resilience 13:31 Writing reminders to your future self during well periods 14:47 The danger of holding it all in and the importance of opening up 16:15 Why depression convinces us it will last forever — and why that’s a lie 17:21 The power of a loved one saying, “I’ll be with you every step of the way” 18:20 Closing reflections and reminder: 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/

Growing up with depression and anxiety can feel overwhelming and isolating — especially when you don’t yet understand what’s happening to you. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Charlotte Underwood reflects on her teenage years living with undiagnosed mental illness.Charlotte shares the struggles she faced as a teen — from feeling alone in her depression to hiding self-harm from loved ones — and the lessons she wishes she had known. Now in her 20s, she speaks openly about resilience, recovery, and the importance of asking for support.Her story offers both validation and hope for struggling teens, as well as valuable insights for parents, educators, and anyone supporting a young person with mental health challenges.Primary Topics Covered:Charlotte’s early experiences with depression and anxiety as a teenagerWhy depression convinces you things will never improveThe hidden struggles of teens living with mental illnessHow love, therapy, and support can change the futureThe importance of resilience and discovering inner strengthWhy openness about depression reduces stigma and isolationCharlotte’s message of encouragement for teens todayTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and podcast mission 01:11 - Why depression lies about permanence 01:36 - Discovering Charlotte’s gratitude post 02:49 - Charlotte’s struggles as a teenager 03:57 - How she saw her future at 14 04:52 - Building a life she never imagined possible 05:41 - A joyful night that sparked her message of hope 07:10 - What she wishes she knew about depression as a teen 07:56 - Realizing resilience and inner strength 08:53 - How support from family and friends can help 10:15 - Hiding depression and self-harm from loved ones 11:02 - Why she feared rejection if she opened up 12:08 - Learning that help and support do exist 13:14 - Treatment options and what worked differently 13:50 - Hope for a future filled with joy and purpose 14:20 - Charlotte’s direct encouragement to struggling teens 16:09 - Hosts reflect on Charlotte’s resilience 17:47 - Keeping the spark of hope alive 19:00 - Closing thoughts and inspirationExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

The holiday season is often portrayed as joyful and bright—but for many, it’s one of the hardest times of the year. Depression, grief, loneliness, and anxiety can feel heavier at Christmas, making it difficult to “get through” the celebrations.In this special holiday episode, written and read by John Pavlovitz, we speak directly to anyone who feels unseen during the holidays. Whether you’re grieving a loss, living with depression, battling addiction, or struggling with isolation, these words offer hope, compassion, and a reminder: you are not alone—and this is not the end of your story.If you’re searching for ways to survive Christmas while living with depression, this episode is here to offer solidarity and strength.Primary Topics Covered:Why depression and anxiety often worsen during the holidaysThe hidden grief and loneliness behind holiday celebrationsStruggles with addiction, self-hatred, and hopelessness at ChristmasMessages of solidarity for those who feel aloneHow grief reshapes the meaning of the holidaysFinding comfort in knowing others share the same struggleHope that today’s pain is temporary and healing is possibleTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to this special holiday reflection 00:42 - John Pavlovitz begins reading his Christmas message 01:20 - For those grieving losses or broken relationships 02:15 - For those living with depression, anxiety, or mental illness 03:00 - For those battling addiction or self-hatred 03:45 - For those feeling isolated or forgotten at Christmas 04:30 - Reminder: you are not suffering alone 05:00 - This is not the end of your story—hope will return 05:35 - Closing encouragement and holiday reflectionsExplore 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, Dan shares his deeply personal journey of coping with depression and anxiety—after years of hiding his struggles from even those closest to him. When depression brought him to a crisis point, hospitalization and support became lifelines that allowed him to survive and begin healing.Dan reflects on how stigma and shame kept him silent for decades, and why he now speaks openly about mental health in hopes of encouraging others to do the same. Through his story, three themes emerge as powerful “gifts” for recovery: gratitude, connection, and hope.If you’ve ever felt alone in your struggles, or hesitant to share your truth, this conversation reminds us that connection can be life-saving—and that speaking up about depression helps break stigma and build stronger communities.Primary Topics Covered:How stigma and shame keep people silent about depressionThe role of hospitalization and medical support in crisis recoveryWhy gratitude and connection are key in healingHow depression affects families across generationsThe importance of honest conversations with children and loved onesThe power of sharing personal mental health stories to reduce stigmaFinding hope through openness and community supportTimestamps:00:08 – Introduction to the episode 01:26 – The three gifts: gratitude, connection, and hope 02:42 – Meet Dan and his story of hidden depression 04:20 – Avoiding conversations about mental health 05:01 – Hospitalization and confronting suicidal ideation 06:16 – Finding the courage to speak publicly about depression 07:57 – How shame and stigma fuel silence 09:28 – The relief and power of talking openly 10:40 – The impact of depression on family and loved ones 11:45 – Conversations with his son and breaking generational silence 12:36 – Realizing depression doesn’t discriminate 13:46 – The role of self-talk and negative thought cycles 14:15 – Small but important steps toward change 15:25 – Why sharing stories reduces stigma and brings hope 16:36 – Closing reflections on courage and hope for the new yearExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

How do you cope with depression and anxiety when life feels overwhelming?In this Season 11 review of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry revisit some of the most powerful and moving conversations of the year. From surviving suicide attempts to finding tools for daily resilience, this season highlighted the importance of speaking up, seeking support, and believing that recovery is possible.You’ll hear lessons from:Sarah Fielding on motivation and productivity when depression makes everything harderRenee on surviving trauma and finding healing through therapy and connectionKen on his Golden Gate Bridge suicide attempt — and why he now believes suicide is preventableJordan on transforming from suicidal thoughts to becoming a social worker helping othersDr. Sands on how to talk to parents about depressionSarah (PhD student) on experiencing a suicidal crisis despite her expertiseMarie on building a safety plan to prepare for mental health emergenciesThis episode serves as a recap and a mental health toolkit, reminding us that while depression and suicidal thoughts are real, so is hope.Primary Topics Covered:Motivation and coping tools for living with depressionThe role of therapy and group connection in trauma recoverySuicide prevention: lessons from attempt survivorsHow peer support builds trust in mental health recoveryStrategies for talking to parents about depressionWhy even experts can struggle — and how vulnerability helpsThe importance of safety plans for managing crisis momentsThe hope that comes from hearing real stories of survivalTimestamps:00:00 Welcome and Season 11 context 01:12 Episodes 116–117: Motivation and productivity tips with Sarah Fielding 03:18 Episode 118: Trauma, resilience, and finding therapy that works (Renee) 05:12 Episode 119: “If You See Something, Say Something” — Ken’s suicide attempt story 07:00 Episode 120: “Instant Regret” — lessons from the Golden Gate Bridge 09:00 Episode 121: Jordan’s journey from suicidal thoughts to social worker 11:10 Episode 122: How to talk to your parents about depression (Dr. Sands) 13:10 Episode 123: A PhD student’s suicidal crisis — vulnerability and survival (Sarah) 15:00 Episode 124: The gift of a safety plan with Marie, peer specialist 17:20 Reflections on Season 11’s lessons of survival and hope 19:00 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/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, certified peer specialist Marie shares her personal recovery journey and explains how suicide safety plans can be lifesaving tools during mental health crises. A safety plan is more than a checklist — it’s a personalized roadmap that includes coping strategies, supportive contacts, crisis resources, and reminders of reasons to live.Listeners will learn how to build a plan proactively while in a stable mindset, how to recognize early warning signs, and how to use simple yet effective tools — from smartphone reminders to keeping a box of meaningful items — to stay grounded during dark times.The episode emphasizes that a suicidal crisis often passes faster than it feels and that a safety plan can provide the structure and support needed to survive the hardest moments.WRAP Information: https://mentalhealthrecovery.com/WRAP PDF Worksheet: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdfPrimary Topics Covered:The purpose of a suicide safety plan and how it differs from general coping strategiesWhy it’s critical to build a plan during times of stability, not crisisIdentifying personal triggers, warning signs, and early symptoms of crisisPractical coping strategies (indoor, outdoor, digital, and social supports)The importance of accessibility — keeping your plan in multiple formats and locationsHow to involve trusted friends, family, or peers in supporting your safety planTools to limit access to lethal means during periods of crisisBuilding reminders of reasons to live (letters, photos, ticket stubs, meaningful keepsakes)How safety plans support long-term recovery and resilienceTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and context of today’s episode 00:55 - Why a suicide safety plan is a “gift to yourself” 02:52 - Marie shares her recovery journey and turning points 04:10 - Using a wellness recovery action plan (WRAP) 05:10 - Why plans should be made when you’re well, not in crisis 06:57 - Keeping safety plans accessible across different formats 07:49 - Recognizing early warning signs of crisis 09:23 - Indoor and outdoor coping strategies that work 10:58 - The role of distractions in reducing suicidal intensity 12:04 - Building a list of supportive people and safe places 12:53 - Crisis lines, therapists, and customizing your safety plan 13:59 - Limiting access to means of self-harm 14:54 - Anchoring yourself with reminders of reasons to live 16:39 - Sharing your safety plan with trusted supporters 17:20 - Closing reflections on recovery, safety, 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/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Sarah—a suicide prevention researcher and PhD student—shares her deeply personal experience of living with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Despite her professional expertise, Sarah found herself consumed by fear, hopelessness, and a plan to end her life.Her story reveals the immense difficulty of asking for help when trapped in depression’s grip, even when surrounded by knowledge and support. Sarah speaks candidly about the night she nearly ended her life, the courage it took to wake her husband and go to the emergency room, and the long, slow process of recovery.We also explore the importance of safety planning, the reality of depression’s power to silence, and how we can step up to support others who may be unable to advocate for themselves.This is a powerful reminder that depression is not a personal failing, that professional expertise doesn’t provide immunity, and that speaking up can save lives.Primary Topics Covered:The disconnect between professional expertise and lived experience of depressionPostpartum depression, anxiety, and health-related fearsThe transition from fear of dying to planning suicideWhy it’s so difficult to ask for help in crisisThe importance of emergency phrases like “I’m having a psychological emergency”Safety plans as life-saving toolsHow loved ones and communities can “wrap around” people in crisisThe role of empathy and lived experience in suicide prevention researchTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode 01:00 - Why asking for help can feel impossible in depression 02:00 - Meet Sarah: suicide prevention researcher and PhD student 03:30 - Sarah’s postpartum depression and health scare 04:30 - The cycle of anxiety and depression intensifying 05:30 - From fear of dying to planning suicide 06:20 - Why her husband’s presence saved her life 07:00 - Struggling to know what to say at the ER 08:20 - The power of honesty when asking for help 09:00 - Therapy, medication changes, and slow recovery 10:10 - How lived experience shapes suicide prevention research 11:30 - Why intervention must happen before a crisis 12:30 - The limits of self-advocacy in crisis 13:40 - The role of family, friends, and coworkers in support 14:50 - Safety plans and why they matter 16:00 - Preview of next week’s episode on creating a safety plan 16:30 - Closing thoughts and community invitationExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Starting the conversation about depression with your parents can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re worried about being judged, dismissed, or misunderstood. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz shares actionable steps for teens and young adults who want to open up about their struggles but don’t know where to start.We explore how to prepare for the conversation, what to say (and avoid saying), and how to find trusted allies if your parents aren’t supportive. This episode also provides guidance for parents: how to respond with compassion instead of fear or dismissal, so your child feels heard and supported.If you’ve been wondering “How do I tell my parents I’m depressed?” or “What if they don’t believe me?”, this conversation offers hope, practical strategies, and the reminder that you’re not alone.Primary Topics Covered:Why talking to parents about depression can feel so difficultThe importance of describing symptoms vs. self-diagnosingTiming and setting for having the conversationHow to enlist a trusted ally (doctor, counselor, family friend)What to do if parents react with skepticism or dismissalResources for teens and young adults outside the family (school counselors, campus centers, mentors)Guidance for parents on how to listen and support without minimizingTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and context 01:21 - A college student’s letter: “I’m afraid to tell my parents I’m depressed” 02:50 - Dr. Anita Sands begins advice on approaching the conversation 03:38 - How to share symptoms without self-diagnosing 05:25 - The role of trusted allies in supporting difficult conversations 06:21 - Choosing the right timing to talk to parents 07:16 - School counselors and other resources for young people 07:53 - Why you shouldn’t “should” yourself into gratitude 08:52 - Depression isn’t weakness or a character flaw 10:28 - Guidance for parents: how to respond supportively 12:20 - Overcoming parental fears of blame and stigma 13:40 - Alternative support paths if talking to parents feels unsafe 14:45 - Gratitude for the GVTD community and closing reflectionsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/