Giving Voice to Depression

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jordan shares his deeply personal journey of living with depression, hiding behind masks, and struggling with addiction before finally finding recovery.From childhood soccer fields where he cried alone, to self-medicating with alcohol, to the darkest moments of suicidal despair, Jordan’s story reveals the painful realities of untreated depression and addiction. But it also highlights the profound possibility of healing—through sobriety, therapy, medication, and the courage to finally be honest about his struggles.Today, Jordan is sober, thriving, and working as a crisis social worker—using his lived experience to connect with others in their darkest moments. His story is a testament to resilience and a reminder that recovery is possible, no matter how hopeless things may feel.Primary Topics Covered:Childhood experiences of depression without words to describe itHiding emotions to avoid burdening family and peersAlcohol as a “solution” that quickly became addictionThe cycle of relapse, shame, and suicidal despairHospitalization, treatment, and the turning point in recoveryThe role of sobriety in making depression treatment effectiveHow lived experience shapes his work in crisis interventionThe power of telling someone, “I’ve been where you are”Timestamps:00:08 – Introduction to the episode and its themes 01:34 – The hidden strength it takes to live with depression 02:29 – Jordan recalls crying alone on soccer fields as a teen 03:17 – Hiding sadness from his mother and avoiding vulnerability 03:56 – The pressure to “be normal” and wear a mask of strength 04:33 – Turning to alcohol as a false solution 05:40 – Addiction escalates: hospitalizations, jail, and hitting rock bottom 07:14 – Hiding in closets during depression and relapses 07:23 – Suicide attempt and first formal depression diagnosis 08:19 – Asking God for help and his mother showing up at the right time 08:44 – Choosing recovery and committing to sobriety through AA 09:22 – Earning a master’s degree and working in crisis intervention 10:44 – Why hospitals don’t always feel therapeutic 12:04 – A message of hope for those who feel hopeless 13:25 – Working in the same facility where he was once detained 14:15 – The power of telling others “I’ve been where you are” 15:24 – Closing reflections on turning darkness into healingExplore 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 deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we hear from Ken Baldwin, one of the rare survivors of a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge. Ken shares his story with honesty and courage—what led him to that moment, what he realized the instant he jumped, and how his life transformed in the decades that followed.Ken’s journey challenges dangerous myths about suicide, highlights the importance of intervention, and reminds us that recovery and a meaningful life are possible even after the darkest times. His message is one of hope, resilience, and the power of genuine human connection.If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, this episode offers powerful insights, encouragement, and the reminder that you are not alone—and you can recover.Primary Topics Covered:The mental state leading to a suicide attemptThe myth that people who attempt suicide “really want to die”The instant regret many survivors experienceHow intervention and support can save livesThe role of mindset in long-term recoveryThe importance of honest conversations and trusted relationshipsHope for the future, even when depression liesTimestamps:00:11 – Introduction and purpose of the podcast 01:10 – Ken Baldwin’s story continues: surviving a suicide attempt 02:17 – Addressing myths about suicide and intent 03:49 – Messages of hope and self-worth 05:20 – The importance of human connection and intervention 06:04 – The moment of regret and realization after jumping 07:47 – Understanding what is truly “fixable” 09:17 – The role of trust and open communication in recovery 10:27 – The power of supportive relationships in survival 11:30 – Living with depression while choosing recovery 12:55 – Ken’s message to others who feel hopeless 13:52 – Choosing trust and hope over depression’s lies 14:39 – Encouragement: you can recover and live a fulfilled lifeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Primary Topics Covered:Ken’s survival story: jumping from the Golden Gate BridgeWhat suicidal thoughts feel like and how they progressThe role of hopelessness and exhaustion in depressionWhy many people hide their suicidal thoughts, even from familyThe myth that suicidal people “can’t be stopped”How intervention and direct conversation can save livesWhy knowing the warning signs of depression is as important as knowing the signs of a stroke or heart attackEncouragement for loved ones: there is always hope, recovery is possibleTimestamps:00:00 Intro and welcome 01:33 Introducing Ken: Golden Gate Bridge survivor and advocate 02:04 Why he began telling his story openly after his attempt 03:42 The courage of surviving suicidal thoughts 05:01 Understanding suicidal ideation as a symptom of depression 06:36 Ken’s earliest memories of suicidal thoughts 07:23 How feelings of failure fueled his ideation 08:17 Attempts at treatment and why they didn’t last 09:32 The daily exhaustion of untreated depression 10:46 Would intervention have made a difference? Ken says yes 11:35 Why recognizing signs of depression is life-saving 12:10 Suicide prevention as “if you see something, say something” 13:09 How intervention could have stopped his attempt 14:25 Breaking the myth that suicidal people can’t be helped 15:11 The importance of asking directly: “Are you thinking of suicide?” 17:32 Final reflections: hope, recovery, and the power of speaking up 19:10 ClosingExplore 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 carry hidden wounds from their past. In this powerful episode, Renee shares her deeply personal journey of surviving childhood sexual abuse, struggling with depression, and ultimately finding hope and healing.Through years of trial and error with therapists, medications, and risky behaviors, Renee discovered that the key to her recovery wasn’t just treating depression’s symptoms—it was addressing the underlying trauma. From support groups to art therapy, Renee found tools that allowed her to reclaim her sense of self, manage triggers, and build resilience.Primary Topics Covered:The lasting impact of childhood trauma (ACEs) on depressionRenee’s early experiences with mental illness in her familyRisky behaviors, self-harm, and early hospitalizationsA judge’s unexpected role in Renee’s recovery pathSpeaking out about childhood sexual abuseWhy traditional talk therapy wasn’t enough for herThe power of group therapy and peer support for survivorsHow art therapy became a surprising healing toolLearning to recognize and cope with emotional triggersRenee’s message of hope: “You are not your trauma”Timestamps:00:00 Intro and Welcome 01:17 Renee’s story begins: depression and childhood trauma (ACEs) 03:20 Early hospitalizations and misdiagnosed self-harm 03:54 Frustrations with traditional talk therapy 04:35 Risky behaviors and a judge’s intervention 05:34 Disclosing abuse and its aftermath 06:50 Realizing the need for survivor support groups 07:31 Understanding trauma as the root cause of depression 08:27 First steps into group therapy and survivor support 09:24 Discovering art therapy as a new way to heal 10:30 Building coping skills and managing triggers 12:05 Peer support and the value of group therapy 13:10 Finding the right therapy for her recovery 14:09 Renee’s message to those struggling with shame and silence 16:15 Closing: Survivors’ Manifesto & words of 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/

Staying productive at work while living with depression or anxiety can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we continue our conversation with writer Sarah Fielding, author of Nine Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work When You’re Struggling Mentally (Healthline).Sarah shares practical tools and mindset shifts that can help you:Build momentum on hard daysReset your energy when motivation disappearsReframe work as something you’re capable of instead of something that controls youThese tips aren’t about “pushing through” or toxic productivity. They’re about finding balance, caring for your mental health, and recognizing progress—one step at a time.If depression has ever made work feel impossible, this conversation offers encouragement and realistic strategies you can start using today.Link to article: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/motivation-work-tasksPrimary Topics Covered:Why depression contributes to absenteeism and presenteeism at workReviewing progress as a way to build confidence and motivationThe power of taking five-minute breaks to resetUsing music playlists as a mental focus toolHow food, caffeine, and clothing choices impact energy and mindsetAccepting that some days will be harder and giving yourself graceTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Depression and work struggles 01:14 - The cost of ignoring mental health at work 03:16 - Review your progress and celebrate small wins 04:56 - Why taking five minutes can boost productivity 06:51 - Creating a motivating work playlist 08:05 - Food, caffeine, and energy management 09:05 - How clothing choices affect mindset 10:28 - Giving yourself grace on difficult days 11:29 - Preview of upcoming episodes 12:28 - Honored as a top depression podcast 13:23 - Closing message: Speak up, listen upExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Motivation can feel impossible when you’re living with depression or burnout. In this practical and compassionate episode, New York-based writer Sarah Fielding shares nine realistic strategies for getting things done—even on the tough days.From creating manageable to-do lists to changing your environment or checking in with yourself, Sarah and the hosts explore flexible, doable ways to honor your mental state and keep moving forward. If you’ve ever felt like basic tasks are mountains, this episode is your encouragement and toolkit all in one.Primary Topics Covered:Why starting is the hardest step when you're mentally strugglingThe importance of structured planning and personalized schedulesHow to create task lists that actually reduce stress and overwhelmUsing small wins and broken-down tasks to build momentumChecking in with your mental state and adjusting expectationsRedefining productivity with compassion and flexibilityEnvironmental triggers and changing your workspace to reboot focusWhy busy doesn’t equal productive—and how to recognize the differenceSupporting employees and coworkers with mental health challengesReal-life metaphors and reminders about prioritizing what matters mostTimestamps:00:00 Intro and welcome to Season 1101:27 Understanding how depression impacts motivation02:01 Meet Sarah Fielding and her Healthline article02:33 Why starting is the hardest part03:28 Planning your day with structure and flexibility04:39 Making manageable lists to reduce overwhelm05:44 Using small tasks for momentum and motivation06:42 Building self-compassion into your workday07:21 Environmental shifts that support mental resets08:09 Checking in with your emotions and energy levels09:24 Mental health at work: employer considerations10:29 Balancing compassion with productivity expectations11:39 Why everyone has off days—and how to normalize it12:46 Redefining what real productivity looks like13:21 The rocks-in-a-jar metaphor for prioritizing14:44 Applying small wins to build real momentum15:08 Recap of key takeaways and episode wrap-upExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

How do you cope with depression and anxiety when life feels unbearable?Season 8 of Giving Voice to Depression brings together powerful stories of resilience, creativity, and healing. In this season recap, Bridget and Terry revisit conversations with guests who shared openly about suicide prevention, stigma, and the different ways people navigate their mental health journey.Highlights include:A grieving mother’s plea for honesty after losing her son to suicideSix common mistakes people make when coping with depressionA father and son’s courageous conversation about family stigmaDr. Zach Bush on the gut-brain connection and depressionArtist Jeff Beyer’s story of painting through painWhy “there is no normal” — and why that’s freeingEFT/Tapping as a tool for stress, depression, and anxietyLiving with both anxiety and depression in everyday lifeThis episode offers both perspective and tools — a reminder that while depression is isolating, you are not alone.Primary Topics Covered:Suicide prevention and the importance of speaking honestlyCommon mistakes when coping with depressionBreaking silence in families around mental illnessHow gut health influences mood and depressionUsing art to express and survive depressionThe power of rejecting “normal” and embracing authenticityEFT/Tapping as a self-help tool for anxiety and depressionLanguage and connection in supporting loved onesTimestamps:00:00 Welcome & introduction to Season 8 recap 01:40 Episode 86 — A mother’s lessons after her son’s suicide (Patty Kajawa) 03:05 Episode 87 — What she wants depressed teens to know 04:25 Episode 88 — Six mistakes to avoid when coping with mental illness (Catherine) 05:42 Episode 89 — A father and son’s healing conversation about depression 06:50 Episode 90 — The gut-brain connection with Dr. Zach Bush 08:15 Episode 91 — Painting through depression (Jeff Beyer, part 1) 09:40 Episode 92 — Depression unmasked: when art reveals struggle (Jeff Beyer, part 2) 11:15 Episode 93 — “There is no normal” with Tara 12:30 Episode 94 — EFT/Tapping as a portable coping tool with Brad Yates 14:05 Episode 95 — Anxiety and depression: daily realities with Jordan 15:00 Reflections on themes of Season 8 16:10 Closing thoughts and invitation to the GVTD 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/

What happens when someone in the public eye chooses to open up about their depression? In this special Ripple Report, Milwaukee news anchor Ted Perry shares his deeply personal journey with depression—how he first resisted therapy, the impact of his father’s illness and death, and what finally helped him find healing.Ted reflects on the stigma that kept him silent for years, the regret of lost relationships, and the powerful shift that comes with breaking the silence. With honesty, humor, and hope, he shows how therapy, medication, faith, and simple daily practices like walking his dog became protective factors that helped him move forward.This episode is for anyone who has struggled with depression, wondered about seeking help, or felt ashamed to share their story. Ted’s journey is a reminder that speaking out creates ripples of understanding and hope for others.Link to Ted Perry's TV report on the Giving Voice to Depression podcast: https://fox6now.com/2018/02/22/former-tv-news-anchor-helps-those-suffering-depression-with-podcast-i-can-give-voice/Primary Topics Covered:Why depression stigma makes people afraid to speak outTed Perry’s first experience with therapy and what he learnedThe impact of grief and loss on depressionHow untreated depression can strain relationships and careersPractical coping strategies: therapy, exercise, medication, pets, faithThe importance of protective factors in staying groundedWhy hope is one of the most powerful tools in recoveryTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the Ripple Report concept 00:29 - Listener feedback: stories that create change 00:45 - Why Ted Perry decided to share his story 01:23 - Breaking the silence about depression as a public figure 03:11 - Early signs of depression in college 03:40 - The role of grief after his father’s cancer diagnosis 04:27 - First therapy session and the power of talking 05:38 - Learning that help is available and effective 05:50 - Depression masked as physical illness and sick days 06:42 - Realizing “I was depressed, not just tired” 07:11 - What worked: therapy, medication, protective factors 08:13 - Exercise, pets, faith, and hope as tools for recovery 09:21 - Fighting hopelessness and holding onto hope 11:12 - The stigma of hiding depression in relationships 12:11 - Regrets about lost time and missed connections 13:40 - Reflections on wasted time and the weight of depression 14:04 - Closing thoughts: hope, healing, and moving forwardExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Season 10 was filled with powerful stories of resilience, survival, and hope. In this special review episode, Bridget and Terry revisit highlights from the past ten episodes — sharing the voices and experiences of people living with depression, battling stigma, and finding their way toward recovery.Whether you’re new to the podcast or looking to catch up, this is the perfect place to hear the best depression recovery stories and discover episodes you won’t want to miss.Primary Topics Covered:How poets and artists use creativity to live with depression (Ep. 105)Stigma and its role in delaying recovery (Ep. 106)Long-term struggles with medication and treatment (Ep. 107)The line between grief and depression (Ep. 108)Coping with negative news and protecting mental health (Ep. 109)Supporting a partner through depression (Ep. 110)Teens leading the way with mental health days in schools (Ep. 111)Chronic pain and depression’s vicious cycle (Ep. 112)Jeannine’s courageous journey of depression, music, and survival (Ep. 113 & 114)Why suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibilityTimestamps:00:00 Intro and welcome 01:32 Celebrating 200,000 plays of the podcast 02:03 Episode 105 – A poet’s perspective: art as a voice for depression 03:13 Episode 106 – Stigma impedes recovery: John’s first time sharing 04:15 Episode 107 – Depression as a “villain” and struggles with medication 05:05 Episode 108 – Grief vs. depression: a widow’s story of loss and love 06:05 Episode 109 – How negative news impacts mental health 07:35 Episode 110 – Supporting a partner with depression 09:09 Episode 111 – Mental health days in schools: teens leading the way 11:06 Episode 112 – Chronic pain and depression’s vicious cycle 11:43 Episode 113 – Jeannine’s early life with depression and resilience 13:17 Episode 114 – Jeannine’s suicide attempt survival and message of hope 14:53 Suicide prevention language: “failed attempt” vs. “survived attempt” 15:47 Why sharing this podcast matters: reaching more people in need 16:20 Bridget reflects on loving her life after depression 16:54 Closing thoughts and call to join the 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/

What happens when someone survives a suicide attempt and chooses to share their story out loud?In this powerful episode, Jeannine Rivers opens up about her experience with depression, bipolar disorder, and a suicide attempt that nearly ended her life at 19. She reflects on the voices—both dark and life-saving—that shaped her choice to keep living, and the gratitude she feels today for surviving.With honesty, courage, and hope, Jeannine challenges the stigma around mental illness, reclaims her identity beyond her diagnosis, and shares how she built a life filled with meaning, creativity, and love.This conversation offers vital lessons for anyone who has struggled with suicidal thoughts or loves someone who has. It’s a reminder that survival is not failure—and that there is always reason to hold on.Primary Topics Covered:Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and why this story mattersJeannine’s early struggles with depression and stigmaBeing diagnosed with bipolar II disorderThe reality of living with hypomania and depressionHer suicide attempt at 19 and the moment she realized she wanted to liveWhy language matters: “survivor” vs. “failed attempt”How faith, family, and music helped her rebuild her lifeFinding purpose and hope after survivingTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 01:25 - Small acts of kindness as suicide prevention 01:39 - Introducing Jeannine and her journey 02:54 - Why sharing suicide attempt stories matters 03:17 - Jeannine opens up about stigma and depression 04:37 - Being diagnosed with bipolar II disorder 05:57 - Identity vs. diagnosis: “I am not bipolar disorder” 07:25 - Jeannine shares her suicide attempt at 19 08:50 - Choosing survival: shifting from failure to survivor 09:59 - The pain of isolation and believing no one cared 10:09 - Recalling the moment she woke up after her attempt 11:49 - Making it to safety and being found in time 12:29 - Gratitude for survival and what came after 13:36 - Reflection on second chances and resilience 14:03 - Achievements that would never have happened without survival 15:07 - The power of inner voices: destructive vs. life-saving 16:31 - Closing message of hope and encouragementExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/