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

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/

In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Jeannine Rivers shares her powerful journey of living with depression since childhood, battling toxic voices, and finding strength through faith, self-love, and music.In this candid conversation, Jeannine reflects on growing up in a restrictive religious environment, enduring verbal abuse, and discovering her gift of music. She opens up about how affirmations, prayer, and courage helped her quiet the toxic voices of self-doubt and begin to heal.If you’ve ever wondered how to recover from depression or how to support a loved one, Jeannine’s story offers both honesty and hope: depression is not the end of the story, and healing is always possible.Link to Jeannine's website: http://jeanninerivers.com/Primary Topics Covered:Why Jeannine chose to share her story now, with courage and honestyGrowing up with depression and the impact of childhood traumaHow restrictive religious rules deepened her feelings of isolationVerbal abuse, racism, and the painful impact of toxic voicesThe role of music and performance as a source of joy and identityUsing affirmations, prayer, and meditation to fight negative self-talkBuilding resilience and finding hope after depression and suicidal thoughtsSuicide Prevention Awareness Month: why small acts of kindness matterTimestamps:00:00 Intro and World Suicide Prevention Day 01:27 Why survivor stories matter: regret and the will to live 02:13 Introduction to Jeannine Rivers 03:05 Why she chose to speak out now with courage 04:15 Growing up with depression and toxic voices 05:35 Childhood dreams of music and performance 06:20 Impact of Jehovah’s Witness restrictions on her identity 07:23 Racism, verbal abuse, and painful self-doubt 08:52 How prayer, meditation, and affirmations became coping tools 09:51 Fighting back against toxic self-talk with self-love 11:12 Reminders that affirmations are not “quick fixes” but part of healing 11:46 Jeannine sings “Summertime” and shares its personal meaning 14:12 Finding joy and resilience despite layers of pain 14:25 National Suicide Prevention Day kindness challenge 15:35 Closing reflections on gratitude, courage, and recoveryExplore 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, Stacey shares her story of living with chronic pain and major depressive disorder—a difficult combination that millions face every day. She opens up about how years of fibromyalgia, depression, and exhaustion left her struggling to keep going, until therapy helped her reframe her life with mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion.We explore how chronic pain and depression create a vicious cycle, why seeking the right therapist can make all the difference, and what it means to rebuild your life when you can’t return to who you once were. Stacey reminds us that resilience isn’t about “fixing everything,” but about finding new ways to live with honesty, courage, and kindness toward ourselves.If you or someone you love lives with depression and chronic pain, this conversation offers both practical insights and emotional support.Primary Topics Covered:The connection between chronic pain and depressionHow fibromyalgia impacts mood, energy, and daily lifeWhy therapy is essential when medication alone isn’t enoughThe role of mindfulness and acceptance in healingLearning to be kinder to yourself through self-talkHow stigma and “pushing through” worsen mental healthThe importance of building a supportive care teamWhy teaching others how to treat you is part of recoveryTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and opening reflections on resilience 01:41 – Meet Stacey: A story of chronic pain and depression 02:31 – The overlap of pain and depression explained 03:38 – Stacey’s life before illness and how everything changed 05:27 – Living with fibromyalgia, depression, and seasonal struggles 07:03 – When pain and depression feed into each other 07:35 – Finding a therapist after years of failed attempts 08:47 – Learning mindfulness to interrupt negative thought cycles 09:42 – The role of acceptance in living with chronic pain 10:21 – How fighting reality can make symptoms worse 11:09 – Advice for others living with chronic pain and depression 12:32 – Learning self-compassion and teaching others how to treat you 13:12 – Closing reflections and reminder of Suicide Prevention MonthExplore 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 Oregon high school students successfully fought for the right to take mental health days just like sick days, it sent a powerful message: depression and anxiety deserve to be taken seriously in schools.In this episode, Derek, one of the teens behind the new law, shares how burnout, anxiety, and depression motivated his advocacy. Then, Carly — a social worker and former student who used mental health days — explains why giving young people permission to rest, recharge, and care for themselves is a crucial step in reducing stigma.If you’ve ever wondered how mental health days help students with depression and anxiety, this conversation sheds light on the difference one day of rest can make — and why laws like this could save lives.Primary Topics Covered:Oregon teens pass first-in-the-nation law for excused mental health daysWhy many students already took mental health days — but had to lie about itThe connection between student burnout, depression, and school absencesOregon’s suicide rate and why prevention requires proactive policiesCarly’s story: taking mental health days as a student and now working as a school social workerWhy stigma keeps students silent about anxiety and depressionHow mental health days can reduce shame and encourage self-careThe bigger vision: nationwide adoption and built-in early detection systemsTimestamps:00:00 Welcome and intro 01:21 Oregon teens fight for mental health days law 01:57 Derek’s story: living with anxiety and depression in high school 02:31 Testifying before lawmakers and passing the bill 02:52 Pushback: stigma and skepticism about “Ferris Bueller days off” 03:22 Oregon’s high absenteeism and suicide rate context 03:38 Derek’s personal experience with mental health days 04:05 Why proactive policies matter for suicide prevention 04:42 How students use mental health days to rest and recharge 05:33 Why lying about “stomach aches” perpetuates stigma 06:10 Mental health days as equal to physical sick days 07:06 Terry’s parenting story: offering mental health days at home 07:41 Carly’s reflection: what mental health days felt like as a teen 08:41 How anxiety manifests as emptiness and exhaustion 09:32 The role of rest, sleep, and recovery 09:49 Carly’s unique perspective as a social worker in schools 10:12 Why students need permission to prioritize mental health 11:06 Equity concerns: differences across class and family situations 12:20 How excused mental health days can improve outcomes 13:13 Life skill: learning to pause and recalibrate 14:10 Nationwide advocacy and next steps for student mental health laws 14:59 Closing thanks to Derek and Carly 15:15 Outro: reminder to speak up and 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/

When someone you love is struggling with depression, it’s natural to want to help—but knowing how to help can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Elliot vulnerably shares the questions he wishes he’d asked years earlier while navigating his partner’s depression.With insights from clinical social worker Mike Stens, we explore:Early warning signs of depression in a loved oneThe difference between supporting and trying to “fix” your partnerWhat to say (and what not to say) when your partner is strugglingWhy couples therapy and family involvement matterThe impact of medication side effects and what families should knowThe long-term outlook for relationships when depression is involvedHopeful reminders that depression is treatable and recovery is possibleThis episode is for spouses, partners, and anyone trying to understand how to love and support someone living with depression.Primary Topics Covered:Misconceptions partners often have about depressionRecognizing early signs of depression in a spouseCommon mistakes people make when trying to “fix” depressionThe importance of empathy and presence over solutionsCouples therapy and family support in recoveryAddressing concerns about medication side effectsLong-term relationship challenges and hope for stabilityHow conversations and small actions can strengthen connectionTimestamps:00:00 - Intro and framing the episode 01:27 - Why partners’ questions about depression matter 02:19 - Elliot shares his story and questions 03:25 - Early signs of depression in a partner 04:55 - Why you can’t “fix” depression for someone else 05:59 - How to support instead of blaming yourself 07:06 - Shifting from fixing to helping 07:24 - The role of conversations and shared activities 08:37 - When (and how) to talk about depression 09:20 - Concerns about medication and family safety 10:26 - Why couples should meet with doctors together 11:03 - Long-term relationship concerns and realities 12:41 - Black-and-white thinking about the future 13:46 - What couples need to know about recovery and hope 14:43 - Why not knowing what to do is normal 15:36 - 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/

In this episode, Duff the Psych and Terry explore how constant exposure to negative news stories affects our mental and emotional health. They discuss the balance between staying informed and protecting your well-being, the different ways news can impact people with heightened empathy or existing mental health conditions, and strategies to set healthy boundaries around media consumption. Listeners will gain insight into why tragic images linger in our minds, how children process frightening news, and practical ways to reduce feelings of helplessness by turning emotions into action.Link to article: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/violent-media-anxiety_n_6671732Link to research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803729/Link to Duff the Psych's website: https://www.duffthepsych.com/Primary Topics Covered:The psychological impact of starting or ending your day with negative newsDifferences in how reading, hearing, and viewing disturbing news content affects usWhy people with depression and anxiety may feel more empathetic and overwhelmedThe long-term effects of traumatic news exposure on childrenHow to set boundaries with media while still staying informedStrategies for turning fear and helplessness into positive, constructive actionTimestamps:00:00 Intro 02:24 How negative news affects your mood and daily outlook 03:18 News exposure before bedtime and its impact on sleep 04:24 The difference between reading, hearing, and seeing tragic news 05:18 Why people with depression may feel news more deeply 06:26 The psychological impact of viewing negative images 07:06 How anxiety and emotional reasoning distort perception of threat 07:56 Balancing caution with living life fully despite risks 08:11 The effects of traumatic news exposure on children 09:06 How to talk with kids about frightening news events 09:32 Rising anxiety and hyper-vigilance in everyday situations 10:37 Why today’s world requires a new understanding of anxiety 10:47 Channeling feelings of helplessness into positive actions 13:56 Closing thoughtsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Grief and depression can look remarkably similar — sadness, fatigue, loss of motivation, changes in sleep — but they are not the same. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jennifer Bartolotta shares her deeply personal story of losing her husband, renowned restaurateur Joe Bartolotta, and how she learned to distinguish between normal grief and clinical depression.Jennifer discusses how her husband once recognized signs of depression in her, how she built daily spiritual and mental health practices to sustain herself, and why asking for help is not a weakness but an act of courage.Listeners will learn how to recognize the warning signs that grief may be developing into depression, why having honest friends and a strong support network matters, and what tools can help us through both grief and depression.This conversation offers comfort, validation, and practical strategies for anyone navigating loss while also tending to their mental health.Link to Psychology Today article on Grief vs. Depression: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-new-grief/201203/when-does-grief-become-depressionPrimary Topics Covered:The difference between grief and depressionJennifer’s personal story of loss and resilienceHow depression first showed up in her life and how her husband recognized itThe role of daily practices in supporting mental healthWhy asking for help and building a support network is essentialThe gift of honest friends during hard timesProfessional guidance on coping with grief and preventing relapse into depressionTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and podcast overview 00:59 – How grief and depression overlap but differ 01:38 – Jennifer Bartolotta shares her sudden loss 02:43 – Jennifer’s background and confidence growing up 03:45 – Struggles with authenticity and early signs of depression 04:25 – The moment her husband recognized she needed help 05:55 – Beginning therapy and learning to manage depression 06:39 – Jennifer’s daily spiritual and mental health practices 07:20 – Practicing kindness: making someone smile each day 08:00 – Living through grief after her husband’s death 08:54 – Distinguishing grief from depression with expert insights 10:00 – Holding onto hope and perspective during grief 11:28 – Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness 12:30 – The importance of honest friends who notice changes 13:19 – How noticing “something is off” can start healing 14:01 – Psychology Today tips on navigating grief 15:33 – Closing reflections and next week’s previewExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/