Giving Voice to Depression

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we talk about how to recognize when depression is getting worse — and what you can do to act before it becomes a crisis.Guest Corinne shares her personal journey through depression during pregnancy, including a pivotal moment when calling a suicide prevention hotline saved her life. She introduces the mental health scale, a simple but powerful tool that helps track emotional well-being and signals when to reach out for support.We also highlight practical strategies for coping with depression and anxiety, including therapy, sleep, exercise, meditation, and — most importantly — connection and honesty.If you’ve ever wondered how to know when it’s time to seek help, this conversation offers insight, tools, and encouragement to act early and protect your mental health.Link to Corrine Purtill's article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/Primary Topics Covered:Recognizing early warning signs of worsening depression and anxietyCorinne’s experience with depression during pregnancyThe role of suicide prevention hotlines in saving livesHow the mental health scale helps track wellness and risk levelsCoping strategies: therapy, exercise, sleep, meditationThe importance of connection, openness, and support networksShifting the focus from crisis response to prevention and resilienceTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to depression prevention and early action 01:12 - Corinne’s personal story of depression during pregnancy 02:28 - Why sharing lived experiences reduces stigma and saves lives 04:14 - Introducing the “mental health scale” as a self-monitoring tool 05:22 - Coping strategies: therapy, sleep, exercise, and meditation 06:08 - Building trust and connection to prevent crisis 07:21 - How to know when depression is getting worse 09:03 - Suicide prevention hotlines as life-saving resources 10:36 - Breaking stigma with honesty about mental health 12:02 - Final reflections: acting before crisis 13:10 - Closing thoughts and support 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 happens when you stop whispering about depression and start living out loud?In this episode, Sarah, a 28-year-old actress, trainer, and teaching artist, shares her raw and unfiltered journey with depression, suicidal ideation, and recovery. She talks about moving from shame to authenticity—being “loud and proud” about her mental health struggles—and why honesty matters in breaking stigma.Sarah describes her “staircase to the pit of despair,” the role of support groups like AA, the unexpected impact of hormonal birth control on her mental health, and the lifesaving power of pug videos, friends, and honest conversations.If you’ve ever felt silenced by stigma or questioned your worth while living with depression, Sarah’s story is a reminder that depression can’t kill you unless you let it—and that speaking out can save lives.Primary Topics Covered:Why sharing personal depression stories reduces stigmaSarah’s experiences with depression and suicidal ideationHow support groups create safe spaces for vulnerabilityThe societal stigma around mental illness in the U.S.Coping tools: support groups, friends, exercise, joy practicesWhy “feelings won’t kill you” became Sarah’s mantraHormonal birth control and its impact on depressionThe importance of being open, authentic, and unashamedTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and NAMI on why sharing stories matters 01:19 - Sarah introduces herself: “loud and proud” about depression 02:23 - Joy practices: cookie dough, pug videos, and otters 02:53 - How depression spirals from disappointment to worthlessness 03:40 - Alcohol, suicidal thoughts, and why laughter helps 04:43 - Stigma, vulnerability, and the U.S. culture of silence 05:26 - Comparing asking for help with fixing a leaky faucet 06:07 - Coping strategies and Sarah’s “list” of survival tools 06:22 - Her mantra: “Depression can’t kill me unless I let it” 07:39 - Hormones, birth control, and a warning for women 08:06 - The night of her worst suicidal ideation 09:10 - How tracking symptoms revealed the connection to ovulation 09:45 - Recovery after switching to nonhormonal birth control 10:15 - Closing reflections on stigma, survival, and living out loudExplore 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 can we better prevent suicide among teens, students, and adults?Season 9 of Giving Voice to Depression explored critical topics like why teens don’t share suicidal thoughts with parents, how schools can create safe spaces for mental health, and why even NFL legends and doctors struggle with depression. In this recap, Bridget and Terry revisit seven powerful episodes that highlight prevention, resilience, and recovery.Highlights include:Dr. Stacey Freedenthal on why teens hide suicidal thoughts from parentsA Wisconsin school district making student mental health a priorityNFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins opening up about his depression and stigmaDr. Michael Weinstein on being both a doctor and psychiatric patientThe Crisis Text Line as a lifesaving, confidential resourceThese stories remind us that depression can affect anyone — teens, athletes, doctors, and everyday people — but with support and open conversation, healing is possible.Primary Topics Covered:Why teens don’t tell parents about suicidal thoughtsSuicide prevention strategies for youth and schoolsCoping with depression and anxiety in high-pressure careersBreaking stigma around mental health in sports and medicineHow medical training impacts depression in doctorsCrisis Text Line as a 24/7 support toolThe importance of listening, honesty, and hopeTimestamps:00:00 Welcome to Season 9 in Review 01:40 Episode 97 — Why teens avoid telling parents about suicidal thoughts (Part 1) 03:18 Episode 98 — Parents in denial: Why kids don’t share suicidal thoughts (Part 2) 05:05 Episode 99 — Keeping students mentally healthy and safe (Menasha Joint School District) 07:10 Episode 100 — NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins on depression and stigma 09:12 Episodes 101 & 102 — When doctors become psychiatric patients (Dr. Weinstein) 12:00 Episode 103 — Crisis Text Line: Confidential support via text 14:00 Closing reflections and hope 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/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we spotlight the Crisis Text Line—a free, 24/7 support service available by text message. For many, especially younger people or those unable to make a phone call, texting provides a private and immediate way to reach out in moments of crisis.Guest Ashley Womble, Head of Communications at Crisis Text Line, explains how the service works, who uses it, and what to expect when reaching out. We also explore how texters are triaged, how counselors de-escalate “hot” moments into calmer ones, and how this unique form of support is expanding worldwide.Whether you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, overwhelming stress, or suicidal thoughts, this episode helps demystify the process and reminds listeners: you don’t have to go through it alone.Link to Crisis Text Line website: https://www.crisistextline.org/Primary Topics Covered:What defines a “crisis” and who can use Crisis Text LineHow texting support differs from calling a hotlineWhy younger people prefer texting for mental health helpPrivacy and accessibility benefits of text-based supportThe triage system and how urgent needs are prioritizedWhat to expect when you text for help (step-by-step)Crisis counselor training and volunteer opportunitiesThe global expansion of Crisis Text LineEpisode Timestamps:00:08 - Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression podcast 01:10 - Introducing Crisis Text Line as a mental health resource 02:00 - What “crisis” means and why people reach out 03:50 - Guest Ashley Womble explains who uses the text line 05:20 - Why younger generations prefer texting over calling 06:05 - Privacy advantages of silent texting in different situations 07:00 - International expansion of the Crisis Text Line 08:01 - How crisis counseling by text actually works 08:52 - Step-by-step: what to expect when you text in 09:14 - Triage system: prioritizing urgent situations 10:29 - Connecting with a real counselor and moving from “hot” to “cool” 11:25 - Providing referrals and the 1% of cases needing active rescue 12:29 - Testing the service before a crisis 13:27 - Training and opportunities to volunteer as a crisis counselor 14:04 - Closing reflections on the value of this free, 24/7 serviceExplore 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 a doctor becomes the patient — and faces treatment-resistant depression?In this powerful episode, trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Weinstein shares his deeply personal battle with depression that no medication or therapy seemed to touch. Diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, Michael reached the point of hospitalization and was recommended electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) — a treatment that frightened him but ultimately helped save his life.He speaks candidly about:Feeling worthless and convinced his family would be better off without himThe stigma and fear of admitting himself to a psychiatric hospitalWhat ECT was like and why it’s still misunderstoodWhy hearing “you have treatment-resistant depression” can feel hopeless — but doesn’t mean recovery is impossibleMichael’s story is a rare, honest look inside the mind of a physician who nearly lost everything to depression but found his way back. His message: you are not alone, and recovery is always possible.Article link: https://medschool.ucsd.edu/som/hear/resources/Documents/Out_of_the_Straitjacket_NEJM_Perspective.pdfLink to YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qBobGOF0fs&t=5sPrimary Topics CoveredWhat treatment-resistant depression really meansA doctor’s personal account of suicidal thoughts and hopelessnessWhy stigma in medicine prevents doctors from seeking helpHospitalization and the fear of losing a medical careerFirsthand experience with ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)Learning empathy by becoming a patientWhy stories help fight stigma in the medical fieldFinding joy and recovery after severe depressionTimestamps:00:00 Intro — continuing the “Doctors and Depression” conversation 01:29 Michael Weinstein’s family history of depression 02:22 When depression became overwhelming and suicidal thoughts began 03:14 Feeling worthless and convinced his family was better off without him 05:13 The importance of hearing real stories of depression 06:25 What “treatment-resistant depression” means for patients 08:16 Voluntarily entering a psychiatric hospital as a doctor 08:45 Facing the recommendation of ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) 09:31 Resistance, restraints, and the reality of psychiatric hospitalization 10:36 Lessons learned from being a patient, not just a doctor 11:43 Why storytelling breaks stigma and builds connection 12:23 Michael’s recovery and reflections on resilience 13:40 Why doctors need to remember they’re human, too 16:00 Closing thoughts: every human is human, and healing is possibleExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Doctors save lives — but who saves doctors when they’re struggling with depression?In this eye-opening episode, trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Weinstein shares his personal experience living with depression inside a profession where stigma is often strongest. Despite having the knowledge and resources to recognize mental illness, Dr. Weinstein — like many physicians — felt depression was a personal weakness and kept silent until he could no longer ignore it.This conversation reveals why depression in doctors is far more common than most realize, why stigma in medicine prevents help-seeking, and what needs to change in medical education and culture.Listeners will learn:Why suicide rates are higher among physicians than the general populationHow medical training can actually increase depression ratesThe stigma doctors face from colleagues when they disclose mental illnessThe personal story of a surgeon who became both doctor and psychiatric patientWhy compassion for others often comes at the cost of self-compassionHow to support physicians — and why healthier doctors mean better patient carePrimary Topics Covered:Statistics on depression and suicide risk among physiciansWhy medical trainees experience rising rates of depressionStigma and discrimination against doctors with mental illnessDr. Weinstein’s personal story: from respected surgeon to psychiatric patientThe lack of self-compassion among medical professionalsHow avoidance culture in medicine worsens mental health strugglesWhy medical education needs a revolution in empathy and self-careSteps toward a more supportive, stigma-free healthcare systemTimestamps00:00 Welcome and intro to today’s episode 01:14 The shocking stigma around depression in doctors 02:09 Dr. Michael Weinstein — surgeon and psychiatric patient 03:27 From successful career to “just enduring life” 04:37 Burnout, depression, and medical training’s role 05:56 Why medical education needs a revolution 06:30 The challenge of self-compassion in medicine 07:30 Why colleagues often don’t know how to help 08:38 Weinstein’s struggle to accept help and feelings of unworthiness 10:22 Avoidance culture and silence in the medical profession 12:23 Looking ahead to Part Two: living through psychiatric hospitalization 13:30 Closing reflections and hope for cultural changeExplore 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 one of the NFL’s toughest players admits he was fighting suicidal thoughts behind the mask of strength?In this milestone 100th episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Brian Dawkins, NFL Hall of Famer and former Philadelphia Eagle, opens up about his battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the silent pressure of unspoken pain.Nicknamed “Weapon X” for his fearless play, Dawkins reveals how bottling up anger, family stress, and the cultural pressure to “be tough” nearly drove him to take his own life. He describes how therapy, medication, and faith gave him tools to step back from the brink, and why he now uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, especially among men, athletes, and communities of color.Dawkins shares the importance of building a “blessed pack” of trusted people, teaching his children to talk openly about their feelings, and learning that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. His story is a powerful reminder that pressure builds in silence—but freedom comes in speaking truth.Link to Brian Dawkins' Website: https://www.briandawkins.com/Primary Topics Covered:Brian Dawkins’ rookie year and his first crash with depressionHow masculinity and sports culture teach suppression of emotionsThe silent buildup of pressure when pain isn’t sharedContemplating suicide and searching for ways to end his lifeThe liberating power of therapy, medication, and faithBuilding a “blessed pack” of supportive, nonjudgmental peopleWhy teaching children emotional openness mattersThe freedom and authenticity of unmaskingHow discipline, prayer, and mindset shape recoveryFinal message: “You are worth the fight.”Timestamps00:08 Intro and welcome to the 100th episode 01:46 Reflections on 100 episodes of GVTD 02:09 Brian Dawkins’ NFL career and “Weapon X” reputation 02:53 Why he revealed his depression in his Hall of Fame speech 03:35 What Dawkins thought depression was before experiencing it 04:21 His rookie year and the buildup of pressure 05:06 Masculinity, toughness, and suppressing emotions 06:18 “Pressure builds in silence” – the cost of holding it all in 06:35 Creating a “blessed pack” for support and prayer 07:38 Teaching children to talk about feelings without shame 09:00 Faith, therapy, and medication working together 11:05 Contemplating suicide and searching for ways to end his life 12:34 Wearing a mask while dying inside 13:41 The freedom of authenticity and unmasking 14:34 Learning from darkness: mindset and daily disciplines 15:54 Feeding yourself positive input at critical times of day 16:47 Final message: “You are worth the fight.” 17:39 Hosts reflect on Dawkins’ message 18:17 Mention of Dawkins’ foundation and Better Man conference 18:38 Closing gratitude and outroExplore 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 teens struggle with suicidal thoughts, too often they confide in peers instead of parents—placing an impossible burden on young shoulders. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Stacy Friedenthal, author of Helping the Suicidal Person, and Dr. Jennifer Shavina, a Wisconsin school psychologist leading a district-wide effort to address student mental health proactively.Through programs like Signs of Suicide (SOS) screenings, consistent follow-ups, and classroom lessons that normalize seeking help, this school system has created a framework that empowers students to speak up—and saves lives.Listeners will learn what works in school-based suicide prevention, how peers can responsibly respond to suicidal disclosures, and why mental health education must start early and include families.Link to Menasha Joint School District website: www.mjsd.k12.wi.us/Primary Topics Covered:Why teens often confide in peers instead of parents about suicidal thoughtsThe risks of “swearing to secrecy” when suicide is involvedThe role of peers vs. adults in suicide preventionHow school-based screening and support programs can identify at-risk studentsParent engagement in school mental health initiativesBuilding resilience, communication skills, and a culture of caring in schoolsBudget and resource considerations for districts implementing these programsTimestamps:00:08 – Introduction to the podcast and mission 01:10 – Recap: why teens don’t tell parents about suicidal thoughts 01:38 – The burden on peers when friends confide suicidal thoughts 02:18 – “Better mad than dead” – the hard truth of suicide prevention 02:27 – Dr. Stacy Friedenthal on the risks of secrecy 04:46 – What to do if a friend discloses suicidal intent 05:58 – Introduction to Dr. Jennifer Shavina and her school district’s program 06:25 – Mental health screening and prevention in schools 07:31 – How staff follow up with at-risk students and families 07:49 – Teaching students to recognize and report warning signs 08:38 – Why students feel comfortable reporting concerns 09:17 – Recognizing subtle signs beyond direct suicide language 10:02 – Parent reactions and involvement in suicide prevention 11:00 – Preparing students for resilience and emotional regulation after graduation 11:44 – Budget and resource challenges for districts 12:26 – Collaboration and sharing between school districts 13:11 – Encouragement to find trusted adults beyond parents 13:23 – Crisis support options and hotline reminder 13:39 – Teaser for next episode and closing remarksExplore 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 parents wonder: Why didn’t my teen tell me they were suicidal? In this episode, Dr. Stacey Freedenthal continues her conversation on the ten reasons teens avoid talking to parents about suicidal thoughts. We explore how stigma, denial, fear of overreaction, and misunderstanding silence kids—and what parents can do differently.Listeners will learn:Why some parents dismiss or overreact when kids disclose suicidal thoughtsHow "cognitive constriction" makes it hard for teens to see hope beyond the painThe damaging effects of overprotection and punishment after disclosureWhy asking “Are you still suicidal?” repeatedly can backfireHow to listen without judgment, fear, or panicPractical ways to start conversations if you suspect your child is strugglingThe role of CBT and DBT in helping teens manage suicidal thoughtsHow to make your home and your relationship a safe space for disclosureThis episode is for any parent, caregiver, or adult who loves a teen and wants to know how to prevent suicide and create open, honest conversations about mental health.Link to full list: http://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2013/05/29/parents-and-teens/Primary Topics Covered:Why suicidal teens stay silent around parentsCognitive constriction and the "mental toothache" analogyParent underreaction: dismissing, denying, or minimizing suicidal thoughtsParent overreaction: rushing to ER without listeningHow to respond when suicide talk feels like “attention-seeking”The dangers of repeated questioning (“Are you still suicidal?”)Overprotective behaviors that make teens feel punishedHow parents can approach conversations with compassion and curiosityThe importance of making help and hope visibleSuicide prevention resources (Lifeline 988, Crisis Text Line 741741)Detailed Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and episode framing 01:10 – Dr. Stacey Freedenthal’s expertise on suicide prevention 01:39 – Recap of part one: 5 reasons teens avoid telling parents 02:34 – Understanding "cognitive constriction" and suicidal focus 03:45 – Therapies that help: CBT and DBT in suicidal crises 04:21 – Reason #6: Parents dismiss or downplay suicidal thoughts 04:48 – Reason #7: Parents overreact and rush to the ER 05:19 – Why “attention-seeking” suicide talk is misunderstood 06:30 – The compassion lens: what’s behind suicidal communication 07:04 – Why rushing to hospitalization can silence teens 07:55 – Reason #8: Parents grow impatient, asking “Are you still suicidal?” 09:16 – A better way to check in with teens about suicide 09:50 – Reason #9: Overprotective parenting backfires 10:36 – Why removing phones or isolating kids can worsen depression 10:45 – How parents can proactively start the conversation 11:41 – The most important thing parents can do: listen with empathy 12:31 – The phrase both experts repeat: “Help and hope are available” 13:07 – National suicide prevention resources for parents and teens 13:29 – Key takeaway: connection, not control, saves lives 14:06 – Preview of next episode: who teens tell if not their parents 14:32 – Closing reflections and support 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/

Why don’t teens tell their parents when they’re having suicidal thoughts?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychotherapist, author, and suicide prevention expert Dr. Stacy Friedenthal explains the top reasons adolescents keep their suicidal thoughts hidden from parents — and how families can respond with compassion instead of fear, anger, or shame.Drawing from both professional expertise and personal lived experience, Dr. Friedenthal outlines the 10 most common reasons teens avoid talking to parents about suicide, from worrying about overreaction, to not wanting to feel like a burden, to fearing hospitalization.This episode is an essential listen for parents, teachers, and anyone who cares about young people’s mental health. With empathy and clarity, Dr. Friedenthal helps us understand suicidal thinking as a symptom — not a choice — and shows us how listening with calm and love can open the door to life-saving conversations.Link to resource for parents: https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2013/05/29/parents-and-teens/Link to learn more about Dr. Stacey Freedenthal: https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/about-stacey-freedenthal/stacey-freedenthal-phd-lcsw/Primary Topics Covered:Why suicide rates among adolescents are risingThe #1 reason teens don’t disclose suicidal thoughts to parentsHow parental overreaction (fear, anger, sadness) shuts down honestyThe role of guilt, stigma, and blame in silencing kidsUnderstanding suicidal thoughts as symptoms, not choicesWhy some parents take suicidal thinking personally — and why that’s dangerousThe powerful role of ambivalence in preventing suicideDr. Friedenthal’s lived experience with suicidal thoughts and attemptsWhat parents can do differently to create safety and trustTimestamps:00:00 Introduction — suicide rates in teens rising sharply 01:11 Dr. Stacy Friedenthal on her work and research 02:18 Why adolescents share suicidal thoughts with peers, not parents 03:26 A tragic example: journals found after a teen’s suicide 04:05 The #1 reason: teens fear parents will “freak out” 05:12 Parents offering reassurance instead of listening 06:17 When parents’ overwhelming sadness shifts focus away from the teen 07:01 Believing you’re a burden — depression’s convincing lie 07:39 Parents reacting with anger or blame 08:51 Understanding suicidal thoughts as symptoms of illness, stress, or sleep deprivation 10:12 Why guilt (“if you loved me, you wouldn’t think of suicide”) shuts kids down 12:15 Misconceptions: suicide as a choice vs. distorted thinking 13:37 Dr. Friedenthal’s own lived experience with suicidal thoughts 14:48 How irrational thoughts can feel rational in suicidal states 15:35 Key takeaways for parents: listen first, respond with love 16:37 Preview of Part 2 (reasons 6–10)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/