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

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jennifer shares her powerful journey living with treatment-resistant depression—an illness that has followed her since childhood. Despite trying nearly every class of antidepressants, she continues to fight for relief while also offering support to students in her role at a high school counselor’s office.Jennifer speaks candidly about the impact of depression on her life, including self-harm, medical leave, and the daily resilience it takes to keep moving forward. She also discusses the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms, why connection matters more than isolation, and how sharing her lived experience has helped young people feel less alone.This episode is a reminder that while depression steals moments of joy and opportunity, there is always strength in survival, and hope in connection.Primary Topics Covered:What treatment-resistant depression feels likeChallenges and frustrations of trying multiple medicationsCoping strategies: pacing, knitting, distraction techniquesThe role of supportive partners and communitySelf-harm, scars, and the symbolism of the semicolon tattooHow sharing lived experiences helps othersWhy connection combats isolationFinding small ways to make a difference dailyTimestamps (Single Code Format):00:00 – Introduction to the episode 01:00 – Jennifer shares her first experiences with depression 04:00 – Loneliness, diagnosis, and early struggles in school 06:00 – Trying nearly every class of antidepressant 07:30 – The frustration of medications losing effectiveness 09:00 – How depression robs life experiences and joy 10:45 – The importance of a supportive partner 11:30 – Why isolation gives depression more power 12:20 – Coping tools: knitting, pacing, and distraction 14:00 – Self-harm, scars, and the semicolon tattoo 15:00 – Using lived experience to support students 16:30 – Fighting stigma by sharing personal stories 17:45 – Closing reflections 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, John shares what it’s like to live with untreated depression for decades, held back by stigma, fear of judgment, and the belief that asking for help was a sign of weakness.He describes depression as “an attack in your own voice”—a relentless inner monologue that erases self-worth and fuels despair. His story illustrates how stigma not only delays treatment but also drives harmful coping mechanisms like alcohol use.Now, after finally seeking support in midlife, John reflects on what recovery looks like, why connection is vital, and how hearing other people’s mental health stories inspired him to speak out.This intimate conversation is for anyone who has ever felt silenced by stigma or struggled to explain what depression really feels like.Link to Jon's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxlVwfFkjH7dE-uz3_Q5WmQ/featuredLink to Jon's website: https://cleaningwarrior.com/Primary Topics Covered:The impact of stigma on seeking depression treatmentFirst experiences with depression as a teenagerHow self-medication with alcohol worsened symptomsStruggles and confusion with antidepressant useWhat depression “feels like” in real lived experienceThe metaphor of “an attack in your own voice”The importance of hearing and sharing personal storiesFinding hope and reassurance that dark times don’t last foreverTimestamps:00:00 – Partnership announcement with Mental Health America Wisconsin 01:10 – Introducing John and why he chose to share his story 01:52 – First experience with depression as a teenager 03:06 – Living decades without professional treatment 03:44 – Turning to alcohol as self-medication 04:20 – Why stigma made seeking help feel like failure 05:05 – Starting antidepressants after many years 06:22 – The uncertainty of long-term medication use 06:56 – John describes depression as “an attack in my own voice” 08:27 – The relentless, self-erasing inner dialogue of depression 09:32 – Metaphor of a “spreadsheet of self-worth” 10:42 – Why hearing others’ stories made John feel less alone 11:39 – A message of hope for listeners in the darkest moments 12:33 – Reflection on stigma, recovery, and speaking out 13:22 – John’s YouTube channel “Cleaning Warrior” and resources 13:41 – Closing gratitude and continued mission of the podcastExplore 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 it mean to survive bipolar depression—and even find hope in it?In this moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, poet and mental health advocate Kristen Roedl shares her lived experience with bipolar II disorder and recurring severe depression. She describes how depression has taken her to the edge of survival, yet also pushed her toward creativity, empathy, and resilience.Through poetry, journaling, and speaking openly about her hospitalizations and struggles, Kristen has found ways to process her pain and remind herself—and others—that depression lies.Her story is a powerful reminder that while bipolar depression can feel unrelenting, recovery is possible with the right mix of treatment, community support, and self-compassion.To learn more about Kristin and her poetry: KristinRoedell.wikidot.comPrimary Topics Covered:Kristen’s lived experience with bipolar II disorder and severe depressionWhat it feels like to be hospitalized for suicidal thoughtsWhy she calls depression both destructive and a “terrible gift”How poetry and journaling became healing toolsRecognizing depression as time-limited, not permanentLearning to separate self-worth from productivityThe role of medication, therapy, and partner support in recoveryTalking back to depression with affirmations of worthFinding resilience through self-compassion and acceptanceSharing poetry as a way to connect and inspire hopeTimestamps00:00 Introduction and episode framing 01:12 Rethinking what “gift” means in the context of depression 02:25 Introducing Kristen’s story and lived experience 03:49 Preparing mentally and emotionally for the interview 05:02 Realizing that worth is not tied to productivity 06:19 Depression’s weight and the challenge of survival 07:30 Coping with panic attacks and daily overwhelm 08:22 Giving depression space without letting it define you 09:15 Kristen describes living with bipolar II disorder 10:24 Hospitalization experiences during severe depression 12:40 Using poetry to process emotions and fight back against depression’s lies 13:58 Reading her poem “I Swallowed Hope That Winter” 15:20 Why she calls depression a “terrible gift” 16:41 Using affirmations and journaling to counter depression’s voice 18:10 Art and creativity as acts of resilience and healing 19:55 Key takeaways: self-compassion, rest, and hope 21:15 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 powerful episode, Philip Roundtree, a therapist, powerlifter, and mental health advocate, shares what it’s really like to live with depression as a Black man. From confronting daily suicidal thoughts to challenging stigma in the Black community, Philip’s story shines a light on survival, faith, therapy, and the importance of support systems.If you’ve ever wondered how to help someone with depression or how cultural stigma shapes mental health, this conversation offers both insight and hope.Link to Philip Roundtree's website: http://quadefyllc.net/Primary Topics Covered:The stigma of depression and mental illness in the Black communityThe role of faith, survival, and historical traumaPhilip’s personal battle with depression and suicidal thoughtsWhy representation in mental health conversations mattersCoping vs. true healing: why therapy is essentialThe power of medication, therapy, and supportive networksBreaking silence: why saying “this is what depression looks like” is revolutionaryEncouragement for anyone supporting loved ones with depressionTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to the episode 01:26 Understanding depression and cultural differences 02:11 Meeting Philip Roundtree: advocate, therapist, and survivor 02:37 “This is what depression looks like” – challenging stereotypes 04:15 The stigma of mental illness in the Black community 05:12 Historical trauma, faith, and survival as barriers to healing 07:08 Philip’s struggle with suicidal thoughts and daily battles 08:29 The importance of support systems and crisis resources 09:41 How medication shifted Philip’s mental health journey 10:20 Why therapy is essential for true healing, not just coping 11:15 Closing reflections: strength includes mental healthExplore 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 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/