Giving Voice to Depression

How do you cope with depression and anxiety when life feels overwhelming?Season 8 of Giving Voice to Depression was filled with powerful stories of survival, loss, and resilience. In this recap, Bridget and Terry revisit the season’s most impactful guests and lessons — offering both hope and practical tools for mental health recovery.Highlights include:A grieving mother’s plea for honesty after losing her son to suicideSix behaviors to avoid when coping with mental illnessA father and son’s journey of generational healing through opennessDr. Zach Bush on the gut-brain connection and depressionCanadian artist Jeff Beyer on expressing depression through paintingTara’s reminder that there is no “normal” — and why that’s freeingEFT/Tapping as a portable tool for managing depression and stressConversations about living with both anxiety and depressionWhether you’re seeking signs of depression, ways to cope, or inspiration from others who’ve been there, this episode offers perspective and support.Primary Topics Covered:Suicide prevention and the importance of honesty in treatmentCoping mistakes to avoid in depression recoveryBreaking family silence and stigma around depressionHow the gut-brain connection impacts moodUsing art to express and share mental health strugglesLetting go of “normal” and embracing opennessEFT/Tapping as a tool for depression and anxiety reliefLanguage to use (and avoid) when supporting someone with anxietyTimestamps:00:00 Welcome & why season recaps matter 01:44 Episode 86 — A mother’s lessons after her son’s suicide (Patty Kajawa) 03:00 Episode 87 — A grieving mother’s message to depressed teens 04:22 Episode 88 — Six behaviors to avoid when coping with mental illness (Catherine) 05:38 Episode 89 — Generational healing: a father and son speak openly about depression 06:46 Episode 90 — Gut-mind health connection with Dr. Zach Bush 08:05 Episode 91 — When art imitates depressed life (Jeff Beyer, part 1) 09:29 Episode 92 — When depression can no longer be hidden (Jeff Beyer, part 2) 11:07 Episode 93 — “There is no normal” with Tara 12:27 Episode 94 — Bonus toolkit: EFT/Tapping with Brad Yates 14:01 Episode 95 — Anxiety and depression with Jordan 14:29 Closing reflections on Season 8 and what’s ahead in Season 9Explore 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 expect surgery to be difficult physically, but fewer realize the emotional recovery can be even more challenging. In this episode, Jordan shares his story of experiencing both anxiety and post-surgical depression after open-heart surgery. We also explore how anxiety and depression often overlap, why emotional symptoms after surgery are common, and what friends and family can do to provide meaningful support.Whether you’ve faced surgery yourself or are supporting someone through recovery, this conversation sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of healing.Primary Topics Covered:The emotional impact of open-heart surgery and the reality of post-surgical depressionHow anxiety and depression often co-occur (nearly half of people with one also live with the other)Why telling someone to “calm down” or “cheer up” doesn’t helpPractical ways to support someone struggling with anxiety or depressionThe importance of recognizing intrusive thoughts and seeking appropriate treatmentHow awareness and preparation can reduce the shock of depression after surgeryTimestamps:00:11 - Introduction to the episode and podcast mission 01:10 - Why depression looks different for everyone 02:21 - Guest Jordan shares his experience with anxiety and depression 03:07 - How open-heart surgery triggered emotional struggles 04:14 - Emotional recovery vs. physical recovery after surgery 04:54 - Depression after heart surgery (cardiac depression) explained 05:45 - Jordan’s struggles with intrusive thoughts and shame 06:32 - How finding the right psychiatrist and treatment helped 07:10 - What anxiety feels like and how intrusive thoughts appear 08:08 - The overlap between anxiety and depression 09:32 - How to support someone experiencing anxiety 11:40 - Why silence, curiosity, and listening matter 12:25 - Misconceptions about discussing anxiety and suicide 13:45 - Why meaningful connection helps anxiety recovery 14:46 - Final reflections and the importance of self-knowledge 15:52 - Hosts share their own experiences with post-surgical depression 17:00 - Preparing for emotional side effects of surgery 17:20 - Closing thoughts 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/

Can something as simple as tapping your fingertips on pressure points really help with depression and anxiety? In this episode, we explore Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping, with master teacher Brad Yates.Tapping has been used by millions worldwide as a stress relief and healing tool, and studies show it can lower cortisol, ease anxiety, and provide real emotional relief. Brad guides us through a custom tapping session designed for people struggling with depression, offering a practical, portable, and cost-free technique anyone can try — even from bed.If you’ve ever wondered “does tapping work for depression?”, this episode offers both an explanation and an experience.Link to Brad's site:https://tapwithbrad.mykajabi.com/Link to Brad's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/eftwizardKey Topics Covered:What tapping (EFT) is and how it worksWhy EFT can reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisolA guided tapping exercise specifically for depressionHow acknowledging negative feelings can actually help healingWhy tapping provides hope, even when progress feels smallHow EFT can shift self-talk and release stuck emotional painThe importance of practicing consistently, like exerciseHow tapping can bring moments of relief in the darkest timesTimestamps:00:00 – Intro: Why self-help tools matter for depression 02:10 – What is tapping (EFT) and how it works 03:07 – Scientific evidence: lowering cortisol and stress 04:35 – Why tapping can bring even small moments of relief 06:01 – Step-by-step: How to start tapping 09:44 – Guided tapping session for depression with Brad Yates 13:20 – Moving from self-doubt to self-acceptance 15:00 – Using gratitude and love during tapping 17:15 – Releasing old programming and emotional pain 20:00 – How EFT can shift identity around depression 22:00 – Why tapping is a tool you can use anywhere, anytime 24:00 – Closing thoughts: hope, practice, and feedbackExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

For Tara, depression and anxiety began in childhood — with panic attacks at just four years old following a traumatic accident. Decades later, as a mother, she still carried the weight of exhaustion, shame, and guilt, believing she wasn’t living up to expectations.In this episode, Tara shares her deeply personal story of surviving depression, panic attacks, and stigma, and how she’s slowly learning to ask for help, accept support, and redefine what “normal” means.Her honesty is a powerful reminder that coping with depression and anxiety is not weakness — it’s strength. Whether it’s medication, therapy, or simply choosing to keep going each day, Tara’s journey shows that recovery is not about perfection, but persistence.Primary Topics Covered:Childhood trauma and the onset of panic attacksThe link between anxiety and depression across her lifeStruggles with college, work, and stigma around mental illnessParenting with depression and explaining it to childrenThe importance of therapy and medication in her recoveryThe pressure of the “supermom” ideal and letting it goRedefining normal: small victories like cooking or getting dressedWhy asking for help is not weakness but resilienceTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and opening reflections 01:22 - Why it’s hard to talk about depression and anxiety 01:42 - Guilt and shame as a mother living with depression 02:23 - The importance of asking for help 05:02 - Tara’s first panic attacks at age four 05:55 - Traumatic accident and early PTSD symptoms 07:02 - Discovering the term “panic attacks” at 14 08:04 - Relief in finally having words for her symptoms 08:56 - Depression intensifies during college years 09:39 - Loss of loved ones and impact on her mental health 10:12 - Struggles balancing full-time work with depression 11:33 - Parenting with depression and talking to her kids 12:55 - Medication, therapy, and redefining “normal” 14:17 - Choosing every day to keep going as resilience 15:16 - Closing reflections on asking for help and telling your truthExplore 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, Canadian artist Jeff Beyer shares his powerful story of living with bipolar depression, alcoholism, and recovery—and how art became a lifeline for healing.Through deeply personal insights, Jeff discusses early warning signs of depression and mania, the dangers of self-medicating with alcohol, and the process of finally seeking professional help. His artwork, inspired by his darkest moments, has become both a therapeutic tool and a way to break the stigma of mental illness.If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, or addiction, this episode offers both honesty and hope.Link to Jeff Beier's website: http://jeffbeier.comPrimary Topics Covered:The early signs of depression and bipolar disorderThe role of self-medication and alcoholism in masking symptomsThe dangers of ignoring bipolar disorder diagnosesHow antidepressants can complicate bipolar symptomsUsing art as a therapeutic outlet and conversation starterThe importance of open dialogue in reducing stigmaHope through recovery, self-awareness, and self-careTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and podcast mission01:24 – Jeff’s journey and how depression first appeared in childhood02:20 – Struggling with suicidal thoughts and turning to alcohol02:50 – First diagnosis of depression and later bipolar disorder03:57 – The risks of untreated bipolar disorder and manic phases04:37 – Tracking moods, recognizing patterns, and building awareness05:56 – Early warning signs of depressive episodes06:50 – Manic episodes, addiction to the “high,” and dangerous consequences08:44 – The reality of dual diagnosis: addiction + mental illness09:22 – The role of stigma and fear of speaking out10:23 – Masculinity, vulnerability, and stigma in healthcare professions11:24 – Addiction as “doing push-ups in the background”12:09 – Reclaiming power through art, sharing, and conversation13:40 – Audience reflections on Jeff’s artwork and mental health conversations15:06 – Closing thoughts: breaking stigma by speaking 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/

Can art make the invisible visible? In this powerful episode, painter Jeff Beier shares how his creative work shifted from lighthearted flowers to haunting depictions of depression as his own mental health worsened. His art became both a lifeline and a conversation starter, sparking emotional connections with strangers who recognized themselves in his pieces.Through his story, we explore how art can be both therapeutic and isolating, how expressing pain visually can open dialogue about depression, and why creativity often intertwines with mental illness.Listeners will hear Jeff’s journey from creating safe, “happy” paintings to producing raw and deeply personal works that confront the reality of depression head-on — and how sharing those works created healing connections with others.Link to Jeff Beier's works: http://jeffbeier.com/live/See the paintings under "Galleries" and then "Incidamus" Primary Topics Covered:The relationship between art and depressionUsing creative expression as therapyPublic reaction to art depicting mental illnessThe stigma of showing depression openlyHow art can help others understand invisible strugglesThe healing that comes from being seen and understoodTimestamps:00:01 - Introduction to the episode and theme 01:11 - Depression and artistic expression: Van Gogh Blues & creative struggles 02:23 - Guest Jeff Beier shares how his art changed with his mental health 03:50 - How painting became a therapeutic tool for coping with depression 05:07 - The symbolism of the first dark painting with black balloons 06:19 - Jeff describes paintings expressing suicidal thoughts and struggles 08:04 - The meaning behind “Insidious” – his depression-focused series 09:03 - Reactions from the public at his art exhibition 10:02 - Emotional audience responses and shared personal stories 11:25 - The release of black balloons: symbolism and closure 12:12 - How listening to depression podcasts helped Jeff during suicidal ideation 13:37 - Why hearing other voices with depression reduces isolation 15:17 - Understanding depression as a disease that lies to you 15:48 - Lessons learned through painting and self-expression 16:47 - Healing through love, starting with self-compassion 17:14 - Closing thoughts and where to see Jeff’s artExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Could depression begin in the gut?In this episode, Dr. Zach Bush, one of the few triple board-certified physicians in the U.S., explains the fascinating link between gut health and depression. Drawing from both science and personal experience with major depression, Dr. Bush describes how the microbiome, inflammation, and toxins like glyphosate affect our brain chemistry and mood.Listeners will learn how conditions like leaky gut disrupt serotonin and dopamine production, why depression rates have soared in recent decades, and what practical steps we can take — from food choices to time in nature — to restore balance.If you’ve ever wondered how your diet, microbiome, and environment impact mental health, this conversation will give you hope and concrete strategies to improve both your physical and emotional well-being.Link to Dr. Zach Bush's website: https://zachbushmd.com/Links to related articles:https://www.produceretailer.com/article/news-article/2018-dirty-dozen-and-clean-15-lists-released https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connectionPrimary Topics Covered:Why rates of depression have skyrocketed since the 1900sDr. Bush’s personal struggle with major depression and suicidal thoughtsHow glyphosate and environmental toxins damage the gut liningWhat “leaky gut” is and how it affects brain functionThe gut microbiome’s role in producing serotonin and dopamineWhy inflammation is a root cause of many mood disordersHow fermented foods and probiotics help restore gut balanceThe power of nature, movement, and purpose in healing depressionSmall daily steps to support gut health and improve moodDetailed Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and framing: what causes depression? 01:37 – Why gut health may hold answers doctors overlook 02:08 – Dr. Zach Bush’s background and expertise 03:04 – The fine line between mental health and disorder 03:49 – A catastrophic rise in mood disorders since 1900 04:38 – Dr. Bush’s personal experience with depression and suicidal ideation 05:49 – Why depression isn’t a personal weakness 06:27 – The role of glyphosate and toxins in disrupting gut health 07:33 – How toxins spread globally through water and air 08:33 – Why the microbiome is central to serotonin and dopamine production 09:12 – How to build resilience: exposure to diverse ecosystems 09:41 – Making smart choices with organic foods 09:59 – Fermented foods and the return of microbiome diversity 10:35 – Can gut health improvements reduce the need for depression meds? 10:55 – Purpose, gratitude, and finding meaning in healing 12:18 – The 4-minute exercise routine for energy and mood 13:09 – 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 moving episode, we explore how open conversations about mental health can spark healing that extends across generations. Dan, a father who once resisted sharing his struggles with depression, found strength in speaking out. His openness inspired his son, Kendall, to step forward and share his own story of living with depression.Together, they reveal how honest dialogue deepened their relationship, broke cycles of silence, and created a ripple effect of healing within their family. Their story highlights the power of vulnerability, the importance of checking in with loved ones, and the reality that depression does not have to be carried alone.This is an inspiring example of how breaking stigma and “being comfortable with being uncomfortable” can help families—and future generations—move toward hope and healing.Primary Topics Covered:The impact of silence vs. openness in families living with depressionHow a father’s decision to share inspired his son to speak outRecognizing depression’s voice and internal dialogueBuilding resilience and connection through honest conversationsThe ripple effect of generational healingTimestamps:00:57 – Opening reflections on unexpected stories of healing 02:15 – Dan shares how listening helped him open up about depression 03:12 – Kendall explains why his father’s openness inspired him 04:19 – Hearing a parent talk about depression for the first time 05:17 – How Dan’s story removed barriers for Kendall to share 06:29 – A pivotal father-son conversation after hospitalization 07:47 – Talking about depression within a family for the first time 09:23 – The guilt and confusion of “having no reason to be depressed” 10:12 – Depression’s negative inner voice and its impact 11:36 – Coping strategies Kendall uses to reset during depression 12:55 – Siblings stepping in as added support within the family 13:28 – The power of asking “How are you, really?” 15:30 – The ripple effect: healing across generations 16:39 – Closing reflections on connection, stigma, 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/

Coping with a mental illness like depression or bipolar disorder isn’t just about what you should do — it’s also about avoiding behaviors that can sabotage recovery. In this episode, guest Catherine Ponti shares her personal journey of living with bipolar disorder and the hard lessons she’s learned about behaviors that made her healing more difficult.From denial and dismissal to medication non-adherence and reckless choices, Catherine’s story sheds light on the six most common mistakes people make when coping with mental illness. By sharing her experiences openly, she helps others recognize harmful patterns and take proactive steps toward recovery.If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in your mental health journey, this episode offers both cautionary tales and a message of hope: with the right support, treatment adjustments, and mindset, recovery is possible.Link to NAMI blog article: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/January-2019/Coping-with-Mental-Illness-What-Not-to-DoLink to ForLikeMinds resources: https://www.forlikeminds.com/Primary Topics Covered:Why “what not to do” is just as important as traditional mental health adviceCatherine’s experience with severe bipolar disorder and hospitalizationsHow a medication change transformed her recoverySix harmful behaviors to avoid when coping with mental illnessThe role of denial, dismissal, and recklessness in blocking progressWhy self-belief and peer support communities matter for recoveryTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and introduction 01:26 - Shifting focus: what NOT to do in coping with mental illness 01:55 - Catherine’s journey with bipolar disorder and recovery challenges 02:50 - The impact of ineffective treatment and changing psychiatrists 04:16 - How a new medication regimen changed everything 05:19 - Six behaviors to avoid: starting with treatment ambivalence 06:53 - Taking ownership in your own recovery process 08:16 - The dangers of denial and dismissal 09:38 - Ignorance and refusal to learn about your condition 09:45 - Medication non-adherence and its consequences 10:31 - Recklessness and relapse risk 11:24 - Overcoming being “stuck” through peer support and self-belief 12:26 - Catherine’s online community: For Like Minds 12:51 - Podcast anniversary and gratitude to listeners 13:21 - 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/

When Patty Kijawa’s teenage son Jack died by suicide, her world was shattered. Through unimaginable grief, she has found the strength to speak openly—hoping her family’s story might save another.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Patty shares her journey as a grieving mother, the subtle changes and warning signs she wishes more families knew, and why teens often open up to friends rather than parents. Her message is one of both heartbreak and hope: that through awareness, compassion, and open conversations, we can prevent other families from experiencing the same loss.If you’ve ever wondered what suicide warning signs to look for, or how to support a struggling teen, Patty’s voice offers both painful honesty and life-saving insight.If you or someone you love is in crisis, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Primary Topics Covered:A mother’s story of losing her teenage son to suicideWhy grief after suicide is uniquely painful and complexThe subtle warning signs parents may missWhy teens often share their struggles with peers, not adultsHow one mother turned tragedy into suicide prevention advocacyBringing awareness to schools and communitiesFaith, resilience, and finding meaning in lossCrisis resources and the importance of reaching outTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and suicide awareness message 01:41 – Patty shares her son Jack’s story 03:18 – Their last family conversation before his death 04:37 – A mother’s final goodbye 05:56 – Speaking about Jack at his memorial 07:39 – What Jack wrote to encourage others 08:12 – Private struggles revealed in his diary 09:08 – Why suicide warning signs are easy to miss 09:53 – Friends noticing changes before adults do 10:39 – Red flags and behaviors parents should watch for 10:58 – Patty shares her message in schools 11:31 – Faith and finding purpose through grief 12:23 – Suicide prevention resources and supportExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/