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

In this powerful conversation, Charlotte Underwood reflects on her teenage years living with undiagnosed depression and anxiety. She opens up about the darkness she experienced, the resilience she didn’t know she had, and the lessons she wishes her younger self could have known. Now in her 20s, Charlotte shares how she moved from isolation and despair to building a life filled with love, connection, and purpose. Her story is one of honesty, hope, and encouragement for every teen — or adult — who feels lost in depression.Primary Topics Covered:Charlotte’s early struggles with anxiety, depression, and traumaThe loneliness of growing up without understanding mental illnessWhy depression convinces you that nothing will ever get betterLessons she wishes she had known at 14 about mental health, resilience, and supportThe role of therapy, self-care, and small acts of kindness in recoveryHow love, connection, and self-acceptance can transform lifeEncouragement and messages of hope for struggling teens todayTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and podcast mission 01:11 - Depression’s convincing lies about permanence 01:36 - Discovering Charlotte’s gratitude post online 02:49 - Charlotte’s early struggles as a teenager 03:57 - How she envisioned her future at 14 04:52 - Building a life she never thought possible 05:41 - A joyful night that sparked her message of hope 07:10 - What she wishes she knew about depression as a teen 07:56 - Discovering her resilience and inner strength 08:53 - The importance of support from family and friends 10:15 - Hiding depression and self-harm from loved ones 11:02 - Why she thought she would be rejected if she shared 12:08 - Understanding that support often exists if you reach out 13:14 - Discovering that different treatments exist and work differently 13:10 - Knowing the future can hold joy, love, and purpose 14:20 - Charlotte’s direct message to struggling teens 16:09 - Hosts reflect on Charlotte’s resilience and hope 17:47 - The metaphor of keeping the spark of hope alive 19:00 - Closing reflections and inspirationExplore 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 many people, Christmas isn’t joyful—it’s painful. Depression, grief, and loneliness often intensify during the holidays, making it feel impossible to celebrate.This special holiday episode, written and read by John Pavlovitz, is a message for anyone who feels unseen or overwhelmed this season. Whether you’re grieving, battling depression or anxiety, living with addiction, or struggling with self-worth, this episode offers compassion, solidarity, and hope.You are not weak. You are not alone. And this moment, as heavy as it feels, is not the end of your story.Link to John Pavlovitz's article: https://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/12/24/to-those-who-struggle-this-christmas/Primary Topics Covered:Why depression and anxiety often worsen during ChristmasThe hidden struggles behind “holiday cheer”Messages for those grieving or facing lonelinessCompassion for those battling addiction and self-hatredThe importance of solidarity: you are not the only one sufferingWhy holiday depression doesn’t mean permanent hopelessnessWords of hope for surviving this seasonTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode introduction 00:38 - John Pavlovitz begins holiday message 01:15 - For those grieving losses and broken relationships 02:05 - For those struggling with depression and anxiety 02:55 - For those battling addiction or self-hatred 03:40 - For those feeling isolated or forgotten this Christmas 04:25 - Reminder: you are not alone in this struggle 05:00 - This pain is not permanent—your story continues 05:32 - Closing encouragement and holiday reflectionsExplore 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 holiday-themed episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dan shares his journey of living with anxiety and depression while hiding his struggles for decades. After a hospitalization that saved his life, he found strength in community, gratitude, and openness. Inspired by others who had shared their stories, Dan bravely speaks publicly about his own experience for the first time.Through his candid reflections, listeners will hear how shame and stigma can silence people—even when they’re surrounded by loved ones—and how connection and honesty can open the door to healing. This heartfelt conversation highlights three life-changing gifts: gratitude, connection, and hope.If you’ve ever felt the weight of depression or struggled to share your truth, this episode is for you.Primary Topics Covered:Why many people hide their depression due to stigma and shameThe life-saving role of hospitalization and support networksHow gratitude and openness can shift perspective in recoveryThe importance of breaking silence and talking about depressionGenerational differences in openness about mental healthWhy connection and community are essential in healingTimestamps:00:08 – Introduction to the episode 01:26 – The three gifts: gratitude, connection, and hope 02:42 – Meet Dan and his story of hidden depression 04:20 – Avoiding conversations about mental health 05:01 – Hospitalization and confronting suicidal ideation 06:16 – Finding the courage to speak publicly about depression 07:57 – How shame and stigma fuel silence 09:28 – The relief and power of talking openly 10:40 – The impact of depression on family and loved ones 11:45 – Conversations with his son and breaking generational silence 12:36 – Realizing depression doesn’t discriminate 13:46 – The role of self-talk and negative thought cycles 14:15 – Small but important steps toward change 15:25 – Why sharing stories reduces stigma and brings hope 16:36 – Closing reflections on courage and hope for the new yearExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

The holiday season brings joy for some, but for many, it’s a time of overwhelming pressure, financial strain, family conflict, and loneliness. In this candid conversation, self-care consultant Steve Austin shares strategies for surviving holiday depression with grace and realism. From setting boundaries to rethinking gift-giving and embracing imperfect traditions, this episode is full of practical tools and compassionate reminders that you can create a season that honors your mental health.Whether you’re grieving, stressed, or just feeling “bah humbug,” you’ll find hope, validation, and concrete ways to lighten the load.Primary Topics Covered:Why the holidays trigger depression and anxiety for so manyThe top two holiday stressors: finances and family dynamicsLetting go of perfectionism and unrealistic expectationsCreative, low-cost traditions that bring genuine joyHow to set boundaries with difficult family situationsWhat to do if you’re spending the holidays aloneThe role of self-care and permission to say “no”Why giving (time, presence, kindness) matters more than giftsTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and the holiday mental health theme 01:26 – The joy vs. dread of the holidays: why experiences differ 02:27 – Guest Steve Austin joins the conversation 03:42 – The two biggest holiday stressors: finances and family 05:02 – Letting go of “perfect Christmas” expectations 05:42 – Simple, affordable traditions that matter most 07:40 – Childhood memory: the “perfect” $20 Christmas 09:11 – How to navigate family drama and blended traditions 10:14 – What to do when you’re alone during the holidays 11:18 – Self-care basics for surviving holiday stress 12:29 – The importance of giving (beyond material gifts) 13:33 – Final reflections on permission, boundaries, and connection 14:02 – Closing thoughts and reminder: you are not aloneExplore 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, we flip the script as Giving Voice to Depression co-host Terri sits down with podcaster and mental health advocate Dan Udell of Know Yourself. Together, they discuss what it means to live with depression, how sharing real stories through podcasting can reduce stigma, and why open conversations about mental illness are critical for connection and healing.Listeners will hear candid reflections on navigating depression, the origins of Giving Voice to Depression, and the power of storytelling to remind us that none of us are alone.If you’ve ever wondered how sharing your mental health story can help others—or how podcasts are changing the conversation around depression—this episode is for you.Link to full interview here: https://anchor.fm/knowyourself/episodes/Know-Yourself---Episode-68---An-interview-with-Terry-from-Giving-Voice-to-Depression-podcast-e2gt5nPrimary Topics Covered:Why the Giving Voice to Depression podcast beganHow personal stories about depression help fight stigmaThe role of podcasting in mental health advocacyDepression’s impact on identity, self-talk, and relationshipsCoping strategies and the importance of support systemsDifferences in how people experience and express depressionWhy humor, honesty, and storytelling matter in recoveryTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and introductions 00:35 - Why sharing depression stories matters 01:07 - Dan Udell on mental health advocacy and podcasting 02:00 - Terri shares her depression journey and podcast origins 05:03 - The role of family and support in coping with depression 06:22 - Lessons from crisis line volunteering 08:01 - A powerful story of suicide prevention and human connection 10:15 - Humor, honesty, and breaking stigma through conversations 11:19 - Terri describes what living with depression feels like 13:25 - PTSD, trauma, and the science of ACEs 14:30 - How siblings experience depression differently 17:41 - Podcast resources and where to find support 19:41 - Closing reflections and messages of hopeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Why don’t we teach kids how to recognize and respond to depression in school? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we talk with Bobby Temps, host of Mental: The Podcast to Destigmatize Mental Health, about how mental health education could change—and even save—lives.Bobby shares his own story of struggling with depression as a young adult without the tools or language to understand what he was going through. From online tests to therapy and community support, he explains how resources helped him recover and inspired his advocacy.This conversation highlights the urgent need for open, national conversations about depression and mental health—in schools, families, and communities—to end stigma and build resilience for the next generation.Link to Bobby Temps's mental health podcast: http://mentalpodcast.co.ukPrimary Topics Covered:Bobby Temps’ experience with depression and the lack of early educationWhy living under pressure and expectations worsened his mental healthHow online tools and self-tests gave him clarityThe role of therapy and community support in recoveryThe importance of teaching signs of depression in schoolsHow stigma thrives in silence and misinformationBobby’s petition to make mental health part of the UK school curriculumThe role of public figures like Prince Harry in reducing stigmaThe empowering reminder: “You are enough.”Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and guest introduction: Bobby Temps 01:37 - Bobby’s early experiences with depression at university 02:52 - Struggles with daily functioning and recognizing warning signs 03:43 - Turning to online resources and depression self-tests 04:58 - Getting a diagnosis and first steps toward recovery 05:54 - Therapy, counseling, and social support in healing 07:05 - Why schools should teach mental health education 09:24 - Petition for mandatory mental health curriculum in the UK 10:52 - How Prince Harry and others opened national conversations 12:40 - Bobby’s message: You are enough, exactly as you are 14:11 - Closing reflections and next steps for 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/

Are you living with depression and extreme fatigue that never seems to improve?In this powerful episode, Scott, a husband and father, shares his journey of living with depression and exhaustion—and how a simple genetic test revealed an MTHFR gene mutation that changed his treatment path.After the devastating loss of his grandmother and a flare of depression and suicidal thoughts, Scott sought help from a therapist who suggested genetic testing. What he discovered explained his low energy, depression, and anxiety—and with a simple prescribed supplement, he experienced a life-changing difference in just weeks.This episode explores how genetic testing for depression and fatigue can open new treatment options, why so many people carry the MTHFR mutation without knowing it, and how lifestyle and diet changes can also help.If you’ve ever wondered why you’re always tired and depressed despite treatment, Scott’s story may offer new hope.Link to research article: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/MTHFR#Link to more of an informal explanation: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-integrationist/201409/genetic-mutation-can-affect-mental-physical-healthPrimary Topics Covered:Scott’s lived experience with depression, anxiety, and exhaustionThe loss that triggered a severe depressive episodeWhy suicidal thoughts often accompany major depressive relapsesHow his therapist suggested genetic testing for depression treatmentWhat the MTHFR gene mutation is and how it affects energy and moodThe affordable test that revealed Scott’s mutationHow supplements and lifestyle changes can improve depression symptomsThe importance of sharing discoveries to help others with depressionTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to today’s episode 01:33 – Scott’s journey: from listener to guest 02:21 – What sparked his curiosity about genetic testing 03:34 – Life crisis: loss of his grandmother and relapse into depression 04:05 – The return of suicidal thoughts 04:29 – His wife activates family support and encourages therapy 04:50 – Intake session: describing exhaustion as his main symptom 05:34 – The therapist suspects an MTHFR gene mutation 06:10 – A blood test confirms the genetic mutation 06:51 – Learning he cannot process B vitamins effectively 07:05 – Prescription supplement brings dramatic changes 08:21 – Scott describes newfound energy and relief from fatigue 09:08 – Why he wanted to share his discovery with others 09:23 – The power of community in mental health recovery 10:12 – Broader discussion: 30–45% of people may carry this mutation 11:45 – Lifestyle, diet, and stress-reduction strategies that help 13:08 – Co-hosts reflect on testing and their own fatigue 14:26 – 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/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, David Woods Bartley shares his powerful story of surviving a suicide attempt and finding healing through connection. He explains how small acts of curiosity, recognition, and expression can create hope — and why connection is one of the most powerful tools in suicide prevention.David’s journey takes us from the edge of a bridge to a life filled with purpose, self-care, and advocacy. He shows how asking the right questions, listening without judgment, and building trust can literally save lives.Listeners will learn practical ways to support loved ones who are struggling, reframe their own self-care, and understand why connection is the cornerstone of recovery.Link to David Woods Bartley's website: https://www.davidwoodsbartley.com/Primary Topics Covered:Why connection is central to suicide preventionDavid’s personal story of surviving a suicide attemptThe toxic “voice of depression” and how it speaks the same lies to many peopleHow curiosity, recognition, and authentic expression create hopeLessons from working with animals as metaphors for understanding human behaviorThe role of first responders and compassionate questioning in crisisBuilding a daily self-care practice (sleep, nutrition, exercise, therapy, spirituality)Reframing dark anniversaries into days of gratitude and growthTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and podcast 01:00 – International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day explained 01:30 – Dr. John Draper on suicide prevention and connection 02:00 – Introducing guest David Woods Bartley 02:20 – David’s unique background and use of animal stories for teaching 03:00 – The deer story and lessons about misunderstanding behavior 04:20 – Connection as curiosity, recognition, and expression 05:15 – Why expressing appreciation is life-saving 07:00 – David shares his suicide attempt story on the bridge 08:00 – A first responder’s life-saving questions 09:00 – Discovering “positive doubt” and stepping back from the edge 10:20 – Lessons learned in recovery and importance of daily self-care 11:30 – Redefining August 31st as his “New Year’s Day” of gratitude 12:30 – Reflections on how connection creates hope and saves lives 14:20 – Closing thoughts and invitation 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/

The holidays are supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for many, they bring stress, grief, financial strain, and worsening depression. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz helps us unpack why holiday depression and anxiety are so common—and how to care for your mental health when expectations feel overwhelming.From practical coping strategies to compassionate mindset shifts, this conversation offers tools you can use right away to reduce stress, navigate family dynamics, and create a season that supports your well-being instead of draining it.If you struggle with holiday depression or anxiety, you are not alone—and you deserve a holiday that includes peace, self-care, and permission to do less.Primary Topics CoveredWhy depression and anxiety often worsen around the holidaysHow grief, finances, and social expectations intensify stressDr. Anita Sands’ “holiday gift” of compassionate invitationsThe power of giving yourself permission to say “no” or change traditionsSelf-care basics for protecting mental health during busy seasonsCoping with comparison, pressure, and guiltPractical ways to reduce stress and find meaningTimestamps00:00 – Introduction: depression and the holiday season 01:13 – Why depression and anxiety often worsen during holidays 02:26 – Family dynamics and the pressure of expectations 03:42 – Why some people withdraw during celebrations 05:33 – The role of grief and exhaustion in holiday depression 06:31 – Dr. Sands’ “holiday gift” of low-pressure invitations 07:22 – Practicing compassion and flexibility with others 08:44 – The importance of self-care during stressful times 10:46 – Reconnecting with love, hope, and goodwill 12:46 – Giving yourself permission to choose differently 13:56 – Doing less and protecting your mental health 14:46 – The cost of holiday stress—emotional and financial 16:12 – Changing traditions to support well-being 17:15 – Closing encouragement and holiday remindersExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Depression can feel relentless—but recovery is possible, even after the darkest moments. In this episode, we share a powerful story of survival, relapse, and resilience. You’ll hear how early struggles with anxiety and depression led to suicide attempts, hospitalization, and self-stigma—and how persistence, treatment, and support eventually helped shape a life of purpose and hope.If you’ve ever felt like recovery is out of reach, this conversation is proof that setbacks don’t mean failure. It’s a reminder that depression is real, but so is healing.Link to Mark Henick's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QoyTmeAYwPrimary Topics Covered:The weight of childhood anxiety and depression symptomsSuicide attempts, hospitalization, and the gaps in psychiatric careThe turning point: a life saved by human connectionWhy relapses are part of recovery—not proof of failurePractical coping strategies that work (therapy, meds, structure, sleep)Overcoming self-stigma and learning to accept depression as an illnessBuilding resilience, patience, and hopeTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Depression, stigma, and the power of shared stories 02:30 - Childhood struggles with anxiety, depression, and misunderstood symptoms 04:15 - Early suicide attempts, hospitalization, and the limits of psychiatric care 06:45 - The night on the bridge—and the stranger who saved his life 08:45 - Why early intervention and mental health education in schools matter 11:20 - Relapse as part of recovery: accepting setbacks without shame 13:30 - Coping strategies that work: therapy, medication, sleep, and awareness 15:45 - Patience, persistence, and perspective in long-term recovery 17:15 - Battling self-stigma: reframing depression as an illness, not weakness 19:45 - Final reflections: hope, resilience, and breaking stigmaExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/