Giving Voice to Depression

People with heart problems do not wait for a heart attack to address them.People with diabetes do not rely solely on an EpiPen to control their illness. And people with mental health challenges cannot wait until suicidal thoughts necessitate emergency actions. Self-care and depression-management involve tuning in with your changing thoughts/moods, establishing and using a safety plan and personalized tools that work for you.No illness is easier to treat when it's an emergency.https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Suicide prevention hotlines are available 24/7, ensuring there is always somewhere and someone you can turn to when in crisis. That does not mean there is no one in your life who would help, though it may mean depression has convinced you that's the case. Corinne Purtill credits the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline with saving her life, and she's speaking up so that we'll know the bottom does not need to mean the end. That line, now called the 988 Lifeline, has changed from its former 800-number to the easier to remember 3-digit number, 9-8-8 in the U.S. and Canada. You can text or chat to the number, if you prefer that to calling.https://988lifeline.org/https://988lifeline.org/chat/https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Looking for a new mental-health management tool?How about a creative one that "gets the ugly out" while maintaining your privacy?Our guest, Gina Barry, tells us how she modified the practice of writing "morning pages" into a more-private, freeing and effective way to get the darkness, depression and grief out of her head.Gina says giving your feelings a voice helps them not just sit there, on a repetitive loop. In just 20 minutes, you'll learn a new technique that could help you manage your depression and other mental-health challenges. Gina's site and two books mentioned in episode: https://www.ginabarry.com/https://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages/https://www.amazon.com/29-Gifts-Month-Giving-Change/dp/0738214302https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

The podcast episode 316 titled "" Childhood Trauma and Depression- An Undeniable Link" features a conversation with Renee, who shares her journey of overcoming depression rooted in early childhood trauma (Adverse Childhood Experiences - ACEs). Renee discusses her difficult past, which included self-harming, risky behaviors, and a lack of effective support from traditional therapy methods. Her turning point came when a judge recognized her underlying issues and directed her to therapy, leading to the disclosure of long-term sexual abuse by a relative.Renee emphasizes the need for each individual to find the right type of therapy for them. Hers included group and art therapies, which allowed her to connect with others who had similar experiences, providing her with validation and support. She highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of trauma to alleviate depression and advocates for the value of peer support in group therapy.The episode concludes with a "Survivor's Manifesto" by Dr. Peter Levine, offering comforting affirmations to survivors of trauma. The hosts, Terry and Bridget, reinforce the message that recovery is possible and encourage listeners to seek help and support, emphasizing that one's feelings are valid and that they are not alone in their struggles.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In "Setting a Time Limit for Depression," guest Matt Zinman, who has extensive personal experience with depression and other mental illness in his family. Matt shares his strategies for managing and overcoming depression, emphasizing his 3-Day Rule. This rule suggests that while a couple of down days can be manageable, by the third day, "purposeful action" is required to prevent sinking deeper into depression.Matt explains his "mood scale," which helps individuals recognize their emotional state and take appropriate action to maintain or regain mental health. He highlights the importance of sleep, nutrition, hydration, minimizing stress, avoiding negativity, staying active, and reaching out to others, even when tempted to isolate. Exercise, structure, and engaging in joyful activities are critical components of his plan.Matt also stresses the value of self-kindness and "earned confidence," which come from recognizing one's resilience and capability to handle life's challenges. He advises having a list of positive traits and activities that bring joy, to refer to during difficult times. The episode ends with a call to practice self-kindness and support each other in their mental health journeys.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

314-A Family History of Mental Illness (rerun), from Giving Voice to Depression,  delves into the intricate relationship between genetics and mental disorders. It looks at how genetic susceptibility and environmental factors interplay in the development of mental health issues.The guest, Matt Zinman, shares his personal story of growing up with a bipolar father and a depressive mother who survived a suicide attempt. His candid reflections highlight the confusion and anger he felt as a child and the lasting impact of his mother's attempt on their relationship. Matt also discusses his own battles with depression, including a critical episode in his early twenties and the ongoing struggle with medication management, which once led to severe suicidal ideation.Tragedy struck Matt's family again in 2012 with the death of his brother, who struggled with opioid addiction. Matt expresses his complex emotions of anger and understanding towards his brother's death, drawing parallels to his feelings about his mother.The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and navigating the complex emotions associated with mental illness, such as anger, love, and guilt. https://mattzinman.com/https://mattzinman.com/moodhealth/https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

About a third of all people experiencing mental illnesses and about half of people living with severe mental illnesses also experience substance use disorders. "These statistics are mirrored in the populations of people living with substance use disorders. where about a third of all alcohol abusers and more than half of all drug abusers report experiencing a mental illness," according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. That statistic, like all statistics, is about real people. Not numbers. This episode's guest, Donald, is one of those people. And he shares his story of dual diagnosis- living with substance use disorder in addition to depression and anxiety.  NAMI re: dual diagnosis: www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Me…l-Diagnosis-FS.pdfhttps://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In episode 312 of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz continue their discussion with Jeanie, the mother of Jake Possemato, who died by suicide at 26. They delve into Jake's life, his struggles with mental health from a young age, and his involvement in the car drifting community. Jeanie recounts how Jake's passion for drifting and the tight-knit car community have become integral in raising awareness for mental health and honoring Jake’s memory and caring heart.The hashtag #checkonyourfriends has become a powerful reminder for people to look out for one another. Jeanie highlights the impact of these stickers and her family’s other efforts to raise mental health awareness, which have spread worldwide, symbolizing a movement of hope and support.The episode emphasizes the importance of community and unconditional love in combating depression. Jeanie and her husband use funds raised from Rio Bash to provide financial assistance to those struggling, covering necessities like rent, groceries, and therapy. This approach reflects Jeanie’s belief in paying it forward and creating a supportive network for those in need.Terry and Dr. Anita discuss the contagious nature of hope and the significance of simple gestures, such as supportive messages, in making a difference. They also stress the value of feeling heard and loved, and the necessity of fighting the negative messages that depression can bring. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of checking on friends and offering support to those struggling with mental health issues.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz talk with Jeanie, a mother who lost her son Jake to suicide. Jeanie recounts Jake's life, highlighting his exceptional intelligence and deep compassion from a young age, contrasted with his struggles with depression, anxiety, and later bipolar disorder. Jake's mental health battles were profound, starting as early as age seven when he expressed feelings of the world being too heavy for him. Jeanie shares the emotional toll of living in constant worry, trying to support Jake while respecting his independence. Despite their best efforts and open communication, Jake ultimately took his own life.The episode poignantly illustrates that even with the most attentive care and close connections, sometimes a loved one may still end their life.  Jeanie now advocates for mental health awareness through the #checkonyourfriends campaign, encouraging open conversations to support those in need.The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing mental health struggles while recognizing the limitations and challenges faced by caregivers. https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What is "normal"? That can be a  tricky question for anyone, since our normal is always different than someone else's and our normal changes, depending on a variety of factors. But depression can make us believe that other people are normal and that we are not. And that belief can make the dark, heavy days when we "just can't" seem like personal failures vs. like sick days, which is what we'd likely think with any other illness that stopped us in our tracks."When You Don’t Feel 'Normal' Because of Your Depression", a 16-minute episode, features Tara, who has struggled with depression and anxiety since childhood. Tara shares about her journey, starting with panic attacks at age four after a traumatic car accident. She describes the relief of finally identifying her symptoms as panic attacks and depression during her teenage years- an understanding she gained from an infomercial-- not a doctor or mental health provider.Tara recounts how her ongoing battle with depression and anxiety has impacted her education, family life, and employment. She highlights the importance of asking for help and the comfort of having supportive people who can simply be present. Tara emphasizes redefining "normal" and celebrating small victories in daily life, such as completing simple tasks. The episode concludes with messages of encouragement to speak up about mental health struggles and support others who are going through tough times.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/