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

Coping with depression often means searching for ways to turn struggle into something that helps you keep going. For Matt Weedon of The Tors, that outlet was music.In this heartfelt conversation, Matt shares how the band’s song “Anything Can Happen” was written during a season of deep depression. He describes what it felt like to carry both pain and numbness, why even simple tasks felt impossible, and how the support of a true friend became a lifeline.Matt and The Tors remind us that music, friendship, and self-compassion can turn even the heaviest moments into sparks of hope.Link to The Tors website: https://www.tors.band/Primary Topics Covered:Coping with depression through creativity and songwritingThe story of “Anything Can Happen” and its personal meaningWhat it feels like to live with pain and numbness at the same timeThe challenge of daily tasks when depression is overwhelmingWhy trusted friendships are essential for survival and healingSelf-compassion in practice: “If you need a minute, take a minute”The role of routines and small joys in recoveryThe power of listening without judgment or solutionsHow music helps give language to mental health strugglesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: why coping with depression requires support  02:12 – Meet Matt Weedon of The Tors and the song’s backstory  03:44 – Writing during depression and the emotional weight of creativity  05:08 – Pain and numbness: the paradox of depression’s symptoms  05:38 – Lyrics from “Anything Can Happen” and how they resonate  06:43 – “I don’t remember happy” — losing joy and memory in depression  08:26 – The role of a friend who listens without judgment  09:29 – Why being heard feels like being loved  10:54 – Responding with compassion when someone shares their struggle  11:49 – The reminder: “If you need a minute, take a minute”  15:13 – Building hope even when the future feels impossible  15:35 – Routines and small goals as building blocks for recovery  18:30 – Laughter, TV shows, and sparks of joy returning  20:09 – Comfort inputs: why familiar routines support the brain  21:22 – Friendship, presence, and “body doubling” in recovery  22:51 – Closing thoughts: music as medicine for depression  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/

Depression doesn’t just bring sadness—it can strip away hope, motivation, and even the will to fight for recovery. For Johnny Crowder, frontman, mental health advocate, and founder of Cope Notes, depression became the most debilitating part of his long list of diagnoses, which also included anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.In this deeply honest conversation, Johnny shares how depression convinced him not to seek help, why it felt impossible to do the things that could make him better, and how he eventually began to challenge those dark, repetitive thoughts. He also explains how he monitors his own “tells” to recognize when depression is rising—and how noticing even small sparks of joy helped him rebuild hope.Together with Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz, Johnny explores the paradox of depression, the importance of self-compassion, and practical strategies for surviving when life feels impossible.Link to Johnny Crowder's Website:https://johnnycrowder.com/Link to Johnny Crowder's first TEDx Talk: "Why I Don't Want to Die Anymore":https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e612-OTu-SALink to Johnny Crowder's second TEDx Talk: "How to Grow as a Person (and Why it Sucks)" https://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_crowder_how_to_grow_as_a_person_and_why_it_sucksPrimary Topics Covered:Why depression can feel more debilitating than other diagnosesJohnny’s lived experience with bipolar disorder, OCD, and schizophreniaThe metaphor of depression as the “thing that keeps you from the solution”How hopelessness prevents people from seeking treatmentThe difference between acceptance and surrender in mental healthEckhart Tolle’s approach to reframing intrusive thoughtsRecognizing personal “tells” that signal the onset of depressionWhy monitoring sparks of joy can help recoveryPractical coping strategies and the importance of safe supportTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why depression conversations matter  02:07 – Meet Johnny Crowder: musician, advocate, and psychology graduate  03:09 – Johnny’s mental health diagnoses: depression, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia, bipolar  05:45 – Depression as the most debilitating diagnosis  06:54 – How depression prevents people from seeking help  07:24 – Explaining depression’s nature to those who haven’t experienced it  09:13 – Sadness vs. depression: the difference  10:12 – Losing hope and vision for the future  11:47 – Seeking evidence outside depression’s lies  12:53 – Writing truths for yourself when you’re well  13:27 – Therapist insight: “Who would you have to be to not be affected?”  14:33 – Connecting life stress with depressive episodes  15:22 – Learning from Eckhart Tolle: reframing thoughts  17:31 – Johnny’s personal “tells” that depression is worsening  18:28 – Recognizing signs of recovery: sparks of joy returning  19:19 – Depression as the blocker to solutions and hope  20:44 – Acceptance vs. surrender: finding balance  23:36 – Responding differently to symptoms without resisting  28:10 – Acceptance as empowerment, not giving up  29:35 – Early warning signs and recognizing positive change  30:59 – Johnny’s advocacy and Cope Notes 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/

What happens when everything falls apart at once? Musician and mental health advocate Johnny Crowder recently faced that exact reality—losing his home, his band, and his relationship (with the woman he expected to marry,) all within days.In this 25-minute episode, he talks about the depression that followed ("a bear he has wrestled many times before,") and the mindset shift that helped him rebuild and reconnect with hope. If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t find your way out of a dark place, Johnny’s story—and the practical strategies he shares—will remind you that healing is possible, one step at a time.Link to Johnny Crowder's Website: https://johnnycrowder.com/Link to Johnny Crowder's 1st TEDx Talk: Why I Don't Want to Die Anymore:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e612-OTu-SALink to Johnny Crowder's 2nt TEDx TalkTEDx Talk: How to Grow as a Person (and Why it Sucks) : https://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_crowder_how_to_grow_as_a_person_and_why_it_sucksPrimary Topics Covered:Depression recovery after multiple major life lossesJohnny’s story: hurricane, relationship ending, and band breakupHow depression resurfaced and what it felt like this timeWhy fighting depression doesn’t always workReframing loss as an opportunity for growth and changeAsking trusted friends/family for reminders of past resilienceDepression’s lies: hopelessness, time distortion, and lack of joyThe importance of acceptance and patience in healingTools like writing, reflection, and Cope Notes for daily supportSelf-compassion and practicing early intervention strategiesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Johnny Crowder  01:26 – Johann Hari’s view on depression as a response to abnormal experiences  02:11 – Johnny’s background: survivor, musician, and advocate  03:12 – Hurricane destroys Johnny’s home and sparks reflection  04:16 – Band breakup, relationship loss, and simultaneous crises  06:00 – Depression returns after years of stability  08:36 – Avoidance, denial, and the first signs of depression  10:58 – Processing loss and the fear of not rebuilding  11:45 – What’s different this time: hope instead of suicidal thoughts  13:55 – Building resilience through past experiences and evidence  14:07 – Writing, speaking, and developing new coping frameworks  15:50 – Asking others to reflect resilience back to you  17:30 – Depression’s lies: hopelessness and distorted time  18:59 – Building an “emergency box” for future depressive episodes  20:56 – Awareness, timing, and early intervention  22:39 – Closing thoughts and links to Johnny’s work (TEDx, Cope Notes)  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/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Gwen shares her lived experience of supporting her husband and children while navigating the challenges depression brings into a family home. She discusses the importance of ground rules, open communication, and small acts of kindness that help maintain connection during hard times. Gwen also emphasizes self-care for caregivers, the value of finding supportive friends, and accessing resources to prevent burnout. Her story offers hope, practical strategies, and encouragement for anyone caring for a loved one with depression.Link to Families for Depression Awareness website/resources:https://www.familyaware.org/Primary Topics CoveredThe emotional impact of depression on partners and familiesEstablishing ground rules for communication and household responsibilitiesEarly intervention: recognizing and addressing warning signs of depressionMaintaining connection through small acts of kindnessBalancing family life when a partner is strugglingThe importance of self-care and finding a support systemAvailable resources for caregivers of people with depressionTimestamps00:00 Intro to the podcast and mission 01:42 Depression’s impact on caregivers and loved ones 02:08 The cairn metaphor: leaving markers for others on the path 03:26 Introducing Gwen and her family’s story 04:02 Finding joy and humor in daily life despite depression 04:39 Creating ground rules for communication and support 05:52 Recognizing early warning signs and taking action 06:34 Balancing responsibilities and avoiding total withdrawal 08:13 Careful communication: word choice and timing 10:15 Small acts of kindness to maintain connection 11:45 Allowing family life to continue when a partner opts out 12:57 Explaining absence to children and friends 15:19 Remembering the person you fell in love with 16:12 The importance of caregiver self-care and support networks 18:41 Being honest with trusted friends about struggles 20:22 Accessing resources and finding creative support solutions 22:24 Key takeaways: remembering your partner before depression and finding core people 26:24 Resources for caregivers and support organizations 27:53 Closing reflections and encouragement to seek 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/

Supporting a partner with depression is an act of love, but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating. In this episode, Gwen shares her lived experience navigating marriage, parenting, and family life while her husband struggles with treatment-resistant depression. She offers candid insights about setting boundaries, managing responsibilities, and practicing self-care—without letting depression define the relationship.Alongside Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry, this conversation explores how to maintain hope, establish healthy routines, and gently encourage a depressed partner to stay engaged, while also protecting your own mental health and well-being. Whether you’re a spouse, caregiver, or family member, this episode provides both validation and practical tools for the journey.Primary Topics Covered:The realities of marriage when a partner has treatment-resistant depressionBalancing caregiving responsibilities with self-careSetting healthy boundaries and enforcing them compassionatelyCo-parenting challenges when depression impacts family dynamicsGentle “nudging” strategies that encourage engagement without enablingThe importance of routines, shared responsibilities, and open communicationRecognizing caregiver burnout and creating a personal self-care planUsing couples or family therapy to navigate communication barriersFinding hope and resilience through long-term mental health challengesTimestamps:00:02:00 - The emotional toll of caregiving and why it often feels isolating 00:04:15 - Gwen shares her family’s story: marriage, kids, and depression 00:07:10 - Navigating the ups and downs of a partner’s depressive episodes 00:08:24 - The power of boundaries: protecting yourself from harmful behaviors 00:09:46 - Gwen’s “roller coaster” metaphor for staying grounded 00:11:00 - Coping with a partner who pushes you away 00:12:15 - Shared responsibilities and routines that strengthen the family 00:15:43 - Why depressed partners often resist using coping tools—and what to do 00:18:01 - Supporting someone who isolates during depression vs. physical illness 00:19:00 - The importance of self-care for the caregiver: protecting your energy 00:20:51 - Gentle nudging, small wins, and staying hopeful 00:23:37 - Final reflections: protecting relationships from being defined by depressionExplore 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 share Margaret’s story of living with a partner who struggles with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety while raising a child. Margaret opens up about the challenges of feeling unsupported, navigating parenting, and maintaining connection in the face of a mental health disorder. Clinical psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz provides insights on recognizing when depression — not the person — is speaking, and strategies for setting boundaries and maintaining communication. This episode sheds light on the loneliness caregivers often experience, while offering hope and practical guidance for families navigating depression together.Primary Topics CoveredThe emotional toll of living with a partner with depressionParenting challenges when one parent struggles with mental illnessThe loneliness and lack of support caregivers often faceHow depression changes relationship dynamics and communicationSetting boundaries and pre-planning responses to depressive episodesWhy hope matters for both partners and caregiversTimestamps00:00 Intro to Giving Voice to Depression 01:07 About the podcast and its mission 02:15 Listener Margaret’s story and request for guidance 03:26 The challenges of living with a partner with depression 05:13 The loneliness of caregiving in silence 06:32 How Margaret’s understanding of depression has evolved 08:19 The struggle when tools aren’t being used by a depressed partner 09:29 Longing for support and partnership while raising a child 10:59 The difficulty of caregiving when depression pushes you away 12:37 Lack of support from family and friends 13:34 What caregivers most wish others understood 15:05 The challenge of managing parenting and partnership with depression 15:48 Margaret’s closing thoughts on loneliness and survival strategies 17:11 Reflections on the need for connection in relationships 18:38 Dr. Sanz on separating depression from the person 19:47 How to create a plan for depressive episodes 22:12 Respecting the person but not respecting depression 23:30 Using wellness recovery action plans in relationships 24:17 Including a depressed partner even in small ways 25:15 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/

After losing his teenage daughter to suicide, Chris Coulter turned his grief into a mission: demanding real change in how schools and parents address teen mental health.In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Chris shares the lessons he learned too late — about prevention, emotional intelligence, grief, and the dangerous indifference many parents and schools show toward mental health. Joined by Dr. Anita Sanz, this conversation highlights the urgent need for systemic change, while also giving parents practical tools to support their children before crisis hits.This episode is both a call to action and a guide for parents who want to do better — because awareness, listening, and early intervention can save lives.Link to Chris Coulter's article: https://chriscoulter-66476.medium.com/from-grief-to-growth-a-journey-of-healing-e647e426bb5eLink to Chris's Coultere-book: https://www.amazon.com/WAKE-COULD-LOSE-YOUR-SUICIDE-ebook/dp/B0CQQ61F2RLink to Chris's Coulter blog: https://www.thefinishlinegroup.com/emotional-wellness-blogPrimary Topics Covered:Why teen depression and suicide rates are far higher than many realizeChris’s story of loss and transformation into an advocateWhy prevention is more effective than crisis responseThe importance of teaching emotional intelligence and grief to kidsThe difference between sadness and depression in teensHow parents can listen without always “fixing”Celebrating small wins to build resilience and hopeWhy schools must be held accountable for mental health programsHow student-led evaluations could drive systemic changeTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and episode context 01:27 – Chris Coulter’s mission after losing his daughter to suicide 02:53 – Teen depression statistics and misconceptions 04:06 – Why prevention matters more than crisis intervention 05:33 – Teaching emotional intelligence and grief at an early age 07:10 – Parents’ role: listening vs. fixing 08:30 – Why celebrating small wins builds resilience 09:34 – Understanding sadness vs. depression in teens 10:30 – Supporting children through silence and presence 12:05 – Building trust and emotional safety with kids 13:14 – Hard lessons learned through loss 13:46 – Chris’s frustration with school indifference to mental health 14:37 – Holding schools accountable for student mental health support 16:25 – Why student ratings could spark systemic change 17:11 – Dr. Anita Sanz on ignorance vs. education in mental health 19:17 – The importance of teaching grief and emotions to children 20:50 – Final reflections and call to action for parents and schoolsExplore 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 14-year-old Maddie died by suicide, her father Chris Coulter’s world shattered. In this deeply personal conversation, Chris shares his family’s story — from recognizing the first signs of Maddie’s depression to navigating multiple suicide attempts, hospitalization, and finally, unbearable loss.Chris also speaks vulnerably about his own struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts in the years after his daughter’s death, offering rare insight into how pain, shame, and silence can compound suffering. Together with Dr. Anita Sanz and co-host Terry, this episode examines how parents can better recognize warning signs, support their children, and continue to show up even when kids push them away.This is not just a story of loss, but also of advocacy, resilience, and the importance of breaking silence around teen mental health.Chris Coulter's website/resources:  https://www.thefinishlinegroup.com/wake-up-resource-guideSimon Sinek's "Do You Have 8 Minutes?" video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lH6x5zn0GIPrimary Topics Covered:The signs of depression that Chris noticed in his daughter MaddieHow multiple suicide attempts affected the familyThe role of kindness and empathy in Maddie’s short lifeChris’s own struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts after her deathWhy depression can feel impossible to explain to those who haven’t experienced itThe impact of shame and silence in worsening suicidal thoughtsHow parents can continue showing up for their children, even when pushed awayPractical advice on checking in, persistence, and creating “S.O.S. codes” for supportWhy emotional intelligence and mental health education in schools are essentialTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and today’s guest 01:26 – Global statistics on teen mental health and suicide 02:26 – Chris Coulter introduces his daughter, Maddie 03:50 – Maddie’s struggles with depression and early warning signs 04:44 – Multiple suicide attempts and psychiatric hospitalization 05:52 – Maddie’s kindness, even in the hospital setting 06:46 – Maddie’s final suicide attempt at 14 07:11 – Chris describes the impact on parents and his own depression 08:17 – Why depression is difficult to explain to others 08:52 – Chris shares his own suicidal thoughts years later 09:42 – The darkest period of Chris’s depression 10:22 – Shame and silence in not reaching out for help 10:51 – Why suicidal thoughts can take hold so quickly 11:27 – Gratitude, burden, and the risks of feeling like loved ones are “better off” without you 12:53 – Chris reflects on what Maddie may have been thinking before her death 13:26 – Choosing to be vulnerable and reach out after loss 14:39 – Insights from Dr. Sanz on parental grief and understanding depression 15:42 – How to support someone who pushes away help 17:04 – Strategies for persistence: checking in and following up 18:54 – Challenging the belief that “no one cares” 19:34 – Simon Sinek’s “Do You Have Eight Minutes?” S.O.S. support code 21:22 – Next week’s continuation of Chris’s story and advocacy for school programsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Recovery from depression isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about gathering the right tools, managing daily triggers, and finding small wins that keep you moving forward.In this honest and metaphor-rich conversation, Davey shares what it’s like to live with depression and anxiety, and how he learned to cope after hitting rock bottom. From discovering “tools for a time” to reframing intrusive thoughts and recognizing depression as a legitimate illness, his story highlights both the struggle and the hope of recovery.With humor, compassion, and honesty, this episode reminds us that while depression may feel like a constant battle, recovery is possible—one small step at a time.Primary Topics Covered:Depression recovery as an ongoing fight, not a quick cureDavey’s personal story of hitting the wall with depression and anxietyWhy coping tools work differently at different timesThe role of small wins in building momentum for recoveryThe exhaustion of intrusive thoughts and daily mental triggersUnderstanding depression as a real illness, not a personal weaknessUsing metaphors to explain the invisible weight of depressionWhy advice like “just snap out of it” often backfiresBecoming a “student of your illness” through therapy and self-awarenessWhy acceptance and persistence are essential for long-term recoveryTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Davey’s story of depression and survival  02:06 – Redefining yourself after depression changes your life  03:00 – Hitting the wall: exhaustion, anxiety, and racing thoughts  04:11 – Work ethic vs. the weight of depression  05:20 – Celebrating small wins to create momentum  06:11 – “Tools for a time”: why different tools work in different seasons  07:15 – The chainsaw metaphor: clogged machinery and depression  08:23 – Speaking openly about depression for the first time  08:59 – Why some advice feels impossible to act on  10:55 – Becoming a student of your illness with therapy and notes  11:34 – Depression as a legitimate illness, not a weakness  13:44 – Managing anxiety to reduce depression triggers  14:38 – Daily struggles: magnifying small issues into catastrophes  15:20 – Giving back and finding purpose in small ways  15:57 – Why depression is still a winnable battle  16:30 – Building a personal toolbox for recovery  17:40 – Becoming more compassionate through lived experience  18:27 – Final reflections: acceptance, persistence, and hope  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/

What if managing depression didn’t always mean medication?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Rena Shoshana Forester shares her deeply personal story of healing through a holistic approach. From meditation and yoga to breathwork, focusing, and creative expression, she found effective ways to manage her depression without antidepressants.Rena opens up about learning from her grandmother’s and father’s struggles, navigating her own darkest moments, and discovering how mind-body practices could help her build resilience and reclaim joy. Her journey is a powerful reminder that while every recovery path looks different, exploring alternative tools can open doors to healing.This conversation offers validation, encouragement, and practical strategies for anyone wondering if holistic approaches might complement or support their depression management.Link to Rena's website: https://www.renashoshana.com/Primary Topics Covered:How family experiences shaped Rena’s early understanding of depressionFirst encounters with depression in college and abroadMeditation, yoga, and breathwork as tools for mental healthProcessing trauma through focusing and creative expressionWhy she chose not to take antidepressants and how she worked with a psychiatristViewing depression as an emotion to learn from, not only fight againstHow acceptance and self-compassion play a role in long-term recoveryLessons for families in talking openly about mental healthTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction by Terry and Dr. Anita 01:26 – Rena’s early exposure to depression through her family 03:22 – First experiences of depression during college and abroad 04:26 – Turning to meditation and learning from her father’s example 05:23 – The impact of therapy and initial resistance to antidepressants 06:35 – Discovering yoga, breathwork, and creative practices as healing tools 07:27 – Using focusing to process emotional and physical pain 08:16 – Decision with psychiatrist: medication not necessary 09:00 – Dark thoughts and physical heaviness of depression 10:06 – Motorcycle accident trauma and unprocessed pain 11:27 – Choosing to view depression as an emotion to learn from 12:32 – Building a relationship with depression instead of fighting it 13:22 – The importance of professional help in supporting inward work 14:11 – Reflections from Dr. Anita and Terry on lessons from Rena’s story 20:06 – Closing thoughts and encouragement 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/