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

In this special Season Six Review of Giving Voice to Depression, co-hosts Brigitte and Terri reflect on the most powerful moments and lessons shared across the season. Through deeply personal and inspiring first-person accounts, this episode highlights resilience, healing, and the critical importance of support in coping with depression.From the hidden toll of trauma on first responders, to navigating guilt, grief, and suicide prevention, listeners will hear authentic stories of courage and community. You’ll also learn practical ways to check in on loved ones, reduce stigma, and offer meaningful support—whether online or in person.If you’re seeking hope, connection, or resources for mental health and suicide prevention, this recap provides a roadmap of episodes that can help you or someone you love feel less alone.Primary Topics Covered:The underreported mental health struggles of first respondersA son’s journey to understand and heal after his father’s suicideLiving with guilt and depression after tragedy—and finding hopeSuicide prevention awareness and everyday ways to support someone in crisisThe power of empathy, online community, and human connectionCrisis lines and why reaching out can save livesTalking openly about depression to reduce stigma and shameTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and purpose of the season review 01:00 – Honoring guests who shared their vulnerable stories 03:22 – First responders and depression: the hidden toll of trauma 05:32 – A son’s journey after his father’s suicide 07:43 – Guilt, depression, and recovery after tragedy 09:13 – Suicide prevention awareness: support beyond hotlines 10:46 – Sam Dylan Finch’s 11 ways to support someone in crisis 12:55 – How empathy and online communities can save lives 15:30 – Crisis lines: why reaching out matters 17:48 – Early intervention and maintaining mental health 19:03 – Breaking stigma: the importance of talking about depression 21:28 – Closing reflections and invitation to Season SevenExplore 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 affects more than 350 million people worldwide, but too often its symptoms are misunderstood, ignored, or hidden because of stigma. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terri and Brigitte walk through the common signs and symptoms of depression based on the DSM-5, and welcome guest Alexandria Brown, author of You, Me, and Depression.Alex shares her personal journey from anxiety in her teen years, to experiencing undiagnosed depression through college, to finally learning how to name and manage her illness. She discusses the turning point moments when she realized something was deeply wrong, and how therapy, medication, family support, and even pet therapy became critical tools in her recovery.The conversation highlights the power of naming depression, breaking stigma, and choosing compassion for yourself instead of judgment. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is a powerful reminder: you are not alone, and help is available.Primary Topics Covered:Defining depression using DSM-5 criteriaWhy stigma prevents early recognition and treatmentAlexandria Brown’s story: from anxiety to depression diagnosisHow recognizing depression can change self-compassion and healingCoping tools: therapy, antidepressants, pets, and support networksThe importance of sharing stories and building communityBreaking myths: depression doesn’t look the same for everyoneTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why talking about depression matters 01:00 – DSM-5 symptoms of depression explained 03:00 – Guest intro: Alexandria Brown, author and mental health advocate 03:40 – Early struggles with anxiety and undiagnosed depression 05:00 – The impact of stigma and silence around mental health 06:30 – College years: breakdown and realizing something was wrong 07:40 – How diagnosis helped with self-compassion and clarity 09:30 – The role of therapy, antidepressants, and supportive family 10:45 – The surprising benefits of pet therapy for depression 12:00 – Why depression is different for everyone 13:40 – Stigma, judgment, and the invisibility of depression 15:00 – Finding strength in vulnerability and shared stories 17:00 – Closing reflections: depression is real, help 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/

How do you recognize when depression is escalating into a crisis—and what can you do before it reaches that point? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we continue our conversation with Corinne, who bravely shares how calling a suicide prevention hotline saved her life during a dark period of postpartum depression.Now, from a place of healing, she explains the warning signs of a mental health decline, the tools she uses to prevent relapse, and why early action is essential. We discuss how to create a personal “mental health scale” for monitoring your well-being, practical self-care steps to stabilize before a crisis, and the importance of connection, honesty, and support.If you’ve ever wondered how to recognize when it’s time to reach out for help—or how to support someone you love—this conversation offers both hope and practical strategies.Link to Corrine's original article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/Primary Topics Covered:The lifesaving role of crisis hotlines and immediate interventionPostpartum depression and suicidal thoughts: Corinne’s story of survivalCreating and using a “mental health scale” (1–10 system) to monitor well-beingEarly warning signs that depression may be worseningPractical steps: therapy, exercise, rest, meditation, and connectionHow openness and sharing reduce stigma and isolationWhy prevention and early intervention matter as much as crisis responseTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and its purpose 01:14 – Corinne’s story: postpartum depression and the suicide hotline call that saved her life 02:06 – Shifting from survival to recovery: how hope returned 03:23 – Why sharing stories of recovery is essential for reducing stigma 04:25 – Building a “mental health scale” to track warning signs before a crisis 05:31 – Practical steps to take when symptoms worsen (therapy, connection, rest, exercise, meditation) 06:20 – The importance of reaching out to trusted loved ones 07:34 – Recognizing the difference between normal sadness and a mental health crisis 08:42 – Why early intervention makes recovery easier and more effective 09:19 – How hotlines provide immediate “shock paddles” to restart hope 10:44 – The danger of secrecy: why openness saves lives 11:06 – Reframing honesty about depression as “the gift of sharing your experience” 12:04 – Proactive strategies to change course before a breakdown 12:33 – Why silence and shame make depression worse 13:07 – Closing thoughts: breaking stigma and honoring shared storiesExplore 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 you’re in crisis, knowing that help is just three digits away can make all the difference. In this episode, journalist Corinne Purtill shares her deeply personal experience of calling a suicide hotline during a dark moment in her life. She opens up about the misconceptions she had about crisis lines, what actually happened when she dialed, and how that call changed everything.We also discuss what callers can expect when reaching out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, why you don’t need to be suicidal to call, and how trained listeners provide immediate support, guidance, and hope.This episode is a reminder that crisis lines save lives, and that reaching out is a powerful act of courage—not weakness.Link to Corinne Purtill's article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/Primary Topics Covered:Misconceptions about suicide hotlines and who they are forWhat it’s like to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineHow depression convinces people to hide their strugglesThe importance of having the right words to ask for helpWhy silence and shame worsen mental health strugglesCorinne’s story of reaching out and finding hope through connectionWhat recovery looks like after a crisisTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and the importance of 988 as the new suicide hotline number 01:00 – Why the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline matters 02:06 – Corinne’s story: never expecting to call a hotline 03:34 – How depression convinces us to stay silent 04:35 – Misconceptions about privacy vs. shame 04:46 – The risk of stopping antidepressants during pregnancy 06:05 – Hiding depression behind a smile 06:54 – The shame that fuels silence and suicidal thoughts 08:08 – Depression’s biggest lie: convincing you it’s reality 09:09 – Corinne makes a plan to end her life 09:43 – The moment she decided to call the hotline 10:30 – What to say when you reach out for help 10:57 – The power of having words to ask for support 11:24 – What happens if you’re placed on hold when calling 988 12:46 – Recovery after crisis: therapy, medication, and ongoing support 13:38 – Recognizing warning signs before “code red”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, Bridget and Terry remind us that suicide prevention and support aren’t just about professionals, therapy, or medication. Sometimes, the most life-saving act is simply listening and showing up with empathy.Guests Bea and Debbie share powerful, raw experiences of reaching out to the Giving Voice to Depression Facebook community during their darkest moments. From losing a spouse to nearly ending their life, both found strength, hope, and connection through the kindness of strangers who took time to respond with compassion.You’ll learn why you don’t need to be an expert to make a real difference in someone’s life—and why empathy, validation, and presence can mean everything to someone in pain.Primary Topics Covered:Why suicide prevention requires daily awareness, not just during awareness month.How lived experience and peer support can sometimes help more than clinical advice.Bea’s story of loss and how community empathy carried her through grief.Debbie’s near-suicide and the crucial role of online support in saving her life.Why listening, empathy, and small gestures can truly save lives.Encouragement to step in, even in small ways, when someone is struggling.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and mission of the podcast 01:00 - Suicide Prevention Awareness beyond one month 01:28 - Guests Bea and Debbie share why they reached out for support 02:07 - Why you don’t have to be an expert to make a difference 03:06 - Bea on finding community after her husband’s sudden death 04:28 - The healing power of empathy and being heard 07:06 - Love, empathy, and caring in online communities 09:00 - Why sharing stories and tools matters 11:14 - Debbie’s experience with suicidal crisis and reaching out 12:45 - How community support shifted her perspective 14:16 - Why lived experience makes peer support powerful 15:24 - Small acts of connection that save lives 16:20 - Humanity, hope, and why saying “you’re not alone” matters 17:45 - Closing thoughts and reminder: speak up and listen 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/

When someone you love is living with depression, it’s not always easy to know how to help. Do you step in with advice? Should you just listen? What if you say the wrong thing?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, writer and mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares 11 meaningful ways his loved ones supported him through depression, anxiety, and difficult times. These examples—big and small—show how trust, compassion, and simple presence can make all the difference.Whether you’re a friend, partner, parent, or sibling, you’ll learn practical ways to support someone without overstepping, and how to keep showing up even after the crisis moment has passed.Primary Topics Covered:Why advice often backfires when someone is strugglingHow to navigate the mental health system alongside a loved oneSupporting someone who struggles with both depression and substance useThe importance of trust—even when you disagree with their choicesWhy it’s crucial to keep checking in after someone “seems better”Balancing caregiver burnout with continued supportSimple, powerful words that help someone feel safe and cared forTimestamps:00:02 – Introduction to the episode and series 00:46 – Why support matters even when it’s hard to ask for help 02:46 – #6: Don’t lecture or push treatment advice 04:42 – #7: Helping navigate the mental health system 07:20 – #8: Maintaining trust, even in difficult choices 08:44 – Supporting without judgment in substance use struggles 10:21 – How to encourage safety planning with compassion 11:10 – #9: Keep checking in, even when they appear better 12:33 – #10: Taking a caregiver break without causing harm 14:15 – #11: Don’t wait for someone to ask for help—reach out 16:27 – Why ongoing support matters after the “crisis” moment 20:31 – Two powerful things supporters can say to help someone feel safe 21:59 – Why we must learn this “support language” for mental health 22:32 – Closing thoughts and gratitude to guest Sam Dylan FinchExplore 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 someone you love is struggling with depression, it can be hard to know how to help. Do you offer advice? Do you step back? Do you just listen? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we talk with Sam Dylan Finch, who shares five practical, real-life ways that friends and family can step in to offer meaningful support during a mental health crisis.Sam’s perspective is shaped not by theory, but by lived experience. These are things people actually did for him that made a difference. From listening without judgment, to helping with daily tasks, to building a support team—this episode is filled with ideas you can use right away.If you’ve ever worried about “saying the wrong thing” or wondered how you can truly show up for someone in the dark, this conversation will give you clarity, compassion, and concrete steps to take.Link to Sam's full list: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/Primary Topics Covered:Why listening matters more than offering solutionsAsking what someone needs instead of assumingOffering simple, practical help with daily tasksThe importance of checking on basic self-care (eating, sleeping, medication)Why learning about your loved one’s condition is a sign of respectSending tangible reminders of care and loveUsing a team approach so no one supporter feels overwhelmedTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and context 01:00 - Why offering support can feel awkward and difficult 02:40 - The importance of listening over talking 05:10 - Asking what’s needed instead of assuming 07:00 - Offering help with daily tasks like meals or chores 09:10 - Checking on basic needs: food, water, sleep, medication 09:50 - Learning about your loved one’s mental health condition 10:20 - The value of tangible reminders, like small gifts or notes 11:07 - Taking a team approach to support 13:24 - Why supporters also need support themselves 14:18 - Building a contact list for crisis situations 15:27 - Resources: Crisis Text Line and Suicide Prevention Lifeline 16:30 - Final reflections and encouragementExplore 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 and deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Cindy Kolbe shares her journey through overwhelming guilt, grief, and depression after a tragic car accident left her daughter paralyzed. For years, Cindy carried the crushing weight of self-blame, believing she had failed her family. She opens up about her struggles with major depression, the difficulty of forgiving herself, and the slow, painful process of healing.But this story isn’t only about despair—it’s about resilience, hope, and the transformative power of love. Cindy describes how her daughter’s determination and joy after the accident inspired her, and how practices like therapy, medication, and meditation helped her cope. Her story is a reminder that even after life-altering tragedy, recovery and meaning are possible.Whether you’re struggling with guilt, depression, or simply searching for hope after hardship, Cindy’s journey will encourage you to keep going.Link to Cindy's blog: http://www.strugglingwithserendipity.com/Primary Topics Covered:The connection between guilt and depressionThe impact of a life-altering accident on mental healthStruggles with self-forgiveness and self-worthThe role of therapy, antidepressants, and meditation in recoveryThe importance of hope, resilience, and community supportCindy’s daughter’s inspiring journey from paralysis to independence and achievementTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and context for the episode 02:00 – Understanding depression as a complex condition 03:07 – Cindy’s early experiences with depression and medication 03:41 – The night of the accident and its aftermath 05:31 – Cindy’s caregiving role and feelings of guilt 07:26 – The crushing weight of depression and guilt 08:54 – How guilt fueled feelings of unworthiness 09:16 – Her daughter’s resilience and unexpected joy 10:30 – Therapy, antidepressants, and meditation as coping tools 12:14 – The importance of hope and community support 13:25 – Her daughter’s inspiring accomplishments 15:29 – How tragedy unexpectedly reshaped their lives for the better 16:15 – Finding gratitude and meaning after loss 17:21 – Closing reflections and reminder about suicide preventionExplore 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 of Giving Voice to Depression, Sebastian Slobodin shares his deeply personal journey after losing his father to suicide at age six. Growing up in silence and stigma, he struggled with depression himself until a chance encounter opened the door to healing.Sebastian embarked on a global pilgrimage, speaking with dozens of his father’s friends to better understand the man he lost—and in the process, he uncovered lessons about self-worth, resilience, and the dangers of defining ourselves by external success.Years later, his healing journey empowered him to step in and save another man’s life, proving that sharing our stories can create ripple effects of hope.This conversation is a moving reminder that grief doesn’t have to be faced alone, recovery is possible, and your story may one day save someone else’s life.Learn more about Sebastian and his father in the book Ashes in the Ocean, available on Amazon.com: www.amazon.com/Ashes-Ocean-Through-Learning-Fathers/dp/0692051198Primary Topics Covered:The devastating impact of a parent’s suicide on a childGrowing up in silence, stigma, and unprocessed griefHow self-worth tied to external success increases mental health risksThe turning point: finding connection through shared experiences of lossLessons learned from a global pilgrimage to understand his fatherHow sharing his story allowed Sebastian to help save another lifeThe importance of speaking openly about suicide and mental healthFinding meaning and purpose after tragedyTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression and episode theme01:10 - Sebastian’s story introduced: loss of his father to suicide03:08 - Growing up in an “ideal” home that hid painful struggles03:36 - His father’s suicide at age six and its impact04:52 - Struggling with depression and isolation as a teen05:44 - The life-changing conversation with his father’s friend06:43 - Realization: he was not alone in his grief07:06 - Starting a pilgrimage to interview 40 of his father’s friends08:18 - Learning deeper lessons about life, identity, and success09:29 - The dangers of basing self-worth on external achievements10:28 - Sebastian’s chance to help another suicidal father12:11 - Visiting the same hospital where his father had died13:41 - Therapist’s perspective on self-worth and vulnerability15:41 - The importance of processing grief over a lifetime17:31 - The unique power of lived experience in suicide prevention20:09 - Recognizing self-worth even when you can’t see it yourself21:33 - The clarity Sebastian felt when sharing his truth with others22:01 - Closing reflections and message 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/

First responders are trained to run toward danger while the rest of us run away. But the weight of constant trauma, danger, and stress takes a toll. In this episode, former sheriff’s deputy Monica Quesnell shares her powerful story of battling depression while serving in law enforcement.We explore the staggering rates of suicide among first responders, the stigma that prevents many from seeking help, and why prioritizing mental health in these professions is literally a matter of life and death. Monica’s journey from despair to healing is an inspiring reminder that even the strongest among us need—and deserve—support.This episode is for anyone who works in high-stress frontline roles—or loves someone who does. Together, we can fight stigma, build resilience, and create a culture where asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.Link to Monica Quesnell's website: http://bespokehappiness.com/Primary Topics Covered:The impact of chronic stress and trauma on first responders’ mental healthAlarming statistics on suicide and depression in law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTsMonica’s personal journey: depression, law enforcement work, and finding healingWhy stigma keeps first responders from seeking mental health supportPractical tools and coping strategies Monica used to reclaim her lifeThe importance of awareness, peer support, and professional counselingEpisode Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode 01:01 – The link between chronic stress, trauma, and depression 02:18 – First responders’ unique mental health challenges 02:55 – Suicide rates among first responders 03:42 – Introducing guest Monica Quesnell 04:08 – Monica’s story: battling depression and finding purpose in law enforcement 05:13 – Starting counseling and the emotional impact of the job 06:57 – A traumatic case that shifted Monica’s perspective 08:14 – Witnessing suicide on duty and its lasting impact 09:43 – Choosing to leave law enforcement for her mental health 10:40 – Healing through biking, gardening, painting, and reconnecting with loved ones 12:27 – Coping strategies for “bad days” with depression 13:01 – A 2,400-mile bike ride to raise awareness for first responder mental health 13:57 – Monica’s advocacy work and Bespoke Happiness project 16:39 – Closing reflections: breaking stigma and supporting those on the front linesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/