Giving Voice to Depression

Forgiving yourself after a suicide attempt can feel impossible, even when loved ones have already offered their compassion and support. In this deeply moving episode, John shares his story of surviving a suicide attempt, the ongoing struggle with guilt and shame, and the difficulty of extending the same compassion to himself that he readily gives to others.We explore the emotional aftermath of a suicide attempt, the role of self-compassion in healing, and how recovery is often a non-linear journey. John’s honesty sheds light on the complexities of mental health recovery and offers hope to others facing the same challenges.This conversation is a reminder that you are not alone, forgiveness takes time, and healing is possible — even if it doesn’t come in a straight line.Link to article referenced: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/how-to-forgive-yourself-five-not-so-simple-but-important-steps/Primary Topics Covered:Why self-forgiveness is one of the hardest parts of recoveryThe impact of guilt, shame, and self-loathing after a suicide attemptHow loved ones can forgive — and why forgiving yourself can feel impossibleTools for building self-compassion and resilienceWhy recovery is non-linear and requires patienceThe importance of honest conversations in breaking stigma and promoting healingTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and purpose of the podcast 01:01 – Why recovery is not simple or linear 02:16 – John’s story: suicide attempt and aftermath 03:25 – The burden of guilt, shame, and self-loathing 04:34 – A powerful moment: John’s son’s immediate forgiveness 05:26 – Why forgiving yourself feels harder than receiving forgiveness 06:59 – Therapy, psychiatry, and the search for self-compassion tools 09:09 – Guilt, shame, and self-loathing as barriers to healing 10:18 – Advice for other suicide attempt survivors 11:40 – Recovery as a process and the role of patience 13:00 – Shifting perspective: “not yet” instead of “can’t” 14:28 – How sharing stories can foster healing 15:48 – The role of positive self-talk and brain chemistry in recovery 16:20 – Practical self-forgiveness strategies and external resources 17:35 – Closing reflections, community, and support 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 powerful conversation, we sit down with Roro Asmar, a first-generation Lebanese-American chef, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate who opens up about his journey through depression, suicide attempts, and redefining what it means to be a man.Growing up in a culture that equated masculinity with toughness and silence, Roro was taught to “man up” and suppress his emotions. But ignoring his pain only deepened his depression and eventually led him to a breaking point. Today, he shares how acknowledging his struggles—and rejecting toxic definitions of manhood—has given him more strength than any performance of toughness ever could.This episode challenges the dangerous stigma men face when it comes to mental health and highlights how honesty, connection, and vulnerability can save lives.Whether you’re a man struggling with depression, a loved one trying to understand, or someone who wants to change how we talk about masculinity, this episode offers hope and courage.Primary Topics Covered:How childhood messages about masculinity can fuel depression in menWhy “man up” is one of the most harmful phrases for men’s mental healthThe connection between toxic masculinity and male suicide ratesRoro’s story of depression, suicide attempt, and recoveryRedefining masculinity through vulnerability, honesty, and emotional connectionHow open conversations can reduce stigma and literally save livesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Men, depression, and stigma 01:19 – Why depression looks different for men 02:01 – Roro Asmar’s background and his article How Depression Made Me a Man 03:01 – Reading his story: masculinity, pain, and depression 07:30 – The mask of toughness and living as a “character” 09:14 – Suicide attempt and the breaking point 10:32 – Discovering depression as early as childhood 11:20 – What families and communities can do to help boys open up 12:27 – The dangers of isolation and lack of conversation 13:13 – Challenging stigma: “snowflake” and “sissy” labels 14:26 – Redefining strength and masculinity 15:22 – Why “man up” is one of the most damaging cultural messages 16:19 – Depression as pressing down pain and emotions 16:58 – The power of telling your story openly 18:04 – 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/

Struggling to find the right antidepressant can feel like an exhausting and hopeless cycle of trial and error. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we explore how genetic testing may help break that cycle by offering personalized insights into which medications are most likely to work for you.You’ll hear Megan’s powerful story of misdiagnosis, medication struggles, and eventual hope through genetic testing. We also speak with Dr. Dan Dowd, who explains how these DNA-based tools work, why they matter, and how they could transform depression treatment.If you or someone you love has ever wondered why antidepressants don’t seem to work—or feared running out of time while waiting for the right treatment—this conversation offers both validation and hope.Link to more information on GenoMind: https://genomind.com/the-genecept-assay/genetic-testing-better-depression-treatment/Primary Topics Covered:Why finding the right depression medication is so difficultThe toll of trial-and-error antidepressant prescribingMegan’s personal journey through misdiagnosis and failed medicationsHow genetic testing works to guide antidepressant choicesThe role of DNA in medication response and side effectsCosts, insurance coverage, and accessibility of genetic testingHow genetic insights can reduce stigma and validate lived experiencesExpanding potential use beyond depression (anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, ADHD, etc.)Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: the struggle of finding effective depression treatment 01:08 – Listeners describe their frustration with trial-and-error medications 02:26 – Why 50% of first prescriptions fail and people lose hope 03:46 – Introducing genetic testing as a new tool for personalized treatment 04:12 – Megan’s story: battling depression, misdiagnosis, and bipolar disorder 06:19 – The exhausting cycle of trying 20 medications in one year 08:20 – Learning about genetic testing through online support communities 08:55 – How genetic testing works: cheek swab, metabolism, and response markers 10:30 – Why results validate patient experiences and reduce stigma 11:00 – Megan’s results confirm past medications were wrong for her 12:29 – Costs, insurance coverage, and patient assistance programs 13:17 – Megan explains why $300 is worth the investment 14:28 – Recovery, stability, and thriving with proper treatment 15:10 – Broader uses for genetic testing beyond depression 16:02 – Closing thoughts: the importance of hope and personalized careExplore 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, suicide attempt survivor Mark Henick shares his deeply personal journey through depression, anxiety, and repeated suicidal crises. Pulled back from the edge by a stranger, Mark transformed his pain into purpose—dedicating his life to breaking stigma, advocating for suicide prevention, and showing others that recovery is possible.Listeners will hear about the real-life struggles of living with depression, the harsh realities of stigma and ineffective systems, and—most importantly—the practical coping skills, resilience, and small steps that helped Mark reclaim his life. His story reminds us that recovery is not instant; it’s a gradual process of small wins, self-compassion, and persistence.Whether you live with depression yourself, love someone who struggles, or simply want to understand how to better support others, this episode provides both hope and concrete strategies.Link to Mark Henick's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QoyTmeAYwPrimary Topics CoveredEarly experiences of depression and anxiety in childhoodStigma, misunderstanding, and inadequate mental health careSurviving multiple suicide attempts and the pivotal moment of being savedWhy hospitals are about safety, not long-term recoveryThe importance of teaching emotional skills early in lifeCoping with relapses and reframing them as normal—not failuresPractical strategies: medication, therapy, sleep, structure, and small daily actionsBuilding resilience through patience and the “slow accumulation of positives”Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Depression, stigma, and the power of shared stories02:30 - Childhood struggles with anxiety, depression, and misunderstood symptoms04:15 - Early suicide attempts, hospitalization, and the limits of acute psychiatric care06:45 - The night on the bridge—and the stranger who saved his life08:45 - Why early intervention and mental health education in schools matter11:20 - Relapse as part of recovery: accepting setbacks without shame13:30 - Coping strategies that work: medication, therapy, sleep, structure, and awareness15:45 - Patience, persistence, and the power of perspective in recovery17:15 - Self-stigma vs. acceptance: reframing depression as a chronic but manageable illness19:45 - 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/

In this episode, mental health advocate Mark Henick joins us to challenge the most common myths and misconceptions about suicide. Drawing from his lived experience and his globally renowned TED Talk “Why We Choose Suicide”, Mark explains why stigma, misinformation, and silence prevent people from getting the help they need.We tackle harmful beliefs such as “suicide is selfish,” “you can’t stop someone who wants to die,” and “it comes out of nowhere,” and instead reveal the real warning signs, the truth about suicidal thoughts, and how anyone can play a role in suicide prevention.This is a candid, compassionate, and practical conversation for anyone who has been touched by suicide or wants to better understand how to support those struggling.If you’ve ever wondered what’s true, what’s false, and how you can make a difference, this episode is for you.Primary Topics Covered:Why suicide myths persist and how they harm prevention effortsThe difference between wanting to die vs. wanting to end emotional painWhy calling suicide “selfish” is not only wrong but harmfulThe real warning signs that often go unnoticedHow stigma and silence make it harder for people to reach outWhy prior suicide attempts must always be taken seriouslyHow empathy, listening, and connection can save livesTimestamps:00:54 – Suicide in the headlines and rising rates 02:26 – Mark Henick introduces suicide myths and misconceptions 03:02 – Do suicidal people really want to die? 03:50 – Is suicide selfish? Mark’s personal perspective 05:11 – Survivor guilt and why loved ones often miss the signs 06:39 – The myth of “out of the blue” suicides 07:50 – Recognizing subtle warning signs 08:37 – Is suicide impulsive? The truth about planning and triggers 09:58 – Why prior attempts must always be taken seriously 10:58 – Are people “just seeking attention”? 12:21 – Can you really stop someone from dying by suicide? 13:50 – Why conversations and connection matter 14:51 – Mark’s message: You have more power than you think to build a better lifeExplore 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 launch of the 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline marks a historic step forward in mental health crisis care in the United States. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Terri and Dr. Anita Sands talk with Dr. John Draper, Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, about what this change means, how it works, and why reaching out can truly make a difference.Listeners will learn what happens when you call 988, the science behind crisis intervention, and why you don’t have to be actively suicidal to use the lifeline. Dr. Draper also shares five key steps for supporting someone in crisis — from asking direct questions to helping them feel safe, connected, and cared for.If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode will show you why calling 988 could be a life-saving decision.Primary Topics Covered:What 988 is and why it matters for suicide prevention.Common misconceptions about crisis hotlines.How trained crisis counselors help de-escalate suicidal thoughts.The importance of empathy and human connection in mental health.Five steps you can take to support someone in crisis.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why the launch of 988 is historic 01:10 – What 988 is and how it works 02:16 – Concerns about demand overwhelming the system 03:02 – Research showing crisis lines save lives 04:15 – Interview with Dr. John Draper, Director of the Lifeline 05:24 – Who calls the hotline? (Only 25% are suicidal) 06:33 – Why talking to someone changes brain function in crisis 07:55 – How crisis counselors de-escalate risk 09:16 – What to expect when you call 988 11:14 – Why you’re not alone in suicidal thoughts 12:20 – Survivors share that life can get better 13:29 – Crisis as an opportunity for change 15:18 – Five steps to support someone in crisis 16:53 – Why human connection is the strongest prevention tool 17:37 – Bringing in additional support systems 18:23 – Using 988 even if you’re not suicidal 19:22 – Final reflections: hope, connection, and why reaching out mattersLink to Suicide Prevention Lifeline sitehttps://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Link to #BeThe1To site: https://www.bethe1to.comExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Asking for help when you’re struggling with depression can feel overwhelming—sometimes impossible. In this episode, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares the second half of his powerful list of 10 specific phrases you can use when reaching out for support.Instead of vague advice like “just ask for help,” Sam provides concrete, compassionate language for everything from asking a loved one to help with chores to telling someone directly that you’re suicidal and need help now.If you’ve ever felt stuck in silence, afraid to burden others, or unsure how to put words to your pain, this episode offers a life-saving toolkit. These practical scripts can help you—and those you care about—navigate moments of crisis with clarity and connection.Link to Sam Dylan Finch's original article: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/Primary Topics Covered:Why reaching out feels so hard when you’re depressedThe danger of vague advice and why specific language matters10 practical, real-world tested phrases to ask for helpHow small acts of support (like chores or errands) can be life-savingHow to communicate urgency when you’re nearing your limitWhy being direct about suicidal thoughts is critical and okayHow to build support even if you don’t have close relationshipsWays loved ones can respond and show support without needing “the perfect words”Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The challenge of asking for help 01:01 – Why we’re revisiting Sam Dylan Finch’s work 02:59 – The problem with vague “ask for help” advice 04:39 – What can we do to help people stay alive right now? 05:23 – Phrase #6: “I need extra support with [specific task]—can you help?” 07:31 – Phrase #7: “Could you remind me what I mean to you or share a favorite memory?” 09:08 – Phrase #8: “I’m struggling and afraid I’m reaching my limit. Can you call me [specific time]?” 10:31 – Phrase #9: “I know we don’t talk much, but I feel like I can trust you. Are you free to talk [specific day/time]?” 12:22 – Phrase #10: “I am suicidal. I need help right now.” 13:57 – Why directness in crisis saves lives 15:27 – How small acts of support can make a huge difference 17:22 – How friends can help without having “the right answers” 18:57 – Supporting someone in crisis: walking with them through next steps 19:40 – Closing reflections: why this list is worth returning toExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Reaching out when you’re struggling with depression can feel nearly impossible. You may not know what to say, what to ask for, or how to begin. In this episode, mental health writer and advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares five practical ways to ask for support—complete with sample phrases you can use when words are hard to find.Through candid conversation with hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz, Sam highlights the importance of vulnerability, clear asks, and small but powerful connections that can make a difference long before a crisis. Whether you need someone to check in, distract you, or simply sit with you, this episode provides language and strategies to help you reach out without feeling like a burden.If you’ve ever wondered what to say when depression makes reaching out feel impossible, this conversation will give you both the words and the hope to take that step.Link to Sam Dylan Finch's original article: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/Primary Topics Covered:Why reaching out can feel so difficult during depression.How stigma and fear of “asking too much” keep people silent.The importance of early, upstream support before things reach crisis.5 specific, practical phrases you can use when reaching out for help.Why small acts of support—like daily check-ins or distractions—matter more than we think.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and context from past conversations 01:00 – Why reaching out when suicidal or depressed feels so hard 02:40 – Common fears and feedback about asking for help 04:00 – Introducing Sam Dylan Finch and his perspective as a writer and advocate 05:20 – The impact of losing a friend to suicide and lessons learned 07:00 – Why loved ones are often the first line of defense, not professionals 08:00 – The need for practical language when asking for help 08:35 – Tip #1: “I don’t know what I need, but I don’t want to be alone.” 09:54 – Tip #2: “I’m struggling, and what I’ve been trying isn’t working—can we team up?” 10:30 – Tip #3: “I don’t feel safe by myself right now. Can you stay with me?” 10:55 – Tip #4: “I’m in a bad place but not ready to talk. Can you distract me?” 12:28 – Tip #5: “Can you check in on me on specific days?” 13:42 – Why small, consistent check-ins matter so much 14:20 – Key takeaways: you don’t have to know exactly what you need to reach out 16:59 – Early intervention and the power of upstream suicide prevention 18:38 – Why even small gestures—like texts, emojis, or humor—can be life-saving 19:36 – Looking ahead to Part 2: deeper crisis-level asksExplore 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 have we learned from a full season of listening to people who live with depression and those who support them?In this special reflection episode, Bridget and Terry share the most powerful lessons and stories from Season Two of Giving Voice to Depression. From practical coping strategies to groundbreaking research, these highlights reveal how storytelling reduces stigma, builds connection, and reminds us all that depression doesn’t define who we are.This recap includes insights from:Liz, on why antidepressants are not failures but tools for healingDr. Patrick Corrigan, on why real stories, not education, best fight stigmaDr. Margaret Rutherford, on the dangers of “perfectly hidden depression”Dr. Barbara Moser, with clear suicide prevention guidanceTerry, sharing her personal journey in Depression LiesBen, on building a support “game plan” before crisis hitsTeens from Not Alone, speaking honestly about depression and suicideSeason Two shows us again and again: depression lies, but stories heal.Primary Topics Covered:Why depression is only one part of a person’s identityThe ripple effect of self-disclosure in reducing stigmaAntidepressants as leveling tools, not signs of weaknessWhy personal stories are more effective than education in fighting stigmaRecognizing and addressing “perfectly hidden depression”The lies of depression and Terry’s personal survival storyThe importance of planning support conversations ahead of crisisPractical suicide prevention strategies and hotline supportHonest accounts of teen depression and resilienceThe healing power of sharing and listening to lived experienceTimestamps00:10 Introduction and Season Two reflection 01:02 “Ask a Different Question” – depression as one part of the self 02:19 Ripple Report: how personal stories change crisis response 03:08 Liz on recognizing and managing depression 04:18 Antidepressants as a tool, not a failure 04:34 Dr. Patrick Corrigan on fighting stigma through storytelling 05:30 Dr. Margaret Rutherford on perfectly hidden depression 06:12 Terry’s survival story in Depression Lies 06:50 Ben on planning for support during stable times 07:19 Duff the Psychic on the metaphor of depression as a parasite 07:50 Jennifer on fear, isolation, and finding relief through medication 08:20 Mary on depression in older adults 09:06 Dr. Tevet on sadness versus clinical depression 10:00 Dr. Barbara Moser on suicide prevention (part one) 11:14 Dr. Moser on suicide prevention (part two) 12:23 Teens from Not Alone on depression and survival 14:29 Closing reflections and preview of Season ThreeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Season one of Giving Voice to Depression brought deeply moving, raw, and powerful stories from people who know depression firsthand—and those impacted by it.In this special wrap-up, co-hosts Bridget and Terry reflect on the season’s most powerful lessons. From the risks of keeping family mental health struggles secret, to the realities of stigma in schools and workplaces, to the devastating impact of suicide and the unique grief that follows, this season explored depression from many perspectives.Along the way, parents, teachers, survivors, and experts helped shed light on what depression really feels like, how stigma blocks healing, and why honest conversations save lives.If you’re new to the podcast, this episode is the perfect entry point. If you’ve been with us all season, it’s a reminder of the strength it takes to tell the truth—and the hope it gives to those who listen.Primary Topics Covered:Why keeping family mental health struggles secret causes sufferingStigma in schools, workplaces, and families—and its dangerous consequencesA father’s story of losing his child to suicideThe unique grief of siblings surviving suicide lossThe perspective of a suicide attempt survivorWhat experts say is the difference between sadness and depressionHow depression’s voice convinces us we’re worthlessPregnancy-related depression: postpartum and antepartum experiencesThe ripple effect of sharing stories to reduce stigma and increase understandingTimestamps:00:10 Introduction from Bridget and Terry 00:46 Why sharing real stories of depression matters 01:06 Jose on the danger of keeping family mental health struggles secret 01:42 Bridget shares her frightening antidepressant experience 02:05 Adele’s reminder: you don’t need depression to be affected by it 02:29 A three-week focus on stigma and its risks 03:47 Jeff’s story: reducing stigma in UK workplaces 04:17 A teacher’s initiative to reduce stigma in schools 04:47 Suicide explored from three perspectives: father, sibling, survivor 06:07 Experts explain the difference between sadness and depression 06:50 Sarah describes depression’s insidious inner voice 07:19 Lisa and Isabelle on pregnancy-related depression 08:01 Listener feedback: stories help reduce isolation and build language 08:35 Reflections and gratitude from Bridget and Terry 09:06 Closing reminders: speak up if you’re hurting, listen up if someone else isExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/