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

In this special season wrap-up, Bridget and Terry reflect on some of the most powerful conversations and lessons from Season Two of Giving Voice to Depression.From learning that depression doesn’t define us, to hearing how storytelling reduces stigma, to gaining insights from experts on suicide prevention and stigma research, this review episode captures the heart of the season’s themes: connection, honesty, and hope.You’ll hear highlights from guests like:Liz, who explains how antidepressants “level the playing field”Dr. Patrick Corrigan, who shows why personal stories fight stigma better than education aloneDr. Margaret Rutherford, who defines “perfectly hidden depression”Dr. Barbara Moser, with clear and practical suicide prevention adviceTeens from the documentary Not Alone, bravely describing depression in their own wordsThis episode is a reminder that while depression lies and isolates, stories connect us, and healing often begins when we speak—and listen—openly.Primary Topics Covered:Why depression is only one part of who we areThe power of self-disclosure and storytelling in reducing stigmaHow antidepressants can “level the playing field”Expert research showing why contact, not education alone, reduces stigmaUnderstanding perfectly hidden depression and why hiding struggles doesn’t workTerry’s personal story in Depression LiesWhy planning support conversations during stable times helps loved ones with depressionPractical suicide prevention strategies and language from Dr. Barbara MoserHonest stories of teen depression and suicide prevention from Not AloneThe ripple effect of sharing—how one person’s voice empowers anotherTimestamps00:10 Introduction and Season Two reflection 01:02 “Ask a Different Question” – depression as part of the whole self 02:19 Ripple Report: how self-disclosure stories shift crisis care 03:08 Liz on recognizing and managing depression 04:18 Antidepressants as tools, not failures 04:34 Dr. Patrick Corrigan on fighting stigma through human connection 05:30 Dr. Margaret Rutherford on perfectly hidden depression 06:12 Terry’s personal story in Depression Lies 06:50 Ben on offering and asking for support at the right time 07:19 Duff the Psychic: depression as a parasite metaphor 07:50 Jennifer on isolation, fear, and medication bringing relief 08:20 Mary on depression and the elderly 09:06 Dr. Tevet on the difference between sadness and clinical depression 10:00 Dr. Barbara Moser on suicide prevention, part one 11:14 Dr. Moser on suicide prevention, part two (supporting calls to the hotline) 12:23 Teen depression stories from Not Alone documentary 14:29 Closing reflections and looking ahead to 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/

Depression doesn’t always look the same—and managing it often requires persistence, patience, and support.In this episode, Liz, 58, shares her powerful journey through two different forms of depression: one triggered by grief and trauma that gradually lifted, and another caused by chemical imbalance that required treatment with therapy and medication.Liz explains how she built a toolbox of coping skills including meditation, music, acupuncture, and time in nature. She also talks about the role of supportive friends who checked in, listened, and sat with her without judgment—reminding her she wasn’t alone.Now, Liz uses her experience to help others recognize depression in themselves and encourages them to seek treatment. Her story is a reminder that depression is not a failure—and that healing is possible through a mix of professional care and compassionate connection.Primary Topics Covered:The difference between grief-related depression and chemical imbalance depressionWhy therapy and medication were both critical in Liz’s recoveryThe long process of trial and error in finding the right treatmentSelf-care strategies that support healing (music, meditation, nature, acupuncture)Why depression requires persistence and patienceHow friends and family can support someone strugglingThe importance of recognizing depression as an illness, not a weaknessHow sharing stories helps reduce stigma and inspire othersTimestamps00:46 Introduction to Liz’s story 01:02 Depression as a spectrum with different causes 02:03 Liz’s first experience: grief-related depression 02:23 How trauma shaped her early struggles 02:58 Chemical imbalance depression that required medical treatment 03:13 The trial-and-error process of therapy and antidepressants 03:54 How others helped Liz see she was depressed 04:25 Liz helps a friend recognize depression symptoms 05:21 Antidepressants as a tool, not a failure 05:37 Liz’s self-care toolbox: meditation, acupuncture, nature, music 05:53 How friends supported her through presence and listening 06:23 The importance of checking in and staying connected 07:08 Talking openly to reduce stigma and normalize depression 07:38 Why depression is not a personal weakness or flaw 08:29 Sitting with thoughts and learning to quiet the inner critic 09:14 Building a strong support network for difficult times 10:09 The ripple effect of paying forward support and awareness 10:38 Final reflections on persistence and hope 11:03 Closing thoughtsExplore 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 is full of contradictions: loneliness mixed with withdrawal, hunger without appetite, the need for support alongside the fear of asking for it.In this episode, Ben, a 28-year-old Brooklyn artist living with both bipolar disorder and depression, shares his story of navigating those contradictions while learning how to give and receive help.He describes how changes in medication once triggered a major depressive episode, how he built a toolbox of coping strategies (including therapy, biking, and mindfulness), and why it’s so important to create a support game plan when you’re well—so friends and family know how to help when things get hard.Ben also speaks about the risks of suppressing emotions, past trauma, and the courage it takes to be open about needs before reaching a crisis. His story offers practical tools and honest insights for anyone living with depression—or supporting someone who is.Primary Topics Covered:Ben’s lived experience with bipolar disorder and depressionWhy medication changes can trigger major depressive episodesBuilding a personalized coping “toolbox” (CBT, biking, yoga, mindfulness)The contradictions of depression (wanting connection but avoiding people, hungry but not eating)The difficulty and importance of asking for helpCreating a support game plan before a depressive episode hitsThe “inner tube” metaphor for suppressed emotions and why release mattersHow past trauma shapes current mental health challengesWhy timing and compassion are key in supporting someone with depressionTimestamps00:10 Introduction to Ben’s story 01:02 Why Ben rescheduled due to depression 01:24 The impact of medication changes on mood stability 02:08 Managing depression like “untangling Christmas lights” 02:19 Ben’s coping toolbox: CBT, biking, yoga, daily practices 03:20 Contradictions of depression: loneliness, hunger, withdrawal 03:49 The challenge of asking for help when you need it most 04:17 Learning that despair is temporary 05:18 Why timing matters when offering support 05:29 Creating a support game plan during stable times 06:46 Why talking about depression while well is most effective 07:55 The relief of check-ins without pressure 08:22 The “inner tube” metaphor for suppressed emotions 09:04 Past trauma and its lasting effects on mental health 10:00 Reflections on healing, coping, and self-care 10:43 Closing thanks and lessons from Ben’s story 11:14 Final reminder: 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/

In this episode, we dive deep into the reality of compassion fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and burnout—especially for caregivers, healthcare workers, and anyone who supports others through mental health struggles. Guest Adelle shares her personal journey of reaching the edge of exhaustion and the difficult lessons learned along the way. Together, we unpack how emotional overextension can lead to burnout, why it happens, and what can be done to create healthy boundaries and sustain hope.Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for recognizing signs of fatigue, reframing expectations, and cultivating resilience while continuing to support others.Primary Topics Covered:Understanding compassion fatigue and emotional exhaustionThe personal cost of helping others without boundariesEarly warning signs of burnoutThe role of self-compassion in recoveryPractical coping strategies for caregivers and helpersTimestamps:00:00 Introduction and Adelle’s story 04:12 What compassion fatigue really feels like 08:37 The emotional toll of constantly caring for others 13:20 Warning signs of burnout caregivers often miss 18:45 How to create healthy boundaries in helping roles 24:10 The importance of self-compassion and forgiveness 29:40 Coping strategies to sustain your mental health 34:55 Final thoughts and resources for 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/

What does depression really feel like? For Sarah, it’s more than sadness—it’s a sudden drop into worthlessness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. In this deeply honest conversation, Sarah shares her “no BS” approach to talking about depression, how stigma makes asking for help harder than fixing a leaky faucet, and why naming depression out loud helps strip it of its power.She opens up about her support group, pug videos, exercise, and the role humor plays in survival. Sarah also reveals how hormonal birth control triggered one of her darkest depressive episodes—and why she wants other women to be aware of the risks.This is a raw, brave, and ultimately hopeful story about living with depression, fighting suicidal thoughts, and finding light in community and honesty.Primary Topics Covered:What depression really feels like vs. “just sadness”How suicidal thoughts can appear suddenly and without warningThe stigma of asking for help vs. the ease of fixing “a leaky faucet”Why humor and pug videos matter in survivalCoping strategies: support groups, movement, sleep, connectionTalking back to depression’s liesHormones and birth control’s impact on mental healthThe mantra: “Depression can’t kill me unless I let it.”Timestamps:00:00 Intro & Fundraising Note00:33 Why Sharing Stories Matters02:14 Meet Sarah – Loud, Proud & Honest About Depression03:07 When Disappointment Turns Into Worthlessness03:50 Using Humor to Talk About Suicidal Thoughts04:47 Stigma, Patriarchy & Why We Hide Mental Illness05:40 The Shame Around Asking for Help06:36 Learning to Ride the Ups & Downs of Depression07:53 Talking Back to Depression’s Lies08:21 The Impact of Hormones on Mental Health09:43 Sarah’s Suicidal Crisis Linked to Birth Control10:43 Hormones, Menopause, Pregnancy & Depression11:15 Why Naming It Out Loud Helps HealExplore 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 share part two of the documentary Not Alone, where teens open up about living with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the powerful journey of seeking help. Through raw and vulnerable stories, we hear how isolation, stigma, and the pressures of social media can deepen despair—while connection, therapy, support, and community can provide a pathway back to hope.The episode also explores how parents, peers, and educators can better recognize warning signs of teen depression and suicide risk, and why honest conversations matter more than ever.If you or someone you love is struggling, remember: you are not alone. Help is available, and healing is possible.Link to documentary info: http://not-alone.live/see-the-film/Link to Smartphone article: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/Primary Topics Covered:Teens describing their darkest moments and suicidal thoughtsThe courage to ask for help and the relief of being heardHow therapy, medication, and finding joy in hobbies can aid recoveryThe impact of social media on teen self-esteem, anxiety, and depressionWhy open conversations and peer support save livesPractical resources for parents, friends, and teens to seek supportTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and context 01:15 – Teens share raw experiences of depression and suicidal ideation 03:09 – Stories of survival and the turning point of seeking help 04:22 – The courage and relief of opening up to others 05:27 – Recovery through therapy, medication, and finding community 06:34 – Teens share how hope for the future begins to return 07:25 – Shifting from despair to plans, goals, and dreams 08:22 – Why persistence matters when asking for help 09:04 – Exploring the connection between social media and teen mental health 10:28 – Stories of bullying, comparison, and online pressure 12:11 – Research on screen time and depression in teens 13:54 – Building toolkits of resources and support networks 14:45 – Teens encourage peers to speak up and take action 16:28 – Final reflections on curated realities and distorted comparisons 16:59 – Call to action: support, donate, and continue the conversationExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Teen suicide is now the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15–24, yet too often conversations about it are avoided out of stigma and fear. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we begin a two-part series featuring the powerful documentary Not Alone, which shares raw and real stories from teens living with depression and suicidal thoughts.You’ll hear candid voices of teens describing what depression feels like, the warning signs too often missed, and how silence and stigma only make the struggle harder. The episode also highlights how parents, teachers, and peers can help—and why creating safe spaces for teens to talk openly about mental health is vital.Whether you’re a parent, educator, or friend, this episode will give you insights, tools, and hope to better support the teens in your life.Link to "Not Alone" film: http://not-alone.live/see-the-film/Primary Topics Covered:The rising rates of teen depression and suicideFirsthand stories from teens living with depressionThe stigma and silence surrounding youth mental health strugglesKey warning signs of suicidal ideation in teensHow parents, educators, and peers can provide supportThe importance of creating safe spaces for open conversationsTimestamps:00:10 – Introduction to the episode and its focus on teen suicide 01:14 – Why covering teen depression is difficult but necessary 02:35 – Opening story from the Not Alone documentary 03:27 – How stigma and silence prevent conversations about suicide 04:27 – Jacqueline Minetta’s motivation for creating the film 05:26 – Teens sharing candid experiences of depression 07:10 – Why peer-to-peer conversations can break through stigma 08:39 – The impact of guilt after losing someone to suicide 09:58 – Recognizing warning signs of self-harm and risky behaviors 10:41 – Additional signs of depression and suicidal thoughts in teens 12:05 – The importance of open conversations in schools 12:30 – Where parents and teens can turn for support 13:03 – Closing thoughts and preview of part twoExplore 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 continue their two-part series on suicide prevention with Dr. Barbara Moser, chair of Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee. They move beyond recognizing warning signs and risk factors to discuss what to do when someone says they are suicidal.Dr. Moser emphasizes the importance of asking direct, compassionate questions, reducing access to lethal means, and staying present with the person in crisis. The conversation includes practical strategies for having tough but life-saving conversations, when to call 911, and why suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility.Whether you’re supporting a loved one, a friend, or a colleague, this episode offers actionable steps, resources, and hope.Link to Suicide Prevention Lifeline resource: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/Primary Topics Covered:Common risk factors for suicideWhy asking directly about suicide saves livesHow to respond if someone says “yes” or “no” when asked about suicidal thoughtsThe importance of reducing access to lethal means (like firearms or medications)When to call 911 or go to the emergency roomWhy suicide prevention is a community responsibilityCrisis resources everyone should have saved in their phoneTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and suicide prevention series 01:14 - Risk factors that increase suicide risk 03:16 - Why asking directly about suicide reduces risk 04:00 - What to do if someone says they have suicidal thoughts 05:18 - Assessing suicide risk: plan, means, and timeline 06:30 - Gender differences in suicide attempts and deaths 07:02 - Removing lethal means and keeping someone safe 08:20 - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and text resources 09:19 - Why you should never leave a suicidal person alone 10:12 - When and why to call 911 or go to the ER 12:12 - The acute crisis period and possibility of recovery 13:01 - Why cries for help should always be taken seriously 13:57 - Never promising secrecy and asking questions without judgment 14:18 - Trusting instincts, staying close, and keeping the conversation alive 15:26 - Closing thoughts and continuing the series on teen depression and suicideExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and in this special episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we begin a two-part series dedicated to one of the most urgent mental health topics of our time: suicide prevention.Dr. Barbara Moser, a family physician and chair of the Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee Coalition, joins Bridget and Terry to discuss what suicide prevention really means, how to recognize risk factors and warning signs, and the importance of asking direct questions when we’re worried about someone.Listeners will hear practical, compassionate advice on how to approach these conversations, the importance of protective factors, and how we can all take steps to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide.This conversation is filled with insight, empathy, and actionable strategies that can make a real difference in saving lives.Link to Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/Primary Topics Covered:Why suicide prevention is a complex but essential discussionThe importance of asking direct questions about suicidal thoughtsCommon warning signs and risk factors of suicideThe role of protective factors and reasons for livingHow to support someone who may be strugglingBreaking stigma and treating suicide as a life-threatening illnessTimestamps00:00 – Introduction to the episode and hosts 00:27 – Why suicide prevention month matters 01:18 – Introducing Dr. Barbara Moser 02:01 – Is suicide preventable? 04:29 – Supporting those who’ve lost someone to suicide 05:58 – How to help if someone may be suicidal 06:59 – The importance of asking directly about suicide 07:52 – Recognizing warning signs of suicide 08:47 – Following up and having ongoing conversations 10:32 – Suicide as a life-threatening illness 11:04 – Recognizing emotional suffering in others 11:40 – Compassion, candor, and presence in tough conversations 12:23 – Protective factors and reasons for living 13:12 – Shifting focus toward hope and positive connections 13:25 – Looking ahead to part two of the series 14:09 – Closing message and call to actionExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Finding the right depression treatment is often described as a guessing game—trial and error with medications that may take weeks to work, only to leave patients discouraged. But what if a simple blood test could point you to the antidepressant most likely to help you?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, Director of the Depression Center at UT Southwestern Brain Institute, to discuss groundbreaking research on using biomarkers—specifically C-reactive protein (CRP) levels—to personalize depression treatment. This innovation could transform the way patients and doctors approach antidepressant selection, making the process faster, more effective, and far less discouraging.We also explore the broader implications of this research, how it validates depression as a real and measurable brain illness, and what it means for the future of psychiatry and mental health advocacy.If you’ve ever felt lost or frustrated navigating antidepressant options, this episode offers real hope and a look into the science that could change treatment forever.Primary Topics Covered:Why finding the right antidepressant often feels like trial and errorDr. Trivedi’s research on using blood tests (CRP levels) to personalize treatmentThe difference between “feeling down” and clinical depressionHow biological markers could validate depression as a real medical illnessThe importance of continued research, advocacy, and patient voices in shaping treatment optionsEarly survey results showing the power of conversation and community in reducing stigma and lonelinessTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and welcome 01:00 – The challenges of finding the right depression treatment 02:00 – Dr. Trivedi’s research and the promise of a blood test for antidepressants 03:30 – Why a personalized approach could prevent discouragement and early dropout 04:30 – Understanding CRP and its connection to depression treatment response 06:00 – How SSRIs and Wellbutrin differ based on biomarkers 07:10 – What this research means for patients and the future of psychiatry 08:00 – Explaining “little d” vs. “big D” depression 09:15 – Validating depression as a real brain illness 10:00 – Why advocacy and patient voices are crucial for progress 11:30 – Survey results: how conversations about depression help listeners feel less alone 12:30 – Closing thoughts and gratitudeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/