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

Depression is not a normal part of aging—but for many seniors, it becomes a silent struggle. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we hear the courageous voice of Mary, a 93-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who spoke openly about her experience with depression in late life.Mary’s story reveals how stigma and generational silence have kept many older adults from seeking help. She reflects on the isolation of aging, the pain of losing independence, and the ways family connection and presence can make all the difference.This conversation is both a tribute to Mary’s honesty and a reminder that senior mental health deserves more compassion, understanding, and attention.Primary Topics Covered:Why depression in older adults is often overlooked or minimizedThe role of stigma and generational silence in late-life mental healthHow loneliness, aging, and loss affect emotional wellbeingMary’s reflections on living with depression at 93The importance of presence, listening, and connection in caregivingWhy family members and communities play a critical role in supportTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode 01:13 – Remembering Mary and honoring her words 02:28 – Mary introduces herself and shares her struggles with depression at 93 03:10 – Generational stigma around mental health in seniors 03:46 – The realities of aging: loneliness, deafness, and loss 04:59 – Why depression in older adults is often dismissed 06:06 – Mary on shame and stigma in seeking help 07:28 – Why opening up about depression is hard for older adults 08:39 – What support and care mean to Mary 09:54 – The power of simply showing up for loved ones 10:58 – Healthy habits and mental health in later life 11:52 – Reflections on Mary’s courage and honesty 12:10 – Closing thoughts and preview of the next episodeExplore 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 Jennifer Marshall first experienced mania, she didn’t know what was happening. Hospitalized on Christmas Day, she began a long journey through bipolar disorder, depression, and the stigma that often comes with a mental health diagnosis.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jennifer shares how she went from feeling isolated and involuntarily hospitalized to co-founding This Is My Brave, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing stigma by showcasing personal stories of mental illness through performance art.Jennifer’s story is raw, real, and hopeful—showing that with the right treatment, self-care, and courage to speak out, it is possible not only to recover but also to use your story to inspire others.Link to This Is My Brave website: https://thisismybrave.orgPrimary Topics Covered:Jennifer Marshall’s first manic episode and bipolar disorder diagnosisThe role of sleep, treatment, and medication in managing symptomsStigma, hospitalization, and the emotional toll of mental illnessWhy she decided to stop hiding and share her story publiclyThe creation of This Is My Brave and its impact on reducing stigmaHow storytelling helps others find hope and light in the darknessThe courage it takes to move from silence to advocacyTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction from Bridget and Terry 01:05 – Meet Jennifer Marshall 01:24 – Jennifer’s first manic episode and hospitalization 02:09 – Hospitalized on Christmas Day: realizing it was an illness 02:43 – Diagnosis of bipolar disorder and importance of sleep 03:28 – Fears about treatment and recovery 03:55 – Finding the right medication and feeling relief 04:33 – Struggles with stigma and involuntary hospitalizations 05:14 – Her father’s tough reminder to stay on medication 05:25 – Blogging as “The Bipolar Mom” and decision to go public 05:40 – From anonymous blogger to national advocate 06:05 – Founding This Is My Brave and using stories to fight stigma 07:05 – The power of hearing and telling stories in recovery 07:22 – Recognizing that bravery comes in many stages 08:52 – The vision: a world where sharing mental health stories is normal 09:13 – Closing reflections 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/

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we sit down with Dr. Robert Duff—known online as Duff the Psych—to explore practical and approachable strategies for coping with depression.Dr. Duff, author of the popular Hardcore Self-Help series, explains why depression can feel like a parasite, draining energy and fueling cycles of guilt. He shares simple, effective tools you can start using right away, from small behavioral shifts to mindfulness practices that help quiet negative thoughts.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by depression or discouraged by intimidating self-help resources, this episode offers hope, validation, and practical next steps.Link to Dr. Robert Duff (Duff the Psych) website: http://www.duffthepsych.comPrimary Topics Covered:Why Dr. Duff calls depression a “parasite”Behavioral activation and the power of small, doable activitiesHow to weigh effort versus reward to regain motivationA simple mindfulness exercise to manage intrusive, negative thoughtsThe importance of self-awareness and grace in depression recoveryOptions for help: self-help, therapy, and medicationTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode 00:27 – About the podcast and mission 00:59 – Guest introduction: Dr. Robert Duff (“Duff the Psych”) 01:34 – Depression as a parasite metaphor 02:28 – How depression tricks us into feeling weak 02:46 – Behavioral activation explained 03:44 – Using effort vs. reward to choose activities 04:30 – Starting with small, low-effort wins 05:36 – Depression and brain chemistry 06:14 – A simple mindfulness exercise to quiet negative thoughts 07:10 – Shifting attention like a spotlight 08:37 – Real-life mindfulness practice examples 08:55 – Self-awareness vs. harmful coping strategies 09:16 – The importance of grace and seeking help 10:25 – Medication as a supportive tool 10:37 – Closing reflections and feedback on Duff’s book 11:14 – Bridget and Terry reflect on Duff’s techniques 12:30 – Grace, permission, and taking action 12:44 – Resources and where to find Dr. Duff’s books 13:04 – Outro and reminder to “speak up and listen up”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 does it feel like to live with both bipolar disorder and depression—and what kind of support actually helps during the darkest days?In this episode, 28-year-old Brooklyn artist Ben shares his lived experience of navigating depressive episodes, adjusting to medication changes, and building a “toolbox” of coping skills, including therapy, biking, and mindfulness practices.Ben also opens up about the challenge of asking for help—how depression brings contradictions like loneliness mixed with withdrawal, hunger without appetite, and the constant push-pull of wanting connection while fearing it. He explains why creating a support game plan when you’re well makes it easier for friends and family to know how to help when things get hard.This is a candid, practical, and deeply relatable conversation about what it means to manage depression and bipolar disorder—and how support, when offered with compassion and timing, can make all the difference.Primary Topics Covered:Ben’s personal experience living with bipolar disorder and depressionWhy medication changes can trigger major depressive episodesBuilding a coping “toolbox” with CBT, biking, yoga, and creative outletsHow depression creates contradictions (lonely but avoiding people, hungry but not eating)The difficulty and importance of asking for supportWhy it helps to set up a support game plan during stable timesThe risks of suppressing emotions (the “inner tube” metaphor)Ben’s experience with past trauma and how it impacts mental healthWhy being open about needs prevents crises and strengthens relationshipsTimestamps:00:10 Introduction to Ben’s story 01:02 Why Ben rescheduled due to a depressive episode 01:24 The impact of medication changes on mood 02:08 Managing depression like “untangling Christmas lights” 02:19 Ben’s coping toolbox: CBT, biking, yoga, and daily practices 03:20 How depression creates contradictory feelings 03:49 The challenge of letting his guard down and asking for help 04:17 Learning that despair doesn’t last forever 05:18 Why timing matters when offering support 05:29 Creating a game plan during stable times 06:46 Why talking about depression when you’re well is most effective 07:55 The power of having others check in without pressure 08:22 The “inner tube” metaphor for suppressed emotions 09:04 Ben’s past trauma and its long-term impact 10:00 Reflections on medication changes and emotional healing 10:43 Closing gratitude and lessons from Ben’s story 11:14 Final reminder: if you’re hurting, speak up; if someone else is hurting, 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/

Depression has a voice—a cruel, convincing voice that whispers (or shouts) lies about our worth, our future, and our place in the world. In this deeply personal episode, co-host Terry shares her own story of living through depression’s relentless attacks.From waking up each morning to self-hate mantras, to reaching a terrifying moment when she considered letting her life quietly end, Terry describes what it’s like to battle the exhausting lies of depression. She also shares the turning point: choosing to call her doctor, restarting antidepressants, and reclaiming her voice from the bully in her head.This is a raw, courageous, and ultimately hopeful conversation about why depression is a liar—and why none of us should face it alone.Primary Topics Covered:How depression lies and convinces us we’re worthlessTerry’s personal struggle with depression’s daily attacksThe exhaustion of “cellular-level” fatigue and craving sleep as escapeThe terrifying moment when she thought of letting life quietly endWhy choosing to get back on medication was life-savingHow sharing her story helps others feel less aloneThe founding of Giving Voice to Depression as a way to fight stigmaWhy antidepressants are self-care, not shameThe reminder that depression passes, and connection brings hopeTimestamps00:10 Introduction from Bridget and Terry 00:48 Terry shares her story and what it feels like to expose it 01:07 The toxic lies and inner bully of depression 01:25 Depression’s mantra: self-hate mornings 02:19 Craving sleep as escape, exhaustion at a cellular level 03:22 Thoughts of death as quiet relief during a health scare 04:10 The turning point: calling her doctor and restarting antidepressants 05:17 Founding Giving Voice to Depression as a nonprofit 06:20 Why shared stories reduce stigma and shame 07:13 Bridget and Terry discuss the power and force of depression’s lies 08:33 The importance of antidepressants and community support 09:47 Reflections on vulnerability and courage in storytelling 10:28 Reminder that depression passes, and connection matters 11:18 Closing reflections: 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/

Not all depression looks the same. Some people appear successful, outgoing, and “perfectly fine” while silently carrying deep emotional pain. Clinical psychologist Dr. Margaret Rutherford calls this Perfectly Hidden Depression—a pattern of perfectionism, over-responsibility, and emotional avoidance that hides the reality of depression behind a flawless façade.In this episode, Dr. Rutherford explains the 10 key traits of perfectly hidden depression, why so many high-achievers are at risk, and how compartmentalizing feelings can become a dangerous coping strategy. She also offers practical ways to begin opening up, lowering the mask, and showing yourself the compassion you freely give to others.If you’ve ever wondered how someone who “has it all together” could still be depressed—or if you recognize yourself in this description—this conversation is for you.Link to Dr. Margaret Rutherford's website: http://drmargaretrutherford.com/Primary Topics Covered:What “perfectly hidden depression” is and how it differs from classic depressionWhy high achievers, perfectionists, and caretakers are often at riskThe 10 traits of perfectly hidden depression, including:perfectionism with a critical inner voiceover-responsibility and people-pleasingavoiding or minimizing painful emotionschronic worry and the need for controlusing achievement as a measure of worthhiding struggles while caring for othersdifficulty acknowledging trauma or abuseco-occurring issues like anxiety, eating disorders, or substance use“toxic positivity” and spiritual guiltattracting takers while avoiding vulnerabilityWhy compartmentalization helps in the short-term but harms in the long-termThe role of shame in keeping emotions hiddenPractical steps toward vulnerability, support, and self-compassionHow to begin conversations about hidden strugglesTimestamps00:10 Introduction to the episode and Dr. Margaret Rutherford 01:11 The concept of Perfectly Hidden Depression 01:34 Why successful, high-functioning people may be silently depressed 02:19 How masking emotions can be conscious or unconscious 03:22 Why compartmentalization can become harmful 04:22 Overview of the 10 characteristics of perfectly hidden depression 04:33 Trait 1: Perfectionism with a critical inner voice 04:42 Trait 2: Excessive responsibility and people-pleasing 04:57 Trait 3: Avoiding painful emotions due to shame 05:30 Trait 4: Chronic worry and need for control 05:56 Trait 5: Using tasks and achievements for self-worth 06:15 Trait 6: Caring for others while hiding personal struggles 06:30 Trait 7: Minimizing past trauma or abuse 06:46 Trait 8: Accompanying mental health struggles (anxiety, substance use) 07:16 Trait 9: Toxic positivity and guilt around gratitude/faith 08:05 Trait 10: Relationship patterns—helpers attracting takers 08:33 Advice: Lowering the mask and sharing your truth with safe people 08:53 The importance of compassion and support in healing 09:47 Bridget and Terry reflect on vulnerability and self-disclosure 10:01 Mention of Dr. Rutherford’s podcast SelfWork 10:28 Closing reflections on giving voice to hidden depression 10:42 Final reminder: If you’re hurting, speak up; if someone else is hurting, liExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Is education enough to fight the stigma of depression and mental illness? Dr. Patrick Corrigan, a leading researcher on stigma, says no. In fact, research shows that teaching people mental illness is a “brain disease” can actually make stigma worse.What does work? Real, face-to-face stories of people living with depression and mental health conditions—stories that include both the struggle and the recovery.In this powerful episode, Dr. Corrigan shares why storytelling is the most effective tool we have for dismantling shame, building empathy, and giving people hope. He also opens up about his own mental health struggles, explaining why “coming out” about depression and bipolar disorder isn’t about pity, but authenticity.This conversation reframes mental illness stigma as a social justice issue—and reminds us that reducing stigma starts with those who live it, not just professionals and allies.Primary Topics Covered:Why education alone fails to reduce stigma about depressionResearch on stigma and mental health from the National Consortium on Stigma and EmpowermentHow real, lived experience stories (downward and upward) change public perceptionDr. Corrigan’s personal story: depression, bipolar disorder, and recoveryThe parallels between mental health stigma and LGBTQ+ stigma reductionWhy “coming out” about mental health is risky but powerfulFraming stigma as a social justice issue led by people with lived experiencePractical ways to safely share your story and reduce stigmaTimestamps00:10 Introduction from Bridget and Terry 00:46 Why honesty and openness about struggles matter 01:47 Meet Dr. Patrick Corrigan, leading stigma researcher 02:26 Why education doesn’t reduce stigma—and can make it worse 02:55 Why face-to-face storytelling is more effective 03:01 The power of “on the way down” and “on the way up” stories 03:26 Dr. Corrigan shares his own mental health journey 05:03 Why authenticity matters more than pity 05:17 How storytelling reduces personal shame and public stigma 06:16 Lessons from LGBTQ+ communities and stigma reduction 06:25 The risks and rewards of “coming out” with mental illness 07:22 Why recovery stories highlight resilience and empowerment 08:06 Why stigma must be treated as a social justice issue 08:50 How people with lived experience can lead change 09:21 Steps listeners can take to reduce stigma safely 10:27 Reflections from Bridget and Terry on speaking openly 11:52 Closing thoughts: reducing shame, building 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/

Liz thought her pain was something she had to power through—until someone helped her name it. This episode explores how she found real support, advocated for herself, and now uses her voice to help others find hope and healing.Primary Topics Covered:The difference between grief-related and clinical depressionWhat it means to live with depression that doesn’t go awayHow someone else helped Liz recognize her depressionThe struggle and stigma around starting antidepressantsThe importance of finding a trusted doctor and treatment planCreating a toolbox of personal self-care strategiesWhat meaningful support looks like for someone in a depressive episodeHow to build a mental health safety plan and support networkThe power of listening without judgment or pressurePaying it forward and ending the silence around depressionTimestamps:00:00 Intro and episode overview  00:47 Introducing Liz and the range of depression experiences  02:03 Liz’s experience with grief-related depression  02:55 The challenge of managing persistent, chemical depression  03:13 Therapy and medication: the hard work of recovery  03:54 How someone else helped Liz recognize her depression  04:25 Liz helps a friend resist the stigma of antidepressants  05:21 The impact of finding the right treatment and support  05:35 Liz’s personalized self-care toolbox  05:53 The power of presence and nonjudgmental support  06:26 Listening without fixing or analyzing  07:08 Speaking openly to end the secrecy around depression  07:38 Reminders that depression isn’t failure—and no one is alone  08:29 Learning to sit with your own mental noise  09:12 Recognizing negative self-talk and reframing it  10:09 Creating a mental health support plan for tough moments  10:36 Seeing through distorted thoughts and false beliefs  11:03 The ripple effect of reaching out and helping others  11:12 Outro and encouragement to 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/

What happens when a personal story about depression changes the way a clinician approaches suicide prevention?In this Ripple Report, Patrick Doyle, a clinical social worker, explains how reading Terry’s article about suicidal thoughts transformed the way he listens to clients and reframes his questions. Instead of simply asking, “Do you have suicidal thoughts?” he now asks, “Do you ever think of death as a welcome relief?”—a shift that opens up deeper, more honest conversations.Patrick shares how lived experiences of depression provide insights no textbook, lecture, or conference ever could. His decision to share this perspective with colleagues demonstrates the ripple effect: how one authentic story can influence clinical practice, reduce stigma, and ultimately save lives.This episode reminds us that real stories matter—not only to those living with depression, but also to the professionals who care for them.Primary Topics Covered:Why Ripple Reports highlight the power of shared storiesThe limits of standard suicide assessment questionsHow Terry reframed the question to reveal deeper truthsPatrick Doyle’s reflections as a clinician with 30+ years of experienceWhy lived experience is essential for professional learningHow depression doesn’t always “look” like depressionThe ripple effect of self-disclosure in reducing stigmaWhy normalizing conversations about suicide can save livesTimestamps:00:12 Introduction to Ripple Reports and their purpose 01:34 Meet Patrick Doyle, clinical social worker 02:16 Why Terry’s personal article was different from clinical training 02:53 How lived experience reshapes professional understanding 03:20 Why depression doesn’t always “look” like depression 05:18 Patrick begins asking new, more compassionate questions 05:39 The need for better suicide assessment approaches 06:22 Sharing Terry’s article with colleagues 07:13 How starting discussions about suicide reduces stigma 07:20 The importance of self-disclosure in mental health 07:57 Why real stories create systemic change 08:16 Normalizing depression conversations to make them safer 09:07 How one story sparked a ripple effect among clinicians 10:26 Closing reflections 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/

Join us as we explore how shifting the question from “Are you suicidal?” to “Do you find yourself thinking of death as a welcome relief?” can open life-saving conversations. Terry shares her powerful personal story, and we hear how one changed question led to a breakthrough moment on a crisis line.Primary Topics Covered:The limitations of traditional suicide assessment questionsA more insightful and compassionate way to ask about suicidal ideationTerry’s personal mental health journey and published article on The MightyHow language impacts openness in mental health conversationsThe role of hidden depression in masking sufferingReframing the suicide question to encourage honestyReal listener feedback and its ripple effectThe power of storytelling and validation for mental health awarenessWays professionals and loved ones can ask more meaningful questionsHow honest conversation can prevent isolation and promote healingTimestamps:00:00 Intro and Welcome to Season Two00:52 Terry’s article “Ask a Different Question” and The Mighty feature01:51 Full reading of the article: “Advice from Behind the Mask”06:46 Why asking “Do you find death a relief?” opens deeper conversation07:40 Discussing emotional pain vs clinical suicide risk08:09 How this question resonates more personally and less judgmentally08:38 Michael Phelps example: asking how much someone is hurting09:30 Listener and professional responses to the article10:26 How a crisis line worker changed their approach based on the article10:39 Looking ahead to more ripple effects and honest conversations11:04 Podcast sign-off and encouragement to speak up and listen upLink to Article: https://themighty.com/2017/06/the-important-question-to-ask-if-you-feel-suicidal/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/