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

Generational trauma leaves deep scars that ripple through families, cultures, and communities. For Native American communities, centuries of systemic oppression, land loss, and forced assimilation through boarding schools created wounds that continue to affect mental health today.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Oneida Nation member Mark Powless shares his lived experience of how historical trauma has shaped his family, his community, and his own mental health. From the painful legacy of boarding schools to the challenges of substance abuse, anger, and mistrust passed down through generations, Mark offers an honest look at inherited trauma — and the long road to healing.He also discusses how reconnecting with Indigenous traditions, raising his own sons with awareness, and engaging in cultural healing practices like the sweat lodge are helping to break harmful cycles and bring hope for the future.This powerful conversation sheds light on the connection between generational trauma and depression, while showing that healing is possible through acknowledgment, cultural pride, and resilience.Links to more information, provided by Mark: Oneida Nation Website  https://oneida-nsn.gov/Resources Mark recommends to learn more: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Woman-Lives-Roberta-Capasso/dp/1483443469https://www.amazon.com/Boarding-School-Seasons-American-1900-1940/dp/0803264054Healing the Soul Wound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKVTzJYyyRYPrimary Topics Covered:What generational and historical trauma means in Native communitiesThe link between depression, substance abuse, and inherited painBoarding schools and their lasting impact on Indigenous familiesHow silence and shame perpetuate trauma through generationsThe role of anger and mistrust in community dynamicsSubstance abuse as a coping mechanism for traumaHair and culture as central to Native identity and resilienceParenting while addressing generational traumaIndigenous healing practices, including sweat lodgesWhy healing requires patience, compassion, and community supportTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and hosts 01:07 – Why this episode was re-released for Native American Heritage Month 01:47 – Understanding trauma and its impact on identity and safety 03:22 – Guest introduction: Mark Powless on generational trauma 03:42 – Growing up on the Oneida Reservation and what felt “normal” 04:34 – Realizing the historical roots of current struggles 05:14 – Pain and trauma still present in Native communities 05:41 – Boarding schools and their cultural destruction 06:19 – Disconnection from language, family, and traditions 07:18 – How elders’ silence perpetuated pain and mistrust 08:14 – Alcoholism and substance use as generational coping mechanisms 08:43 – Defining historical trauma and its effects 09:10 – The cultural importance of hair and identity 09:47 – How a modern school policy triggered generational pain 10:32 – Trauma reactivation and its emotional impact 11:20 – Personal reflections on his great-grandfatExplore 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 veterans return home, the adjustment can be overwhelming. Transitioning from military life back into civilian routines brings unique challenges — trauma, mental health struggles, and uncertainty about where to turn for help. Families, friends, and communities play a critical role in this reintegration.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Don Sanz — a combat veteran, psychologist, and advocate for veterans’ mental health — explains how we can better support veterans as they navigate life after service. He outlines practical ways to show compassion and provide meaningful support: listening without judgment, observing changes in behavior, encouraging professional help, and practicing patience as veterans heal.Whether you’re a family member, friend, or neighbor, this conversation will help you understand how to show up for the veterans in your life in ways that truly matter.Primary Topics Covered:Unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian lifeThe importance of listening without judgmentHow to observe veterans’ behavior and mood with careEncouraging veterans to seek available mental health servicesWhy patience is critical during reintegrationThe role of families in learning about available resourcesHow neighbors and coworkers can show nonjudgmental supportThe value of welcoming veterans and expressing gratitudeState-run veteran service offices and how they helpWhy healing and adjustment take time after returning homeTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and episode focus 01:07 – Why this week’s episode centers on veterans’ mental health 02:06 – Introducing guest Dr. Don Sanz, combat veteran and psychologist 02:54 – Why many veterans don’t disclose their service experience 03:20 – Understanding unique pressures across different wars and conflicts 03:52 – Veterans’ mental health challenges after returning home 04:34 – Three key supports: listen, observe, and encourage 05:43 – Why nonjudgmental listening matters 06:59 – Learning about resources before a veteran returns home 07:32 – How neighbors and communities can support veterans 08:46 – State-run veteran service offices explained 09:53 – The difficulty of navigating resources after service 10:17 – Why the transition home is often overwhelming 11:06 – The importance of patience with reintegration 11:37 – Closing thanks and reflectionsExplore 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 transition from military service to civilian life brings challenges that many veterans aren’t fully prepared for. While not all veterans develop a mental health condition, most experience some form of adjustment — whether it’s learning how to rebuild structure, manage relationships, or cope with trauma.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychologist and combat veteran Dr. Don Sanz provides an overview of the most common mental health challenges veterans face, from PTSD to survivor guilt, substance use, and difficulty adjusting to civilian routines. Drawing from both his lived experience and decades of clinical work, Dr. Sanz explains the symptoms of post-traumatic stress, how to recognize when functioning is impaired, and why early intervention is critical.This conversation highlights the importance of awareness, compassion, and resources for veterans navigating life after service.Primary Topics Covered:Why the transition from military to civilian life is so challengingCommon adjustment issues after deploymentHow PTSD symptoms develop and impact functioningFour symptom clusters of PTSD: intrusion, avoidance, mood changes, and arousalSurvivor guilt, shame, and anger in veteransHow substance abuse can mask unaddressed traumaRecognizing when functioning is impairedWhy listening to feedback from loved ones is essentialThe importance of professional help and community supportWhy not every veteran develops a mental health condition, but all need adjustment supportTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and podcast mission 01:07 – Why November episodes focus on veterans’ mental health 02:05 – Guest introduction: Dr. Don Sanz, veteran and psychologist 02:53 – Don’s military service and transition into psychology 03:50 – How Vietnam trauma led him to focus on veterans’ care 04:35 – Common struggles veterans face when returning to civilian life 06:20 – The overwhelming challenge of readjustment 07:03 – PTSD as the most common condition for combat veterans 07:55 – The four PTSD symptom clusters explained 10:03 – When PTSD becomes diagnosable and life-disrupting 10:18 – How functioning is impaired across life areas 11:11 – The role of feedback from family and partners 11:43 – Why awareness and listening are essential 11:52 – Closing reflections and thanksExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

For anyone living with depression, even the smallest daily actions can feel impossible. But routines—done consistently—can create a foundation for stability, confidence, and healing.In this episode, mental health advocate Paul Marlow shares how building intentional morning and evening routines helped him recover from two of the darkest years of his life. From improving sleep to reframing therapy, fitness, and nutrition, Paul explains how small, repeatable habits became the building blocks of his recovery.This conversation is both practical and hopeful, offering simple strategies you can use today to improve your mental health and take real steps toward depression recovery.Link to Paul's website/resources: https://weareneveralone.co/Primary Topics Covered:Why routines can be transformative for mental healthPaul’s two-year battle with depression and how he found tools for healingThe connection between quality sleep and reduced depression symptomsBuilding evening routines that improve rest and emotional balanceCreating morning routines that build confidence through “small wins”The role of therapy and honesty in recoveryHow fitness can reshape self-talk and reduce anxietyThe impact of nutrition on mood and resilienceWhy setbacks are part of recovery—and how to push through themTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and context for the episode  02:07 – Lessons from past guests on coping tools for depression  03:01 – Paul Marlow’s story: two years in a dark place  03:44 – The power of morning routines for mental health  04:34 – Why sleep plays a critical role in depression recovery  05:43 – Learning to track sleep and its effects on mood  07:00 – Building a healthy evening routine to prepare for rest  08:13 – Waking up rested for the first time in years  09:00 – Starting a morning routine one small step at a time  09:55 – Why avoiding your phone first thing matters  11:18 – Therapy as a cornerstone of recovery  13:06 – How honest conversations with therapists make progress possible  14:59 – Facing setbacks in therapy and persisting anyway  16:10 – Fitness routines as a confidence and resilience booster  17:36 – Exercise as practice for facing fear and anxiety  18:06 – Nutrition, food choices, and their effect on mental health  19:26 – How small wins and habit changes shift self-talk  20:26 – Redefining limits and discovering your strength  21:22 – Closing reflections on persistence, recovery, and hope  Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Depression is more than sadness — it’s a condition that can affect every part of life, from how we think to how we connect with others. For Paul Marlow, once a professional athlete and personal trainer, depression reshaped his mind, body, and relationships, leaving him feeling disconnected and uncertain of who he was.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Paul shares his raw story of living with PTSD, anxiety, grief, and depression. He explains the invisible symptoms — like loss of joy (anhedonia), overwhelming fatigue, and emotional numbness — that made daily life nearly impossible.But Paul’s journey also highlights resilience. Through lifestyle changes, therapy, and learning to be honest about his struggles, he found ways to reduce depressive episodes and rebuild his identity. This episode is a powerful reminder that depression changes us, but with time and support, healing and growth are possible.Link to Paul Marlow's website and resources: https://weareneveralone.co/Primary Topics Covered:Common depression symptoms beyond sadnessHow depression impacts the mind, body, and relationshipsThe experience of anhedonia (loss of joy)Why stigma hides the real face of depressionHow PTSD, anxiety, and grief overlap with depressionThe physical toll of depression on daily functioningHonesty and vulnerability in mental health recoveryRebuilding identity after depression changes who you areLifestyle tools that supported Paul’s healing journeyTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the episode 01:46 The stigma of what “depression looks like” 03:17 Guest introduction: Paul Marlow’s journey 04:42 Paul’s first public disclosure of depression 05:24 Living with anxiety, PTSD, and grief alongside depression 06:39 Daily struggles: waking, crying, and pushing through work 07:22 Hiding symptoms from the outside world 08:05 The loss of joy (anhedonia) explained 09:18 Realizing how long joy had been missing 09:52 Reflecting on who he was before depression 10:49 Growth and transformation after mental health struggles 11:37 How depression still shows up in certain seasons 13:42 Learning to reduce depressive episodes through lifestyle changes 14:47 The importance of honesty with oneself in healing 15:10 Breaking down facades and rebuilding a new identity 17:14 Choosing which parts of yourself to carry forward in recovery 18:13 Closing reflections 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/

Recovery from depression can feel overwhelming—especially after years of pain, trauma, and loss. But sometimes the way forward isn’t a giant leap—it’s the smallest possible step.In this inspiring episode, Jenni shares her 8-year battle with unrelenting depression, compounded by grief, trauma, and exhaustion. Through therapy, self-compassion, and a daily commitment to “baby steps,” she slowly rebuilt her life and rediscovered peace and joy she never thought possible.Her story is a powerful reminder that even when depression tells you nothing will change, tiny steps forward can lead to transformation.Jenni's Facebook page- Barefoot, Brave and Bold:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565516246115Primary Topics Covered:Jenni’s 8-year struggle with chronic depression and traumaWhy depression convinces us nothing will ever changeThe role of PTSD and EMDR therapy in her healing journeyThe importance of “baby steps” and soul rest in recoveryPractical examples of small steps: music, reading, saying “yes” to friendsHow self-care and persistence build momentum over timeThe breakthrough moment that reignited her joy and peaceWhy recovery is ongoing maintenance, not a finish lineTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and opening reflections  02:01 – Why even a single step can feel impossible in depression  03:09 – Jenni’s 8-year battle with unrelenting depression  03:35 – Losses, chronic pain, and trauma piling up  04:45 – Depression’s exhaustion: “I had no fight in me”  06:31 – PTSD diagnosis and starting EMDR therapy  07:21 – Realizing the need for daily baby steps  08:31 – Examples of baby steps: reading memoirs, music, learning  09:12 – Saying yes to invitations instead of isolating  09:56 – Joining therapy groups, trying yoga, traveling  10:39 – The breakthrough moment: finding her “House of Peace”  11:53 – Depression disappears after consistent baby steps  13:11 – Why maintenance and daily self-care remain essential  13:46 – Living joyfully and peacefully after recovery  14:43 – Jenni’s message to those who feel hopeless  17:21 – Reflections: why baby steps and hope are essential  20:17 – Believing things can get better as a survival tool  22:55 – The cumulative power of small daily choices  24:22 – Final reflections: hope and recovery are real  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 mean to live with depression every single day — not just in episodes, but as a constant presence? In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, advocate and writer Didi Hairston (known online as Diva with Depression) shares her raw experience of managing chronic, treatment-resistant depression for more than two decades.Didi describes her depression as “The Monster” — an active force that impacts her relationships, work, and daily functioning. From childhood trauma to postpartum struggles and the ongoing challenges of loneliness, she speaks candidly about the reality of living in darkness while still finding ways to parent, run businesses, and advocate for mental health.She also addresses the stigma around mental illness in Black and Brown communities and why culturally aware conversations about therapy and medication are essential. Despite the pain, Didi emphasizes resilience, connection, and the possibility of functioning — even when depression never fully lifts.Link to Didi Hairston's website: https://www.divawithdepression.com/my-storyPrimary Topics Covered:What it’s like to live with chronic, treatment-resistant depressionNaming depression “The Monster” as a way to describe its constant presenceThe role of childhood trauma and postpartum struggles in long-term depressionParenting while managing daily depressionCoping strategies: therapy, medication, and advocacyThe added weight of loneliness and isolationCultural stigma around mental health in Black and Brown communitiesWhy empathy and support matter more than platitudesTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and hosts 01:31 – Introducing guest Didi Hairston, “Diva with Depression” 02:13 – Her platform: Mental Illness with No Filter 02:31 – Living in “the meat in between” of depression 03:07 – Depression beginning in childhood trauma 04:09 – Postpartum struggles and worsening symptoms 05:09 – Raising children while battling depression 06:26 – Naming depression “The Monster” 08:10 – Finding moments of joy alongside pain 09:04 – Coping with therapy, medication, and advocacy work 10:16 – Focusing on Black and Brown communities in mental health advocacy 11:14 – Challenging cultural stigma around therapy and medication 11:49 – The loneliness of depression and empty nest struggles 14:15 – Depression’s impact on relationships and social connections 16:32 – The need for accessible support systems and active listening 18:01 – Living, functioning, and advocating while in chronic depression 20:54 – Reflections on acceptance, management, and resilience 22:43 – Closing thoughts and invitation to 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/

When natural disasters strike, the physical destruction is only part of the story—the emotional and psychological scars can last for years. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Tara Pyfrom shares her harrowing survival story of Hurricane Dorian and the long road of recovery that followed. From PTSD and depression to finding ways to rebuild hope through therapy, writing, and resilience, Tara offers a powerful look at what it means to heal after unimaginable trauma.If you or someone you know is struggling in the aftermath of a disaster, this conversation is a reminder that recovery is possible, even when the journey feels endless.Link to Tara's website with information about her book: https://tarapyfrom.com/about-mePrimary Topics Covered:Risk factors for depression, PTSD, and traumaFirst-hand survival account of Hurricane DorianThe mental health impact of losing a home and communityThe slow process of recovery and therapy after traumaThe role of writing, art, and creativity in healingCoping strategies for depression and PTSD symptomsHow to measure progress when recovery feels stalledTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and podcast mission 01:26 – Understanding depression risk factors and trauma triggers 03:04 – Tara’s background and initial experience with Hurricane Dorian 04:49 – When the storm hit: survival and impossible choices 06:41 – Fear, panic, and making life-or-death decisions 07:22 – Escaping to the attic and waiting for the storm to pass 08:36 – The moment of survival and evacuation 09:38 – The immediate mental health aftermath: PTSD and depression 11:01 – Long-term struggles with hopelessness and therapy 12:10 – Writing as therapy and the role of poetry in healing 13:27 – Building a new home and creating hope through goals 14:13 – Reflections on time, recovery, and measuring progress 15:32 – Finding resilience through small steps forward 16:35 – Living with trauma while reclaiming happiness 17:17 – Clinical reflections on PTSD and natural disaster survivors 19:07 – The importance of moving pain out of the body through expression 20:17 – Tara’s ongoing healing and sharing her story in a book 21:02 – The reality of long-term recovery from PTSD and depression 21:46 – Closing thoughts: resilience, survival, and moving forwardExplore 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 deeply moving episode, Bob courageously shares his journey as a suicide attempt survivor who found a way back to hope through therapy, support, and a renewed commitment to life. He speaks openly about the dangerous lies depression tells, the moment he nearly gave up, and the compassion that helped him believe his life was worth living.Bob describes how cognitive behavioral therapy and building a values-based life helped him rebuild after his darkest days. His story shows that recovery is possible, that healing takes effort and support, and that—even after years of struggle—hope can return.This episode is part of our Suicide Prevention Month series, offering honest conversations that remind us all: you are not alone, and your life has value.Post-Hospitalization Risks episode referenced: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032100/13540572Primary Topics Covered:The dangerous lies depression tells about worth and being a burdenBob’s suicide attempt and the suddenness of suicidal thoughtsThe life-saving impact of compassion from a strangerHow therapy (especially CBT) helped rebuild hope and resilienceThe importance of routines, self-care, and living by personal valuesWhy transparency and reaching out for support are essential to recoveryTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and poem of hope 02:19 – Introducing Bob, a suicide attempt survivor 03:15 – Why Bob sought therapist approval before sharing his story 04:22 – Depression’s lies: “I wasn’t enough” and feeling like a burden 07:00 – The suddenness of his suicidal attempt 08:08 – Waking up in the hospital and the compassion of a nurse 10:32 – Learning that being valued doesn’t depend on success 12:29 – Post-hospitalization risks and the importance of aftercare 12:46 – Taking a leave of absence to focus on recovery 13:20 – Difficult conversations with family after the attempt 14:16 – Therapy approaches and why CBT was most effective 16:17 – Building resilience and recognizing dark thoughts early 17:11 – The power of routines and self-care practices 18:32 – Remembering the attempt as motivation to keep living 19:51 – Finding joy, authenticity, and self-worth at 64 20:28 – The danger of “burden syndrome” and reaching out for help 21:18 – The lasting impact of compassion and kindness 22:29 – Bob’s commitment to reaching out when struggling 23:30 – 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/

Recovery from depression isn’t quick or easy—but it is possible, and it is worth it. In this episode, Renee shares her powerful story of transformation after trauma. Ten years ago, she felt hopeless, isolated, and stuck in survival mode. Today, through therapy, art, community, and relentless effort, she has built a life filled with confidence, calm, and hope.Renee reminds us that recovery often gets harder before it gets better, but the work pays off in ways you can’t imagine—improved relationships, stronger boundaries, even better physical health. She emphasizes that while support helps, you also have the power to help yourself by taking the first step and committing to the process.This conversation is a raw and hopeful look at what recovery really feels like—the messiness, the effort, and ultimately, the freedom that comes from doing the hard work.Link to Renee's earlier episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032100/13540497Primary Topics Covered:Renee’s journey from trauma survivor to thriving adultWhy recovery often feels harder before it feels betterThe role of group therapy and art therapy in healingHow honesty and self-compassion replace shame and silenceThe messy but necessary “in-between” phase of recoveryThe impact of trauma work on both mental and physical healthHow setting boundaries can be part of healingWhy recovery requires consistent effort—but brings lasting hopeTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and opening reflections  01:17 – A powerful quote about pain and healing  02:33 – Renee’s journey: “It’s hard AF, but worth it”  03:23 – How recovery transformed her confidence and identity  04:30 – The role of group therapy in confronting trauma  05:37 – “You can’t get over it until you get through it”  06:11 – Art therapy as a tool for expression and grounding  07:21 – Moving from hopelessness to hope-filled recovery  08:49 – Shifting from despair to faith in the recovery process  09:23 – Speaking hope to someone in the middle of depression  11:08 – Why “you’re not alone” can be hard to hear—but true  12:28 – The hard work of recovery: triggers, therapy, boundaries  13:54 – The messy middle: healing compared to cleaning a closet  14:33 – Setting long-overdue boundaries in relationships  15:58 – Learning to pause, sit with discomfort, and respond calmly  16:58 – Moving away from alcohol as a coping mechanism  17:39 – The physical impact of recovery: autoimmune improvements  18:49 – Renee’s reminder: “It’s hard AF, but it’s worth it”  20:25 – Reflection: recovery requires effort, but pays off  22:37 – Closing insights on unpacking trauma and choosing hope  Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/