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

For too long, depression has been unfairly labeled as a weakness. Psychiatrist Dr. Tim Cantopher, author of The Curse of the Strong, offers a very different perspective: depression often strikes those who are most diligent, reliable, and strong.In this conversation, Dr. Cantopher explains why the very qualities that make people dependable—responsibility, perseverance, sensitivity—can also put them at risk of burnout and major depression. He shares why reframing depression as an illness of the strong is not just comforting, but life-saving, helping people seek treatment without shame.This episode offers both validation and practical advice for anyone living with depression, challenging stereotypes and replacing stigma with strength.Link to Dr. Cantopher's book if you're interested in learning more: Depressive Illness: The Curse Of The Strong: The Curse of the Strong (3rd Edition): Cantopher, Tim: 9781847092359: Amazon.com: BooksPrimary Topics CoveredWhy depression is not a weakness, but often affects the strongest peopleInsights from psychiatrist Dr. Tim Cantopher’s book The Curse of the StrongCommon personality traits of people who develop depressionHow self-criticism and neglecting personal needs fuel depressionWhy reframing depression as strength encourages people to seek helpThe “blown fuse” analogy: how stress overwhelms the brainTools for preventing future depressive episodes (balance, mindfulness, self-care)The importance of treating yourself with the same kindness you show othersTimestamps:00:00 – Welcome and introduction to the episode  02:18 – Community voices: “Depression is ______”  02:35 – Introducing Dr. Tim Cantopher and *The Curse of the Strong*  03:18 – Why depression is not weakness but strength  04:23 – Common personality traits in people with depression  05:11 – Why people with depression are often highly dependable  06:09 – Reframing traits as strengths, not vulnerabilities  06:37 – The stigma of weakness vs. the truth of strength  07:37 – Depression as the “Curse of the Strong” explained  09:21 – The “blown fuse” in the brain during major depression  10:04 – How therapy, mindfulness, and balance aid recovery  11:09 – The role of self-esteem in protecting mental health  11:48 – Learning to silence your inner critic  12:38 – Depression’s voice vs. your true self  13:41 – Treating depression like any other illness (not pushing through)  14:20 – The stress fracture analogy for recovery  15:06 – How to prevent recurrent episodes of depression  15:50 – The importance of pacing, balance, and self-care  17:20 – Practical questions to ask yourself: “What do I want? Where’s the balance?” 18:02 – Final reflections and key takeaways  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 if supporting a friend with depression was as natural as how Winnie the Pooh and his friends cared for Eeyore? In this episode, Sean shares his experience growing up in a household where mental health was openly discussed and accepted — an environment that shaped how he and his peers approach anxiety and depression with empathy and inclusion.From canceling plans without judgment to sending lighthearted texts during tough moments, Sean explains how his generation is reframing friendship, making space for honesty, and reducing stigma. Terry and Anita reflect on how these shifts in openness, compassion, and accommodation represent the kind of support that helps people living with depression feel less alone.Primary Topics Covered:Growing up in a household where mental health was normalizedHow openness around depression and anxiety fosters stronger friendshipsWhy inclusion and small acts of support make a big differenceThe role of social media in encouraging candid conversations about mental healthLessons from Eeyore: acceptance, friendship, and not leaving anyone behindTools Sean uses to manage depression, from dance and creativity to therapy and medicationTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest, Sean 02:43 – Sean’s early experiences with anxiety and depression 03:34 – Growing up in a family that openly addressed mental health 05:08 – How social media influences openness around depression and anxiety 05:57 – Empathy and flexibility within Sean’s friend group 09:24 – The lessons of Eeyore: acceptance and inclusion in friendships 13:48 – Why staying connected matters when someone cancels plans due to depression 15:19 – Dance, creativity, and other coping tools Sean uses for mental health 17:00 – Starting medication and therapy as part of recovery 18:15 – The importance of honesty and trust in managing depression 19:44 – Anita and Terry reflect on generational progress in reducing stigma 21:56 – Building a culture of empathy, inclusion, and 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/

Depression rarely shows up overnight—it creeps in with subtle signs that can easily be overlooked. Recognizing those signs early is one of the most powerful ways to prevent a full-blown crisis.In this episode, Corinne shares her personal experience of learning to spot her own “scale” of depression, the steps she takes to stop a downward spiral, and why reaching out before you’re in crisis can save lives. She also explains how tools like therapy, support systems, and simple daily habits can make a big difference.This conversation is both a warning and a source of hope: if you know the signs of depression, you can act before it takes control.Link to 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/Link to Corinne's article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/Primary Topics Covered:Why sharing recovery stories matters, not just crisis storiesHow depression often escalates gradually, not suddenlyUsing a “scale” system to recognize early signs of depressionWarning signs that your mental health may be worseningThe importance of trusted support systemsHow shame, silence, and isolation worsen depressionProactive coping tools: therapy, sleep, exercise, meditationWhy you don’t have to wait until crisis to get helpTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and episode overview  02:04 – Corinne’s recovery story: hope after crisis  03:13 – Why we need recovery stories, not just survival stories  04:30 – How depression builds slowly, like a scale  05:32 – Creating a “scale” to recognize your own warning signs  06:31 – Steps Corinne takes when she feels herself sliding  07:18 – The role of trusted friends and family in early support  07:58 – Why reaching out feels hard but saves lives  08:41 – How to distinguish sadness from clinical depression  09:49 – What crisis lines can and can’t do for recovery  10:25 – How a hotline interrupts dangerous moments  11:02 – Breaking silence: honesty as a survival skill  12:15 – Why honesty is a gift, not a weakness  12:47 – The power of small interventions in recovery  13:18 – “Few problems thrive in silence, isolation, and shame.”  13:42 – Closing reflections and encouragement to act early  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/

Corinne never thought she would be the one to dial a suicide hotline. A journalist, wife, and mother surrounded by loved ones, she believed crisis lines were for “other people.” But when depression convinced her family would be better off without her, she found herself on the edge of acting on those thoughts.In this episode, Corinne shares how picking up the phone and calling a crisis line saved her life. She opens up about the lies depression tells, the shame that keeps people silent, and the moment she realized there were compassionate listeners ready to help.This story is a reminder that suicidal thoughts don’t always look how we imagine—and that crisis lines are for anyone in need of support, whether or not you’re suicidal.Link to Corinne's article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/Link to 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/Primary Topics CoveredCorinne’s lived experience with depression and suicidal thoughtsMisconceptions about who crisis lines are “for”The lies depression tells: secrecy, shame, and distorted thinkingHow medication changes during pregnancy triggered relapseWhy people mask depression while appearing “fine” externallyThe moment suicidal thoughts escalated into a planWhat actually happens when you call a crisis line (and what to expect)The importance of language in asking for help (“psychological emergency”)Why crisis lines are for anyone in distress, not just those suicidalRecovery as an ongoing process: therapy, medication, and supportTimestamps:00:00 – Welcome and episode introduction  02:13 – Corinne’s story: never imagining she’d call a crisis line  03:11 – Depression’s lies: “You’re a burden”  04:12 – Shame and silence vs. privacy and trust  05:08 – Stopping medication during pregnancy and relapse risk  05:50 – Masking depression: appearing fine while falling apart  07:22 – Protective factors falling away: therapy, meds, support  08:07 – Depression convincing her that dark thoughts were “truths”  08:59 – Suicidal thoughts intensify: family would be better off without her  09:32 – Making a plan, then realizing she couldn’t follow through  10:05 – Calling the crisis line: what actually happened  10:53 – Being told to say: “I’m having a psychological emergency”  11:36 – Why words and language are powerful in getting help  12:10 – What to expect: brief holds and call routing explained  13:14 – Crisis lines as a 24/7 tool for anyone in distress  13:49 – Recovery isn’t instant: therapy, medication, and daily effort  14:27 – Closing reflections and gratitude for crisis line staff  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/

Journaling isn’t just about documenting your day — it can be a powerful tool for managing depression and quieting the inner critic. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Gina Berry shares how she developed a unique journaling practice that allows her to “get the ugly out” and release dark thoughts in a safe, private way.From Morning Pages to layering words so they become unreadable, Gina explains how journaling can help reduce rumination, silence judgment, and create space for healing. She also discusses other tools in her mental health toolkit — including therapy, supplements, walking with her dog, and conscious acts of giving.This conversation is a reminder that journaling can be more than writing — it can be an act of release, empowerment, and self-care for those living with depression.Links to Gina's Barry's website and books:https://www.ginabarry.com/https://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages/https://www.amazon.com/29-Gifts-Month-Giving-Change/dp/0738214302Primary Topics Covered:Why journaling is a powerful tool for depression managementThe “Morning Pages” technique and habit-stacking for successGina’s unique method of layering writing to ensure privacyThe role of journaling in reducing rumination and self-judgmentHow depression often repeats “ugly voices” and how writing silences themConscious giving as a coping strategyOther tools in Gina’s mental health toolkit, including therapy, supplements, and walkingTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and purpose of the podcast 01:02 – Why tools and coping strategies matter for depression 01:40 – Rediscovering journaling as a mental health tool 02:39 – The “Morning Pages” journaling practice explained 03:16 – How Gina built a sustainable journaling habit 04:00 – Journaling as part of a mental health toolkit 04:36 – What “getting the ugly out” means for depression management 05:24 – Family history and long-term struggles with depression 06:05 – Why writing gives feelings a voice without judgment 07:15 – How journaling interrupts rumination cycles 08:44 – Gina’s layered journaling method for privacy and safety 10:05 – Turning painful writing into art and healing expression 11:46 – How journaling reduces self-judgment 12:30 – Conscious giving as a unique mental health strategy 14:09 – Medication, supplements, and therapy in her mental health journey 15:24 – Remembering and adapting tools over time 16:35 – The importance of backup strategies when depression hits 17:09 – Invitation to share personal experiences of depression’s “voice” 18:23 – Closing thoughts and reminders 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/

For survivors of childhood trauma, depression often feels like an unshakable shadow. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Renee shares her courageous journey through decades of darkness caused by unresolved trauma and how she finally began to heal.Renee explains how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shaped her mental health, leading to risky behaviors, failed therapy attempts, and deep struggles with shame. Her turning point came through mandated disclosure, group therapy, and art therapy — practices that helped her process abuse, build coping skills, and reclaim her life.Her story is a reminder that depression recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Healing requires persistence, the right therapeutic fit, and safe spaces where survivors can feel understood. If you’ve struggled to find what works, Renee’s message is clear: don’t stop searching for your path to healing.Primary Topics Covered:The impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on depressionWhy traditional therapy approaches didn’t work for ReneeThe role of mandated reporting and family trials in her healing journeyDiscovering the power of group therapy for sexual trauma survivorsUsing art therapy to express emotions when words aren’t enoughLearning to recognize and manage trauma triggersThe value of peer support and survivor communitiesWhy depression recovery requires persistence and individualized strategiesTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode 01:20 – Why recovery from depression can feel impossible at first 02:00 – Renee’s early struggles with childhood trauma and depression 02:41 – Understanding ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and their long-term impact 03:23 – Hospitalization, misdiagnosis, and early therapy attempts 04:24 – Risky behaviors and court involvement leading to a turning point 05:37 – Disclosure of abuse and the resulting family trial 06:53 – Recognizing trauma as the root cause of depression 07:34 – Why support groups offered the connection Renee needed 08:29 – Facing the fear of revisiting trauma in therapy 09:27 – Art therapy as a breakthrough in emotional expression 10:46 – Learning coping skills and trigger awareness through group work 12:08 – The power of peer support in recovery 13:12 – Why healing is not one-size-fits-all 14:11 – Addressing shame, stigma, and chemical imbalances 15:04 – Encouraging open conversations with family and friends 16:17 – Closing reflections: you are not your trauma, you are a survivorExplore 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 Matt Zinman hit his lowest point after losing his brother, he realized something critical: the difference between a bad day and a dangerous spiral is often just three days.In this episode, Matt shares how he learned to set a time limit for depression—using a practical “3-Day Rule” to catch himself before sinking deeper into the quicksand. He explains how mood scales, daily structure, physical activity, and reaching out for support became tools to fight back against depression’s pull.Matt also introduces his concepts of earned confidence and self-kindness—reminders that living with depression takes strength, resilience, and compassion. His story offers not only tools, but also hope: proof that depression’s spiral can be interrupted, and recovery is always possible.Primary Topics Covered:Matt Zinman’s lived experience with depression and suicidal thoughtsHow grief and life stress triggered his most severe depressive episodeUnderstanding mood scales and why awareness of “where you are” mattersThe 3-Day Rule: why day three is the critical turning point in depression relapsePractical tools to interrupt depression’s spiral: sleep, hydration, nutrition, movement, reaching outWhy physical activity and endorphins are essential to managing depressionThe role of “earned confidence” in building resiliencePracticing self-kindness as a grounding principle for recoveryThe importance of coping skills menus (including messy ones like crying or screaming)How to challenge depression’s lies with reminders of past strength and positivityTimestamps:00:00 – Intro and welcome with Terry and Dr. Anita  01:34 – Introducing guest Matt Zinman and his lived experience  02:29 – Matt’s history with depression and suicidal thoughts  03:06 – Understanding mood scales and how depression shifts us  04:22 – Mild to severe depression: how the slide happens  05:02 – The 3-Day Rule: why day three is the critical turning point  05:36 – Tools for breaking the spiral: sleep, hydration, nutrition, movement  06:07 – Why exercise and endorphins matter for depression recovery  06:59 – Coping skills menu: joyful activities and messy emotions (crying, screaming)  09:21 – Using affirmations and reminders during depression  10:27 – The power of “earned confidence” and resilience  12:41 – Practicing self-kindness as a line in the sand  14:42 – Matt challenges the hosts: “Why be anything less than kind to yourself?”  17:22 – Coping skills discussed by Bridget and Terry  19:16 – Early warning signs and catching depression upstream  20:33 – Resources and links to Matt’s book and tools  20:51 – Closing reflections on self-kindness and supporting each other  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 role does family history play in depression and other mental health conditions? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Matt Zinman shares his lived experience of growing up in a family deeply impacted by bipolar disorder, depression, and suicide attempts. His story highlights how genetics and environment often intersect, shaping the way depression shows up across generations.Matt also opens up about his own struggles with depression, suicidal ideation, and the difficult emotions that arise when loved ones attempt or die by suicide. Alongside Terry, Bridget, and Dr. Anita, this conversation explores the complicated mix of anger, grief, compassion, and hope that accompany living with depression in families where mental health struggles are part of the legacy.Listeners will come away with a better understanding of why depression can feel "inherited," what research actually says about genetics and mental health, and the importance of building supportive networks and tools for resilience.Primary Topics Covered:What research tells us about genetics and depressionHow family history increases risk for mental illnessGrowing up with a parent living with bipolar disorder and depressionThe long-term impact of parental suicide attemptsCoping with a sibling’s death and opioid strugglesThe complexity of anger, grief, and compassion after suicideMedication struggles and suicidal ideation as a side effectThe gaps in mental health care and why inpatient treatment can be necessaryBuilding a personal “safety net” of supportive peopleTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and hosts 01:34 – The role of genetics in depression and mental health disorders 02:21 – Sisters’ reflections on family history of depression and bipolar disorder 03:11 – Guest introduction: Matt Zinman’s lived experience 04:07 – Growing up with a bipolar father and depressive mother 05:21 – Early exposure to suicide attempt as a child 06:13 – Anger, confusion, and disconnect after a parent’s attempt 07:10 – Matt’s first personal experiences of depression 08:00 – The loss of his brother and the opioid crisis impact 08:31 – Holding both anger and compassion for loved ones lost to suicide 11:05 – Medication struggles and suicidal ideation as a side effect 12:22 – The gaps in accessible, ongoing mental health care 13:33 – Why focusing on people who “lift us up” matters 14:42 – The complexity of emotions when loved ones struggle with suicide 16:16 – Bridget shares her own medication-induced depression experience 17:28 – Closing reflections and reminder to not believe everything your brain tells youExplore 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 depression and addiction occur together, the struggle is even greater. This is called a dual diagnosis, and it requires unique approaches to treatment and recovery.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Don shares his lived experience with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and how he eventually found a path toward healing. He discusses early misdiagnoses, the importance of honesty in therapy, and how support groups and the VA’s mental health system became essential lifelines.Don’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, even when depression and addiction feel overwhelming. By leaning on peer support, healthy coping tools, and persistence, he demonstrates that dual diagnosis does not have to define you — healing can.Link to NAMI Dual Diagnosis Fact Sheet: https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Images/FactSheets/Dual-Diagnosis-FS.pdfPrimary Topics Covered:What dual diagnosis means and how depression and addiction overlapDon’s personal experience with depression, anxiety, and substance abuseWhy early misdiagnosis can delay recoveryThe role of support groups, peer networks, and the VA in healingCoping tools for managing depression and preventing relapseWhy honesty in therapy is key for progressThe importance of breaking stigma through lived experienceTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and podcast milestone 02:48 – What dual diagnosis means: depression plus substance use disorder 04:46 – Don’s early experiences with depression and anxiety 05:32 – Misdiagnosis and finding the right treatment 08:43 – Struggles with addiction and early recovery 10:26 – Building a support network and staying connected 11:58 – Don’s positive experience with VA mental health care 13:27 – Music as a tool for managing depression and anxiety 15:22 – Why early intervention in depressive episodes matters 17:25 – Communicating needs during depression 19:17 – What real support looks like from loved ones 21:28 – Helping others through lived experience 22:28 – Fighting stigma with honesty and storytelling 24:28 – Final takeaways from Don’s journeyExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

After losing her son Jake to suicide, Jeannie transformed her grief into action by creating the “Check on Your Friends” movement. What started as a memorial within the car drifting community has become an international suicide prevention effort, spreading awareness through events, bumper stickers, and direct financial and emotional support for those in need.In this episode, Jeannie shares how small reminders like stickers and simple gestures of connection can save lives. She also explains how her community now funds therapy, rent, groceries, and other needs for people struggling with depression, turning tragedy into hope. This is a conversation about love, resilience, and the power of showing up for one another.Primary Topics Covered:How the “Check on Your Friends” movement began after Jake’s passingThe role of car culture in raising awareness and building support networksThe global reach of simple reminders like bumper stickers and hashtagsDirect financial and emotional support for struggling individualsThe hope contagion: how sharing stories of survival and support spreads lightWhy unconditional love and less judgment create stronger safety netsTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and hosts 01:00 – Remembering Jake and his early struggles with depression 02:00 – How the car drifting community rallied after Jake’s death 03:50 – The birth of “Check on Your Friends” and Rio Bash events 04:40 – The power of bumper stickers and global outreach 06:30 – Spreading hope through unexpected reminders 07:10 – Using funds to support mental health needs directly 09:00 – The importance of community-driven support systems 10:40 – Suicide contagion vs. hope contagion 12:00 – Jeannie’s role as a safe listener and guide to resources 13:40 – The importance of unconditional love and connection 15:00 – Honoring Jake through acts of support and kindness 16:20 – Reflections on Jeannie’s resilience and message of hope 19:30 – Final reminders: you are worthy, loved, and deserving of 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/