Giving Voice to Depression

For decades, John thought his pain was weakness. He buried his feelings, convinced that naming them would make him “less of a man.” But when he finally admitted that what he was experiencing had a name—depression—everything began to change.In this episode, John shares how childhood trauma, low self-esteem, and cultural stigma kept him silent for years. He opens up about the “pit of snakes” thinking that eroded his confidence, the pressure to “shake it off,” and why men so often confuse depression with failure.With honesty and courage, John describes how naming depression became the first step toward strength, hope, and healing. His story is a reminder that depression is not a character flaw—it’s an illness. And saying its name out loud can be the most powerful act of recovery.Links to ACEs information & tests:https://americanspcc.org/take-the-aces-quiz/https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.htmlPrimary Topics Covered:The stigma men face in naming and talking about depressionHow John struggled with self-esteem since childhoodThe link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult depressionThe “pit of snakes” metaphor for depression’s negative thinkingWhy men often see depression as weakness, and how John challenged that beliefHow naming depression opened the door to acceptance and hopeThe role of professional help, therapy, and SSRIsWhy recovery is never linear—and why that’s okayHow COVID-19 became a turning point in John’s mental health journeyThe importance of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for supportWhy compassion for others is often easier than compassion for ourselvesTimestamps:00:00 – Intro and John’s listener message of gratitude  01:49 – John: feeling alone in depression and finding hope in the podcast  02:45 – Fighting the idea of depression and fearing stigma  03:43 – Why men often see depression as weakness  04:53 – The role of self-stigma and negative self-talk  05:17 – Concealing feelings through dysfunctional coping strategies  06:15 – The “pit of snakes” metaphor for depression  06:23 – Low self-esteem since childhood and its ties to depression  07:04 – Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and long-term impact  07:46 – Growing up in an alcoholic, verbally abusive household  09:13 – Childhood memory: “What’s wrong with you?”  10:41 – Recognizing depression decades later and naming it  11:38 – How acceptance opened the door to hope  12:30 – Recovery is never linear—it’s messy and tangled  13:00 – What depression taught John about compassion for others  14:33 – Seeking professional help during divorce and financial struggles  15:09 – How SSRIs and therapy supported recovery  16:14 – COVID-19 as a turning point in his mental health journey  16:50 – Using EAP (Employee Assistance Program) for confidential help  17:48 – Willingness to do anything to get help at rock bottom  18:12 – The importance of grabbing lifelines when they’re offered  19:11 – Reflections on John’s courage in naming depression and sharing openly  20:06 – Closing: why naming depression helps us accept and heal  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 often whispers the cruel lie that your loved ones would be “better off without you.” These thoughts are not truths — they are symptoms of severe depression.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Katie, a licensed social worker, shares her powerful story of masking depression, battling guilt, and nearly losing her life to silence. Psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz joins to explain why suicidal thoughts are a red flag for urgent care, why stigma keeps so many from speaking out, and how telling even one trusted person can change the trajectory of your life.This conversation is a raw and compassionate reminder that speaking up about suicidal thoughts is not weakness — it’s survival.Primary Topics Covered:How depression convinces people they’re a burdenWhy suicidal thoughts are symptoms, not truthsKatie’s personal story of silence, guilt, and near lossDr. Sanz on the psychology of suicidal thinkingThe dangers of masking depression while struggling insideFear of hospitalization and the role of stigmaWhy reaching out to even one person can save a lifeThe critical importance of breaking the silenceTimestamps:00:00 – Content warning and introduction  02:00 – Katie’s story: from mania to deep depression  04:30 – Depression’s lie: “They’d be better off without me”  07:00 – Common depressive thoughts of guilt and worthlessness  12:00 – Dr. Anita Sanz explains suicidal thoughts as symptoms  16:00 – Why suicidal thoughts can feel “selfless”  19:30 – Depression as the ultimate scam: How it convinces people  24:00 – Katie’s turning point: Telling her sister  26:00 – Breaking stigma and fear around hospitalization  30:00 – Why nothing helps until you speak up  34:30 – Closing reflections: Speaking saves lives  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/

When Katie was hospitalized for suicidal thoughts, her stay was life-saving. Just three months later, she was hospitalized again—this time for emergency back surgery that carried a 25% chance of death. Both were serious, both were critical—but the way she was treated, and the support she received, couldn’t have been more different.In this episode, Katie bravely shares her story of depression hospitalization and how it compared to her experience with medical care. She explains what it felt like to receive compassion, encouragement, and rehabilitation after surgery—but secrecy, stigma, and pressure to “move on” after psychiatric care.Co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz reflect on how stigma continues to shape hospital experiences, why mental health recovery deserves equal support, and how small shifts in empathy and openness could transform lives.This candid story is both a reality check and a call for change: depression is just as life-threatening as any medical emergency—and deserves to be treated that way.Primary Topics Covered:Katie’s history with bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidal thoughtsWhat led to her psychiatric hospitalization after a severe depressive episodeHow her hospital stay helped her stabilize and begin recoveryThe differences in treatment, support, and language between her mental health hospitalization and her emergency back surgeryHow stigma shaped her psychiatric care vs. medical care experienceThe role of family, secrecy, and privacy in mental health admissionsWhy rehabilitation after psychiatric care is just as essential as after physical surgeryHow shame and guilt influence mental health recoveryReflections on empathy gaps among medical professionals treating psychiatric patientsTimestamps:00:00 – Intro and welcome  01:11 – Katie’s two hospitalizations: psychiatric care vs. emergency surgery  02:02 – Early struggles with anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder  03:15 – Wedding stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts  04:27 – Opening up to her sister and husband about her suicidal plan  05:53 – Psychiatric hospitalization: two weeks of life-saving care  06:51 – Why rehabilitation after mental health care is overlooked  07:34 – Emergency back injury and life-threatening surgery  09:16 – Comparing hospital treatment: psychiatric vs. medical care  10:38 – Discharge pressures: who decides when you’re “ready”?  11:20 – Recovery support after surgery vs. after psychiatric care  13:26 – Shame and guilt in psychiatric admissions  14:39 – Staff responses: judgment vs. encouragement  15:53 – Family secrecy: why her mental health stay was kept hidden  17:23 – The support she wished she’d received during psychiatric care  18:02 – Dr. Sanz: why medical staff struggle to understand suicidality  20:59 – Depression and hopelessness as an “access issue”  21:52 – Looking ahead: next week’s episode on suicidal ideation  24:07 – Final reflections on stigma, empathy, and support  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/

When a parent lives with depression, the impact extends beyond the individual—it ripples into the family, especially children. In this moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Kathleen shares her deeply personal story of parenting while struggling with depression. She reflects on how her children were affected, the guilt she carried, and the steps she took to support them through her mental health journey.Together with host Terry, this episode explores the importance of honest communication, practical strategies for supporting children, and the reminder that love and presence—even when imperfect—make a profound difference.Link to the Little Hearts Project website: https://www.thelittleheartproject.org/Primary Topics Covered:How parental depression affects children emotionally and psychologicallyThe guilt parents carry when they struggle with mental healthWhy open conversations about depression matter for kidsStrategies to support children while managing your own mental healthBreaking cycles of silence and stigma within familiesReassurance that imperfect parenting can still provide love and stabilityTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and episode context 01:12 – Kathleen shares her experience with depression as a parent 03:05 – The guilt of parenting while struggling with mental health 05:30 – How children are emotionally impacted by a parent’s depression 08:17 – The importance of honesty and openness with kids 11:22 – Practical ways to support children while healing yourself 14:00 – Breaking the cycle of silence and stigma in families 16:19 – Reframing parental guilt with compassion 18:42 – Reminders for parents: love and presence matter most 20:06 – Closing reflections and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Liz shares her personal journey through two very different forms of depression — one triggered by grief and trauma, and another caused by chemical imbalance.Her story sheds light on the spectrum of depression, from episodes that eventually lift to treatment-resistant forms that require long-term strategies. Liz describes what worked for her, including therapy, medication, and self-care tools like music, meditation, and time in nature.She also explains how support from others helped her identify her depression when she couldn’t see it herself, and how she now pays it forward by encouraging others to seek help and break free from stigma.Links to "Signs of Depressions" resources:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9290-depressionhttps://mhanational.org/conditions/depressionPrimary Topics Covered:The two “types” of depression Liz experiencedHow grief-related depression differs from chemical imbalanceThe role of medication and therapy in recoveryThe importance of persistence when treatments don’t work right awaySelf-care tools that support healing (music, meditation, nature, acupuncture)Why support systems and being “present” matter so muchHow to help a friend or loved one who may be strugglingBreaking the silence and stigma around depressionTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction from Bridget and Terry 00:47 – Introducing Liz and her story 02:03 – Liz explains the two different forms of depression she’s faced 02:55 – Grief- and trauma-related depression that eventually lifted 02:58 – Depression caused by chemical imbalance and why it felt different 03:13 – Therapy and medication: finding what works 03:46 – The role of persistence and hard work in recovery 04:10 – How someone else first recognized Liz’s depression 04:25 – Helping a friend accept and seek treatment 05:21 – Self-care practices that support Liz’s healing 05:41 – The importance of being present and listening 06:26 – How support can look in simple, everyday ways 07:08 – Breaking the silence and talking openly about depression 07:38 – Final reflections on support and reducing stigma 11:03 – Closing thoughts and outroExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Childhood depression often hides in plain sight — mistaken for shyness, teenage moodiness, or simply “a phase.” But the truth is, children can experience depression deeply, and without support, the consequences can follow them into adulthood.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Sally shares her powerful story of living with depression from the age of ten — how her sadness went unnoticed, how poetry became an early cry for help, and how decades later she’s determined to raise awareness so other children don’t suffer in silence.Listeners will learn how to recognize the early warning signs of childhood depression, why stigma prevents families from acting, and how parents, teachers, and mentors can step in to support kids before their struggles become lifelong burdens.Link to Cleveland Clinic article: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14938-depression-in-childrenLink to CDC article: https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/depression.htmlPrimary Topics Covered:Sally’s story: living with childhood depression in the 1960sHow sleep changes, grief, and sadness can be overlooked as normal behaviorThe impact of losing a supportive grandparent and lack of guidance afterwardPoetry and dark writings as early indicators of depressionTeachers noticing — but families ignoring — signs of distressHow stigma and silence prevented early interventionThe role of medication and therapy later in lifeSally’s reflections on resilience and building a career despite depressionAdvice for today’s parents, teachers, and mentors: tuning in and taking actionWhy early recognition of childhood depression can save livesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction  01:00 – Why childhood depression is often misunderstood  01:20 – Sally reflects on her 10- and 13-year-old self  02:17 – Childhood sadness, excessive sleeping, and feeling “different”  03:26 – Losing her grandmother and the lack of family support  04:12 – Using poetry as an outlet for deep sadness  05:09 – Teacher notices dark writing, but parents dismiss concerns  06:08 – Rediscovering letters that showed signs at age 10  07:30 – What her grandmother could have done differently  08:42 – Depression diagnosis at 21 and first effective medication  09:32 – Experiencing happiness for the first time in decades  10:06 – The reality of managing medication long-term  11:35 – Building a successful career while living with depression  12:30 – Describing “the pit” of depression  13:44 – Sally’s ongoing work supporting Giving Voice to Depression  14:29 – Why internet resources could have changed her childhood  14:44 – The importance of ending stigma and recognizing depression in kids  15:39 – How early support could have changed her life’s trajectory  17:16 – Closing reflections and community thanks  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/

Video games aren’t just entertainment — for many, they’re a lifeline during tough times. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we explore how gaming can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and provide relief for those living with depression.Our guest shares how video games became a healthy outlet during periods of mental health struggles, and we discuss the research-backed benefits of gaming for relaxation, social connection, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re a gamer yourself or simply curious about the role of gaming in mental health, this conversation offers practical insights, validation, and hope.If you’ve ever wondered how something as simple as gaming could help you cope with life’s challenges, this episode will help you see the positive side of play.Related links:BetterPlay Studios | Good Games, Good for YouHow To Raise a Healthy GamerHG Coaching Resources + Tools (healthygamer.gg)Video Games and Mental Health: Risk Factors and Benefits (psychcentral.com)Primary Topics Covered:Why video games can be beneficial for mental healthHow gaming provides stress relief and emotional regulationThe connection between video games and depression recoveryGaming as a healthy coping strategy for anxietyThe role of social connection in online gamingBalancing gaming with real-life responsibilitiesHow different genres of games can influence moodBreaking stigma around gaming and mental healthTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:42 – Guest shares personal story of gaming and mental health 06:18 – Why video games help reduce stress and anxiety 12:07 – Gaming as a coping strategy for depression 17:50 – The role of online community and social support in gaming 23:14 – Research on gaming and mental health benefits 28:39 – Healthy gaming vs. problematic gaming 34:20 – Practical tips for using gaming in your wellness plan 39:56 – Final 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/

When you’re living with depression, basic tasks can feel like climbing mountains. This episode is about removing the shame from that reality—and giving you permission to survive in the smallest, kindest ways possible.Mental health educator and Cereal for Dinner founder Emily Derecktor returns to walk us through shame-free survival tips for hard days. From hygiene hacks to meal shortcuts to breaking the dishes into “just take out the trash today,” you’ll hear evidence-based tools that are easy to miss in traditional self-care advice. Plus, learn how behavioral activation works—and why getting out of bed isn’t a character test.This is the episode to return to when you’re in the thick of it and need a voice that says, “You’re not lazy. You’re surviving. And that counts.”Cereal for Dinner's Website: www.cerealfordinner.org/Primary Topics Covered:How shame keeps people from talking about functioning challengesThe internal voice that says “you should be doing more” and how to quiet itWhy even the smallest acts—like moving under a blanket—are valid winsTools and mental workarounds for hygiene, cleaning, and nutritionBreaking big tasks into tiny phases without guiltGiving yourself permission to “do it badly” instead of not at allUsing behavioral activation to create momentum (not motivation)Finding dignity in low-energy meals, disposable dishes, and routinesCreating a prep plan for your future self when symptoms returnBuilding trust with yourself through compassionate daily choicesTimestamps:00:00 Welcome back and episode reintroduction  01:02 The hidden shame around “not functioning” with depression  02:15 Why “trying harder” isn't the answer  03:21 Emily on reframing low-functioning days with self-compassion  04:12 How survival looks different for everyone—and that’s okay  05:18 “Do it badly” vs. doing nothing at all  06:43 Bedside baskets, dry hygiene tools, and intentional laziness  08:07 Tiny wins: even lifting your head can be a success  09:12 Eating when you can’t cook: judgment-free food solutions  10:34 Cleaning in shame-free phases: permission to go slow  11:49 Helping future-you: stocking supplies for hard days  13:06 How behavioral activation works when motivation is gone  14:38 Letting apps, alarms, or friends help guide your day  15:29 The emotional weight of mess—and what to do about it  16:33 Accepting support: cleaning help, prepared food, and connection  17:52 Building a mental health toolkit rooted in kindness  18:30 Encouragement to stop comparing yourself to others  19:46 Where to find more tools and resources from *Cereal for Dinner*  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/

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Emily Director shares her journey of living with depression in college and beyond. From struggling with loneliness at Brown University to creating peer-support programs at Penn, Emily’s story captures both the weight of depression and the hope found in resilience and connection. She discusses her hospitalization, the ongoing challenges of severe depression, and how reframing emotions helped her reclaim moments of joy. Emily’s voice reminds us that while recovery is not linear, community, support, and self-compassion can carry us through.Link to Cereal for Dinner's website: www.cerealfordinner.org/Primary Topics Covered:Emily’s early experiences with depression at Brown UniversityHow environment and loneliness contribute to mental health strugglesCreating peer-support initiatives and mental health resources at PennLeaving medical school, identity loss, and the impact of hospitalizationThe waxing and waning nature of depression over a lifetimeLearning to process “negative” emotions without fearDiscovering joy again after years of numbnessThe importance of peer support and community in recoveryTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction by hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez 01:23 – Introducing guest Emily Director 03:05 – Academic background and Ivy League pressures 03:42 – Depression and loneliness at Brown University 04:26 – Family history of mental illness (“the Director curse”) 05:17 – Transferring schools and mental health advocacy at Penn 06:46 – Creating a peer counseling program and screening tool 07:26 – Depression as a spectrum, unique for each person 08:53 – Medical school struggles and worsening depression 10:01 – Leaving med school, identity loss, and hospitalization 11:32 – The role of therapy and recognizing PTSD 12:11 – Accepting sadness and reframing emotions 13:35 – Naming emotions to reduce panic about sadness 15:20 – Depression as an ongoing, waxing-waning condition 16:18 – Experiencing joy again after long numbness 17:02 – Fear of losing support during recovery 18:32 – Daily struggles with basic tasks during depression 19:17 – Co-host reflections on debilitating depression 20:30 – Practical tips for functioning (preview of next episode) 21:38 – Power of peer support and community invitation 22:27 – Call for listener engagement and feedback 22:47 – Closing thoughts and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, many of us set big goals that can feel overwhelming and unsustainable. But what if the key to lasting change — and better mental health — is found in small, intentional steps? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we explore the powerful connection between exercise, movement, and mental health.Our guest, exercise psychologist and health coach Michelle Elmer, shares how reframing movement as a tool for mental well-being can reduce stress, lift depression, and help us feel more in control of our lives. Whether it’s taking a short walk, stretching, or simply moving your body with compassion instead of punishment, you’ll hear why small shifts in how you approach exercise can lead to profound benefits for both body and mind.This episode offers encouragement for anyone feeling stuck, anxious, or self-critical as they look ahead to a new year. Instead of aiming for perfection, we discuss how to cultivate self-compassion, celebrate progress, and use movement as a foundation for healing.Adel Korkor's TEDx Talk: (61) Motion Impacts Emotion: My Journey With How Running Saved My Life | Adel B. Korkor, M.D. | TEDxOcala - YouTube Link to Article quoted in episode: Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms - Mayo ClinicIntentions/Resolutions read at end of episode: 8 Alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions If You Live With Mental Illness (themighty.com) Primary Topics Covered:Why most New Year’s resolutions fail and how to make sustainable onesThe mental health benefits of exercise and movementHow self-compassion creates lasting changeShifting from punishment-based exercise to joy-based movementUsing small, consistent actions to reduce stress and improve moodReframing physical activity as a form of self-care, not disciplineEncouragement for those struggling with depression or anxiety during the New YearHow exercise can be a protective factor in recovery and daily mental healthTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and episode overview 02:10 – Why most New Year’s resolutions fail 05:22 – The link between exercise and mental health benefits 08:47 – Self-compassion vs. self-criticism when setting goals 12:15 – Shifting from punishment-based exercise to movement for joy 16:42 – How small steps lead to sustainable progress 21:03 – Using movement as a daily stress-relief practice 24:30 – Encouragement for listeners struggling with depression in the New Year 28:12 – Final thoughts: Why movement is one of the best resolutions for mental healthExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/