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

What happens when a parent does “everything right” — early intervention, therapy, open communication — and still loses their child to suicide?In this deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jeanie shares the story of her son Jake, a brilliant and compassionate young man whose struggles with depression and bipolar disorder began in childhood. Despite 19 years of love, support, and open conversations about his pain, Jake’s life ended by suicide at age 26.Through Jeanie’s story, we confront the painful reality that suicide isn’t always preventable — even when parents are vigilant, compassionate, and proactive. Together with co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz, we explore how parents can live with that knowledge, why stigma must be broken, and how to support families carrying this unthinkable loss.This is not just a story about loss — it’s about resilience, truth-telling, and honoring the full lives of those we love.Primary Topics Covered:The challenges of parenting a child with depression and bipolar disorderWhy early intervention and open communication matter — even if outcomes don’t changeThe emotional toll of living for years with fear of losing a child to suicideUnderstanding that suicide is not the parent’s faultThe importance of honest conversations about mental illness and suicidal thoughtsHow turning pain into advocacy (#CheckOnYourFriends) can create community impactTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why these stories matter 01:24 – Where podcast guests come from and why conversations matter 02:13 – The bumper sticker that led to today’s story (#CheckOnYourFriends) 03:28 – Remembering Jake: his brilliance, humor, and compassion 05:12 – Early signs of depression and suicidal thoughts at age 7 07:17 – The lifelong weight Jake carried: empathy, pain, and bipolar disorder 09:08 – The night Jeanie knew something was wrong 10:03 – The morning she felt her father and son’s presence 11:22 – Living in shock after suicide loss 12:20 – Coping with depression as a parent after loss 13:15 – The constant fear and anxiety of caregiving for a suicidal child 16:04 – What Jeanie wishes other parents knew: the power of open-door honesty 18:43 – #CheckOnYourFriends: turning grief into action 19:56 – Reflections on depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide risk 22:36 – Why suicide isn’t about blame — and why stigma must end 23:09 – Closing thoughts: bringing understanding and 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/

What does “normal” look like when you’re living with depression? For Tara, it’s not what society tells her it should be—it’s the small victories: taking a shower, cooking a meal, getting through the day.In this episode, Tara shares her lifelong journey with panic attacks, trauma, grief, and depression. She opens up about the shame of struggling through college, the guilt of not being fully present as a mother, and the daily fight to hold onto hope. With courage and honesty, she explains how asking for help, redefining “normal,” and choosing to stay alive are acts of strength—not weakness.Her story is a reminder that living with depression is not about fitting into someone else’s definition of normal—it’s about finding your own.Primary Topics Covered:Tara’s early panic attacks and childhood traumaHow naming her anxiety brought both relief and new challengesTransition from anxiety to depression in college and the shame of being unable to functionGrief and loss as triggers for worsening depressionThe impact of depression on work, relationships, and parentingExplaining depression to her children and the guilt of not being fully presentWhy asking for help feels like a burden—and how to push past that fearRedefining “normal” when living with depressionThe power of simple support: “I may not understand, but I’m available to you.”How therapy, medication, and honesty keep her alive and groundedTimestamps:00:00 – Intro and welcome  01:19 – Why sharing stories helps normalize depression  02:15 – Tara’s struggle with shame and embarrassment about depression  03:00 – The importance of asking for help, even if it feels like a burden  04:22 – Offering support: “I may not understand, but I’m available to you.”  05:20 – Tara’s lifelong battle with anxiety and depression  06:20 – Childhood trauma: surviving a drunk driving accident at age 4  07:38 – Discovering the name for her panic attacks as a teenager  08:47 – Relief of being diagnosed and starting treatment  09:25 – Depression taking hold in college and the shame of not functioning  10:14 – Grief and loss worsening depression in adulthood  10:48 – Impact of depression on work, family, and friendships  12:09 – Explaining depression to her children with honesty and love  13:42 – Redefining “normal” while living with depression  14:56 – Her daughter’s reminder: “You choose every day to be here.”  15:13 – Closing reflections: asking for help, telling your truth  15:43 – Outro and reminder: you are not alone  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/

NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins opens up about his battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the powerful lessons he’s learned in facing mental health struggles. Known as one of the toughest players in the league, Dawkins reveals how vulnerability, therapy, and faith gave him tools to survive—and thrive—beyond football. His story sheds light on the importance of breaking stigma, building support systems, and finding strength in speaking up.Whether you’re a sports fan, someone living with depression, or supporting a loved one, Brian’s candid reflections offer both inspiration and practical guidance on navigating mental health challenges.Primary Topics Covered:Brian Dawkins’ early struggles with depression during his NFL careerThe role of stigma, masculinity, and silence in worsening mental healthHow therapy, faith, and medication changed his lifeThe concept of a “blessed pack” and the importance of support systemsParenting, vulnerability, and breaking unhealthy generational patternsWhy authenticity and unmasking brought him freedomTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and milestone 100th episode 02:09 – Brian Dawkins’ NFL legacy and Hall of Fame speech on depression 03:35 – What Dawkins thought depression was before experiencing it 05:21 – How stigma and masculinity shaped his silence 06:35 – The power of having a “blessed pack” of supportive people 07:38 – Parenting lessons: teaching kids emotional openness 09:20 – The double-edged sword of faith in mental health struggles 11:05 – Dawkins’ darkest moments and suicidal thoughts 12:34 – Wearing the mask: hiding depression during his career 13:41 – Finding freedom in vulnerability and unmasking 15:22 – Daily disciplines and mindset shifts for resilience 16:47 – Final message: “You are worth the fight”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 inspiring episode, Paula shares her powerful story of living with depression, confronting stigma, and ultimately finding hope. Though known for her outgoing and energetic personality, Paula battled privately with dark days, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. She opens up about how prayer, therapy, and community helped her heal, and how podcasting became a lifeline that gave her purpose and connection.Listeners will hear how Paula courageously spoke out online about her depression—shattering silence and stigma in her family and community—and how that honesty built bridges with others who were struggling. She reminds us that depression doesn’t look the same for everyone and that recovery requires persistence, self-awareness, and community support.This episode offers hope, honesty, and practical takeaways for anyone living with depression or supporting someone who is.Primary Topics Covered:The hidden side of depression behind an outgoing personalityHow cultural stigma around mental health shaped Paula’s silenceTurning points: prayer, reaching out, and speaking up publiclyHow podcasting and storytelling became tools for healingThe importance of community, friendships, and healthy boundariesWhy different coping strategies work for different peopleReframing recovery as an ongoing, personal journeyTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Paula’s story 02:30 – Breaking the stereotype of what depression “looks like” 04:30 – Mistaking depression for homesickness while living abroad 05:45 – Dark days, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts 07:10 – Turning to prayer and opening up to her parents 08:00 – Sharing publicly about depression on Instagram 10:00 – The role of community and shared stories in healing 11:30 – Starting her podcast and the unexpected support it brought 12:50 – Giving herself permission to feel but setting limits 13:40 – Friends and hobbies as coping strategies 15:20 – Letting go of toxic relationships and influences 17:00 – Finding supportive, authentic communities 18:50 – How Paula “exploded” the stigma by speaking out 20:30 – Closing reflections and resources for mental health supportExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What does it mean to truly listen to someone who’s struggling with depression or anxiety? In this episode, we revisit an impactful conversation with Robert, a trained crisis line volunteer and retired teacher, who shares how listening without judgment can provide hope and even save lives.Robert offers insight into depression and anxiety as lifelong companions, the importance of boundaries when supporting loved ones, and why listening is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer. His story is both practical and deeply human, reminding us that empathy and presence matter far more than perfect advice.Whether you’re living with depression, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand the role of listening in mental health recovery, this episode is a powerful guide.Primary Topics Covered:Why listening is one of the most effective ways to support someone with depression or anxietyThe difference between offering advice and offering presenceHow boundaries protect both the listener and the person in needThe role of hope in mental health recoveryHow sharing personal stories reduces stigma and builds connectionTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and partnership with Recovery.com 01:32 – The importance of listening in mental health struggles 02:39 – Robert shares his dual perspective as both someone with depression and a crisis line volunteer 04:07 – Why Robert describes depression and anxiety as lifelong companions 05:28 – Advice vs. listening: how to support without dismissing 06:42 – The importance of healthy boundaries when supporting others 08:44 – How depression smothers hope and why hope is essential 11:08 – The power of sharing personal stories publicly 12:56 – How hearing others’ stories can help reduce stigma 14:22 – Why listening is a gift anyone can give 15:39 – Final reflections on empathy, understanding, 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/

Postpartum depression (PPD) is more common than most people realize—and yet it often goes unrecognized, unspoken, or dismissed as “just the baby blues.” In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Natasha shares her deeply personal story of struggling with postpartum depression after the birth of her first child.Through her journey, we explore the hidden signs of PPD, the challenges of stigma and self-doubt, and the importance of therapy, support systems, and persistence when asking “are you really okay?” This candid discussion sheds light on how postpartum depression can affect new mothers, partners, and families—and why speaking up early can make all the difference.Whether you’re a new parent, partner, or supporter, this episode offers powerful insights and practical advice for recognizing the symptoms of PPD and building a strong foundation of support.Links to Resources:Postpartum Depression: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)Postpartum depression - Symptoms and causes - Mayo ClinicHome - Families for Depression Awareness (familyaware.org)Families for Depression Awareness - Depression and Bipolar Test (familyaware.org)Primary Topics Covered:Understanding the signs and risk factors of postpartum depressionWhy stigma and silence delay seeking helpThe role of partners, doulas, and support networksHow therapy and creative outlets can aid recoveryAdvice for new parents and those supporting themTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and partnership with Recovery.com 01:00 – What postpartum depression is and why it’s misunderstood 03:01 – Natasha’s early motherhood experience and the onset of symptoms 05:00 – Anxiety, fear, and the challenges of life changes 06:45 – Why many mothers dismiss their symptoms as weakness 08:30 – The breaking point and reaching out for support 09:42 – Beginning therapy and finding relief 11:37 – What Natasha wishes she’d known earlier 13:42 – Advice for partners and support systems 16:07 – How Natasha is preparing differently for her second child 18:04 – Clinical insights: postpartum depression vs. anxiety, OCD, and hormonal shifts 20:15 – Caregiver tip: recognizing warning signs and when to seek help 21:07 – 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/

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 1 in 8 new mothers, yet it often remains hidden behind stigma, shame, and the expectation of joy after childbirth. In this episode, Natasha shares her deeply personal journey through PPD—despite preparing for motherhood with education, intention, and love, her experience was overshadowed by overwhelming emotions she didn’t know how to name.She opens up about the fog, the guilt, and the fear of not being a good mother, and how cultural expectations of silence made seeking help even harder. Natasha also describes how therapy, her doula, and her husband’s support became lifelines that helped her begin to heal—not only from postpartum depression but from unprocessed pain rooted in her childhood.This honest and powerful story sheds light on why it’s essential to recognize the signs of PPD early, break the stigma, and create strong support systems for new mothers. Whether you’re a parent, partner, friend, or caregiver, this episode will help you better understand postpartum depression and how to support those who are struggling.Link to Resources: Home - Families for Depression Awareness (familyaware.org)Primary Topics Covered:What makes postpartum depression different from the “baby blues”Natasha’s experience preparing for motherhood and the unexpected reality afterwardHow cultural silence and pride can prevent mothers from seeking helpThe role of partners, doulas, and therapy in recoverySigns and symptoms of postpartum depression to watch forWhy early intervention and support networks matterTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and hosts 01:27 – What postpartum depression really is (and how it differs from baby blues) 02:43 – Natasha’s story: from pregnancy preparation to unexpected struggles 04:19 – The impact of cultural silence around emotions and therapy 05:26 – Major life changes after birth and the hidden emotional battles 06:39 – Breaking point: Natasha’s emotional outburst and turning to her husband 07:44 – First steps toward therapy and why it was life-changing 09:08 – Recognizing symptoms: sadness, fear, inadequacy, and the “fog” 12:26 – Bonding challenges and the exhaustion of new motherhood 13:55 – The vital role of partner support in recovery 15:28 – Words of comfort: “You are not by yourself anymore” 16:16 – Why asking for help is not weakness but strength 16:55 – Caregiver tip: building a support network for new moms 17:43 – Closing reflections and encouragementExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we revisit Part 2 of an unforgettable story of compassion, connection, and hope. Jonny shares how a stranger, Neil, stopped to talk with him on a bridge at his darkest moment—changing the course of his life.But their story doesn’t end there. Years later, Jonny launched the viral #FindMike campaign, leading to their reunion and an ongoing friendship that has transformed into advocacy for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.Through their story, listeners will hear how simple acts of compassion can spark hope, shift perspectives, and even save lives. This conversation highlights the underestimated power of empathy, listening, and speaking openly about struggles with depression.Primary Topics Covered:The turning point of Jonny’s suicide crisis and Neil’s compassionate interventionThe emotional aftermath of being stopped and hospitalized against his willHow honest conversations about vulnerability can inspire recoveryThe viral #FindMike campaign and its surprising impactThe importance of hope, empathy, and compassion in suicide prevention and mental health advocacyTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction by Terry and Anita 01:35 – Recap of Part 1 and the events on the bridge 03:03 – Jonny reflects on regret, anger, and the shift toward hope 04:22 – Conversations that inspired Jonny to seek therapy and accept medication 05:40 – The launch of the #FindMike campaign 06:42 – Neil reflects on the campaign and its global impact 07:53 – The role of “silent heroes” in saving lives 09:20 – Neil explains why he chose to help that day 10:40 – The profound impact of listening and showing compassion 11:19 – How Jonny and Neil’s friendship grew after reconnecting 12:13 – Jonny’s perspective on hope, courage, and saving your own life 13:17 – Reflections on the underestimated power of hope 13:57 – Closing thoughts and reminder to speak up, listen, 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/

What difference can compassion make in someone’s darkest moment? In this powerful episode, we share the story of a stranger who stopped and listened when a young man was ready to end his life. Through empathy, patience, and the simple act of truly listening, he helped turn despair into hope. This conversation explores why compassion matters, how being present can save lives, and the ripple effects of kindness in moments of crisis.Primary Topics Covered:The role of compassion in supporting someone with depressionHow listening can be life-saving in crisis situationsOvercoming shame and stigma around mental illnessThe importance of empathy and patience in mental health careWhy everyday people—not just professionals—can make a differenceTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and hosts 01:25 – Partnership acknowledgment and episode background 02:20 – Neil describes seeing someone in crisis on a bridge 03:27 – Jonny shares his state of mind before the intervention 04:53 – The first moments of contact between Neil and Jonny 06:38 – Why compassion and listening broke through the shame 07:33 – Words that gave Jonny hope to step back from the edge 08:29 – Moving from crisis to safety—and a setback when police arrived 10:34 – Reflection on the impact of being listened to 11:21 – Choosing the episode title: compassion vs. giving a damn 12:17 – Why compassion matters more than just caring 13:01 – Closing thoughts and introduction to 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/

Navigating conversations about mental health can be challenging. The discussion focuses on how to support friends or family members in crisis, emphasizing the importance of proactive kindness. Tips rooted in personal experiences highlight the need for active listening and avoiding unsolicited advice. Continuous support is crucial, even after signs of improvement. Breaking stigma around mental health encourages creating a non-judgmental community, reminding us that effective support skills are often not readily taught.