Giving Voice to Depression

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Charlotte Underwood shares her deeply personal story of surviving teenage depression. Looking back, she reflects on the lies depression told her, the hidden strength she didn’t realize she had, and the treatments and support that helped her build a brighter future.Charlotte offers the perspective she wishes her younger self could have known: that she wasn’t alone, that healing is possible, and that life can become meaningful again. Her story provides a message of hope, compassion, and encouragement for teens, parents, and anyone navigating depression.This episode is both a validation of the pain of teen depression and a reminder that recovery is possible with support, resilience, and the right tools.Primary Topics Covered:Charlotte’s teenage experience with depression and traumaWhat she wishes her younger self had known about mental illnessThe false narratives depression createsThe importance of family support and connectionWhy opening up is critical in healingTreatment, therapy, and self-care in recoveryDiscovering hope and building a meaningful lifeTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction by Terry and Anita 01:11 – The convincing lies of depression 01:36 – Charlotte’s holiday moment of gratitude that went viral 02:52 – Charlotte describes her teenage self and early struggles 03:57 – How she envisioned her future at age 14 04:23 – Surviving trauma, alcoholism, and self-harm 04:52 – The life she’s built in her 20s 05:41 – The night of baking cookies and dancing in her kitchen 07:10 – What she wishes she’d known about depression as a teen 07:56 – Hidden strength and resilience 08:53 – Family support and her father’s response to self-harm 10:15 – Keeping depression a secret vs. opening up 11:19 – The lie of being “alone” in depression 12:08 – What she wishes she’d known about treatment options 13:10 – Hope and believing in a future worth fighting for 14:20 – Charlotte’s message to teens and others struggling 16:09 – Terry and Anita reflect on resilience and strength 17:28 – Finding the spark of hope in dark times 19:00 – A quote on resilience and survival 19:55 – Upcoming holiday and New Year’s episodes 21:57 – Closing message and reminder: 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/

 For many, Christmas is not all “merry and bright.” If you’re grieving, feeling alone, or carrying heavy emotional weight this holiday, this episode is for you. In this special Christmas edition of Giving Voice to Depression, we share a heartfelt essay written and narrated by John Pavlovitz.His words offer understanding, compassion, and hope for anyone who finds themselves struggling during a season that often feels overwhelming. You’ll hear reminders that you are not alone in your pain and that brighter days are ahead, even if they feel out of reach right now.Whether you’re navigating loss, depression, or the difficulty of simply getting through today, this episode is meant to be a companion, letting you know you are loved and supported.Link to John Pavlovitz's essay: https://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/12/24/to-those-who-struggle-this-christmas/Primary Topics Covered:Why the holidays can feel especially heavy for those with depression or griefThe reality of losses, struggles, and unspoken battles during ChristmasA message of solidarity: You are not suffering aloneEncouragement that this season does not define your entire storyPractical reminders to accept Christmas as it is, without guiltTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction from Terry and the purpose of this special episode 00:48 – John Pavlovitz’s essay begins: a message to those struggling this Christmas 02:00 – Acknowledging grief, loss, depression, and broken dreams during the holidays 03:20 – Recognition of internal battles: depression, addiction, and self-hatred 04:20 – Reminders of solidarity: you are not alone in your pain 05:00 – Encouragement that this season is not the end of your story 05:37 – Closing reflections: the importance of speaking up and listeningExplore 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, Dr. Barbara Moser, a trained teacher in mindful self-compassion, offers three powerful, free tools for managing mental health. Designed to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and support emotional regulation, these practices can be used anytime—no appointments, apps, or equipment required. You'll learn about the STOP technique, mindful breathing, and a self-compassion break, each backed by psychological research and neuroscience. Whether you're new to mindfulness or seeking extra tools for your mental health toolkit, this episode offers practical and proven resources to support your well-being.Link to research on mindfulness:American Mindfulness Research Association:goamra.org/resources/reviewsmeta-analysis/Primary Topics Covered:Importance of free, accessible mental health toolsOverview and benefits of the STOP practiceBreathing techniques to calm the nervous systemThe role of mindful self-compassion in emotional healingHow to adapt these techniques to different environments and needsTimestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:20 Co-host Introduction: Dr. Anita Sanz 02:06 Overview of Accessible Mental Health Tools 02:42 Grounding Exercise by Dr. Barbara Moser 09:21 Benefits of Daily Breathing Techniques 10:08 STOP Practice Explanation and Demonstration 14:22 Mindful Self-Compassion Break 22:32 Episode Closing and Community Invitation 23:16 Final Thoughts and Resources on Recovery.comExplore 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 holidays can bring joy, but for many, they also bring anxiety, sadness, and stress. In this episode, Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry McGuire discuss the mental health challenges people often face during the holiday season—from family dysfunction and social pressures to grief and isolation. With relatable stories and proven strategies, they explore how to cope, set boundaries, simplify expectations, and find your own meaning in the holidays—even when things get tough.Primary Topics Covered:Why the holiday season can worsen depression symptomsCoping with family dysfunction and stressful interactionsSetting boundaries and managing expectationsGrieving during the holidays and honoring lost loved onesDealing with loneliness when you're alone for the holidaysThe “holiday bingo card” technique for managing stressThe importance of buffer days and self-care during and after the holidaysTimestamps:00:00 - Intro 00:11 - About the Podcast and Hosts 01:09 - Why Holidays Are Especially Hard with Depression 02:24 - Energy Demands and Emotional Exhaustion 03:47 - Family Dynamics and Emotional Fallout 04:52 - Financial Stress and Disrupted Routines 05:43 - Simplifying Expectations and Protecting Energy 06:50 - Being the Co-Creator of Your Holiday Experience 07:53 - Coping with Holiday Loneliness and Isolation 09:43 - Grief and Celebrating Without a Loved One 11:23 - The “Holiday Bingo Card” Coping Strategy 14:22 - Setting Boundaries and Planning Buffer Days 15:57 - Final Tips for Mental Health During the Holidays 16:43 - How to Share Feedback 17:22 - Wrap-Up and Well Wishes 17:28 - Final Thoughts 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/

The holidays can be especially painful for those facing grief and depression. In this episode, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz speak with grief expert Krista St. Germain about the overlap between grief and depression, how holiday rituals can intensify feelings of loss, and strategies for coping during a season that often emphasizes celebration and togetherness. From setting boundaries to learning how to fully experience and process emotions, Krista shares practical tools and compassionate insights for navigating this difficult time of year.Links to related resources:Krista's website: Coaching with Krista — Life Coaching for Widowed MomsPsychology Today article: Working Through Grief During the Holidays | Psychology TodayPrimary Topics Covered:The differences and overlap between grief and depressionHow holiday rituals and expectations can intensify griefGiving yourself permission to change or release traditionsThe importance of communicating needs and setting boundaries“Should” thinking and anticipating difficult emotionsPractical tools like the NOW method (Name, Open, Witness) and EFT tappingNavigating family conflicts during the holidaysAllowing yourself and others space to grieve authenticallyTimestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:09 Who This Episode Is For During the Holiday Season 01:49 The Many Ways Grief Can Be Triggered During Holidays 03:37 Differences and Overlap Between Grief and Depression 05:17 How Depression Includes Grief Over Lost Opportunities 05:59 Expanding the Definition of Grief Beyond Bereavement 07:31 Losses Beyond Death That Can Trigger Grief 08:17 Holiday Expectations and the Pressure to Be Happy 09:38 Rewriting Traditions and Setting Boundaries 10:51 Communicating Holiday Needs to Others 12:18 When Grief and Family Needs Conflict 12:32 “Should Thinking” and Holiday Expectations 13:03 Anticipating Negative Feelings Before Events 14:34 Learning How to Fully Feel Emotions 15:07 The NOW Method for Processing Emotions 17:13 Navigating Resistance from Others During Holidays 18:10 Boundaries and the Discomfort of Saying No 19:05 Grieving Non-Traditional Losses and Unmet Expectations 20:09 Mindfulness and Allowing Emotions Without Judgment 22:14 Giving Others Permission to Feel Disappointed 23:05 Handling Pushback and Accusations of Selfishness 24:51 Boundaries Around How Others Expect You to Grieve 26:05 EFT Tapping as a Tool for Managing Emotions 26:45 Looking Ahead: Protecting Mental Health at Holidays 27:51 Closing Reflections 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/

Caring for someone with depression can feel overwhelming—and without clear boundaries, it can take a serious toll on relationships. In this episode, Gwen shares the ground rules she and her husband created to keep their family functioning while navigating depression together.From recognizing early warning signs to setting realistic expectations, Gwen explains how her family learned to balance compassion with accountability. She also highlights the importance of small daily acts of kindness, protecting family life from being consumed by depression, and making space for joy even in dark times.Co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz reflect on why caregiver support for depression is so essential—and why caregivers must also prioritize their own well-being, community, and self-care.This conversation is a guide for anyone supporting a loved one with depression, offering both practical strategies and emotional reassurance: you are not alone, and your efforts matter.Primary Topics Covered:Why National Caregiver Month matters for depression supportHow depression impacts not just the individual, but their whole familyGwen’s lived experience supporting a husband and children with depressionThe importance of setting ground rules in a household with depressionEarly-warning signs and communication strategies for caregiversBalancing responsibility: asking “What can you do?” vs. “Do everything”How timing and word choice matter when raising concernsSmall daily acts of kindness that reinforce connectionMaking space for joy even when depression is presentWhy caregivers must find their own support network and self-care outletsHelpful resources for families: Families for Depression Awareness and moreTimestamps:00:00 – Intro: Why caregivers need support too  01:09 – National Caregiver Month and its importance  02:12 – Gwen’s experience supporting a husband and two teens with depression  03:26 – Finding hope: looking for “glimmers” of joy in hard times  04:00 – Ground rules: communication agreements and early-warning signs  05:22 – Spotting patterns: irritability, withdrawal, increased sleep  06:06 – Balancing responsibility: “What can you do?” instead of “Do everything”  07:34 – Timing conversations: why word choice and when you talk matters  09:36 – Daily acts of kindness to maintain connection in relationships  11:17 – Ground rule: letting the family continue life, even if one member can’t participate  13:31 – Talking with kids and friends about depression without shame  15:16 – Remembering who your partner was before depression took hold  16:56 – The importance of caregivers finding their own support system  19:05 – Being honest with trusted friends about how hard it really is  20:56 – Resources for families and caregivers: Families for Depression Awareness, MHA, ADAA  23:24 – Closing reflections: supporting caregivers so they don’t burn out  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/

Caring for someone with depression can feel isolating, overwhelming, and exhausting—especially when it’s your partner or child. In this candid episode, Gwen shares her experience of 23 years of marriage, raising children, and managing family life alongside her husband’s severe depression.From setting boundaries to practicing self-care, Gwen explains how she’s learned to avoid being “sucked into the vortex,” keep her family functioning, and still hold space for joy. With compassion and honesty, she shares strategies for co-parenting, nudging loved ones toward treatment, and finding balance when depression threatens to take over the household.This conversation is both a lifeline and a validation for caregivers: you’re not alone, your needs matter too, and recovery—both for you and your loved one—is possible. Resources for Caregivers:Home - Families for Depression Awareness (familyaware.org)Getting Started: Guide for New Mental Health Caregivers | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)Caregiver Mental Health | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAAPrimary Topics CoveredThe challenges of being a long-term caregiver for a spouse with depressionParenting teenagers while managing a partner’s mental health strugglesSetting and enforcing healthy boundaries as a caregiverHow to avoid being “sucked into the vortex” of someone else’s depressionCoping with the loneliness of feeling disconnected in marriageWhy self-care is essential for caregivers’ survivalThe role of family therapy and shared responsibilities in recoveryGentle “nudging” strategies to encourage treatment and activityHow depression impacts relationships differently than physical illnessThe hope that caregiving and communication can improve over timeTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: National Caregiver Month and why this episode matters  02:23 – Margaret’s story and the call for caregiver-focused support  03:53 – Gwen’s background: 23 years of marriage and raising kids with depression in the family  05:01 – The roller coaster of living with a partner’s severe depression  05:56 – Mourning expectations of marriage and learning to adapt  06:50 – Seeing depression as an illness, not a choice  07:21 – When caregivers lose their cool: pushing for treatment and action  08:02 – Building boundaries and standing firm against harmful behaviors  09:22 – Avoiding the vortex: Gwen’s roller coaster metaphor  10:31 – Partnering and co-parenting when someone withdraws  11:56 – Practical tools: paying bills together, meal planning, and shared calendars  12:42 – Why starting small activities helps break through depression  14:29 – Gentle nudging vs. forcing treatment: stages of change in action  16:54 – The difference between caregiving for depression and physical illness  17:42 – Asking loved ones what kind of support actually helps  18:40 – Why caregiver self-care is critical: filling your own cup first  19:46 – The ground rules and wellness planning that keep relationships functioning  21:37 – Protecting the relationship: not letting depression dictate everything  22:26 – The importance of talking openly about depression in the 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/

Primary Topics CoveredEmotional toll of living with a partner with depressionParenting while managing a spouse's mental illnessThe difference between emotional and physical caregivingThe power of shared experience and validationCoping strategies and the need for external supportCommunication approaches when depression causes emotional withdrawalThe stigma and isolation of mental health in familiesTimestamps00:00 - Intro 00:11 - Welcome and purpose of the podcast 00:32 - Meet the hosts and their mental health experiences 01:10 - Introduction to Margaret's story 01:43 - Background on Margaret's relationship and husband's diagnosis 02:52 - Margaret’s personal request for community and insight 03:20 - Challenges of living with a depressed partner 04:56 - Hopes of hearing from others with shared experience 05:41 - Recognizing the need for caregiver support 07:18 - Margaret reflects on expectations vs. reality of living with depression 08:52 - Coping with rejection from a depressed partner 10:23 - Emotional complexities of caregiving in mental health 12:02 - Lack of understanding from social circle 12:55 - What Margaret wishes people understood 14:24 - Yearning for teamwork in mental health struggles 15:07 - Requests for advice from others in similar situations 16:12 - Importance of validating caregiver struggles 17:45 - How to support a partner without enabling isolation 21:18 - Creating boundaries and recovery action plans 22:33 - Destigmatizing depression as a medical condition 23:19 - Reinforcing a loved one’s value and presence 24:30 - Closing thoughts and reminder to speak up and listenExplore 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 today’s episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Terry and Anita discuss how constant exposure to traumatic news affects our mental health. Drawing on insights from therapists and Dr. Robert Duff (aka Duff the Psych), they explore vicarious traumatization—the way we absorb trauma simply by witnessing it in the media.Listeners will learn why our brains struggle with the nonstop replay of violent or tragic events, and how this repeated exposure can fuel anxiety, fear, and even symptoms of PTSD. More importantly, the episode offers actionable strategies for staying informed without becoming overwhelmed, including setting limits, choosing healthier ways to consume news, and creating balance by intentionally bringing “lightness” into your day.If you’ve been feeling drained, anxious, or helpless after following world events, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening and how to protect your mental health.Related News Article: www.huffpost.com/entry/violent-me…nxiety_n_6671732Related Research: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803729/Dr. Robert Duff (Duff the Psych) website: www.duffthepsych.com/Primary Topics Covered:What vicarious or secondary traumatization means and how it happensThe impact of repeated exposure to traumatic media imagesWhy no one is immune to distress from news coveragePractical strategies for protecting your mental health while staying informedThe importance of balance and creating intentional lightnessTimestamps:00:00 Intro and framing the topic of news-related trauma 01:05 How witnessing traumatic events impacts mental health 02:00 Listener feedback and real-world examples 02:54 Introducing Dr. Robert Duff (Duff the Psych) 04:40 Healthy ways to consume news without being overwhelmed 05:21 The risks of “going down the information hole” 05:55 Why our brains weren’t designed for nonstop traumatic exposure 06:40 Strategies for setting boundaries and knowing your limitsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Sometimes, the simplest gestures can make the biggest difference. In this moving episode, Rosaleen shares how she went from despair—believing she was worthless and alone—to feeling surrounded by love, thanks to dozens of short, heartfelt messages from strangers in our online community.Co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz reflect on the power of real depression support—why it doesn’t have to be complicated, why validation matters more than fixing, and how even a heart emoji or a few words can help someone survive their darkest night.This episode is a reminder that support works best when it’s simple, genuine, and rooted in shared understanding. It’s also proof that you don’t have to have the “perfect words” to make a difference—you just need to show up.Primary Topics Covered:What real depression support looks and feels likeWhy simple gestures (heart emojis, short messages, hugs) matter mostThe danger of reacting only to anger or negativity in depressionRosaleen’s story: from feeling worthless to feeling understoodHow strangers in a Facebook community helped her survive a dark nightThe healing power of validation vs. trying to fix someone’s painWhy lived experience makes supportive words more powerfulThe ripple effect: how supporting someone else can heal us tooPractical advice: what to say (and not say) when someone is hurtingTimestamps:00:00 – Intro and connection to last week’s episode  01:10 – Introducing Rosaleen’s story of real support  02:10 – Why validating pain matters more than fixing it  02:58 – How the story began: a listener complaint  04:15 – Depression isn’t always sadness—sometimes it’s anger  04:51 – Rosaleen describes feeling empty and hopeless  05:47 – Asking for community support (with hesitation)  06:33 – Messages of love and support begin pouring in  07:26 – Rosaleen: “The pain was different. There was healing.”  08:15 – Belonging vs. feeling like an individual in pain  09:02 – The impact of simple gestures: hugs and hearts  10:43 – Why short messages matter more than long posts  12:05 – Examples of supportive words that truly helped  13:36 – How community support shifted Rosaleen’s self-worth  15:32 – Helping others as a way of healing yourself  16:18 – Rosaleen: “I wanted to live because of their kindness.”  18:02 – Why this story is especially timely today  19:21 – Heart emojis, simple words, and why they matter  21:00 – Dr. Sanz on “dark nights of the soul” and hope  24:34 – Why support from lived experience carries more weight  25:39 – Closing gratitude for Rosaleen and the community  26:21 – Final reflections: speak up, listen, and show up  Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/