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Giving Voice to Depression: Real Stories & Expert Support for Depression and Mental Health
Giving Voice to Depression: Real Stories & Expert Support for Depression and Mental Health
Giving Voice to Depression is a weekly podcast focused on mental health, particularly depression, blending personal stories with expert insights. Each episode offers honest narratives, practical coping strategies, and compassionate discussions to support understanding and recovery. It is designed for individuals facing depression, their loved ones, and anyone interested in mental health topics. The show fosters an open community where depression is acknowledged and addressed with hope and guidance.
Episodes
Living With Depression: What Lived Experience Teaches Doctors Can't
What does it take to find hope when severe depression makes even getting out of bed feel impossible? On this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Alexis shares her experience navigating decades of mental health challenges, including severe depression, suicidal ideation, and dissociative identity disorder (DID).After reaching one of the lowest points of her life, Alexis began finding her way back
What to Say to Someone With Depression: How Simple Support Can Bring Hope and Healing
What do you say when someone you care about is struggling with depression and feels completely alone? This episode of Giving Voice to Depression shares Rosaleen's powerful story of a dark night when she felt hopeless and didn't believe anyone could help.After a difficult interaction with the podcast community, Rosaleen received an outpouring of short messages from people she'd never
What to Say to Someone with Depression: Real Messages That Offer Hope and Support
When someone you love is living with depression, one of the biggest fears is saying the wrong thing.Should you offer advice?Try to cheer them up?Remind them of everything they have to be grateful for?Or simply sit beside them in the darkness?In this deeply moving episode, Terry McGuire and psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz read dozens of heartfelt messages written by members of the Giving Voice to Depre
Life After Suicide Loss: Finding Hope, Healing, and Joy Again
Ten years after losing her 24-year-old son Richard to suicide, Ann Marie Farino wants other suicide loss survivors to know something she once believed was impossible: grief and joy can exist together.When the meals stopped arriving, friends returned to their routines, and the world moved forward, Ann Marie was left asking a question familiar to many grieving families:"How do I live now?"
What to Do If Your Friend Is Suicidal: A Teen's Guide to Getting Help and Saving a Life
What would you do if your best friend told you they were thinking about suicide—and begged you not to tell anyone?For many teenagers, this isn't a hypothetical question.In the final episode of our three-part Suicide Prevention Month series, suicide prevention expert Dr. Stacey Freedenthal explains why keeping suicidal thoughts secret can place an overwhelming burden on another young person—an
Teen Suicide Prevention: How to Respond When Your Child Talks About Suicide
When a teenager tells a parent they're thinking about suicide, it's one of the most frightening conversations a family can face.How do you respond without minimizing their pain—or overwhelming them with your own fear?In Part 2 of our conversation with suicide prevention expert Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, we explore five more reasons many teens hesitate to tell their parents they're havi
How to Help a Suicidal Teen: Why Kids Don't Tell Their Parents They're Struggling
One of the greatest fears many parents have is learning that their child was struggling—and never told them.Why do so many teenagers share suicidal thoughts with friends but keep them from the adults who love them most?In this important conversation, suicide prevention expert Dr. Stacey Freedenthal explores the reasons many teens stay silent and offers compassionate, practical guidance for parents
LGBTQ+ Depression: Coming Out, Mental Health, and Finding Hope Through Authenticity
"How are you?"Instead of giving the automatic answer—"Fine"—Nick paused.Then he said something most of us rarely admit:"Actually, I've been really struggling."That honest response became the beginning of this conversation.In this deeply personal episode, Nick shares how years of hiding his sexuality contributed to clinical depression, why coming out brought an un
Part 2: How to Stay Productive with Depression: 5 Practical Strategies for Work and Burnout
When depression affects your concentration, confidence, or energy, staying productive can feel like a constant battle with yourself.But working harder is not always the answer.In the second half of this practical conversation, Terry and Bridget continue speaking with writer Sarah Fielding, author of the Healthline article, “Nine Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work When You’re Struggling Mentally.”Sa
Part 1: How to Get Things Done When You're Depressed: Overcoming Lack of Motivation and Getting Started
When depression steals your motivation, even the smallest task can feel impossible.Getting out of bed. Answering an email. Folding laundry. Starting a work project.From the outside, it may look like procrastination or laziness. From the inside, it can feel like trying to move through wet concrete.In this practical episode, Terry and Bridget welcome writer Sarah Fielding, whose article on staying m
How to Ask for Help with Depression: Finding Support, Therapy, and Hope
Hundreds of thousands of people know Shannon for making them laugh.Her videos have gone viral. Her social media is full of humor, energy, and outrageous comedy.What most people didn't see was that behind the camera, she was learning one of the hardest lessons of her life: she couldn't heal from depression alone.In Part 2 of Shannon's story, she shares the biggest changes she's
Complex PTSD Recovery: From Suicidal Thoughts to Healing, Hope, and Self-Worth
Nearly a decade ago, Davey shared one of the darkest depression stories we've ever featured on Giving Voice to Depression. He was living with relentless depression, frequent suicidal thoughts, and believed he simply couldn't do life anymore.Today, he comes back with a very different story.After years of searching for answers, one conversation with a physician led to a diagnosis of Comple
How to Cope with Depression: Daily Routines, Medication, and the Healing Power of Humor
Instagram creator ShannyPants has built a community of hundreds of thousands of followers by making people laugh.But while millions of people saw the funny videos, very few knew she was quietly living with depression.In this episode, Shannon shares what depression really looked like behind the scenes, why she finally sought treatment, how antidepressants and therapy changed her life, and why humor
Healing from Childhood Trauma: Understanding Complex PTSD, Depression, and Self-Worth
For years, Davey believed he had depression.What he didn't know was why.After nearly a decade of living with severe depression—including years of suicidal thoughts—a conversation with a physician changed everything. Within minutes of hearing Davey's childhood story, the doctor wrote two words on a piece of paper:Complex PTSD (CPTSD).That diagnosis became the beginning of a completely dif
How to Cope with Depression: Small Steps, Daily Tools, and Hope That Lasts
What do you do when depression makes even getting out of bed feel impossible?Davey knows that battle firsthand.After years of pushing through exhaustion and believing something was physically wrong, he was eventually diagnosed with major depressive disorder. What followed wasn't a quick recovery—it was a daily commitment to learning everything he could about depression and building a toolbox
Living With Depression: 10 Lessons About Stigma, Therapy, Medication, and Finding Hope
Why do so many people wait years before asking for help with depression?For award-winning television journalist Ted Perry, the answer was simple: stigma.In this candid conversation, Ted shares why he kept his depression hidden for years, how grief after his father's death intensified his symptoms, and why finally accepting therapy and antidepressant medication changed his life.He also reflect
How to Help Someone with Depression: What Actually Helps (and What Makes It Worse)
How do you help someone with depression when they believe they're a burden?Pam knows that feeling all too well.After years of suppressing depression, childhood trauma, and overwhelming life stress, she experienced a severe depressive episode that lasted more than three years. During that time, she was hospitalized four times, survived a suicide attempt, and struggled to believe she would ever
EFT Tapping for Depression: A Self-Help Technique for Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Relief
What if there were a free, portable tool you could use almost anywhere to help reduce stress and emotional overwhelm?In this episode, Terry and Bridget explore Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) — commonly known as tapping — with EFT expert Brad Yates.Tapping combines gentle stimulation of acupressure points with focused attention on thoughts and emotions. Supporters of the technique describe it as
Father's Day Special: When Dad Has Depression — Helping Children Understand Mental Health
How do you explain depression to a child?For Todd Rennebohm, that question became deeply personal.After years of living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, and multiple hospitalizations, Todd found himself facing one of the darkest nights of his life. What began as a desperate attempt to leave something behind for his children eventually became Sometimes Daddy Cries, a c
Suicidal Thoughts vs. Suicide Planning: How to Understand and Manage Daily Ideation
What does it mean to live with suicidal thoughts — and not be actively suicidal?In this powerful episode, Wally shares what it’s like to experience daily suicide ideation while actively managing their mental health.With the increased visibility of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, conversations about suicide are more public than ever. But there’s often confusion:Does having suicidal thoughts
Reasons We Deny Our Depression: High-Functioning Depression and the Signs We Miss
Can you be depressed and not even realize it?Psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Margaret Rutherford joins us to explore a powerful and often overlooked topic: high-functioning and perfectly hidden depression.In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we unpack why so many people deny their depression — even to themselves.Dr. Margaret explains the difference between: Classic depression (obser
High-Functioning Depression and Denial: Signs You’re Depressed But Don’t Know It
Can you be depressed and not even realize it?Psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Margaret Rutherford joins us to explore a powerful and often overlooked topic: high-functioning and perfectly hidden depression.In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we unpack why so many people deny their depression — even to themselves.Dr. Margaret explains the difference between: Classic depression (obser
How Talking About Depression Reduces Stigma and Helps People Feel Less Alone
What happens when people speak openly about depression?In this Ripple Report episode, we hear how honest conversations about mental health create real-world change — from classrooms to hotlines to theater stages.A New York theater director shares how listening to personal stories of depression helped her manage anxiety during a major life transition. She describes how having voices in her ear “hel
How to Manage Depression and Bipolar Disorder: CBT Tools, Relapse Prevention, and Support Strategies
What does a bipolar depressive episode actually feel like?In this early archive episode, 28-year-old Brooklyn artist Ben shares candidly about living with bipolar disorder and depression — including what happens when medication changes trigger a rough patch.Ben describes: What a “code level orange or red” depressive episode looks like The emotional contradictions of depression (lonely but avoidin
Depression Help That Works: Suicidal Thoughts, 988 Crisis Support, Therapy, and Antidepressants Explained
Depression isn’t laziness. It isn’t weakness. And it’s not just sadness.In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, licensed therapist and suicide attempt survivor Aja Chavez joins Terry McGuire to unpack what depression really looks like — including the intrusive, convincing lies it tells us.They explore: How to recognize depression in yourself or someone you love Why suicidal thoughts are
Am I Depressed? Signs, Symptoms, and High-Functioning Depression Explained
What does depression actually feel like?In this special crossover episode with Recoverable, Terry interviews licensed therapist and suicide attempt survivor Aja Chavez about what depression really looks like — beyond the stereotypes.They discuss: Why depression doesn’t always look like sadness The difference between laziness and clinical depression What high-functioning depression is (and why it
How to Help a Partner with Depression: Real Relationship Advice That Works
What do you do when someone you love has depression — and you don’t?In this episode, Chris shares her experience living with depression since middle school, while her boyfriend Chris offers an honest look at what it’s like to support someone through depressive episodes without having depression himself.They discuss: The impact of stigma on seeking help Why many people hide depression from employe
Hidden Depression and the Mask We Wear: Signs, Stigma, and How to Get Help
What is hidden or "smiling" depression?It’s showing up to work, cracking jokes, caring for your family — while a loop in your mind repeats, “I want to die.”In this episode, Andrew shares his experience with high-functioning depression and the exhausting mask he wore for decades before receiving a formal diagnosis. For twenty years, he knew something was wrong — but didn’t seek profession
Episode 500 (Part 2): Coping with Depression, Community Support, and Why You’re Not Alone
In Part 2 of our 500th episode special, Terry McGuire, Carly McCollow, and Dr. Anita Sanz reflect on the most powerful lessons learned from five hundred consecutive weeks of conversations about depression.This episode moves beyond statistics and milestones and into something far more meaningful: what actually helps people survive, manage, and live with depression.You’ll hear reflections on: Managi
500 Episodes Later: Coping with Depression, Finding Language, and Real Stories That Help
What does it mean to reach 500 episodes of a podcast about depression?In this milestone episode, Terry and Carly are joined by psychologist & former co-host Dr. Anita Sanz to reflect on the journey from 106 downloads in the first month to over 3 million plays across 171 countries.But this episode isn’t about numbers. It’s about people.It’s about the listener lying in bed wondering how they’ll
Depression Coping Strategies Learned As Co-Host of A Mental Health Podcast: Safety Planning, Shared Stories, and Managing Suicidal Thoughts
If you’re struggling with depression, what actually helps?In Part 2 of this special retrospective conversation, Terry and her sister Bridget reflect on five years of lived-experience interviews and the practical tools guests have used to manage depression and suicidal thoughts.This episode moves beyond awareness and into action.They discuss: Journaling techniques (including creative ways to safely
Lessons Learned As Co-Host of Depression Podcast: Talking About Depression Out Loud — and Why Naming It Changes Everything
What does depression really feel like — especially when you don’t even realize you’re experiencing it?In this special retrospective episode, Terry sits down with her sister and original co-host, Bridget, to reflect on hundreds of conversations about depression — and what they’ve learned along the way.After hearing more than 300 stories of lived experience, one thing has become clear: depression is
Overwhelmed by the News? Grounding Techniques for Depression and Emotional Burnout
If the world feels heavy right now — you're not imagining it.In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, we explore how to cope with depression and anxiety during overwhelming times. From constant news cycles to collective trauma, many of us are operating in survival mode.Dr. Rubin offers practical strategies to protect your mental health without disengaging from reality:How to “tit
How to Deal with Depression: Finding Meaning, Self-Compassion, and Emotional Resilience
What if depression isn’t an enemy — but a message?In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, a pioneer in integrating Eastern meditation with Western psychotherapy, shares a powerful reframing of depression. Instead of viewing it as proof that something is wrong with us, he invites us to consider what it might be trying to tell us.Dr. Rubin explains:Why depression often feels permanent (even though it is
What Depression Really Feels Like: Symptoms, Negative Thoughts, and How Recovery Happens
What does depression actually feel like from the inside?In this candid conversation, Terry McGuire shares the origin story behind the Giving Voice to Depression podcast — and opens up about her own experience with major depression, antidepressants, intrusive thoughts, and the isolating voice of the illness.She describes how depression “talks in your own voice,” how it infiltrates your thinking bef
Childhood Depression Warning Signs: What Parents Missed — and How We Can Do Better Today
What if the “sad kid” in school wasn’t just sensitive — but struggling with depression?In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Sally looks back at her childhood and teenage years and recognizes signs of depression that were misunderstood or overlooked. Excessive sleeping. Dark poetry. Persistent sadness. Thoughts about suicide. A lonely letter written at age ten.At the time, mental
Spreading Love, Saving Lives: The Little Heart Project’s Impact on Depression and Suicide Prevention
When Kathleen’s life fell apart near age 50 after a traumatic family event, she found herself battling severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. After years of therapy and treatment-resistant depression, a turning point came through an unexpected source — crocheting tiny hearts.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Kathleen shares how creating and distributing these handmad
Breaking Family Cycles of Depression: Alexander’s Story of Healing, Honesty, and Hope
When depression runs in families, so can silence.In this deeply personal episode, Giving Voice to Depression listener Alexander shares his journey from hiding his pain to opening up about it — and helping his family do the same.After years of quietly managing chronic illness, anxiety, and depression, Alexander realized he couldn’t keep pretending he was “fine.” What began as a search for understan
Why Depression Makes Daily Life Feel Impossible — and How to Ask for Help Without Shame
When depression takes hold, even the smallest tasks — doing the dishes, making your bed, sending a text — can feel insurmountable. In this honest and compassionate conversation, writer Molly Bacchus joins host Terry McGuire to talk about what she calls “The Impossible Task.”Molly’s viral description of this experience gave language to something millions silently endure: the crushing paralysis of d
The Connection Between Mental and Physical Health: Darin Olien on Depression, Nutrition, and Recovery
In this inspiring episode of Giving Voice to Depression, wellness expert and author Darin Olien — co-host of Netflix’s Down to Earth with Zac Efron — opens up about his personal experiences with depression and shares how physical and mental health are deeply connected.Olien, known for his best-selling books SuperLife and Fatal Conveniences, discusses how diet, hydration, sleep, trauma, and emotion
Depression, Suicide, and Hope: Andre Henry on Music, Self-Compassion, and Surviving the Darkest Days
In part two of his conversation with Giving Voice to Depression, musician, author, and activist Andre Henry continues sharing how creativity, self-compassion, and community have helped him survive depression and suicidal thoughts.Following his song “Make It to Tomorrow”, Andre walks listeners through the tools that keep him grounded — self-hugs, breathing exercises, and reframing shame into self-a
Make It To Tomorrow: Andre Henry on Depression, Suicide, and Hope Through Song
When everything feels unbearable, how do you keep going? In this deeply moving conversation, musician and author Andre Henry shares how writing his song “Make It To Tomorrow” helped him survive one of his darkest moments.Growing up in the Black community, Andre faced the silence and stigma surrounding mental health. Through his art, he began to name his pain — transforming suicidal thoughts into w
Mental Health New Year Resolutions: Dr. Margaret Rutherford on Self-Care, Therapy, and Real Change
A new year often brings the pressure to reinvent ourselves — to lose weight, quit bad habits, or be more productive. But what if this year, your most important resolution was simply to take better care of your mental health?In this insightful Giving Voice to Depression episode, psychologist and author Dr. Margaret Rutherford joins Terry McGuire and Bridget to talk about setting mental health resol
Holiday Depression Is Real: Finding Hope in Grief, Loss, Depression, and Loneliness
The holidays can be painful for anyone carrying grief, loss, or depression — especially in a world that insists on constant cheer. In this special annual episode of Giving Voice to Depression, author John Pavlovitz reads his essay “To Those Who Struggle This Christmas” — a heartfelt message to anyone who feels broken, lonely, or unseen this time of year.His compassionate words acknowledge every ki
Managing Holiday Stress and Depression: How to Protect Your Mental Health with Compassion and Boundaries
The holiday season can bring warmth, connection, and joy — but it can also trigger deep stress, loneliness, and depression. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Anita Sanz, psychologist and board member for Giving Voice to Depression, joins hosts Terry McGuire and Bridget to talk about how to navigate the holidays with compassion and balance.Using a surprising lens — Ebenezer Scrooge — Dr. Sanz ex
EFT Tapping for Depression and Anxiety: How Emotional Freedom Technique Reduces Stress and Boosts Hope
In this special episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terry McGuire and her sister and former co-host Bridget Shore introduce a simple, science-backed tool that anyone can use to calm their nervous system and ease symptoms of depression or anxiety — EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), also known as tapping.They’re joined by Brad Yates, one of the world’s most recognized EFT practitioners, wh
How to Cope with Holiday Stress: Expert Strategies for Mental Health, Boundaries, and Self-Care
The holidays are marketed as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for millions struggling with depression, anxiety, and burnout, the season can feel more overwhelming than joyful.In this special Giving Voice to Depression episode, Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz discuss how to manage emotional overload and protect your mental health amid unrealistic expectations, family pressures, and finan
Holiday Depression and Grief: How to Set Boundaries, Manage Expectations, and Find Peace
The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many living with depression or grief, this season can feel unbearably heavy.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, host Terry McGuire and psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz speak with grief expert Krista St-Germain about how to navigate the emotional complexities of the holiday season when you’re struggling wit
Mothering Through Mental Illness: Surviving Depression While Raising Neurodivergent Kids
Michelle is a mom living with depression, anxiety, and ADHD — and raising children diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, and DMDD. In this candid and compassionate episode, she describes how she juggles emotional overwhelm, fights toxic productivity, and clings to small moments of self-care. You’ll hear real strategies from her therapy sessions, how she recognizes early signs of a crash, and why talking to yo
When Depression Feels Endless: How Therapy and Small Moments of Hope Can Save a Life
In this deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Cara from Belfast, Northern Ireland, opens up about her journey through years of darkness — from living with untreated depression as a teen to finally finding validation, healing, and light through therapy.Cara describes depression not as constant sadness but as a suffocating grayness — a loss of color, motivation, and meaning. After mul
Treatment-Resistant Depression and Recovery: How Therapy, Medication, and Self-Compassion Can Change Everything
After years of living with depression — through countless ups, downs, and failed treatment attempts — Caryn finally found light again. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, she opens up for the first time about what it’s like to live with treatment-resistant depression, the exhaustion of constantly “trying,” and the unexpected relief that came when she finally found the right therapist an
How Critical or Emotionally Immature Parents Shape Your Inner Voice—and How to Heal It
This episode of Giving Voice to Depression features licensed therapist Carolina Bracco and a candid conversation about the profound, long-term effects of growing up with emotionally immature or overly critical parents. Co-hosts Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow explore this often-overlooked area of childhood experience, highlighting how these parental patterns can contribute to depression and shap
Depression in Older Adults: Breaking the Silence on Loneliness, Aging, and Mental Health
Depression in older adults is one of the most under-discussed — and most misunderstood — mental health challenges today. In this moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, 93-year-old Mary shares what it’s like to experience depression in later life — when most of her peers have passed away, her body feels unfamiliar, and her generation still believes that “you just don’t talk about those thing
How to Help Someone Who Refuses Help: Compassionate Intervention for Depression and Mental Illness
When someone you love is struggling with depression, anxiety, or addiction, knowing how to help can be agonizing — especially when every attempt seems to fail. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, licensed psychotherapist and professional interventionist Evan Jarschauer explains what real mental health interventions look like — far from the dramatic TV versions that oversimplify the proc
How Pets Help with Depression: Healing Through Unconditional Love and Companionship
When depression makes it hard to get out of bed, eat, or even believe things will ever get better, a loving pet can be a lifeline. In this moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Lori shares how her dogs helped her survive and heal after divorce and severe depression.Lori describes days spent “swimming through mud,” unable to function—until her dogs gave her a reason to get up, go outside, a
Grieving After Suicide: How to Support Loss Survivors with Compassion and Understanding
The grief that follows a suicide is unlike any other. It’s layered with guilt, confusion, trauma, and the persistent question: Why? In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Lisa Sugarman shares her journey after losing her father, cousin, and close friend to suicide — and what she’s learned about navigating the unique and complex grief that follows.Lisa offers deeply personal
What to Say (and Not Say) After Suicide: Supporting Grieving Loved Ones with Compassion
After a suicide, words can either comfort and connect — or cut and cause more pain. In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, journalist and suicide loss survivor Deb Sherwood shares her personal experience navigating the unthinkable grief following her husband’s death by suicide — and the devastating impact of well-intentioned but hurtful comments from doctors, therapists, and frien
Coping with Suicide Loss: Breaking the Silence and Stigma Around Grief
Award-winning journalist and author Meg Kissinger joins Giving Voice to Depression to share the extraordinary and heartbreaking story behind her memoir “While You Were Out.”In her conversation with Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow, Meg opens up about growing up in a large family marked by bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression—as well as two sibling deaths by suicide. She explores how dec
Breaking Mental Health Stigma: Family Trauma, Suicide Loss, and Healing Together
Award-winning journalist and author Meg Kissinger joins Giving Voice to Depression to share the extraordinary and heartbreaking story behind her memoir “While You Were Out.”In her conversation with Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow, Meg opens up about growing up in a large family marked by bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression—as well as two sibling deaths by suicide. She explores how dec
Forgiving Yourself After a Suicide Attempt: How to Heal from Guilt and Shame
In this deeply human episode of Giving Voice to Depression, John, a survivor of a suicide attempt, shares his ongoing struggle with self-forgiveness — and what healing looks like when you’re still learning to forgive yourself.While many conversations about suicide focus on grief or prevention, John opens up about what comes after survival: the guilt, shame, and lingering belief that he doesn’t des
Bipolar Disorder and Addiction: Understanding Dual Diagnosis and the Path to Recovery
What happens when mental health and addiction collide? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, David Shamszad shares his raw and revealing story of living with bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction — a combination often referred to as a dual diagnosis.From self-medicating through college to hospitalization, reckless mania, and rock bottom, David opens up about how stigma, shame, and silenc
Self-Help for Depression: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices That Help
In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Barbara Moser, a trained teacher in mindful self-compassion, shares three simple yet powerful practices you can use anytime to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. These tools are free, backed by credible research, and require no appointment, transportation, or side effects.From mindful breathing to the STOP method and a self-compassion brea
Bullying and Depression: How Isolation Impacts Mental Health and Recovery
In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Kevin Lepine shares his deeply personal journey of growing up misunderstood, bullied, and isolated — experiences that fueled his depression long before he had words to describe it. He opens up about the pain of being unseen, living with undiagnosed ADD, and the crushing loneliness that often comes with both bullying and depression.Kevin also discusses
Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Hope: Rebecca Lombardo’s Decade of Progress
In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we revisit the powerful story of author and advocate Rebecca Lombardo, who has openly shared her struggles with bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidality. Now 10 years removed from her last hospitalization and self-harm attempt, Rebecca reflects on her growth, resilience, and the coping strategies that have helped her heal.She discusses the import
Intergenerational Depression: How Family Trauma and Genetics Shape Mental Health
In this intimate, unscripted conversation, Giving Voice to Depression hosts Terry McGuire and her daughter Carly McCollow open up about their personal experiences with depression across generations. They reflect on how genetics, trauma, and family silence shape mental health — and why speaking openly can break cycles of shame and stigma.Listeners will hear stories about childhood anxiety, gratitud
Managing Depression with Spoon Theory: How to Conserve Energy and Cope Daily
In this rerun episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz revisit The Spoon Theory, a popular metaphor created by Christine Miserandino to explain life with chronic illness. The conversation explores how the theory applies to depression and mental health, providing listeners with a way to explain their limited energy to others and make mindful daily choices. The hosts dis
Living with Depression: The Power of Internal Family Systems and Self-Acceptance
In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Eric shares his deeply personal journey of living under the crushing weight of depression and how he found a path toward healing. Instead of fighting against his pain, Eric discovered the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, which allowed him to engage with his depression in a new, compassionate way. Through personifying his
How Cancer Affects Mental Health: Depression, Therapy, and Healing
In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, J.J. Singleton shares his journey of living with terminal colorectal cancer and battling depression. After enduring over 170 rounds of chemotherapy, J.J. opens up about the toll cancer has taken not just on his body but on his mental health. He discusses the stigma men face in expressing vulnerability, his initial resistance to therapy, and t
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression: How CBT Helps You Heal
In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. David Jacobi of Rogers Behavioral Health explains how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works as an evidence-based treatment for depression. Together with hosts Terry and Anita, Dr. Jacobi breaks down the CBT “triangle” of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and explains why behavioral activation — doing something different, even small — can help
Why Therapy Is Important for Mental Health: Beyond Crisis Care
In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Anita Sanz joins Terry and Carly to discuss the importance of seeking therapy as a proactive step for mental health, not just during times of crisis. Together, they break down what therapy actually looks like, why the stigma around it persists, and how people can find the right therapist for their needs. From analogies comparing therapy to car rep
Suicide Prevention in Schools: How a Teacher Noticing Saved a Life
One caring adult can make the difference between life and death.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Chloe shares how her teacher noticed warning signs of her depression and suicidal thoughts — and stepped in to have a direct, lifesaving conversation.Her story is a powerful reminder that teachers, coaches, and mentors play a critical role in suicide prevention. By noticing changes in beh
Recovering from Depression: Signs of Healing and Hope
Depression can convince us that healing is impossible. But recovery doesn’t come all at once — it shows up in small, powerful signs of change.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Cara McErlain from Belfast shares her lived experience of depression, therapy, and gradual healing. She opens up about the darkest moments of her journey and the hopeful signs that showed her recovery was possib
Depression and Memory Loss: Why Happy Memories Disappear
Depression doesn’t just impact mood — it can also steal your memories of joy. In this episode, mental health advocate and author Natasha Tracy shares her lived experience with bipolar depression and how it robs her of the ability to recall happy times. She explains the cruel cycle of memory loss and depression, how “state memory” keeps us trapped in negative thought patterns, and practical strateg
Depression During Pregnancy: Understanding Antepartum Depression and Its Impact
When people talk about maternal mental health, postpartum depression often gets the spotlight. But what about the depression that begins during pregnancy?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Isabelle shares her experience with antepartum depression — the deep sadness, hopelessness, and stigma she felt while expecting both of her children. She describes how little people talk about depres
Childhood Trauma and Depression: How Unspoken Pain Becomes a Lifelong Burden
What happens when the pain of childhood is never spoken aloud — or validated? For Trina Kennedy, it meant carrying an invisible backpack of heavy rocks: unresolved grief, shame, and loneliness. That burden grew into depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Trina shares her journey of living with the weight of childhood trauma — and how finding safe
Recovering from Depression: How Self-Worth Changes the Journey
Many people living with depression are told to “get better” for their families, their partners, or their friends. But what happens when you realize you deserve to recover for yourself?In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Ari Cohen shares her lifelong journey with depression, from being diagnosed at age 11 to navigating suicidal thoughts, family loss, and the pressure to heal for
Men and Depression: Rebranding Therapy to Break Stigma and Save Lives
Men are less likely than women to seek therapy — but not because they don’t need it. Stigma, cultural expectations, and outdated ideas about masculinity often keep men silent when they’re struggling with depression or grief.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health counselor Ethan Getchell shares his personal story of losing his brother to suicide and how it inspired him to chan
How to Recover from Depression: Small Shifts That Bring Hope and Healing
Recovery from depression doesn’t always come through major breakthroughs. Sometimes it begins with the smallest shift — a single degree of change that sets you on a new path.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Lori shares her raw experience of persistent depression and how discovering the “power of yet” helped her reclaim hope. With support from Dr. Anita Sanz, she explains how connecti
Living with Persistent Depression: Signs, Symptoms and Struggles
Persistent depression doesn’t just come and go. It lingers — shaping daily routines, relationships, energy, and even self-worth.In this raw and honest episode of Giving Voice to Depression, our guest shares what it feels like to “live at 60 percent,” carrying the weight of chronic depression every day. From constant fatigue to feelings of hopelessness, she describes the signs and symptoms of livin
What Does Depression Feel Like? The Difference Between Sadness and Depression
What does depression really feel like — and how is it different from ordinary sadness?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychologists Dr. Robert Duff, Dr. Margaret Rutherford, and Dr. Maduka Trivedi help clarify one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health. While sadness is a temporary emotional state, depression is a serious and persistent illness that can impact every part
