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

Latest Episodes:

Therapy for Depression: What to Expect, When to Start, and How to Find the Right Therapist Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

What’s therapy really like—and when should you go?

In this milestone episode, Dr. Anita Sanz demystifies the therapy process for anyone considering mental health treatment. From how to know when it’s time to reach out, to what actually happens in a session, to finding the right therapist (yes, it’s okay to shop around), this episode is packed with practical advice and stigma-busting insight.

Whether you’re new to therapy or returning after a break, this candid conversation can help you approach the process with more confidence—and less fear. Therapy isn’t about being “crazy”—it’s about being proactive with your emotional health, just like you would with your physical health.

Primary Topics Covered:

When to start therapy: proactive vs. reactive approaches
Common signs it’s time to seek professional mental health support
Reducing stigma and misconceptions about therapy
How therapy compares to medical and legal help (metaphors that resonate)
Why “not being able to function” isn’t a requirement to get help
What actually happens in a therapy session (no couches required)
How to find a therapist who fits your needs and personality
What to say if you don’t know why you’re seeking therapy
Addressing suicidal thoughts safely and honestly in therapy
The role of therapy beyond the session (homework, behavioral change)

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and goals of the episode
01:09 Comparing therapy to medical and vision care
01:33 Why mental health stigma still holds people back
02:11 What therapy actually is—and what it isn’t
03:00 When to start therapy: don’t wait until crisis
04:22 Going early leads to better outcomes
05:25 How different generations view therapy
06:47 Using legal and car repair metaphors to explain therapy
07:09 “I’m not crazy”—debunking the most common myth
08:35 Why mental illness is hard to see, and harder to validate
09:50 Proactively seeking therapy before a known stressor
10:52 Finding the right therapist: it’s okay to shop around
12:38 Questions to ask during a free intro call
13:36 What if you don’t know what’s wrong? That’s okay too
14:58 Can you ask your therapist how they’ll talk to you? Yes
15:39 When to switch therapists—and how to do it respectfully
17:00 How long should therapy last? What does “done” look like?
19:10 Addressing suicidal thoughts safely in therapy
21:34 Therapy is one hour. Real change happens between sessions
23:16 Listener question: feeling stuck in negative thought loops
24:55 Therapy, plasticity, and building new brain patterns
25:45 Closing thoughts and next steps

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Recovering From Chronic Depression: How Small Shifts Helped Lori Find Hope Again Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

Can tiny shifts in perspective really make a difference in chronic depression?

In this powerful follow-up conversation, Lori shares her ongoing recovery journey after nearly a decade of feeling stuck in depression. For years, she believed she was “broken” and beyond help. But a new treatment program introduced her to the idea that she wasn’t broken—just stuck—and that even the smallest shifts in thinking and behavior could change her trajectory.

Through meeting others living with persistent depression, trying new therapeutic tools, and reframing her self-worth, Lori has begun to experience light and contentment for the first time in years.

Her story is a reminder that depression lies, that progress doesn’t have to come in dramatic leaps, and that small, consistent changes can help us reclaim hope.

Primary Topics Covered:

Lori’s decade of living “halfway out” of depression
Why she believed she was broken—and how treatment reframed that belief
The importance of meeting others with persistent depression
How small shifts in thought and behavior can alter recovery paths
Moving from hopelessness to noticing “pinpricks of light”
Understanding “contingent self-worth” and reframing value
Learning the difference between being “broken” and being “stuck”
The power of metaphors in recovery: pits, pinpricks of light, screen doors, and backpacks
Why staying open to new approaches matters, even after years of trying

Timestamps:

00:11 Introduction and James Baldwin quote on change
01:31 Lori reflects on facing depression in new ways
02:22 Living “halfway out” of depression’s pit
03:16 Feeling like she “couldn’t do life well”
03:52 Trying a new treatment program despite skepticism
04:12 Meeting others living with persistent depression
04:49 Realizing she’s not alone in daily depression
05:21 Learning new tools and regaining unexpected hope
06:14 Moving from hopelessness to “not broken, just stuck”
07:24 Shifting perspective: looking forward, not just back
08:35 The “airplane course correction” metaphor for small shifts
09:43 Experiencing the first sparks of hope
10:26 Shame, self-worth, and living “in a box”
11:32 Sitting with pain to loosen depression’s grasp
12:29 Discovering that worth is a “set point,” not earned
12:50 Why the next step is always the most important
13:29 “Backpack people” vs. “screen door people”
14:28 Shifting from dreading mornings to noticing contentment
15:24 Co-host reflections on Lori’s insights and metaphors
17:00 Why “stuck” feels temporary while “broken” feels permanent
18:03 Staying open to new tools and approaches
19:27 The power of “yet” in reframing recovery
20:31 Final reflections and gratitude for Lori’s story

Living With Persistent Depression: Lori’s Story of Daily Struggles and Survival Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

What does it feel like to live with depression every single day—for years?

In this deeply honest episode, Lori shares what it’s like to live with persistent depressive disorder (PDD), sometimes called dysthymia or chronic depression. Unlike major depressive episodes that come and go, Lori describes the exhausting reality of functioning at only “60%” most days—and the terrifying nearness of relapse when even small setbacks pull her closer to the bottom.

She uses vivid metaphors—living “underwater,” hearing life “muffled,” and waking up each day feeling weighed down by a beanbag full of blood—to describe what PDD feels like from the inside. Lori also shares about passive suicidal thoughts, the risk of living flat and joyless, and why support often requires listening rather than “fixing.”

Clinical psychologist Dr. Anita Sands joins co-host Terry to contextualize Lori’s story, emphasizing that persistent depression is real, chronic, and not the result of personal failure. They discuss how to support loved ones without minimizing their struggle, why curiosity may be more realistic than hope, and why staying—just one more day—matters.

This is the first in a two-part series. In next week’s episode, Lori shares what happened after attending a treatment program that shifted her perspective and gave her new tools for living.

More info on dysthymia: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dysthymia

Primary Topics Covered:

The difference between major depression and persistent depressive disorder
Lori’s experience of living at “60%” and why it feels dangerous
Powerful metaphors: underwater, muffled joy, and flatness
The exhausting reality of waking each day wishing not to wake
Understanding passive suicidal ideation
Why “fix it” advice often causes more harm than good
How to better support someone with chronic depression
Dr. Sands on why PDD is its own diagnosis—not a failure of treatment
The importance of staying present and curious, even when hope feels impossible

Timestamps

00:11 Introduction to episode and hosts
01:10 Defining persistent depressive disorder (PDD/dysthymia)
02:04 Distinction between chronic and major depression
02:53 Lori’s description of major depression vs. chronic depression
04:08 Living at “60%” and the risks of relapse
06:04 Lori’s underwater metaphor for muffled life and joy
07:28 The flatness of chronic depression and masking symptoms
09:20 Struggling with mornings and passive suicidal thoughts
11:08 Wishing not to wake but lacking active suicidal intent
12:03 The exhaustion of even pleasant activities
13:21 Why “fix it” advice is unhelpful
14:12 Examples of dismissive or harmful responses Lori has received
15:27 What true validation and endurance look like
16:32 Dr. Sands contextualizes PDD as a real chronic illness
19:55 Introducing next week’s follow-up episode after treatment
21:05 Dr. Sands on why curiosity can be more realistic than hope
23:34 Closing reflections and resources

What Depression Feels Like: Understanding Spoon Theory and Energy Limits Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

What does depression really feel like? In this episode, we break down the concept of Spoon Theory, a powerful way to understand the daily challenges of living with depression and limited energy. Through real-life examples and practical insights, we explore why simple tasks can feel overwhelming and how energy management plays a critical role in coping. If you’ve ever struggled to explain depression to others, this episode offers language and tools to make it clearer — both for yourself and the people around you.

Primary Topics Covered:

What Spoon Theory is and how it relates to depression
Why depression makes everyday tasks feel exhausting
The difference between visible and invisible struggles
Strategies for conserving and managing limited energy
How to explain depression to friends, family, and caregivers

Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction: Why describing depression is so difficult
2:45 – The origins of Spoon Theory explained
6:20 – How energy limits affect people with depression
10:05 – Examples of daily tasks that drain mental energy
14:30 – Explaining invisible struggles to others
18:50 – Practical strategies for conserving energy
23:10 – How Spoon Theory empowers self-compassion
26:45 – Final thoughts on living with depression and limited spoons

Brian Dawkins on Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, and the Fight for Mental Health Mar 21, 2023

Show notes

What happens when one of the toughest men in the NFL takes off the mask and admits he’s been battling depression?

In this powerful 100th episode of Giving Voice to Depression, NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins opens up about his lifelong struggle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the pressure of hiding behind toughness. Known as “Weapon X” during his 16 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos, Dawkins reveals how silence nearly cost him his life—and how vulnerability, therapy, and faith helped him find freedom.

Dawkins shares candidly about the dangers of holding everything in, the importance of building what he calls a “blessed pack” of supportive people, and how medication, therapy, and prayer worked together in his healing. He also reflects on the lessons he wishes he’d learned earlier, and why he now uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, especially for men of color and athletes.

This episode is a reminder that true strength is asking for help—and that depression does not discriminate, even among the strongest.

Link to Brian Dawkins's website: www.briandawkins.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

Brian Dawkins’ first experience with depression during his NFL rookie year
The harmful message of “pain is weakness leaving the body”
Why men, especially athletes, are taught to suppress emotions
The silent pressure that builds when feelings aren’t expressed
The moment depression drove him to consider suicide
How therapy, medication, and faith worked together in his healing
The power of vulnerability and unmasking
Building a “blessed pack” of trusted friends and mentors
Teaching the next generation to talk about feelings
How daily practices like prayer, meditation, and positive focus help recovery

Timestamps

00:11 Introduction to the 100th episode and hosts’ reflections
02:09 Brian Dawkins’ NFL career and reputation as “Weapon X”
02:53 Why he chose to reveal his depression in his Hall of Fame speech
03:35 What he thought depression was before experiencing it himself
04:21 Depression hitting hard during his rookie year
05:06 The culture of silence and “toughness” in sports and masculinity
06:18 The silent pressure of unspoken pain
06:35 The concept of a “blessed pack” for support and vulnerability
07:38 Teaching his kids to express emotions and not fear judgment
09:00 The role of faith and prayer in his healing
09:48 How medication and therapy helped him regain perspective
11:05 Suicidal thoughts and searching for ways to end his life
12:34 The mask of performance while dying inside
13:41 Freedom found in authenticity and unmasking
14:34 How dark times can teach resilience and discipline
15:54 The role of focus and daily practices in recovery
16:47 Final message: “You are worth the fight.”
18:17 Brian’s advocacy work and upcoming foundation
18:33 Closing reflections from hosts

"Anything Can Happen": How The Tors Turned Depression Into a Global Mental Health Anthem Mar 14, 2023

Show notes

Can sharing your darkest struggles create light for others?

In this heartfelt episode, Matt Weeden of The Tors Band continues the conversation about the band’s viral hit “Anything Can Happen.” Written during his own battle with depression and anxiety, the song has resonated with millions worldwide, turning raw honesty into connection, hope, and healing.

Matt opens up about the slow steps of recovery—sleeping through the night, opening the curtains to let in light, walking his dogs, and starting therapy. He reflects on how being authentic and vulnerable not only helped him heal but also sparked a global community of listeners who felt less alone.

This episode explores the power of music to reduce stigma, inspire hope, and connect people who might otherwise suffer in silence.

The Tors website: tors.band

Primary Topics Covered:

The unexpected viral success of “Anything Can Happen”
How sharing personal struggles with depression created global resonance
The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in healing
Small but powerful steps in recovery: sleep, light, routine, therapy
The metaphor of opening curtains—literal and emotional
Why recovery is slow but lasting change matters more than quick fixes
The universal power of music as a tool for mental health
A reminder that progress is possible, even if it’s slow

Timestamps:

00:11 Introduction to the episode
01:09 The power of vulnerable sharing in mental health
01:38 Recap of The Tors’ viral song “Anything Can Happen”
03:08 The overwhelming response from fans around the world
04:49 The importance of authenticity in music and recovery
06:59 Lyrics and reflections on slow healing: “I think I’m getting better…”
08:29 The significance of opening curtains and hearing birds sing
09:52 Why recovery takes time and the myth of quick fixes
12:03 Small steps: routine, dogs, podcasts, and therapy
13:23 Therapy insights and revisiting childhood experiences
14:21 Matt’s message of hope: healing is slow, but possible
17:00 Therapist reflection on imperceptible change in recovery
18:38 The importance of hearing and sharing real stories
19:14 Closing with The Tors’ full performance of “Anything Can Happen”

Coping with Depression: How The Tors’ Song ‘Anything Can Happen’ Brings Hope Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

Music has a way of putting words and emotions to experiences we can’t always explain. In this episode, Matt Weedon of The Tors shares the story behind their song “Anything Can Happen” — written during a difficult season of depression.

Matt opens up about how even small tasks felt unbearable, what it was like to feel both pain and numbness at once, and how the support of a loyal friend helped him through the darkest moments. He also explains how the simple reminder — “If you need a minute, take a minute” — became a lifeline of self-compassion and rest.

This conversation is both raw and hopeful, offering listeners a reminder that depression can distort our sense of time and possibility, but support, routines, and even music can help us hold on until things shift.

Link to The Tors website: http://tors.band/

Primary Topics Covered:

Depression recovery through music and songwriting
The story behind “Anything Can Happen” by The Tors
How depression feels like both pain and numbness
Why everyday tasks become overwhelming during depression
The role of friendship and having someone who truly listens
Self-compassion: “If you need a minute, take a minute”
How routines and laughter can bring sparks of hope
Why being heard can be as powerful as being loved
The importance of honest support vs. empty reassurance

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and opening thoughts from Terry & Dr. Anita
02:12 – Meet Matt Weedon of The Tors and the story behind the song
03:44 – Writing during depression: when everything felt heavy
05:08 – Pain and numbness at the same time in depression
05:38 – Lyrics from “Anything Can Happen” and their meaning
06:43 – “I don’t remember happy” — losing joy during depression
08:26 – The power of a friend who listens without judgment
09:29 – Why being heard feels like being loved
10:54 – How not to shut someone down when they share their struggles
11:49 – The meaning of “If you need a minute, take a minute”
15:13 – Finding hope when you can’t see a future
15:35 – Building routines and small daily goals during recovery
18:30 – Laughter, TV shows, and the spark of joy returning
20:09 – Why familiar, comforting inputs help a struggling brain
21:22 – Friendship, “body doubling,” and the power of presence
22:51 – Closing reflections and preview of the next episode

Doctor With Treatment-Resistant Depression Shares His Story of ECT, Stigma, and Recovery Feb 28, 2023

Show notes

What happens when the doctor becomes the patient?

In this moving episode, trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Weinstein shares his deeply personal story of living with treatment-resistant depression, suicidal thoughts, and eventually undergoing ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).

Michael describes how depression convinced him he was worthless and a burden to his family, and how—despite years of medical training—he didn’t fully recognize or understand these thoughts until he lived them himself. His story sheds light on the stigma of depression in the medical field, the challenges of receiving psychiatric care as a physician, and the humbling experience of being hospitalized alongside patients he once treated.

Now in recovery, Dr. Weinstein emphasizes the importance of speaking openly, breaking stigma, and remembering that healing is possible. His journey is a powerful reminder that depression lies—and that life can become brighter again.

Link to YouTube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qBobGOF0fs&t=5s

Primary Topics Covered:

The impact of family history on Michael’s depression
How depression convinced him he was a burden to loved ones
What it feels like to live with treatment-resistant depression
Voluntarily admitting himself to a psychiatric hospital
Experiencing ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) when nothing else worked
The trauma of being restrained and placed in isolation
Lessons learned from being “on the other side” as a psychiatric patient
Why stories of lived experience are powerful tools for reducing stigma
The surprising joy and gratitude he feels in recovery today

Timestamps

00:11 Introduction by hosts Terry and Anita
01:09 Recap of previous episode on doctors and depression
01:29 Introduction of guest: trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Weinstein
02:22 Michael’s family history of depression and personal struggle
03:22 Thoughts of worthlessness and being a burden
05:13 The importance of hearing others’ stories to break stigma
06:25 Defining and living with treatment-resistant depression
07:50 Voluntarily entering psychiatric care
08:45 Facing the recommendation for ECT treatment
09:31 Being restrained and placed in isolation during hospitalization
10:36 Lessons learned from being a psychiatric patient
11:43 Why stories of lived experience resonate more than statistics
12:23 Michael’s surprising recovery and optimism today
13:37 Hosts reflect on the power of doctors sharing their humanity
17:21 Closing reflections on destigmatizing depression in medicine

Stigma, Burnout, and the Hidden Mental Health Crisis: When Doctors Get Depressed Feb 21, 2023

Show notes

If doctors and psychologists are trained to care for others, why are so many struggling with depression and burnout themselves?

In this important episode, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez reflect on the stigma surrounding mental illness in medicine, and share the story of Dr. Michael Weinstein, a trauma surgeon who wrote about his experience with depression in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Despite outward success, Dr. Weinstein endured profound depression and feelings of failure. He highlights how medical training environments fuel burnout and mental health crises—long hours, lack of sleep, constant pressure, and a culture that stigmatizes asking for help.

Dr. Anita also shares her own story of burnout during graduate school, where 80–100 hour work weeks and a “hazing” culture pushed students to their breaking point—ironically while being trained to promote wellness in others.

This candid episode pulls back the curtain on how the medical system’s culture of silence and stigma harms both providers and patients—and why a revolution in medical education and training is urgently needed.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why stigma prevents doctors from seeking mental health treatment
Dr. Michael Weinstein’s story of depression and burnout as a surgeon
The gap between medical education and real mental health needs
How medical training environments worsen depression and anxiety
The lack of compassion doctors extend to themselves compared to patients
Dr. Anita’s personal burnout story during psychology graduate school
Why exhaustion and hazing models persist in medicine and psychology
The urgent need for systemic change in how we train healthcare providers
The importance of self-compassion and mindfulness for caregivers

Timestamps

00:11 Welcome and introduction
01:09 Stigma in medicine and doctors’ reluctance to seek help
02:28 Introducing Dr. Michael Weinstein, trauma surgeon living with depression
03:21 Outward success vs. internal suffering
04:29 The failures of medical education in preparing doctors for mental health realities
05:23 How depression rates rise sharply during medical training
05:56 The need for self-compassion and mindfulness in medicine
07:21 Why doctors struggle to ask for or accept help
10:11 The culture of avoidance in medicine and lack of peer support
12:09 Focusing this episode on Weinstein’s medical perspective
12:34 Dr. Anita recalls her own graduate school burnout
13:37 The disconnect between training and promoting wellness
15:26 The unhealthy, unsustainable model of medical training
17:33 Why hazing-style training damages mental health long-term
18:02 The urgent need for systemic change in medical and psychology training
19:06 Closing reflections and preview of Dr. Weinstein’s personal story in the next episode

Depression, Hope, and the Little Heart Project: How Small Acts of Kindness Can Save Lives Feb 14, 2023

Show notes

Can a small crocheted heart save a life?

In this powerful Valentine’s Day episode, Kathleen shares how her battle with depression, anxiety, complex PTSD, and suicidal thoughts led her to create the Little Heart Project. What began as a therapy-inspired hobby turned into a global movement of kindness, spreading handmade hearts with encouraging messages to strangers in need.

Kathleen opens up about her eight years in the grip of depression, the relief she finally found through ketamine therapy, and how acts of kindness—whether receiving them or creating them—helped restore her hope.

Her story is a reminder that small actions can spark big change, and that hope can return even when it feels impossible.

Primary Topics Covered:

Kathleen’s late-onset depression following family trauma
Living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidality for eight years
The role of therapy, medication, and eventually ketamine treatment
Creating the Little Heart Project as both therapy and suicide prevention
How crocheted hearts and messages spread kindness in public spaces
Why small acts of kindness can open conversations about mental health
Real stories of people who found hope through the Little Heart Project
The importance of waiting for the right treatment to unlock recovery tools
Choosing to focus on what we can do instead of what we can’t

Timestamps:

00:11 Valentine’s Day introduction
01:17 Hearts as symbols of kindness and suicide prevention
02:23 Kathleen’s story: depression after family trauma
03:20 Eight years of living with depression and anxiety
05:07 How her therapist introduced crocheted hearts
05:52 Launching the Little Heart Project
06:40 The ripple effect: makers, givers, and receivers of hearts
07:52 Stories of people touched by the project
09:08 Choosing meaningful, supportive messages for the hearts
10:26 How ketamine therapy lifted treatment-resistant depression
11:25 Recognizing progress and using her mental health “toolbox”
13:13 Speaking publicly and reducing stigma through storytelling
14:05 A heart placed → a life saved: real suicide prevention story
16:01 The importance of finding the right treatment and holding onto hope
17:42 Focusing on what you can do instead of what you can’t
20:10 A reminder that change is possible, even after years of depression
21:25 Closing reflections and resources to join the Little Heart Project

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