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

Latest Episodes:

How Depression Impacts Teens: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Recovery Oct 04, 2022

Show notes

This episode features Chloe, who opens up about her early struggle with depression beginning at age 11. After facing intense emotional pain, suicidal thoughts, and multiple crises during her teen years, Chloe’s journey shifted when a high school teacher noticed the signs and intervened. She recounts her attempt at suicide, the impact of a single caring conversation, and the long road to finding hope, purpose, and a life filled with meaning.

Primary Topics Covered:

Early signs of teen depression
Suicide ideation and attempts
The impact of stigma and silence
Importance of trusted adult intervention
Recovery, resilience, and finding purpose
Being a mental health advocate and coach

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro
00:11 - Meet the hosts
00:30 - Importance of shared experiences
01:48 - Recap of suicide prevention episodes
02:49 - Quotes from listeners and guests on surviving suicidal thoughts
05:33 - Chloe shares her mental health journey
06:06 - Silence and stigma around emotions growing up
07:03 - First panic attack at 16
07:38 - Teacher begins supporting Chloe
08:04 - Chloe’s suicidal thoughts intensify
09:35 - Unhelpful hospital response
10:28 - Mother's support begins
10:51 - Chloe reflects from the other side of depression
11:47 - Attempted second suicide around Christmas
12:31 - Teacher intervenes and saves her life
14:00 - Importance of asking directly about suicide
15:20 - Chloe recognizes hidden suffering in others
16:17 - Her first mental health advocacy effort: a 220-mile charity walk
16:50 - Moving to the U.S. for college and soccer
17:44 - Rediscovering joy and learning self-reflection
18:03 - How life has changed for the better
18:49 - Coaching and mentoring young athletes
20:13 - Importance of noticing signs and asking questions
22:15 - Trusting your gut instincts
23:38 - A neighbor story of caring and wellness check
24:38 - Conclusion and takeaway: Be a good neighbor
25:00 - Accessing podcast archives and support resources

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/

Surviving Depression and Suicidal Thoughts: How Recovery and Hope Are Possible Sep 27, 2022

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we continue our conversation with Ken Baldwin, one of the very few people to survive a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge. Ken shares candid insights into the thoughts that led him to that moment, the instant regret he felt, and the transformative journey of healing and recovery he has lived since.

Ken’s story breaks down dangerous myths about suicide, emphasizes the importance of timely intervention, and highlights the power of connection, honesty, and supportive relationships. His message is clear: even in the darkest moments, recovery is possible, and life can still hold deep meaning and joy.

This conversation is both raw and hopeful, offering encouragement to anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts and inspiration for those supporting loved ones through depression.

Primary Topics Covered:

Debunking myths about suicide and recovery
The moment of regret and the will to live
How intervention and support can save lives
The role of relationships and honest conversations in healing
Depression’s lies vs. the truth of self-worth
Choosing recovery and living a fulfilled life

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and welcome
01:10 Continuing Ken Baldwin’s story from Episode 220
02:17 Debunking myths about suicide and intent
03:49 What Ken would tell his past self
05:08 The importance of intervention and support
06:04 The regret after jumping and realizing the impact on loved ones
06:50 Rediscovering the will to live
07:47 Shifting mindset from hopelessness to healing
09:17 Rebuilding trust in relationships after the attempt
10:03 The role of his wife as support and “guardian angel”
10:31 Living with depression without denying its risks
11:46 Why recovery is possible for anyone struggling
12:55 Ken’s gratitude for survival and his ongoing recovery
13:18 Reflection from hosts on Ken’s honesty and hope
14:39 Closing message: Depression lies, recovery is possible

How Suicide Survivors Found Hope: Stories of Survival from the Golden Gate Bridge Sep 20, 2022

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Ken Baldwin shares his story of surviving a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge and the profound lessons he’s learned over the past three decades as a mental health advocate. Hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez explore the impact of suicidal ideation, the critical role of intervention, and the importance of recognizing depressive thoughts as symptoms—not truths. This episode emphasizes the lifesaving power of empathy, timely conversations, and the hope that recovery is always possible.

Primary Topics Covered:

Ken Baldwin’s survival story and recovery journey
The misconception that suicidal individuals can’t be helped
The emotional experience of living with depression
What might have prevented Ken’s suicide attempt
The impact of compassion, connection, and early intervention
How others can support someone experiencing suicidal ideation

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro
00:11 - Meet the hosts: Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez
01:11 - Recap of Episode 219 and introduction to Ken Baldwin’s story
01:38 - The Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Deterrent System
02:09 - The survivors’ shared message: instant regret
02:59 - Ken Baldwin’s background and advocacy
03:48 - How Ken began telling his story
05:19 - Honoring the courage of those who fight suicidal thoughts
06:48 - How suicidal ideation began for Ken
08:20 - Feeling like a failure and becoming suicidal
09:21 - Life and mental state between first and second attempts
10:30 - Daily dread and exhaustion from depression
11:50 - Could someone have changed the outcome?
12:40 - The power of offering help and hope
13:55 - The importance of recognizing early signs of suicidal ideation
14:13 - The role of intervention and how it could have helped
16:13 - Combating myths about suicide and recovery
18:19 - Why most suicidal individuals are ambivalent
19:28 - You don’t need credentials—just care
20:12 - Preview of next week’s episode

Stopping Suicide Before It Happens: Conversations That Save Lives Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

What does it take to talk someone back from the edge of suicide? In this powerful episode, we hear from Kevin Briggs, retired California Highway Patrol officer known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate, who has spent countless hours having life-or-death conversations with people standing on the Golden Gate Bridge.

Kevin opens up about his own struggles with depression and PTSD, how empathy—not authority—made him effective in helping others, and why slowing down and truly listening can be lifesaving. Terry and Anita reflect on the importance of upstream prevention, the role of connection in healing, and the reminder that help is always available—even before a crisis point.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please know: you are not alone. Help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Primary Topics Covered

Kevin Briggs’ journey from military and law enforcement to mental health advocacy
How stigma shaped his early views on depression and what changed his perspective
The toll of untreated depression and PTSD
Lessons from conversations with more than 200 people contemplating suicide
Why empathy, patience, and slowing down matter in crisis conversations
The importance of staying on medication and seeking the right therapist
Upstream prevention: asking for and offering help before crisis hits
Terry and Anita’s reflections on breaking stigma and the power of human connection

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
01:11 - Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month matters
01:37 - Introducing Kevin Briggs and his courageous conversations
02:24 - Kevin’s background: military, law enforcement, and “macho” culture
02:38 - Early stigma: believing mental illness was weakness
02:59 - How depression impacted his life outside of work
03:37 - Diagnosis through the PHQ-9 and learning depression is real
04:25 - Accepting help and hope in recovery
04:37 - The nickname “Guardian of the Golden Gate”
05:05 - Guiding more than 200 people off the Golden Gate Bridge
06:05 - Finding the right therapist and medication support
06:40 - Why simply listening is often lifesaving
07:06 - Common triggers: financial stress, relationships, lack of access to care
07:41 - The danger of stopping medication suddenly
08:10 - Why dignity matters: people choosing to step back themselves
08:52 - The power of empathy over credentials
09:27 - What didn’t help: talking too fast and not slowing down
10:23 - Coping with the emotional toll of this work
11:01 - How Kevin cares for his own mental health (family, pets, medication)
12:16 - Reflections on upstream prevention and breaking stigma
13:40 - Making tough conversations safer and more common
14:16 - Reminder: call 988 in the U.S. if you need support
15:11 - Closing reflections and encouragement

Living with Daily Suicidal Thoughts: Wally’s Story of Pain, Tools, and Mental Health Survival Sep 06, 2022

Show notes

What does it mean to live with suicidal thoughts every single day—and still choose to live?

In this profoundly honest episode, Wally, a U.S. veteran and trauma survivor, shares what it’s like to manage chronic suicidal ideation without intent. From physical pain and brain injuries to trauma and toxic self-talk, Wally explains how he built an arsenal of mental health tools—mindfulness, cognitive therapy, personal inventory systems—and why talking about suicide needs to become safer, not more secret.

This episode redefines what survival looks like and opens a critical, compassionate space for those navigating similar battles. Suicidal ideation is not always an emergency—it’s often a symptom asking to be heard. Wally shows us how to listen.

CSSRS info link: http://cssrs.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/C-SSRS-Brochure-for-First-Responders-1.pdf

Primary Topics Covered:

Differentiating suicidal ideation from suicidal intent
Wally’s personal experience living with chronic suicidal thoughts
The role of pain, trauma, and TBI in persistent ideation
Why people avoid sharing suicidal thoughts—and the danger of stigma
Wally’s Personal Assessment Scale for suicide safety
Coping strategies: CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and customized check-ins
Creating a mental health inventory for self-assessment
How to support someone without trying to “fix” them
The power of curiosity, empathy, and asking the right questions

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and introduction
01:10 Suicidal thoughts on a spectrum: understanding the difference between ideation and intent
02:04 The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS)
03:49 Meet Wally: Veteran, trauma survivor, and mental health advocate
04:18 Why people keep suicidal thoughts secret
05:11 Wally on managing suicidal ideation without being in crisis
06:29 Childhood abuse and early trauma
07:11 Military service, structure, and hard-earned wisdom
07:45 Surviving a 45-foot fall and traumatic brain injuries
08:24 Chronic pain and toxic self-talk after injury
09:20 The daily mental ritual of dismissing despair
10:33 Public conversations about suicidal ideation on social media
11:00 Mental health tools: CBT, DBT, and breathwork
11:45 Creating a personal inventory for self-assessment
12:49 Wally’s three-level Personal Assessment Scale for suicidal ideation
14:06 What to ask someone having suicidal thoughts
15:17 Boundaries when offering help online or in person
16:08 Holding space and creating safer conversations about suicide
17:07 Reducing knee-jerk responses to suicidal ideation
18:29 How to be a better listener and supporter
19:11 Links to Wally’s blog, CSSRS, and personal inventory template

Mental Health Recovery Tools: The 12 Steps Rewritten for Depression and PTSD Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

What if the 12 Steps weren’t just for addiction—but also for healing from depression, PTSD, and trauma?

In this transformative episode, Wally shares his personalized version of the traditional 12 Steps—revised for mental health instead of substance use. Drawing from decades of lived experience, he walks us through a deeply intentional, self-compassionate approach to healing that emphasizes grace, self-accountability, and supporting others.

Wally’s steps incorporate therapy, medication, meditation, and more. They're not about perfection—they’re about progress and integrity. If you’re looking for practical tools to manage your mental health, or just need a new framework that speaks your language, this episode offers a powerful shift.

Link to Wally's Twelve Steps: http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.TheMHTwelveSteps

Link to AA's Twelve Steps: https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditions

Link to Wally's Self-Inventory Template:http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.PersonalInventoryTemplate

Primary Topics Covered:

Wally’s personal adaptation of the 12 Steps for managing mental health
How black-and-white thinking can be rechanneled into accountability
Using the 12 Steps to address PTSD, depression, and chronic pain
Granting yourself the grace to be human—and why that matters
Understanding how trauma affects self-talk and internal integrity
The role of intentional living, mindfulness, and daily tools
Why “all boats must be lifted” in relationships and recovery
Tools beyond prayer: medication, therapy, meditation, self-inquiry
Taking personal inventory through a mental health lens
Using lived experience to shine light and support others

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and podcast introduction
01:10 Meet Wally and learn how the 12 steps were reimagined for mental health
02:33 Wally reads his “Mental Health 12 Steps” in full
04:01 Why black-and-white thinking shaped his need for accountability
06:04 Redefining step six: embracing effort over external fixes
07:39 Step seven: granting ourselves the grace to be human
08:20 How self-judgment spirals harm trauma survivors
08:50 Catching negative self-talk with the reminder: “I’m human”
09:13 Step eight: Understanding how symptoms affect relationships
10:12 Empathy, understanding, and learning through amends
10:57 Internal integrity and accountability to self
11:35 “Intentional” living as a key to healing
12:36 Tools for mental health: medication, therapy, meditation
14:08 Step 12: Helping others through your own recovery story
15:24 The power of visibility and being a light in dark places
16:37 Psychologist reflections on accountability without shame
17:41 Offering take-what-you-need tools for mental health management
18:17 Closing thoughts and next steps for applying Wally’s model

Living With Depression: Sarah’s Story of Stigma, Suicidal Thoughts & Healing Aug 23, 2022

Show notes

What happens when you decide there’s “no more BS” when talking about depression? In this candid and unfiltered conversation, Sarah, a 28-year-old actress and personal trainer, shares her lived experience with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the impact of stigma.

She opens up about the role of hormones in her most severe episode, how suicidal ideation felt like it came “out of nowhere,” and why she chooses to speak openly and shame-free about mental illness. Sarah also shares the coping tools that help her most, from support groups to pug videos, and the mindset shift that keeps her going: “I don’t feel fine, but I am fine.”

This episode is a reminder that stigma kills, but stories save lives—and that talking openly about depression can make all the difference.

Link to the article quoted: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/art-20047725

Primary Topics Covered:

Sarah’s decision to share her mental health story without shame
How depression distorts thought patterns and fuels suicidal ideation
The role of support groups in reducing isolation
Why stigma prevents people from seeking help
The connection between hormones, birth control, and depression
Tools Sarah uses to cope: community, movement, joy, and reframing thoughts
Insights from Mayo Clinic on hormones and depression
The importance of speaking up and seeking treatment

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
02:45 - Why sharing mental health stories matters
03:12 - Meet Sarah: no BS about depression
04:07 - How depression shifts thoughts toward worthlessness
05:01 - Alcohol, suicidal ideation, and finding safety in support groups
05:26 - Stigma, culture, and why emotions aren’t “sexy”
06:14 - Removing stigma to open doors for help
07:01 - The ups and downs of living with depression
07:39 - Sarah’s coping strategies: support groups, friends, pug videos
07:57 - The phrase that helps: “I don’t feel fine, but I am fine”
09:13 - Hormones, birth control, and suicidal depression
10:38 - Mayo Clinic insights on hormones and depression
14:50 - Symptoms to watch for and when to seek help
15:29 - Closing thoughts and resources

How Pets Help With Depression: Real Stories of Comfort, Purpose & Healing Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

What role can pets play in surviving depression? In this heartfelt episode, Lori shares her powerful story of how her beloved rescue dogs helped her through family trauma, a painful divorce, and the darkest moments of depression.

From the structure of daily walks to the unconditional love of her standard poodles, Lori explains how her pets provided companionship, protection, purpose, and even healing when she felt she couldn’t go on. Along with Terry and Bridget, she also reflects on how fostering, volunteering, or even simply pet-sitting can bring connection and relief to people who struggle.

If you’ve ever wondered whether pets can really make a difference in mental health, this episode offers both real-life testimony and practical ways animals can help ease depression.

Primary Topics Covered

How pets provide unconditional love and loyalty during depression
Family history of depression and how stigma silenced open conversation
Surviving a painful divorce and how dogs kept Lori going
The healing role of therapy dogs and rescue pets
How walking dogs created structure, purpose, and daily connection
Distraction and grounding: focusing on pets instead of pain
The calm and peace that pets bring into chaotic times
Practical ways to bring animals into your life, even if you can’t own one

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
01:13 - Why pets can be powerful allies in mental health
01:35 - Meet Lori: a lifelong dog lover and mental health advocate
02:10 - Family history of depression and silence around mental illness
03:42 - Lori’s personal struggles and painful divorce
04:33 - How her dogs kept her alive during her darkest year
05:09 - The healing role of her rescue poodles
06:07 - Loyalty, protection, and companionship in hard times
06:20 - How walking dogs provided structure and purpose
07:17 - Pets as a lifeline during chaos and depression
08:06 - Walking and crying: the release of grief with dogs by her side
09:04 - Distraction and focusing on pets instead of depression
09:56 - How medication and dogs together built a safety net
11:22 - The calming presence of pets and the peace they bring
13:12 - The role of human connection alongside pets
14:10 - Daily check-ins and accountability with a best friend
15:47 - Advice: rescue, foster, volunteer, or pet-sit if you can’t own a pet
16:29 - Closing reflections and resources

Living With Anxiety and Depression After Surgery: What You Need to Know Aug 09, 2022

Show notes

What if the hardest part of surgery wasn’t physical recovery, but emotional healing? In this episode, Jordan shares his journey with post-surgical depression and anxiety after undergoing open-heart surgery at just 24 years old.

He describes how intrusive thoughts, shame, and hopelessness set in after his operation—and how getting the right diagnosis and treatment (including medication) finally brought relief. Jordan also opens up about living with anxiety, why “calm down” is the worst thing you can say to someone experiencing it, and how curiosity, listening, and silence can be the most supportive responses.

Terri and Dr. Anita also share their own experiences with post-surgical mood changes, highlighting how common and under-discussed they are. This episode is both validating and practical, reminding us that emotional recovery is just as real—and just as important—as physical healing.

Primary Topics Covered

Jordan’s open-heart surgery at age 24 and its impact on mental health
The difference between physical and emotional recovery after surgery
Post-surgical depression (cardiac depression) and how common it is
Intrusive thoughts, shame, and the link to OCD
How medication (SSRIs) eased anxiety and intrusive thoughts
Why “calm down” is not helpful for someone with anxiety
Better ways to support people living with anxiety or depression
Terri and Dr. Anita’s own experiences with post-surgical depression
The importance of recognizing and naming post-surgical emotional struggles

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
02:21 - Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand
03:07 - Jordan’s story: diagnosed with congenital heart condition at 24
03:36 - The shock of open-heart surgery for a young athlete
04:21 - Emotional recovery harder than physical recovery
04:54 - Intrusive thoughts, shame, and depression after surgery
05:45 - Post-surgical depression: how common it is after heart surgery
06:32 - Struggles with medical professionals and finding the right psychiatrist
06:54 - OCD diagnosis, SSRI medication, and relief from intrusive thoughts
07:36 - Jordan explains what anxiety feels like from the inside
08:08 - Why telling someone to “calm down” makes things worse
09:32 - How to truly support someone with anxiety
11:40 - Misconceptions about asking people about suicide or anxiety
12:25 - Why talking openly creates safety and connection
13:56 - Jordan’s closing reflections: self-knowledge and validation
14:46 - Terri and Dr. Anita share their own post-surgical depression experiences
17:00 - Closing thoughts and resources

Workplace Depression and Anxiety: Why Talking About Mental Health Matters Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

What happens when your job contributes to your anxiety and depression? In this episode, former Unilever executive Jeff MacDonald shares his personal story of being diagnosed with anxiety-fueled depression, how he navigated the stigma in corporate culture, and why he decided to speak openly about his struggles.

Jeff discusses the challenges of returning to work while still in recovery, the risks many employees face when disclosing mental health concerns, and how stigma silences far too many. He also highlights how organizations benefit when they prioritize emotional well-being—not just physical safety—and why breaking stigma is both good for people and good for business.

If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about mental health at work, or how organizations can better support their employees, this episode is an honest, practical, and hopeful conversation about ending stigma and building workplaces where people can truly thrive.

Primary Topics Covered:

Jeff MacDonald’s diagnosis with anxiety-fueled depression
Why stigma keeps employees from talking about mental health at work
Returning to work as part of recovery
The role of leadership in shaping workplace culture
Why organizations must invest beyond “wellness weeks”
How breaking stigma improves employee engagement, loyalty, and retention
Practical advice for having vulnerable workplace conversations
The powerful role of love and hope in recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
00:56 - The pressure of masking depression at work
01:37 - When the job itself contributes to mental health struggles
02:13 - Jeff MacDonald’s story: high stress, misdiagnosis, and anxiety-fueled depression
03:00 - Four months away from work and the recovery process
03:23 - Returning to work gradually and finding purpose again
04:13 - The liberation of receiving a diagnosis
04:45 - How position and credibility helped Jeff speak openly
05:41 - Why stigma keeps most employees silent
06:28 - Advice: when to disclose and when to seek help outside work
07:27 - Few organizations truly addressing stigma—less than 10%
07:49 - How COVID changed workplace mental health conversations
08:30 - The duty of care: why mental health matters as much as physical safety
09:14 - Breaking stigma as good business: costs of presenteeism and turnover
09:51 - Younger generations demanding workplaces that care
10:39 - Beyond wellness weeks: real organizational responsibility
11:40 - Why superficial wellness programs aren’t enough
12:34 - Speaking the language executives understand: energy and performance
13:33 - Overcoming fear of hard conversations about mental health
14:06 - How to start a supportive workplace conversation
15:22 - Jeff on love and hope as keys to recovery
17:35 - Reflections on stigma, culture, and real change
18:46 - Closing thoughts and encouragement

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