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

Latest Episodes:

988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline: How One Call Can Save a Life Jul 26, 2022

Show notes

In July 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline became the new three-digit number in the U.S. for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. But how does it actually work—and why does calling matter?

In this special episode, Dr. John Draper, Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, joins Terri and Dr. Anita to explain what happens when you dial 988, how trained crisis counselors support callers, and why most people who experience suicidal thoughts survive—and go on to live meaningful lives.

Through research, lived experience, and compassionate insight, listeners will learn why 988 is more than a hotline—it’s a pathway to hope, healing, and connection.

Primary Topics Covered

The launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Why an easy-to-remember number matters during crisis
How hotlines reduce distress—even for non-suicidal callers
The neuroscience of crisis: why feeling heard restores calm
Real statistics on suicide attempts, survival, and recovery
The five key steps in suicide prevention: Ask, Keep Safe, Be There, Connect, Follow Up
Why caring connections—not shame—are the strongest prevention tool
How 988 offers hope, empathy, and life-saving support

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
01:10 - What is 988 and why it matters
01:44 - The challenge of remembering the old 11-digit number
02:16 - Concerns about overwhelming the system with demand
03:02 - Research proving the life-saving impact of crisis hotlines
03:36 - Interview with Dr. John Draper, Director of the Lifeline
04:15 - Why calls are increasing and why that’s a good thing
04:54 - Most callers are not suicidal: why anyone in distress should call
06:17 - How crisis calls reduce distress and restore calm
06:33 - The brain in crisis: fight, flight, freeze vs. empathy and connection
07:55 - The lasting impact of hotline calls weeks later
09:16 - What to expect if you call 988: questions and safety planning
10:42 - Why counselors won’t judge—and what survival statistics show
12:20 - Regret after suicide attempts and why life is worth living
13:29 - How survivors describe finding hope and meaning after crisis
14:56 - The five steps of suicide prevention explained
16:13 - The power of connection: why being there matters most
16:53 - Bringing others in: support networks and follow-up
17:37 - Why 988 should become as natural as 911
18:59 - Calling for yourself—or alongside someone you love
19:22 - Closing reflections and 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/

Teen Suicide Prevention: Recognizing Warning Signs and Starting Conversations That Save Lives Jul 19, 2022

Show notes

Rates of teen depression and suicide are rising at alarming levels, creating what experts now call a youth mental health crisis. In this deeply personal episode, we hear from Lauren, who was diagnosed with depression at 13 and attempted suicide at 15.

Now a survivor and advocate, Lauren shares the subtle but important warning signs her loved ones missed, what might have helped her open up sooner, and how stigma and invalidation pushed her deeper into silence. She also explains why asking direct, compassionate questions about suicide can actually save lives—and what parents, friends, and teachers can do to support struggling teens.

If you’re worried about a young person in your life, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope.

Primary Topics Covered:

The CDC’s alarming statistics on teen depression and suicide
Lauren’s journey from silent suffering to suicide attempt and survival
Early warning signs of teen depression and suicidal thoughts
Why stigma and invalidation can make depression worse
How parents and friends can ask the right questions
The lifesaving impact of empathy and listening without judgment
The importance of crisis resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Messages of hope: why survivors like Lauren are glad to be alive

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
01:10 - Rising rates of youth depression and suicide
01:59 - PBS documentary “Hiding in Plain Sight”
02:57 - Introducing Lauren, teen suicide attempt survivor
03:59 - Lauren’s early symptoms of depression at age 13
04:25 - Warning signs of isolation and withdrawal
05:40 - What others might have noticed before her attempt
07:02 - Why wording matters when asking about mental health
07:56 - Would she have admitted suicidal thoughts if asked?
08:38 - Why she hid her struggles from parents and friends
09:47 - Hoping someone would reach out before it was too late
10:42 - The importance of validating emotions, not dismissing them
12:08 - How stigma and invalidation increase suicide risk
12:53 - Depression’s lies: feeling worthless and hopeless
13:54 - The reality of facing death during an attempt
15:01 - Why asking directly about suicide can save lives
16:38 - What to do if someone says they are suicidal
17:50 - How Lauren now copes with suicidal thoughts
18:40 - Lessons for friends, parents, and teachers
20:55 - Role of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
22:22 - Gratitude for Lauren’s story and closing reflections

How to Cope With Depression Triggers: Planning Ahead for Mental Health Jul 12, 2022

Show notes

What if you could predict and prepare for depression triggers before they hit? In this powerful conversation, Terri opens up about her own experience anticipating grief around her mother’s passing and the steps she took to avoid being blindsided by depression.

Alongside psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz, we explore the concept of stress and energy forecasting—a proactive mental health tool that helps you recognize high-risk periods, create support plans, and reduce the likelihood of a depressive episode.

Whether you’re coping with grief, relationship stress, or sudden life crises, this episode will give you practical strategies to strengthen your mental health resilience and protect your well-being before it spirals.

Primary Topics Covered

Terri’s personal story of anticipatory grief and depression risk
What “stress and energy forecasting” means for mental health
How to prepare for grief, loss, and life’s hardest moments
The difference between grief, sadness, and depression
Why pacing your emotions can prevent relapse into depression
Building a proactive plan for unexpected crises
Tools for self-care during stressful seasons
How preparation can reduce the impact of triggers

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and why this episode is different
01:30 - Terri’s story: preparing for her mother’s death and grief
02:44 - What is stress and energy forecasting?
03:16 - Comparing mental health planning to weather forecasting
04:24 - Anticipatory grief and pacing difficult emotions
05:36 - How therapy and open conversations can help
06:54 - Why practicing feeling sadness strengthens resilience
08:42 - The difference between grief, sadness, and depression
10:24 - Using pacing to prevent depressive relapse
11:27 - How to respond to unexpected crises and stressors
12:23 - Creating a written crisis plan and identifying supports
14:08 - Forecasting for predictable stresses like relationships and work
14:36 - Self-care prioritization: what really matters during crisis
15:48 - Final reflections on stress forecasting and resilience

Depression in Older Adults: Mary’s Story of Aging, Loneliness, and Hope Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

Depression is often misunderstood—and overlooked—in older adults. In this deeply moving episode, Mary, a 93-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, speaks candidly about aging, loneliness, stigma, and how depression changes the way she sees her life.

Despite being surrounded by family, Mary shares the quiet struggles of late-life depression: losing friends, declining health, and the difficulty of talking about emotions in her generation. Her reflections remind us of the universal human need for connection and presence, no matter our age.

Originally recorded in 2017 and replayed in her memory after her passing, this conversation honors Mary’s courage in sharing her truth. Her words are both heartbreaking and hopeful—showing that talking about depression at any age helps break stigma and builds bridges of understanding.

Primary Topics Covered:

Depression in older adults and why it’s often overlooked
Mary’s candid reflections on aging, loss, and loneliness
The role of stigma in silencing seniors’ mental health struggles
Why older generations often dismiss or hide depression
How simple presence and connection provide comfort
Healthy habits that support mood in older adults
Universality of depression across all ages
Honoring Mary’s legacy and voice after her passing

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and remembering Mary
01:10 - Depression in older adults: statistics and concerns
02:28 - Meet Mary: 93 years old, candid about depression
03:10 - Growing up in a generation that dismissed emotions
03:36 - Loss of friends, declining health, and late-life sadness
04:59 - Stigma and self-stigma around mental health in seniors
06:06 - Why older adults see depression as weakness
06:50 - Life in senior housing and struggles with connection
07:57 - Generational silence about emotions and vulnerability
08:25 - Mary reflects on depression taking the “flavor” out of life
08:53 - What older adults need most: presence and consistency
09:54 - Universality of wanting someone to care and show up
10:14 - Habits that support senior mental health
11:21 - Honoring Mary’s courage in speaking openly
12:10 - Closing reflections and transition to next episode

How to Ask for Help With Depression: Specific Phrases That Save Lives Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

So many people living with depression hear the advice: “If you need help, just ask.” But when you’re in the middle of a dark episode, those words can feel vague, overwhelming, or even impossible.

In this powerful conversation, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch—a suicide attempt survivor who has lost friends to suicide—shares his 10 practical scripts for asking for help with depression. These aren’t abstract ideas, but real words you can use when you’re struggling and don’t know what to say.

From small requests like asking someone to remind you of your value, to urgent pleas such as, “I’m suicidal. I need help right now,” Sam’s language is compassionate, clear, and potentially lifesaving.

This episode is one you’ll want to save, share, and return to whenever you—or someone you love—feels lost in the darkness of depression.

Link to Sam's article: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/

Primary Topics Covered:

Why “just ask for help” isn’t always realistic
Sam’s personal story of loss and survival
10 practical scripts for asking for specific support
How to request help with everyday tasks when depressed
Asking loved ones for affirmations and reminders of worth
Language to use when you feel unsafe or suicidal
Why believing you are worthy of help is critical
Breaking stigma around needing support

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and why this episode matters
01:07 - The gap between advice to “ask for help” and reality
01:37 - Sam’s personal loss and reflections on not reaching out
02:24 - Why vague advice fails people in crisis
03:17 - What tools and scripts can offer in the moment
04:02 - Script #6: Asking for help with specific tasks
05:22 - How small support requests help both sides
06:04 - Script #7: Asking for affirmations or favorite memories
07:15 - Reminiscing as a healing tool
07:42 - Script #8: “I’m struggling and afraid I’m reaching my limit”
08:41 - Balancing urgency and clarity in crisis requests
09:00 - Script #9: Reaching out to acquaintances when isolated
09:51 - The importance of believing you’re worthy of connection
10:27 - Script #10: Directly saying “I’m suicidal. I need help now.”
11:22 - Why suicide is an emergency like any other
12:16 - Why reaching out is always worth it
12:35 - The importance of staying alive and asking again
13:05 - Reflections on believing you are worthy of support
14:09 - Personal examples of using Sam’s strategies
14:37 - Healing through affirmations and positive reminders
15:12 - Closing messages of hope and connection

Depression Support: What to Say When You Don’t Know How to Ask for Help Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

Being told to “just ask for help” isn’t helpful when you don’t have the words. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares his first five practical scripts for reaching out when depression makes it hard to speak up.

As a suicide attempt and suicide loss survivor, Sam understands the barriers that keep people from asking for help—and why clear, specific language can save lives. From simply saying “I don’t want to be alone” to asking a friend to check in on you, these tools give you a starting point when words feel impossible.

This episode offers compassionate, real-world guidance that makes asking for help with depression less intimidating and more doable.

Link to Sam's list: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/

Link to Sam's blog: letsqueerthingsup.com/tag/mental-health/

Primary Topics Covered

Why “just ask for help” isn’t always realistic advice
Sam Dylan Finch’s personal story of loss and survival
5 practical scripts for reaching out during depression
Asking for company when you don’t want to be alone
How to make specific requests that loved ones can honor
Asking for distraction when you’re not ready to talk
Why check-ins can be lifesaving
The role of peer support in mental health recovery

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression
01:02 - Social media posts that inspire peer support
02:29 - Introducing Sam Dylan Finch: writer, advocate, survivor
03:06 - Why Sam wrote “10 Ways to Reach Out When Struggling”
03:54 - Losing a close friend to suicide and lessons learned
04:42 - Why loved ones—not just clinicians—matter in crisis
05:20 - Normalizing the need to ask for help
06:03 - Script #1: “I don’t want to be alone”
07:00 - Script #2: “What I’ve been trying isn’t working—can we make a plan?”
08:46 - Script #3: “I don’t feel safe—can you stay on the phone or come over?”
09:39 - Script #4: “I’m in a bad place, but not ready to talk. Can you distract me?”
11:49 - Script #5: “Can you check in with me (on a specific schedule)?”
13:36 - Why connection and visibility matter in recovery
14:48 - How early check-ins prevent crises from escalating
15:13 - Closing reflections and preview of Part 2

Living With Depression: Lessons From 5 Years of Hosting a Mental Health Podcast Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

What actually helps when you’re deep in depression? After five years and over 300 episodes of Giving Voice to Depression, Terry and Bridget reflect on the most powerful coping tools they’ve learned from guests who’ve lived it.

From journaling and safety plans to laughter, music, and sleep, they revisit the strategies that consistently come up as life-saving—and why no single tool works for everyone, every time. They also reflect on the heartbreaking reality that even with resources and support, families sometimes still lose loved ones to suicide—and how that truth drives their mission.

This heartfelt conversation honors the courage of every guest who shared vulnerably, and the power of story to remind us that while we may sometimes feel alone, we are never truly alone in our struggles with depression.

Primary Topics Covered

The most powerful depression coping tools learned over 5 years
Why journaling and expressive writing can be transformative
Sleep as a critical foundation for mental health
Distraction strategies: comedy, YouTube, games, and music
Creating a “toolbox” or “comfort box” to use during tough times
Building safety plans for moments of crisis
The painful reality of suicide loss despite resources and effort
The difference between being physically alone vs. not alone in experience
The power of shared stories to reduce isolation
Gratitude for the community built through the podcast

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Part 2 of reflections
00:12 - Exploring coping tools learned from guests
00:30 - Journaling and expressive writing as therapy
01:18 - Morning routines and accountability practices
01:54 - Sleep as a key to managing depression
02:20 - Distraction tools: comedy, puzzles, music, and more
03:08 - Creating a comfort box of reminders and supports
03:43 - Safety plans: preparing for moments of crisis
04:46 - Writing affirmations in your own handwriting
05:22 - Why it’s hard to accept compliments when depressed
06:01 - The most impactful guest stories and metaphors
07:34 - The reality of suicide loss despite support
09:01 - Suicidal thoughts and depression: overlapping circles
09:45 - The authenticity of real-time lived experiences
10:19 - Understanding “you’re not alone” differently
11:08 - Choosing solitude vs. the power of shared story
12:16 - Creating distance to process painful experiences
13:22 - A poet’s metaphor: visualizing thousands of listeners
13:56 - Building a global community of connection and hope
15:24 - Reflections on the personal and shared journey
16:33 - Celebrating growth, advocacy, and future contributions

Lessons on Coping With Depression: 5 Years of Stories and Hope From the Podcast Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

After more than 300 episodes and countless powerful interviews, what stands out the most about living with depression? In this reflective conversation, Terry and Bridget share the biggest lessons they’ve learned from five years of cohosting Giving Voice to Depression.

From understanding how depression manifests differently in each person, to seeing the courage it takes for someone to tell their story, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the impact of thousands of conversations. Terry and Bridget also open up about how their personal understanding of depression has deepened, the responsibility of holding others’ stories, and why naming depression can be the first step toward recovery.

This is part one of a special two-part series looking back on five years of learning, growing, and giving voice to depression.

Primary Topics Covered:

What 5+ years of podcasting about depression has revealed
Moving from statistics to personal, human stories of depression
How sharing lived experiences reduces stigma and isolation
The courage and vulnerability of guests who share their truths
Different ways depression manifests across individuals
Why recognizing symptoms earlier can change recovery paths
The impact of consistent listener feedback and support
Building a “toolkit” for managing depression over time

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and 311 episodes milestone
00:33 - From statistics to people: why stories matter
02:00 - The honor of holding others’ lived experiences
04:19 - Listener impact: moments of connection and hope
06:26 - Why Terry and Bridget committed to this work
08:21 - Key takeaways about depression from hundreds of interviews
10:25 - How personal experiences shaped their understanding
11:57 - Depression manifests differently for everyone
13:05 - Gratitude and depression can coexist
13:43 - The universal “voice of depression” and its lies
15:05 - Building a depression toolkit through shared stories

CBT for Depression: Practical Strategies to Overcome Negative Thinking May 31, 2022

Show notes

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. In this episode, Dr. David Jacobi from Rogers Behavioral Health joins us to explain how CBT works, why it helps people break free from negative cycles, and what small steps we can take to start feeling better.

We explore the CBT triangle—how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected—and why changing your behaviors first can help shift your mindset and emotions. Dr. Jacobi also shares practical strategies like behavioral activation and explains the role of routine, pleasurable, and valued activities in recovery.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in depression’s grip, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable tools to support healing.

Primary Topics Covered:

What Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is and how it works
The CBT triangle: how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other
Why behavioral activation is key to breaking depressive cycles
Small steps that make a big impact in recovery
The importance of support without enabling depressive behaviors
The role of medication as part of a broader treatment plan

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to the episode and guest
01:05 What CBT is and how it helps with depression and anxiety
02:12 The CBT triangle: thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
04:16 Why behavior changes matter most for recovery
05:48 Avoidance vs. active coping strategies
07:25 Shifting from helplessness to empowerment through action
08:37 Routine, pleasurable, and valued activities in recovery
10:52 Building motivation by committing to small actions
12:35 The role of support and accountability in CBT
13:11 Avoiding symptom accommodation in loved ones
14:26 Encouraging engagement without enabling depressive behaviors
14:59 Medication as another tool in the recovery toolbox
15:45 Why consistent small steps matter most in healing
16:27 No step is too small: celebrating progress
17:28 Supporting yourself with self-encouragement
18:07 Closing reflections and upcoming announcements

Challenging Negative Thoughts: How CBT Helps With Depression and Bipolar Disorder May 24, 2022

Show notes

Negative thoughts can feel like facts when you live with depression or bipolar disorder. But they aren’t always true—and they don’t have to control your mood or behavior.

In this episode, Patty shares her decades-long journey with bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidal thoughts—and how discovering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) later in life gave her new tools to challenge destructive thought patterns. Alongside guest co-host Dr. Anita Sands, the conversation explores how learning to question your thoughts can protect your mental health, relationships, and even your life.

Patty’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to learn skills that can change your future.

Link to article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610

Primary Topics Covered:

Patty’s late diagnosis with bipolar disorder after decades of symptoms
The impact of manic highs, depressive crashes, and suicide attempts
How untreated mental illness strained her family and relationships
The turning point: learning about her illness and building a “toolbox”
Why sleep disruption is an early warning sign for mania or depression
How CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) reframed her thought patterns
A real-life example of using CBT to stop spiraling after rejection
The “big four” habits for managing bipolar and depression: sleep, nutrition, joyful activity, and stress management
Why it’s never too late to learn new coping strategies

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and guest co-host Dr. Anita Sands
01:19 - Why it’s hard to keep trying new tools when depression persists
01:47 - Introducing Patty, diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 30
02:20 - Early struggles with symptoms and lack of family support
03:28 - Working in the record industry while masking mood swings
04:48 - Manic highs, depressive lows, and hospitalizations
05:24 - Impact on children and family life
06:34 - Learning more about her illness and building a coping toolbox
07:42 - Medication side effects and long-term stability
08:09 - Early warning signs: sleep disruption and mania
09:18 - Strategies to prevent episodes from escalating
10:39 - Depression’s “black hole” and negative thought patterns
11:20 - Discovering CBT and learning to challenge thoughts
12:45 - Example: spiraling after a canceled lunch
13:48 - Using CBT to reframe thoughts and protect relationships
16:34 - Challenging deep, self-critical thoughts with gratitude and love
17:46 - Why it’s never too late to learn new skills for mental health
19:48 - Bipolar disorder as a circadian rhythm disorder
20:45 - The “big four” for mental health: sleep, nutrition, joyful activity, stress management
22:11 - Wrap-up and preview of next week’s CBT-focused episode

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