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

Latest Episodes:

Living With Depression: The Heartbreak of Missing Who You Used to Be Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

What does it mean to feel homesick for yourself? Savannah Wall describes depression as being “homesick for the life and the person she used to be.” In this powerful conversation, she opens up about the weight of emptiness, the shame of hiding her symptoms, and the turning point when her husband insisted she seek help.

Savannah’s words capture what many living with depression struggle to explain: the paradox of feeling both heavy and empty, grateful yet hopeless, surrounded by love but unable to feel it. She also shares how treatment, faith, and supportive relationships helped her slowly find light and hope again.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt distant from themselves because of depression — and for the loved ones who want to better understand.

The full article that prompted the episode: https://savannahwallsblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/22/when-youre-homesick-for-all-that-you-were-before-depression/comment-page-3/

Primary Topics Covered:

The concept of being “homesick” for your pre-depression self
The physical weight and emotional emptiness of depression
Why candles, baths, and “quick fixes” don’t work for clinical depression
Shame, stigma, and hiding symptoms from others
The role of supportive loved ones in recognizing when help is needed
Seeking therapy, medication, and faith as part of recovery
How depression can convince you it will last forever
Building a personal “toolkit” for coping and preventing relapse
The power of writing reminders to yourself during well times
Why it’s okay to not be okay — and the consequences of staying silent

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode
01:00 - Exploring the idea of being “homesick” for your old self
02:15 - Savannah describes her experience of depression
03:35 - The physical heaviness of emptiness
04:00 - Why self-care trends don’t fix clinical depression
05:40 - Hiding symptoms and making excuses to avoid people
07:15 - The struggle of gratitude vs hopelessness in depression
08:32 - Feeling cut off from loved ones despite their support
08:52 - Waiting for the day depression disappears
09:19 - Breaking point and turning to self-harm
09:49 - Husband’s support and decision to seek help
10:17 - Starting therapy, medication, and healing
11:37 - Recognizing warning signs of depression earlier
12:42 - Building a personal depression “toolkit”
13:01 - Writing reminders to yourself during well periods
13:57 - Consequences of hiding depression too long
15:34 - How hearing others share inspired someone else to seek help
16:11 - Depression’s lies and the truth that healing is possible
17:21 - The importance of supportive loved ones in recovery
18:20 - Closing reflections and hopeful takeaway

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/

Living With Depression and Anxiety: Tara’s Journey From Panic Attacks to Resilience Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

Tara has lived with depression and anxiety since childhood — beginning with panic attacks at age four after a traumatic accident. For decades, she carried shame, exhaustion, and guilt, especially as a mother who felt she couldn’t live up to the “supermom” image.

In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Tara shares how she finally found words for what she was experiencing, why asking for help changed everything, and how she’s learning to accept her own version of “normal.” From surviving panic attacks to redefining success as cooking meals or simply getting out of pajamas, Tara’s story is a reminder that living with depression is not weakness — it’s courage.

Her journey also highlights the importance of supportive friends, family, therapy, and medication — and why telling your truth can reduce shame and stigma.

Link to one of Alex's articles: https://alexandriabrown12.medium.com/truth-be-told-my-depression-actually-does-define-me-27ef27107f0e

Link to Alex's book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Me-Depression-Battle-Heart-ebook/dp/B07531N5TM

Primary Topics Covered:

Why asking for help with depression and anxiety is not weakness
Tara’s early childhood trauma and the onset of panic attacks
The long road to finally having words for what she was experiencing
How anxiety and depression often go hand in hand
College years, stigma, and being forced to leave school due to depression
The impact of multiple personal losses on her mental health
Parenting with depression and explaining it to her children
Redefining “normal” when living with depression
The importance of therapy, medication, and supportive family
How choosing to stay alive every day is an act of resilience

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and purpose of sharing stories
01:22 - The difficulty of starting conversations about depression
01:42 - Tara shares feelings of guilt and shame as a mother with depression
02:23 - Why asking for help is so important
05:02 - Tara’s first panic attacks at age four
05:55 - Traumatic childhood accident and early PTSD
07:02 - Discovering the term “panic attacks” at age 14
08:04 - Relief in finally having words for her symptoms
08:56 - Depression intensifies during college years
09:39 - Loss of loved ones and impact on her mental health
10:12 - Struggling to work full-time while living with depression
11:33 - Parenting with depression and explaining it to her kids
12:55 - Medication, therapy, and redefining “normal”
14:17 - Choosing every day to keep going as resilience
15:16 - Closing reflections: asking for help and telling your truth

Antidepressants and Depression: Breaking Medication Stigma With Michael Landsberg Mar 08, 2022

Show notes

Taking medication for depression doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’re fighting for your life. In this powerful and candid conversation, sports broadcaster and mental health advocate Michael Landsberg (founder of Sick Not Weak) shares his decades-long journey with depression, anxiety, and antidepressants.

Michael speaks openly about his early resistance to medication, the relapses he endured after stopping, and the moment he realized his meds were keeping him alive. He explains his philosophy of “learning to love the thing you hate the least” — choosing antidepressants, despite side effects, because they free him from depression’s grip.

This episode challenges the stigma that keeps so many from seeking help and offers hope, validation, and practical language for anyone living with depression or supporting someone who is.

Link to Sick Not Weak, Michael Landsberg's website: www.sicknotweak.com/

Primary Topics Covered

Michael Landsberg’s personal journey with depression and anxiety
Early resistance to antidepressants and lessons from relapses
The dangers of untreated depression and denial
Stigma, masculinity, and why men avoid seeking help
Antidepressants: benefits, side effects, and misconceptions
“Learning to love the thing you hate the least” approach
Warning signs of relapse and how Michael manages them
How one person’s openness can break stigma for others
Why recovery is about management, not cure
The importance of honest conversations about mental health

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and thank you to supporters
01:27 - Introducing Michael Landsberg and his advocacy work
03:09 - Michael’s story: living with depression and anxiety
03:44 - Speaking openly about depression and breaking stigma
04:49 - Michael’s first experience with antidepressants
05:37 - Stopping meds and painful relapses
06:57 - The turning point: realizing medication was essential
07:42 - Addressing stigma and misconceptions about meds
08:57 - “Learning to love the thing you hate the least” explained
09:45 - Why some people resist treatment and how to respond
11:07 - Mistakes Michael learned from in managing depression
12:36 - Warning signs of relapse and how he responds
14:25 - Coping strategies: patience, perspective, and self-awareness
15:21 - Destigmatizing through honest, everyday conversations
16:02 - Tracking “bad days” and the role of hope in recovery
17:37 - Final reflections and gratitude

Sick Not Weak: Michael Landsberg on Depression, Medication, and Breaking Stigma Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

What does it mean to be sick, not weak? In this candid conversation, broadcaster and mental health advocate Michael Landsberg shares his personal journey with anxiety and depression—and the power of naming depression as an illness, not a weakness.

Michael speaks openly about his early struggles with anxiety, the turning point when depression took hold at age 40, and how seeking help from a psychiatrist became his “first step back toward the light.” Together, we explore the stigma around antidepressants, how to support someone who resists treatment, and why sharing our stories can shorten the suffering for others.

If you’ve ever questioned whether depression is “real” or struggled with the idea of taking medication, this episode is for you.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why depression is an illness, not a weakness
The stigma around antidepressants and how to counter it
Michael’s early struggles with anxiety and later depression
Why many people delay treatment for years
The slow and subtle way depression takes over daily life
The importance of friends and family noticing changes
How openness and shared stories empower others
Balancing honesty about medication benefits and challenges

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome and episode introduction
01:22 - Listener question about resistance to antidepressants
02:28 - Why sharing openly about medication matters
03:11 - Personal reflections on using antidepressants
04:29 - Michael Landsberg’s early experiences with anxiety
05:48 - The insecurity of wondering if symptoms are “real”
06:20 - Depression at age 40 and the phrase sick not weak
06:45 - Why depression often goes unrecognized for years
08:33 - Michael’s first psychiatrist appointment as a turning point
09:14 - The importance of early recognition and intervention
10:45 - Subtle changes that signal depression
11:10 - How loved ones can notice and start supportive conversations
12:05 - The loss of joy as a marker of depression
13:33 - Why we feel alone when millions share this struggle
14:05 - The power of sharing openly about mental health
15:14 - Putting words to experiences for the first time
16:16 - Closing thoughts and preview of part two

How to Recover from Depression with Daily Habits and Healthy Routines Feb 15, 2022

Show notes

Recovery from depression can feel overwhelming—but small daily habits and consistent routines can make a real difference.

In this episode, mental health advocate Paul Marlow shares how morning and evening routines helped him climb out of two of the darkest years of his life. From improving sleep to creating daily “wins” like making his bed, journaling, and practicing fitness and nutrition, Paul explains how these habits built his confidence and supported long-term recovery.

Whether you’re living with depression or simply looking for ways to strengthen your mental health, this episode offers practical strategies for using routines as a foundation for healing.

Link to Paul's website/resources: https://weareneveralone.co/

Primary Topics Covered:

Why routines and daily habits are powerful for depression recovery
Paul’s personal story of two years in his darkest place
The role of sleep in depression and anxiety management
Evening routines that improve rest and emotional regulation
Morning routines that create “small wins” and build confidence
Why therapy and honest conversations matter for recovery
How fitness routines reduce fear and anxiety
Nutrition’s impact on mood and mental well-being
Normalizing setbacks and why persistence is key

Timestamps:

00:00 – Episode introduction and context
02:07 – Tools guests have shared for coping with depression
03:01 – Paul Marlow’s story: two years in a dark place
03:44 – Morning routines and the power of daily wins
04:34 – How sleep directly affects depression and anxiety
05:43 – Tracking sleep and learning its mental health impact
07:00 – Building evening routines for better rest
08:13 – Experiencing restful sleep for the first time in years
09:00 – Starting a morning routine step by step
09:55 – Why not checking your phone first is essential
11:18 – Therapy as a key recovery tool
13:06 – The role of honesty in making therapy effective
14:59 – Facing setbacks and sticking with the process
16:10 – Fitness routines as tools for resilience and self-confidence
17:36 – Using exercise to face fear and anxiety
18:06 – How nutrition supports mental health
19:26 – Small wins and changing negative self-talk
20:26 – Redefining limits and discovering strength
21:22 – Closing reflections on routines and recovery

Depression and PTSD Recovery Journey: From Darkness to Growth with Paul Marlow Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

What happens when everything you thought defined you suddenly crumbles? For Paul Marlowe, a former professional athlete and personal trainer, the losses of a parent and a relationship, combined with anxiety and PTSD, led to years of depression and an inability to feel joy.

In this conversation, Paul shares the reality of living with depression—the nights filled with racing thoughts, mornings curled up crying in the shower, and the daily effort of faking wellness just to get by. But his story doesn’t stop there. Paul also opens up about how he began to rebuild: creating morning routines, embracing therapy, prioritizing sleep and nutrition, and—most importantly—learning to speak honestly with himself and others.

His journey is a reminder that while depression can strip us down, it can also create the space for a stronger, more authentic self to emerge.

Paul Marlow's Never Alone site: https://weareneveralone.co/

Primary Topics Covered:

How grief, PTSD, and anxiety combined to trigger Paul’s depression
What depression’s “loss of joy” (anhedonia) really feels like
The hidden toll of faking wellness while struggling inside
The impact of holidays and seasonal triggers on depression
How Paul rebuilt his life through therapy, routines, and lifestyle changes
The role of honesty—with oneself and others—in recovery
Why he now views failure as growth instead of defeat

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
01:03 - Terry shares a story about stigma in depression stereotypes
02:33 - Introducing Paul Marlowe and his background in sports
03:36 - Paul’s descent into depression after major life losses
04:36 - Daily reality of anxiety, sleepless nights, and morning breakdowns
06:10 - Hiding depression in public and faking wellness
07:17 - Anhedonia: the inability to feel joy
09:05 - The “old Paul” versus the person he is today
10:34 - Growth through vulnerability, failure, and honesty
11:45 - Seasonal depression triggers during the holidays
13:03 - Building new habits: therapy, routines, sleep, and nutrition
14:22 - How honesty with himself fueled lasting change
16:23 - Reflection on stripping away old facades and rebuilding authentically
17:23 - Bridget and Terry’s reflections on Paul’s journey
18:00 - Upcoming webinar on mindful self-compassion
19:00 - Closing thoughts and resources

Dual Diagnosis Recovery: Living With Depression, Anxiety, and Addiction Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

What does it really mean to live with both depression and addiction?

In this episode, Don opens up about his decades-long struggle with clinical depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder—a combination often called dual diagnosis. Despite years of misdiagnosis and silent suffering, Don finally found hope through proper treatment, peer support, and telehealth through the VA.

He shares candidly how depression convinced him he was worthless, how addiction deepened the darkness, and how tools like medication, gratitude, and music became lifelines in his recovery. Don also reflects on the power of simply asking, “How can I support you today?” and why breaking stigma saves lives.

This is an honest, hopeful conversation for anyone navigating depression, addiction, or supporting someone they love.

Primary Topics Covered:

What “dual diagnosis” really means in mental health care
Don’s early anxiety and decades of misdiagnosis
The dangers of untreated depression and self-medicating with substances
Recovery through AA/NA and support networks
How the VA and telehealth improved access to care
Finding stability through medications like escitalopram and gabapentin
The role of music in calming anxiety and lifting mood
Why asking the right support questions matters
Challenging stigma by sharing lived experiences openly
Don’s reflections on recovery, resilience, and hope

Timestamps

00:05 Welcome and introduction
01:03 Podcast updates and live webinar announcement
02:06 Defining dual diagnosis: mental illness + addiction
03:15 Don begins his story of depression and anxiety
04:21 Early childhood anxiety and silent suffering
04:58 Initial misdiagnosis with bipolar disorder
06:05 Finding the right medication for depression and anxiety
07:59 The dangerous weight of untreated depression
08:10 Don’s history of substance use and addiction
09:03 Building strength through AA/NA recovery programs
09:56 How technology kept him connected during recovery
11:28 The life-changing role of VA telehealth access
12:20 Why Don values his mental health providers
13:07 Music as therapy: calming depression and anxiety daily
14:58 Spotting early warning signs of depression
15:50 Lessons learned from lived experience
17:14 Best ways to support a loved one with depression
19:47 Why stigma silences people—and why Don speaks up
22:28 Closing reflections and message of hope

New Year Mental Health Resolutions: How to Prioritize Self-Care and Healing Jan 04, 2022

Show notes

Every January, millions of people make resolutions—only to abandon them weeks later. But what if we shifted the focus from unrealistic goals and shame-based change to something more sustainable: prioritizing our mental health?

In this inspiring New Year’s conversation, psychologist and author Dr. Margaret Rutherford (host of the SelfWork podcast) joins us to explore what real mental health resolutions look like. Together, we discuss why self-compassion matters more than self-criticism, why true self-care goes beyond bubble baths, and how small, intentional practices can protect our mental health all year long.

Dr. Rutherford also shares insights from the American Psychiatric Association’s latest survey, showing that more than 1 in 4 Americans are committing to mental health goals in 2022. From therapy and journaling to limiting toxic social media and nurturing healthy relationships, these are resolutions that truly make a difference.

Link to Dr. Margaret Rutherford's website https://drmargaretrutherford.com

Primary Topics Covered:

Why traditional New Year’s resolutions often fail
The importance of setting goals with compassion instead of shame
How mental health resolutions differ from physical health resolutions
The role of past, present, and future in shaping self-care practices
The rise of therapy, meditation, journaling, and mental health apps
The impact of social media use on depression and anxiety
Recognizing hidden struggles and reducing stigma
How to focus on small, daily actions that support mental health

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the episode
01:08 - Why most New Year’s resolutions fail
02:09 - The value of setting clear, official goals
02:49 - American Psychiatric Association study: 1 in 4 Americans resolving to improve mental health
03:16 - The pandemic’s impact on awareness of mental health
04:09 - The danger of shame-based resolutions
05:00 - Setting mental health goals through past, present, and future reflection
06:01 - Internal validation vs. external validation in self-care
07:33 - Broadening the definition of “diet” to include media and relationships
09:09 - Effective mental health resolutions: therapy, journaling, apps, and meditation
10:34 - The benefits of virtual therapy for accessibility
11:30 - How depression and anxiety create barriers to seeking therapy
12:16 - Recognizing hidden struggles and breaking stigma
13:34 - “People don’t fake depression. They fake being okay.”
14:55 - Understanding the spectrum of mental health struggles
16:25 - Therapy as a tool for healing guilt, shame, and past actions
17:29 - Coping with uncertainty and the ongoing pandemic
18:06 - Developing internal markers of progress and wellbeing
18:29 - “There is no health without mental health”
19:24 - Closing reflections and words of encouragement

Living With Depression: Real Stories, Recovery, and Hope From the Podcast Dec 28, 2021

Show notes

Season 19 of Giving Voice to Depression brought together powerful, vulnerable conversations about what it means to live with depression. From learning that you’re not alone in your struggles, to understanding recovery as a non-linear process, to hearing about veterans’ mental health, racial trauma, journaling, and holiday survival tips—this season offered both compassion and practical insights.

In this special season wrap-up, co-hosts Bridget and Terry revisit the most impactful episodes, highlighting the resilience and wisdom of people living with depression. If you’re looking for real stories, validation, and hope, this recap will help you reflect, heal, and carry forward lessons into the new year.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why “The Beginning of Hope” resonated with so many listeners
Understanding recovery as non-linear: moving in and out of hope
Veterans’ mental health and how civilians can support them
Trauma recovery and the role of culture and community messages
Holiday mental health strategies for self-care and compassion
The power of journaling as a mental health tool
Reducing stress in social invitations with “the graceful out”
Listener-favorite story: It’s Really Hard to Fix Something Broken With Something Broken
Reflections on depression’s lies and the importance of shared voices
Gratitude for the GVTD community and a look toward the new year

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction
00:33 - Why this review is about Season 19, not 2021
01:34 - Invitation to share: “What does your depression tell you?”
02:30 - Episode 191: The Beginning of Hope
03:45 - Episode 192: Recovery Is Not Linear
05:12 - Episode on veterans’ mental health with Dr. McBride
06:33 - Civilian support for veterans’ mental health
07:46 - Episode 193: Trauma Recovery, Race, and Mental Health
09:12 - Holiday mental health advice with Dr. Maggie Mulqueen
10:36 - Behind-the-scenes blooper + journaling as a mental health tool
12:23 - Journaling to “get the ugly out”
13:48 - Dr. Anita Sands: the “graceful out” for social invitations
14:36 - Episode 195: It’s Really Hard to Fix Something Broken With Something Broken
16:04 - Listener responses and gratitude for community voices
17:31 - Acknowledgment of Facebook community support
18:13 - Closing reflections and new year wishes

Coping With Depression at Christmas: Finding Hope in the Holidays Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

The holidays are painted as a season of joy—but for many living with grief, depression, or loneliness, Christmas can feel unbearably heavy. This special holiday episode, written and read by author John Pavlovitz, is for those who struggle when everyone else seems to be celebrating.

If your heart feels heavy, if loss or depression has taken the light out of the season, this episode is a reminder: you are not alone. Millions share in this quiet grief, even if you never see their faces. And as hard as it is to imagine, the way you feel today will not always be the way you feel.

This Christmas, may these words remind you of two truths: you are not suffering alone—and this is not the end of your story.

Primary Topics Covered:

The reality of struggling with depression and grief during the holidays
Why Christmas can feel especially painful for those facing loss
Messages for those battling depression, addiction, or self-hatred
The weight of loneliness and separation during the season
Hope that today’s pain is not the end of the story
Encouragement for receiving the holidays exactly as you are
The importance of solidarity with others who “get it”

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the special holiday episode
00:48 - John Pavlovitz begins: “To those who struggle this Christmas…”
01:15 - For those grieving losses and broken relationships
02:30 - For those facing illness, hospital rooms, or funerals
03:15 - For those battling depression, addiction, or inner demons
04:00 - For those alone or separated from loved ones
04:40 - Reminder: you are not alone in this struggle
05:10 - This is not the end of your story—hope will return
05:37 - Reflection on how words can bring solidarity
05:50 - Resources and encouragement from Giving Voice to Depression

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

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

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected