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

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Supporting Veterans’ Mental Health: PTSD, Depression, and Suicide Prevention Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

How can civilians better support veterans living with PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts?

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychiatrist and veteran Dr. Mike McBride shares insights on the unique challenges veterans face after service — from the military culture of hiding pain to the stigma that prevents many from seeking help.

Dr. McBride explains how civilians can bridge the cultural gap and support veterans through listening, appreciation, and practical community support. He also discusses how families can recognize when a loved one is struggling, how to talk about safe firearm storage, and why suicide prevention requires honest conversations.

If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to truly support the veterans in your life, this episode offers compassionate, actionable guidance.

Link to Veterans Crisis Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Link to Military Benefits Explainer: https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/be-there-for-veterans.html

Primary Topics Covered:

Why veterans often struggle to ask for mental health help
The cultural disconnect between military and civilian life
Three ways civilians can support veterans: listen, appreciate, and support
How neighbors and communities can show awareness (e.g., fireworks and PTSD)
The role of families in recognizing signs of depression or PTSD
Safe firearm storage as suicide prevention
How to have difficult conversations without triggering defensiveness
Why talking about service builds trust and connection

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Veterans Day reflection
01:03 – Dr. Mike McBride on veterans’ unique culture and mental health challenges
02:19 – Why veterans feel disconnected from civilian life
03:06 – Military training: mission first, self-care last
04:03 – First step: civilians should ask veterans about their service
05:24 – The healing power of telling one’s story
06:02 – Second step: showing appreciation for service and sacrifice
06:49 – Dr. McBride’s own sacrifices for deployments
07:29 – Third step: supporting veterans in school, work, and community life
08:26 – Fireworks, PTSD, and a community’s compassionate response
09:49 – Families reaching out when veterans resist help
10:57 – Suicide risk in veterans: statistics and prevention efforts
11:43 – Firearm culture, safe storage, and crisis prevention
12:48 – How to talk about guns and suicide safely with veterans
14:23 – Dr. McBride’s direct message to veterans: lead with your strengths
15:22 – Closing reflections: the power of talking openly about trauma
16:28 – Crisis line resources for veterans and families

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/

Veterans and Mental Health: Coping with PTSD, Depression, and Recovery After Service Nov 10, 2020

Show notes

In this Veterans Day conversation, psychiatrist and veteran Dr. Mike McBride joins the podcast to discuss the unique mental health challenges facing those who served. Drawing from his experience in the Army and Navy as well as his work at the Milwaukee V.A., Dr. McBride explains why PTSD, depression, and suicide risk are critical issues for veterans — and how both medical professionals and civilians can better support them.

He shares how loss and isolation, worsened by the pandemic, compound mental health struggles, and outlines practical tools for veterans to stay connected, resilient, and hopeful. From the Veterans Creed to safe gun storage conversations, this episode offers guidance not only for veterans themselves but also for families, friends, and communities who want to help.

Link to Veteran's Crisis Linehttps://www.veteranscrisisline.net

How to Be There for Veterans: https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/be-there-for-veterans.html

Serving Together Project: https://servingtogetherproject.org/

MHA RR House: https://www.facebook.com/RRHouseMHA/

Primary Topics Covered:

Veterans’ unique mental health challenges (PTSD, depression, trauma)
The role of loss and isolation in worsening depression
How the Veterans Creed can provide grounding and purpose
Suicide prevention: the importance of connection and safe gun storage
Civilian support: asking about service, showing appreciation, and creating safe communities
Building resilience and post-traumatic growth after service
Why veterans often avoid seeking help — and how families can bridge the gap

Timestamps:

00:11:00 – Dr. McBride introduces himself and his dual role as psychiatrist and veteran

00:16:40 – His journey from child psychiatry to serving in the Army and Navy after 9/11

00:18:35 – Reflections on deployments, trauma, and the lasting toll of war

00:22:47 – Why military culture requires people who understand veterans’ experiences

00:25:15 – COVID-19, isolation, and the rise in depression among veterans

00:27:18 – Exploring the link between loss and depression

00:30:20 – The Veterans Creed as a tool for daily resilience

00:33:44 – Importance of connection and suicide prevention outreach

00:36:46 – How civilians can better understand and support veterans

00:39:42 – Why veterans struggle to ask for help — and how families can step in

00:44:33 – Teaching medical students to ask difficult questions about depression, suicide, and firearm safety

00:47:07 – The challenge of gun safety in veteran suicide prevention

00:48:59 – Final message: veterans as leaders in healing divided communities

Growing Up with a Parent Who Has Mental Illness: Coping and Healing Strategies Nov 02, 2020

Show notes

Millions of children grow up with a parent struggling with depression or another mental illness. This episode explores the hidden impact parental mental illness can have on kids, including the silence, guilt, and self-blame they often carry. Guest Michelle Dickinson shares her story of growing up with a mother with bipolar disorder and how it shaped her childhood and adulthood.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz offers expert insights into what children need to know, how parents can protect their kids even while struggling, and practical, low-energy strategies that foster love and connection at home.

This episode is for anyone navigating the challenges of mental illness in families—whether you are a parent, child, or loved one.

Link to Michelle Dickinson's site: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/

Link to Michelle Dickinson's article: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/protecting-our-happy/

Link to Michelle Dickinson's book:

https://breakingintomylife.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

Michelle Dickinson’s experience growing up with a parent with bipolar disorder
How children often internalize a parent’s mental illness as their fault
The “chameleon effect” of kids adapting to unpredictable moods
What parents can do to protect and support their children while managing depression
The importance of honesty and low-barrier parenting strategies
How children can begin separating their parent from the illness
The role of therapy, support networks, and modeling care

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and topic
01:00 - How a son realized his father’s depression through a friend’s perspective
02:00 - Revisiting an interview with Michelle Dickinson about growing up with a bipolar parent
03:20 - Early signs of her mother’s mental illness
04:20 - Living through cycles of mania and deep depression
05:10 - Hospitalizations and limited explanations as a child
06:40 - Internalizing blame for a parent’s illness
07:15 - Adapting as a “chameleon” to survive at home
08:00 - The fear and unpredictability of coming home
09:00 - The long-term impact on voice, needs, and self-worth
10:00 - What kids need to hear: “It’s not your fault”
11:00 - Learning that her mother was not her disease
12:20 - Forgiveness and understanding after her mother’s death
13:20 - How Michelle’s own depression deepened her empathy
14:30 - Advice for kids and partners of people with depression
16:10 - The importance of treatment and medication
18:00 - Expert insights from Dr. Anita Sands on parenting with depression
19:00 - Why honesty and consistency matter for children
21:00 - How kids often misinterpret a parent’s symptoms as rejection
23:00 - Practical low-energy strategies for parents to connect with kids
24:30 - Terri shares her own story of a Thanksgiving spent in bed
25:20 - Final reflections and resources for families

Guided Self-Compassion Meditation for Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Healing Oct 27, 2020

Show notes

In this bonus episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Barbara Moser—trained in Mindful Self-Compassion and a passionate mental health advocate—guides listeners through a short self-compassion break. This accessible meditation draws from Kristin Neff’s foundational work and integrates the three pillars of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness.

The practice is designed to be used in moments of stress, anxiety, or emotional struggle, offering a gentle and effective tool you can return to anytime.

Listeners are reminded that self-compassion is not about ignoring difficulties but about meeting them with kindness, perspective, and care. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking for a reliable practice to add to your mental health toolkit, this guided exercise provides a grounding, healing pause.

Primary Topics Covered

Introduction to self-compassion as a mental health tool
The three pillars of self-compassion (mindfulness, common humanity, self-kindness)
Step-by-step guided self-compassion break
Practical ways to adapt the practice for daily stress and anxiety
The importance of gentle, non-judgmental self-support

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to mindfulness and self-compassion
00:48 - Starting the guided self-compassion practice
01:15 - Choosing a manageable situation for practice
02:10 - Recognizing mindfulness: naming the difficulty
03:05 - Common humanity: knowing you’re not alone
04:00 - Self-kindness: soothing touch and kind words
06:10 - Offering yourself supportive phrases
07:20 - Applying the practice in daily life
08:35 - Closing thoughts and community support

How to Stop Negative Self-Talk: Replacing Self-Criticism with Self-Compassion Oct 27, 2020

Show notes

Most of us would never speak to a friend the way we speak to ourselves. Yet for people living with depression, negative self-talk and constant self-criticism can feel relentless and exhausting.

In this episode, we explore how to challenge the inner critic and begin building a voice of self-compassion instead. You’ll hear real stories from people who struggle with the daily cycle of “I’m not enough” and learn practical strategies for shifting toward kinder, more balanced self-talk.

Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or just the weight of unrealistic expectations, this episode will help you see why words matter — especially the ones you say to yourself.

Link to Dr. Kristin Neff's Self-Compassion program: https://self-compassion.org/link

Link to Barbara's Mindful Self-Compassion website: CompassionMKE.com

Primary Topics Covered:

Why self-talk has such a powerful impact on mental health
Common patterns of negative self-talk in people with depression
The difference between self-awareness and self-criticism
Why the inner critic is loudest during stress or isolation
Practical techniques for catching and reframing harmful thoughts
The role of self-compassion in healing and recovery
How practicing new internal dialogue strengthens resilience
Personal stories of moving from harshness to kindness

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: The hidden weight of negative self-talk
01:19 – Why we speak to ourselves more harshly than to loved ones
02:36 – Common forms of self-criticism in people with depression
04:05 – The difference between self-awareness and destructive judgment
05:42 – How depression amplifies feelings of “not enough”
07:13 – Techniques to notice and interrupt negative thought spirals
09:28 – Reframing: turning “I’m a failure” into “I’m learning”
11:02 – Why self-compassion is not self-indulgence
12:18 – Stories of people practicing kinder internal dialogue
14:05 – Building resilience through positive self-talk habits
15:27 – Closing: Choosing words that heal instead of harm

Practical Mindfulness Exercises for Stress Relief, Anxiety, and Depression Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Barbara Moser—a retired physician and suicide prevention advocate—guides us through practical, evidence-based mindfulness and self-compassion techniques.

These simple yet powerful exercises can help you calm your nervous system, lower stress, and create space for resilience when depression or anxiety feels overwhelming. From mindful breathing to self-soothing touch and emotional naming, Dr. Moser shows how small, daily practices can make a meaningful difference in mental health and emotional stability.

If you’re looking for accessible, real-world tools to manage stress, depression, and anxiety, this episode is a compassionate place to start.

Primary Topics Covered:

What self-compassion really means and why it improves mental health
How mindfulness helps regulate emotions during times of stress
Breathing techniques to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety
Using longer exhalations to reset during difficult moments
The role of soothing touch in emotional regulation and grounding
Naming emotions to create space and reduce overwhelm
Why practicing mindfulness and self-compassion supports suicide prevention
Practical ways to weave these exercises into daily life

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and welcome

01:34 – Why this season focuses on mental health during the pandemic

02:44 – Guest introduction: Dr. Barbara Moser

03:05 – What self-compassion is and why it matters

04:33 – How self-compassion helps with depression and anxiety

05:17 – The definition and power of mindfulness

06:26 – Using mindfulness in unpredictable times

07:37 – Combining mindfulness and self-compassion for coping

08:09 – Dr. Moser shares her personal struggles and tools

09:22 – Choosing mindful actions when feeling overwhelmed

09:59 – Guided breathing exercise for grounding

12:08 – The science behind longer exhalations

12:53 – Using soothing touch for self-care and comfort

14:52 – Practicing self-care as a way of meeting, not erasing, emotions

15:34 – Naming emotions to increase resilience

16:35 – Closing reflections and gratitude

How to Deal with Depression in Isolation: Coping with Exhaustion, Loneliness, and Change Oct 13, 2020

Show notes

How do you deal with depression in isolation?

In this powerful conversation, Hobbs shares how the pandemic amplified his depression, turning simple check-ins like “how are you?” into impossibly complicated questions. He describes the exhaustion of constant change, the loneliness of lost routines, and the mood swings that can shift within hours.

Through honesty and vulnerability, Hobbs reveals the coping tools that keep him afloat — community, exercise, medication, and the support of hearing others’ stories. His words remind us that while depression lies and isolation magnifies it, connection and self-care can help us find steadier ground.

If you’ve ever wondered how to deal with depression when you’re exhausted or alone, Hobbs’ story offers comfort and validation.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why “How are you?” feels more complicated during a pandemic
Living with depression when moods shift multiple times a day
The impact of isolation and lost routines on mental health
Physical signs of depression and stress (clenched jaw, exhaustion)
Why exhaustion is a universal experience during times of change
Coping tools: exercise, community, and medication
Fighting stigma around men and antidepressants
Depression’s inner voice vs. your true self
Building a “depression toolbox” before a crisis hits
The importance of speaking up, listening up, and connection

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro — revisiting an archived conversation
01:00 Why “how are you?” feels so different during the pandemic
02:30 Hobbs on mood swings: “I can only tell you how I feel right now”
04:10 The role of news, negativity, and triggers in daily mood shifts
05:40 Isolation and the loss of community/exercise routines
07:40 Exhaustion and sleeping up to 18 hours at a time
09:50 Recognizing depression’s impact on body and mind
11:00 Normalizing brain fog and fatigue in uncertain times
12:15 Why hearing others’ stories builds connection and hope
14:00 Depression’s inner voice vs. reality — battling absolutes (“always,” “never”)
15:40 Hobbs on the “depression toolbox” — medication, exercise, community
17:30 Breaking stigma: why men also need medication and support
18:50 Closing reflections: self-care, connection, and the value of every listener

Suicide Prevention and Depression Support: Insights on Stigma, COVID-19 Stress, and Recovery Planning Oct 06, 2020

Show notes

In this special Season 14 review episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry look back at the powerful stories, expert insights, and lessons shared over the past 13 episodes. From navigating depression during the uncertainty of COVID-19 to breaking stigma, preventing suicide, and planning for wellness, this season brought raw honesty and deep hope.

Listeners will hear highlights from conversations about:

How the pandemic changed mental health and may help reduce stigma
The reality of “the impossible task” and depression’s hidden struggles
Returning to work during COVID-19 and frontline mental health challenges
Personal recovery stories that dismantle stigma and inspire hope
Suicide prevention through shared lived experience and recovery plans
Tools like WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) to prepare before crisis

This recap offers reassurance, reflection, and reminders that you are not alone—especially in times of uncertainty and struggle.

Primary Topics Covered:

How COVID-19 exposed mental health struggles and stigma
Depression symptoms that don’t always look like sadness
Workplace challenges during and after the pandemic
Firsthand stories of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and recovery
The importance of planning ahead with safety and wellness strategies
Stigma vs. recovery in mental illness (including bipolar disorder)
Tools and therapies for calming racing thoughts (ACT therapy)
The power of children’s voices and recognizing early depression signs

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and context: pandemic, uncertainty, and mental health
01:11 – Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month mattered more than ever
02:37 – Could COVID-19 finally destigmatize mental illness? (Dr. Jessi Gold)
04:13 – The “impossible task” explained with lived experience (M. Mali Bacchus)
05:28 – Returning to work and pandemic anxiety (Sayair Sultan)
07:12 – Mental health on the COVID frontline (hospital chaplain Christy)
09:22 – Stigma vs. recovery: Michelle Yang’s bipolar disorder story
10:51 – Stopping a racing mind with ACT therapy (Dr. Steven C. Hayes)
12:59 – Children and depression: spotting the signs (Susan Ringle)
14:24 – Bob’s story: suicide attempt and recovery
16:21 – “Don’t give up”: voices of survivors offering hope
18:00 – Creating a crisis plan: WRAP safety strategies with Katrina Koppel
20:20 – Closing reflections and looking ahead to Season 15

Mental Health Crisis Plan: How to Recognize Triggers and Create a Safety Strategy Sep 29, 2020

Show notes

When life feels overwhelming, having a mental health crisis plan in place can be the difference between spiraling and finding stability. In this episode, we continue our discussion of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and explore how to identify triggers, recognize early warning signs, and create a personalized strategy to protect yourself during difficult moments.

With guest Katrina, an advanced WRAP facilitator, we walk through practical steps you can take to strengthen your resilience and give your support network the tools they need to step in effectively when things get tough.

This conversation is about empowerment, preparation, and hope — because mental health planning is not a sign of weakness, but a form of self-care and strength.

Link to PDF WRAP Worksheet: www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

Info on Wellness Recovery Action Plans: https://www.wellnessrecoveryactionplan.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

What a mental health crisis plan (WRAP) is and why it matters
Identifying triggers and how to respond to them in healthy ways
Recognizing early warning signs before things worsen
How to create a personal action plan for when things start to break down
The role of support networks in crisis planning
Practical steps for post-crisis recovery and reflection
How WRAP plans empower individuals through choice and preparation

Timestamps:

00:49 – Introduction to the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
01:13 – Defining triggers and why identifying them matters
02:19 – Common examples of external triggers
03:42 – Coping with overwhelming emotions
04:23 – Recognizing early warning signs of decline
05:33 – Building action plans around self-awareness
06:10 – Signs that things are getting worse and when to act
07:32 – Creating a detailed crisis plan
08:49 – Including medications, contacts, and trusted supporters
09:52 – How a WRAP plan keeps everyone on the same page
11:07 – Involving friends, family, and professionals in crisis planning
12:39 – Overcoming stigma and asking for help during crisis
13:32 – Post-crisis recovery and lessons learned
14:36 – Why mental health planning is “wellness insurance”
16:25 – Accessing WRAP resources and tools online
17:01 – The value of peer support in recovery
17:54 – Inviting listeners to share their own planning experiences

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP): How to Stay Mentally Healthy and Prevent Crisis Sep 22, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we explore the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)—a practical, step-by-step tool designed to help you maintain mental health, recognize early warning signs, and prepare for crises before they happen. Hosts Terry and Bridget are joined by Katrina Coppel, a certified peer specialist and WRAP facilitator, who explains how to create and personalize a mental health plan that works for you.

The conversation highlights how daily wellness tools, crisis planning, and self-awareness strategies can make the difference between falling into crisis and staying safe. You’ll also hear real-life examples from the Giving Voice to Depression community about what keeps them grounded and well.

Whether you live with depression, anxiety, or another mental health challenge—or you simply want to build resilience—this episode provides practical steps you can start today.

WRAP Information: https://mentalhealthrecovery.com/

WRAP PDF Worksheet: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

Primary Topics Covered:

What a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is and how it helps
Why writing down your daily wellness plan increases success
Identifying triggers and early warning signs before crisis hits
Creating a personalized wellness toolbox with simple, effective coping skills
The role of hope, meaning, and values in sustaining mental health
Community voices: real strategies from people who manage depression daily
Why WRAP works beyond mental illness—chronic pain, stress, and life challenges

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Suicide Prevention Month and the importance of prevention
01:15 – Desmond Tutu’s wisdom: upstream prevention vs. crisis response
02:04 – Why making a written plan matters for mental health
02:57 – Guest introduction: Katrina Coppel on WRAP and how it works
04:49 – WRAP as a customizable framework for self-care and recovery
06:59 – Daily wellness tools and building your personal “wellness toolbox”
08:06 – Community voices: coping strategies from listeners
10:08 – Writing reminders and keeping your plan visible
11:32 – The role of hope, values, and meaning in staying grounded
12:22 – Defining your “baseline self” when you’re well
13:22 – Why reminders of your well self matter during depression
14:45 – Creating a daily maintenance plan that’s realistic and achievable
16:35 – Habits that help but are easy to neglect (exercise, nature, water, etc.)
17:49 – The impact of uncertainty and why planning is more essential now
18:33 – A personal commitment: starting a WRAP plan today
19:27 – Looking ahead: triggers, early warning signs, and crisis planning
20:24 – Closing thoughts: Speak up, listen up, and keep planning

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