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

Latest Episodes:

Gut Health and Depression: How the Microbiome Shapes Mood and Mental Health Mar 11, 2019

Show notes

Could depression begin in the gut?

In this episode, Dr. Zach Bush, one of the few triple board-certified physicians in the U.S., explains the fascinating link between gut health and depression. Drawing from both science and personal experience with major depression, Dr. Bush describes how the microbiome, inflammation, and toxins like glyphosate affect our brain chemistry and mood.

Listeners will learn how conditions like leaky gut disrupt serotonin and dopamine production, why depression rates have soared in recent decades, and what practical steps we can take — from food choices to time in nature — to restore balance.

If you’ve ever wondered how your diet, microbiome, and environment impact mental health, this conversation will give you hope and concrete strategies to improve both your physical and emotional well-being.

Link to Dr. Zach Bush's website: https://zachbushmd.com/

Links to related articles:

https://www.produceretailer.com/article/news-article/2018-dirty-dozen-and-clean-15-lists-released
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection

Primary Topics Covered:

Why rates of depression have skyrocketed since the 1900s
Dr. Bush’s personal struggle with major depression and suicidal thoughts
How glyphosate and environmental toxins damage the gut lining
What “leaky gut” is and how it affects brain function
The gut microbiome’s role in producing serotonin and dopamine
Why inflammation is a root cause of many mood disorders
How fermented foods and probiotics help restore gut balance
The power of nature, movement, and purpose in healing depression
Small daily steps to support gut health and improve mood

Detailed Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and framing: what causes depression?
01:37 – Why gut health may hold answers doctors overlook
02:08 – Dr. Zach Bush’s background and expertise
03:04 – The fine line between mental health and disorder
03:49 – A catastrophic rise in mood disorders since 1900
04:38 – Dr. Bush’s personal experience with depression and suicidal ideation
05:49 – Why depression isn’t a personal weakness
06:27 – The role of glyphosate and toxins in disrupting gut health
07:33 – How toxins spread globally through water and air
08:33 – Why the microbiome is central to serotonin and dopamine production
09:12 – How to build resilience: exposure to diverse ecosystems
09:41 – Making smart choices with organic foods
09:59 – Fermented foods and the return of microbiome diversity
10:35 – Can gut health improvements reduce the need for depression meds?
10:55 – Purpose, gratitude, and finding meaning in healing
12:18 – The 4-minute exercise routine for energy and mood
13:09 – 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/

How Talking About Depression Can Heal Families Across Generations Mar 04, 2019

Show notes

In this moving episode, we explore how open conversations about mental health can spark healing that extends across generations. Dan, a father who once resisted sharing his struggles with depression, found strength in speaking out. His openness inspired his son, Kendall, to step forward and share his own story of living with depression.

Together, they reveal how honest dialogue deepened their relationship, broke cycles of silence, and created a ripple effect of healing within their family. Their story highlights the power of vulnerability, the importance of checking in with loved ones, and the reality that depression does not have to be carried alone.

This is an inspiring example of how breaking stigma and “being comfortable with being uncomfortable” can help families—and future generations—move toward hope and healing.

Primary Topics Covered:

The impact of silence vs. openness in families living with depression
How a father’s decision to share inspired his son to speak out
Recognizing depression’s voice and internal dialogue
Building resilience and connection through honest conversations
The ripple effect of generational healing

Timestamps:

00:57 – Opening reflections on unexpected stories of healing
02:15 – Dan shares how listening helped him open up about depression
03:12 – Kendall explains why his father’s openness inspired him
04:19 – Hearing a parent talk about depression for the first time
05:17 – How Dan’s story removed barriers for Kendall to share
06:29 – A pivotal father-son conversation after hospitalization
07:47 – Talking about depression within a family for the first time
09:23 – The guilt and confusion of “having no reason to be depressed”
10:12 – Depression’s negative inner voice and its impact
11:36 – Coping strategies Kendall uses to reset during depression
12:55 – Siblings stepping in as added support within the family
13:28 – The power of asking “How are you, really?”
15:30 – The ripple effect: healing across generations
16:39 – Closing reflections on connection, stigma, and hope

What NOT to Do When Living with Depression or Bipolar Disorder Feb 25, 2019

Show notes

Coping with a mental illness like depression or bipolar disorder isn’t just about what you should do — it’s also about avoiding behaviors that can sabotage recovery. In this episode, guest Catherine Ponti shares her personal journey of living with bipolar disorder and the hard lessons she’s learned about behaviors that made her healing more difficult.

From denial and dismissal to medication non-adherence and reckless choices, Catherine’s story sheds light on the six most common mistakes people make when coping with mental illness. By sharing her experiences openly, she helps others recognize harmful patterns and take proactive steps toward recovery.

If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in your mental health journey, this episode offers both cautionary tales and a message of hope: with the right support, treatment adjustments, and mindset, recovery is possible.

Link to NAMI blog article: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/January-2019/Coping-with-Mental-Illness-What-Not-to-Do

Link to ForLikeMinds resources: https://www.forlikeminds.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

Why “what not to do” is just as important as traditional mental health advice
Catherine’s experience with severe bipolar disorder and hospitalizations
How a medication change transformed her recovery
Six harmful behaviors to avoid when coping with mental illness
The role of denial, dismissal, and recklessness in blocking progress
Why self-belief and peer support communities matter for recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction
01:26 - Shifting focus: what NOT to do in coping with mental illness
01:55 - Catherine’s journey with bipolar disorder and recovery challenges
02:50 - The impact of ineffective treatment and changing psychiatrists
04:16 - How a new medication regimen changed everything
05:19 - Six behaviors to avoid: starting with treatment ambivalence
06:53 - Taking ownership in your own recovery process
08:16 - The dangers of denial and dismissal
09:38 - Ignorance and refusal to learn about your condition
09:45 - Medication non-adherence and its consequences
10:31 - Recklessness and relapse risk
11:24 - Overcoming being “stuck” through peer support and self-belief
12:26 - Catherine’s online community: For Like Minds
12:51 - Podcast anniversary and gratitude to listeners
13:21 - Closing reflections and hope

Suicide Prevention and Awareness: A Grieving Mother Speaks Out After Loss Feb 18, 2019

Show notes

When Patty Kijawa’s teenage son Jack died by suicide, her world was shattered. Through unimaginable grief, she has found the strength to speak openly—hoping her family’s story might save another.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Patty shares her journey as a grieving mother, the subtle changes and warning signs she wishes more families knew, and why teens often open up to friends rather than parents. Her message is one of both heartbreak and hope: that through awareness, compassion, and open conversations, we can prevent other families from experiencing the same loss.

If you’ve ever wondered what suicide warning signs to look for, or how to support a struggling teen, Patty’s voice offers both painful honesty and life-saving insight.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Primary Topics Covered:

A mother’s story of losing her teenage son to suicide
Why grief after suicide is uniquely painful and complex
The subtle warning signs parents may miss
Why teens often share their struggles with peers, not adults
How one mother turned tragedy into suicide prevention advocacy
Bringing awareness to schools and communities
Faith, resilience, and finding meaning in loss
Crisis resources and the importance of reaching out

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and suicide awareness message
01:41 – Patty shares her son Jack’s story
03:18 – Their last family conversation before his death
04:37 – A mother’s final goodbye
05:56 – Speaking about Jack at his memorial
07:39 – What Jack wrote to encourage others
08:12 – Private struggles revealed in his diary
09:08 – Why suicide warning signs are easy to miss
09:53 – Friends noticing changes before adults do
10:39 – Red flags and behaviors parents should watch for
10:58 – Patty shares her message in schools
11:31 – Faith and finding purpose through grief
12:23 – Suicide prevention resources and support

Losing a Child to Suicide: A Mother’s Story of Grief, Love, and Mental Health Awareness Feb 11, 2019

Show notes

When Patty Kajawa lost her teenage son Jack to suicide, her world changed forever. Jack was funny, kind, and deeply loved—but like so many living with depression, he hid his pain behind a mask.

In this episode, Patty shares her family’s story with raw honesty, reflecting on what she wishes parents, teachers, and teens knew about depression and suicide. From the importance of asking direct questions—like “Are you safe?”—to why honesty in therapy is critical, her message blends heartbreak with hope.

Patty also offers a powerful reminder that suicide prevention is not only about awareness campaigns, but about daily kindness, listening without judgment, and making sure our loved ones know they belong.

Primary Topics Covered:

A mother’s experience losing her son to suicide at 18
Why depression often looks different than stereotypes suggest
The importance of honest conversations about suicidal thoughts
The role of kindness and belonging in suicide prevention
What Patty wishes more parents, teens, and providers understood
Why awareness alone isn’t enough to save lives
The importance of telling the truth in therapy and psychiatry
Holding onto hope and honoring lost loved ones

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month context
01:15 - Radical belonging and prevention: reflections from Jess Stoneman-Raney
02:54 - Patty Kajawa introduces her kindness challenge for Jack’s birthday
04:02 - Small acts of kindness as suicide prevention
05:27 - Revisiting Patty’s 2018 interview about her son Jack
06:38 - Dr. Barbara Moser on the complexity of suicide prevention
09:28 - Patty shares Jack’s story and family struggles
11:24 - Jack’s humor, kindness, and hidden depression
12:31 - Why teens may not tell the truth in therapy
13:55 - The reality of depression masking and stereotypes
15:09 - Patty and Jack’s phrase: “Are you safe?”
16:05 - Mental health days and coping tools for kids
17:12 - Wrestling with guilt and the “what ifs”
18:26 - Patty’s faith and her commitment to share Jack’s story
19:08 - Updated language guidelines around suicide
19:31 - Final reflections and closing

What Depression Really Feels Like: Symptoms, Misconceptions, and Paths to Recovery Feb 05, 2019

Show notes

Depression is more than just “feeling sad.” It changes how you think, move, sleep, eat, and connect with others. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Anita Sands helps us break through the most common myths and misconceptions about depression.

You’ll learn what depression really feels like from the inside—why it’s not laziness, weakness, or something you can just “snap out of.” Dr. Sands explains the symptoms to watch for, how brain fog and negative thought spirals make life feel impossible, and why professional support is often needed for recovery.

We’ll also share ways to support someone who is struggling, with real-life examples and language you can use to start compassionate conversations. Whether you’re experiencing depression yourself or trying to help someone you love, this episode offers clarity, hope, and practical next steps.

Primary Topics Covered:

The difference between sadness and clinical depression
Key symptoms of depression: mood, energy, sleep, appetite, and focus
Understanding brain fog and cognitive changes in depression
Why guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness intensify symptoms
The role of time (two-week diagnostic threshold) in identifying depression
Misconceptions about depression as “weakness” or “laziness”
The importance of therapy, medication, and other professional support
How friends and family can check in and offer real help
What to say when you don’t know what to say

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and hosts
01:16 – What depression actually is (and what it isn’t)
02:12 – Why depression should be seen as a serious illness
02:41 – Emotional symptoms: sadness, irritability, numbness
03:33 – Energy shifts: restlessness, exhaustion, and withdrawal
04:23 – Behavioral changes: lack of motivation, loss of interest, “zombie walk”
05:04 – Cognitive symptoms: brain fog and difficulty concentrating
06:21 – Duration and when depression becomes diagnosable
07:51 – Seeking help: therapy, medication, or both
08:27 – Why recovery often requires multiple approaches
09:20 – Supporting loved ones: starting safe conversations
10:07 – Michael Phelps example: checking in with a struggling friend
11:00 – Helping with logistics: appointments and practical support
12:24 – Supportive language: “You deserve to feel better”
13:34 – Comparing depression to cancer to illustrate severity
14:10 – Resources: website and Facebook community
14:58 – Closing reminder of hope and recovery

Elderly Mental Health and Depression: Stories of Aging, Stigma, and Support Jan 29, 2019

Show notes

Depression in older adults is often misunderstood or dismissed as a “normal” part of aging. But the reality is, late-life depression is common, underdiagnosed, and too often left untreated. In this heartfelt episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we revisit a conversation with Mary, a 93-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who bravely shared her struggles with aging, loneliness, and depression.

Mary’s honest words highlight the stigma older generations face in talking about mental health, the unique challenges of losing friends and independence, and the importance of connection, presence, and support.

This replay not only honors Mary’s voice but also shines a light on the urgent need to address mental health in older adults with compassion, openness, and community.

Primary Topics Covered:

The stigma around mental health in older adults
Why late-life depression is often overlooked or dismissed
The impact of loneliness and loss on seniors’ mental health
The importance of family, connection, and showing up
Practical ways to support aging loved ones experiencing depression

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and context of the episode
01:13 – Remembering Mary and honoring her voice
02:28 – Mary introduces herself and speaks about being 93 and depressed
03:10 – Generational stigma and attitudes toward mental health
03:46 – Coping with aging, deafness, and loneliness
04:59 – How stigma and self-stigma impact older adults
06:06 – Mary’s reflections on feeling ashamed of depression
07:28 – Why seniors struggle to open up about depression
08:39 – What support looks like to Mary
09:54 – The universality of wanting someone to show up and care
10:58 – Healthy habits and mental health in older adults
11:52 – Reflections on Mary’s courage and message
12:10 – Closing thoughts and preview of next week’s episode

Childhood Depression: Warning Signs and When to Seek Help Jan 22, 2019

Show notes

Depression doesn’t just affect adults—it can begin in childhood, often going unnoticed until years later. In this episode, Sally looks back at her own childhood and shares how her early signs of depression were overlooked and misunderstood. From excessive sleeping to dark writing and persistent sadness, Sally’s story highlights why recognizing and responding to childhood depression is crucial.

Listeners will learn what warning signs to watch for, why stigma often delays support, and how families, schools, and communities can intervene earlier to change the trajectory of a child’s life.

This conversation is a reminder to parents, educators, and caregivers: children often lack the words to describe what they’re feeling, but their behaviors, writings, and silences may be speaking for them.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why childhood depression often goes unnoticed
Key symptoms of depression in children (sleep changes, isolation, dark writing, loss of joy)
The role of grief and family dynamics in worsening depression
How stigma and lack of awareness delay intervention
The life-changing difference of medication and therapy later in life
Why parents, teachers, and mentors must tune in and take action
Sally’s message of hope: with awareness and support, children today don’t have to suffer in silence

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Why childhood depression matters
01:00 - Sally’s story: looking back at her 10-year-old self
02:15 - Early symptoms: excessive sleeping, sadness, and withdrawal
03:25 - The impact of grief after losing her grandmother
04:10 - Dark poetry as a cry for help
05:10 - Teacher concern that went unaddressed at home
06:05 - A childhood letter that revealed hidden depression
07:30 - Growing up without mental health support
08:40 - First diagnosis and antidepressant experience in adulthood
10:05 - The struggle with stopping and restarting medications
12:20 - Building a successful career while managing depression
13:20 - How depression still “feels like wearing a rain-soaked coat”
14:30 - The importance of recognizing childhood depression today
15:40 - Ending stigma and demanding support for kids
16:50 - Final reflections: helping children get help sooner

Mental Health Podcast Highlights: Real Stories of Depression and Hope Jan 15, 2019

Show notes

In this special “Season Seven in Review” episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry reflect on the most powerful moments from the past nine episodes. Each guest shared a unique perspective on depression—covering personal struggles, treatment breakthroughs, and powerful reminders of connection and hope.

You’ll hear insights from suicide attempt survivors, mental health advocates, parents, therapists, and everyday people who stepped forward to share their lived experiences. This review episode works like an audio table of contents, helping you discover which full conversations resonate most with you while reminding us all that we are never alone in the fight against depression.

Whether you’re coping with depression yourself or supporting a loved one, these highlights will give you practical tools, encouragement, and hope to carry forward.

Primary Topics Covered:

The power of connection in preventing suicide and creating hope
Genetic testing for depression treatment and personalized medicine
How national conversations (including royals in the UK) reduce stigma
Reflections on living with depression as siblings and podcast co-hosts
Managing expectations and emotions during the holidays
Gratitude, connection, and reframing depression’s role in our lives
Messages of hope to younger suicidal selves and struggling listeners
The importance of talking to children about mental health early
Community and solidarity as tools to reduce isolation

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and podcast milestone (100,000 listens)
01:26 – Why review episodes matter
02:31 – David Woods Bartley: Connection creates hope and saves lives
04:19 – Scott: Genetic testing and finding new energy with MTHFR treatment
06:20 – Bobby Temps: Encouraging a national discussion on mental health
07:46 – Dan Udell: Know Yourself podcast and sibling perspectives on depression
10:00 – Steve Austin: Getting real about the holidays and mental health
10:59 – Dan: The best gifts—gratitude, connection, and hope
13:25 – Reframing depression and finding control
13:36 – John Pavlovitz: “To Those Who Struggle at Christmas”
16:16 – Charlotte: Messages to my younger suicidal self
17:59 – TJ: Talking to your children about mental health
19:48 – Community reminders: “You are not alone”
20:20 – Closing reflections and season wrap-up

How to Talk to Children About Depression: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health Conversations Jan 08, 2019

Show notes

Children are often more observant than we realize—they notice when a parent is struggling with depression or anxiety, even if no one names it. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest T.J. shares his journey of living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, and how he found the courage to talk openly with his young son about mental health.

Instead of hiding his struggles, T.J. chose honesty—and in doing so, he built trust, reduced stigma, and gave his child the tools to understand mental health at a young age.

This conversation explores why parents need to talk about depression, how to explain mental illness in age-appropriate ways, and why ongoing conversations matter more than a single talk. Listeners will come away with practical strategies and emotional encouragement for having these difficult but necessary family discussions.

Link to WebMD article on Children's Mental Health: https://www.webmd.com/depression/mental-health-depression-children#1

Primary Topics Covered:

Why children notice depression and anxiety in parents
How secrecy about mental health increases fear and stigma
Tips for explaining depression to kids in simple, non-scary language
Why honesty builds trust and resilience in children
The role of love, listening, and empathy in family mental health conversations
Why ongoing dialogue matters more than a one-time talk
T.J.’s message to parents struggling with whether to speak up

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Why children need honest conversations about depression
01:42 - T.J.’s story: living with depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD
03:05 - How his struggles affected daily life and relationships
05:18 - The turning point: realizing his son noticed his depression
07:10 - Why silence around mental health creates confusion and stigma
09:04 - How T.J. explained depression to his child in simple terms
11:20 - Encouraging ongoing conversations, not just one talk
13:15 - Tips for parents on honesty and age-appropriate language
14:50 - Building resilience in children through openness
16:40 - Closing reflections: why breaking stigma begins at home

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