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

Latest Episodes:

What I Wish I Knew as a Teenager Struggling with Depression and Anxiety Jan 01, 2019

Show notes

In this powerful conversation, Charlotte Underwood reflects on her teenage years living with undiagnosed depression and anxiety. She opens up about the darkness she experienced, the resilience she didn’t know she had, and the lessons she wishes her younger self could have known. Now in her 20s, Charlotte shares how she moved from isolation and despair to building a life filled with love, connection, and purpose. Her story is one of honesty, hope, and encouragement for every teen — or adult — who feels lost in depression.

Primary Topics Covered:

Charlotte’s early struggles with anxiety, depression, and trauma
The loneliness of growing up without understanding mental illness
Why depression convinces you that nothing will ever get better
Lessons she wishes she had known at 14 about mental health, resilience, and support
The role of therapy, self-care, and small acts of kindness in recovery
How love, connection, and self-acceptance can transform life
Encouragement and messages of hope for struggling teens today

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and podcast mission
01:11 - Depression’s convincing lies about permanence
01:36 - Discovering Charlotte’s gratitude post online
02:49 - Charlotte’s early struggles as a teenager
03:57 - How she envisioned her future at 14
04:52 - Building a life she never thought possible
05:41 - A joyful night that sparked her message of hope
07:10 - What she wishes she knew about depression as a teen
07:56 - Discovering her resilience and inner strength
08:53 - The importance of support from family and friends
10:15 - Hiding depression and self-harm from loved ones
11:02 - Why she thought she would be rejected if she shared
12:08 - Understanding that support often exists if you reach out
13:14 - Discovering that different treatments exist and work differently
13:10 - Knowing the future can hold joy, love, and purpose
14:20 - Charlotte’s direct message to struggling teens
16:09 - Hosts reflect on Charlotte’s resilience and hope
17:47 - The metaphor of keeping the spark of hope alive
19:00 - Closing reflections and inspiration

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/

Holiday Depression Is Real: Support and Hope for Christmas When You’re Struggling Dec 23, 2018

Show notes

For many people, Christmas isn’t joyful—it’s painful. Depression, grief, and loneliness often intensify during the holidays, making it feel impossible to celebrate.

This special holiday episode, written and read by John Pavlovitz, is a message for anyone who feels unseen or overwhelmed this season. Whether you’re grieving, battling depression or anxiety, living with addiction, or struggling with self-worth, this episode offers compassion, solidarity, and hope.

You are not weak. You are not alone. And this moment, as heavy as it feels, is not the end of your story.

Link to John Pavlovitz's article: https://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/12/24/to-those-who-struggle-this-christmas/

Primary Topics Covered:

Why depression and anxiety often worsen during Christmas
The hidden struggles behind “holiday cheer”
Messages for those grieving or facing loneliness
Compassion for those battling addiction and self-hatred
The importance of solidarity: you are not the only one suffering
Why holiday depression doesn’t mean permanent hopelessness
Words of hope for surviving this season

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and episode introduction
00:38 - John Pavlovitz begins holiday message
01:15 - For those grieving losses and broken relationships
02:05 - For those struggling with depression and anxiety
02:55 - For those battling addiction or self-hatred
03:40 - For those feeling isolated or forgotten this Christmas
04:25 - Reminder: you are not alone in this struggle
05:00 - This pain is not permanent—your story continues
05:32 - Closing encouragement and holiday reflections

Breaking Stigma with Depression Recovery Stories: How Gratitude, Connection, and Hope Can Save Lives Dec 17, 2018

Show notes

In this powerful holiday-themed episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dan shares his journey of living with anxiety and depression while hiding his struggles for decades. After a hospitalization that saved his life, he found strength in community, gratitude, and openness. Inspired by others who had shared their stories, Dan bravely speaks publicly about his own experience for the first time.

Through his candid reflections, listeners will hear how shame and stigma can silence people—even when they’re surrounded by loved ones—and how connection and honesty can open the door to healing. This heartfelt conversation highlights three life-changing gifts: gratitude, connection, and hope.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of depression or struggled to share your truth, this episode is for you.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why many people hide their depression due to stigma and shame
The life-saving role of hospitalization and support networks
How gratitude and openness can shift perspective in recovery
The importance of breaking silence and talking about depression
Generational differences in openness about mental health
Why connection and community are essential in healing

Timestamps:

00:08 – Introduction to the episode
01:26 – The three gifts: gratitude, connection, and hope
02:42 – Meet Dan and his story of hidden depression
04:20 – Avoiding conversations about mental health
05:01 – Hospitalization and confronting suicidal ideation
06:16 – Finding the courage to speak publicly about depression
07:57 – How shame and stigma fuel silence
09:28 – The relief and power of talking openly
10:40 – The impact of depression on family and loved ones
11:45 – Conversations with his son and breaking generational silence
12:36 – Realizing depression doesn’t discriminate
13:46 – The role of self-talk and negative thought cycles
14:15 – Small but important steps toward change
15:25 – Why sharing stories reduces stigma and brings hope
16:36 – Closing reflections on courage and hope for the new year

Holiday Depression and Stress: Coping with Family, Finances, and Loneliness Dec 11, 2018

Show notes

The holiday season brings joy for some, but for many, it’s a time of overwhelming pressure, financial strain, family conflict, and loneliness. In this candid conversation, self-care consultant Steve Austin shares strategies for surviving holiday depression with grace and realism. From setting boundaries to rethinking gift-giving and embracing imperfect traditions, this episode is full of practical tools and compassionate reminders that you can create a season that honors your mental health.

Whether you’re grieving, stressed, or just feeling “bah humbug,” you’ll find hope, validation, and concrete ways to lighten the load.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why the holidays trigger depression and anxiety for so many
The top two holiday stressors: finances and family dynamics
Letting go of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations
Creative, low-cost traditions that bring genuine joy
How to set boundaries with difficult family situations
What to do if you’re spending the holidays alone
The role of self-care and permission to say “no”
Why giving (time, presence, kindness) matters more than gifts

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and the holiday mental health theme
01:26 – The joy vs. dread of the holidays: why experiences differ
02:27 – Guest Steve Austin joins the conversation
03:42 – The two biggest holiday stressors: finances and family
05:02 – Letting go of “perfect Christmas” expectations
05:42 – Simple, affordable traditions that matter most
07:40 – Childhood memory: the “perfect” $20 Christmas
09:11 – How to navigate family drama and blended traditions
10:14 – What to do when you’re alone during the holidays
11:18 – Self-care basics for surviving holiday stress
12:29 – The importance of giving (beyond material gifts)
13:33 – Final reflections on permission, boundaries, and connection
14:02 – Closing thoughts and reminder: you are not alone

Depression Stories That Inspire Hope: Giving Voice to Mental Health Through Podcasting Dec 04, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, we flip the script as Giving Voice to Depression co-host Terri sits down with podcaster and mental health advocate Dan Udell of Know Yourself. Together, they discuss what it means to live with depression, how sharing real stories through podcasting can reduce stigma, and why open conversations about mental illness are critical for connection and healing.

Listeners will hear candid reflections on navigating depression, the origins of Giving Voice to Depression, and the power of storytelling to remind us that none of us are alone.

If you’ve ever wondered how sharing your mental health story can help others—or how podcasts are changing the conversation around depression—this episode is for you.

Link to full interview here: https://anchor.fm/knowyourself/episodes/Know-Yourself---Episode-68---An-interview-with-Terry-from-Giving-Voice-to-Depression-podcast-e2gt5n

Primary Topics Covered:

Why the Giving Voice to Depression podcast began
How personal stories about depression help fight stigma
The role of podcasting in mental health advocacy
Depression’s impact on identity, self-talk, and relationships
Coping strategies and the importance of support systems
Differences in how people experience and express depression
Why humor, honesty, and storytelling matter in recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introductions
00:35 - Why sharing depression stories matters
01:07 - Dan Udell on mental health advocacy and podcasting
02:00 - Terri shares her depression journey and podcast origins
05:03 - The role of family and support in coping with depression
06:22 - Lessons from crisis line volunteering
08:01 - A powerful story of suicide prevention and human connection
10:15 - Humor, honesty, and breaking stigma through conversations
11:19 - Terri describes what living with depression feels like
13:25 - PTSD, trauma, and the science of ACEs
14:30 - How siblings experience depression differently
17:41 - Podcast resources and where to find support
19:41 - Closing reflections and messages of hope

How to Help Someone with Depression: Why Mental Health Education Matters Nov 27, 2018

Show notes

Why don’t we teach kids how to recognize and respond to depression in school? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we talk with Bobby Temps, host of Mental: The Podcast to Destigmatize Mental Health, about how mental health education could change—and even save—lives.

Bobby shares his own story of struggling with depression as a young adult without the tools or language to understand what he was going through. From online tests to therapy and community support, he explains how resources helped him recover and inspired his advocacy.

This conversation highlights the urgent need for open, national conversations about depression and mental health—in schools, families, and communities—to end stigma and build resilience for the next generation.

Link to Bobby Temps's mental health podcast: http://mentalpodcast.co.uk

Primary Topics Covered:

Bobby Temps’ experience with depression and the lack of early education
Why living under pressure and expectations worsened his mental health
How online tools and self-tests gave him clarity
The role of therapy and community support in recovery
The importance of teaching signs of depression in schools
How stigma thrives in silence and misinformation
Bobby’s petition to make mental health part of the UK school curriculum
The role of public figures like Prince Harry in reducing stigma
The empowering reminder: “You are enough.”

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and guest introduction: Bobby Temps
01:37 - Bobby’s early experiences with depression at university
02:52 - Struggles with daily functioning and recognizing warning signs
03:43 - Turning to online resources and depression self-tests
04:58 - Getting a diagnosis and first steps toward recovery
05:54 - Therapy, counseling, and social support in healing
07:05 - Why schools should teach mental health education
09:24 - Petition for mandatory mental health curriculum in the UK
10:52 - How Prince Harry and others opened national conversations
12:40 - Bobby’s message: You are enough, exactly as you are
14:11 - Closing reflections and next steps for change

Depressed and Always Tired? How Genetic Testing May Unlock New Answers Nov 20, 2018

Show notes

Are you living with depression and extreme fatigue that never seems to improve?

In this powerful episode, Scott, a husband and father, shares his journey of living with depression and exhaustion—and how a simple genetic test revealed an MTHFR gene mutation that changed his treatment path.

After the devastating loss of his grandmother and a flare of depression and suicidal thoughts, Scott sought help from a therapist who suggested genetic testing. What he discovered explained his low energy, depression, and anxiety—and with a simple prescribed supplement, he experienced a life-changing difference in just weeks.

This episode explores how genetic testing for depression and fatigue can open new treatment options, why so many people carry the MTHFR mutation without knowing it, and how lifestyle and diet changes can also help.

If you’ve ever wondered why you’re always tired and depressed despite treatment, Scott’s story may offer new hope.

Link to research article: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/MTHFR#

Link to more of an informal explanation: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-integrationist/201409/genetic-mutation-can-affect-mental-physical-health

Primary Topics Covered:

Scott’s lived experience with depression, anxiety, and exhaustion
The loss that triggered a severe depressive episode
Why suicidal thoughts often accompany major depressive relapses
How his therapist suggested genetic testing for depression treatment
What the MTHFR gene mutation is and how it affects energy and mood
The affordable test that revealed Scott’s mutation
How supplements and lifestyle changes can improve depression symptoms
The importance of sharing discoveries to help others with depression

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to today’s episode
01:33 – Scott’s journey: from listener to guest
02:21 – What sparked his curiosity about genetic testing
03:34 – Life crisis: loss of his grandmother and relapse into depression
04:05 – The return of suicidal thoughts
04:29 – His wife activates family support and encourages therapy
04:50 – Intake session: describing exhaustion as his main symptom
05:34 – The therapist suspects an MTHFR gene mutation
06:10 – A blood test confirms the genetic mutation
06:51 – Learning he cannot process B vitamins effectively
07:05 – Prescription supplement brings dramatic changes
08:21 – Scott describes newfound energy and relief from fatigue
09:08 – Why he wanted to share his discovery with others
09:23 – The power of community in mental health recovery
10:12 – Broader discussion: 30–45% of people may carry this mutation
11:45 – Lifestyle, diet, and stress-reduction strategies that help
13:08 – Co-hosts reflect on testing and their own fatigue
14:26 – Closing thoughts and resources

How to Help Someone Considering Suicide: Connection, Hope, and Recovery Stories Nov 13, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, David Woods Bartley shares his powerful story of surviving a suicide attempt and finding healing through connection. He explains how small acts of curiosity, recognition, and expression can create hope — and why connection is one of the most powerful tools in suicide prevention.

David’s journey takes us from the edge of a bridge to a life filled with purpose, self-care, and advocacy. He shows how asking the right questions, listening without judgment, and building trust can literally save lives.

Listeners will learn practical ways to support loved ones who are struggling, reframe their own self-care, and understand why connection is the cornerstone of recovery.

Link to David Woods Bartley's website: https://www.davidwoodsbartley.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

Why connection is central to suicide prevention
David’s personal story of surviving a suicide attempt
The toxic “voice of depression” and how it speaks the same lies to many people
How curiosity, recognition, and authentic expression create hope
Lessons from working with animals as metaphors for understanding human behavior
The role of first responders and compassionate questioning in crisis
Building a daily self-care practice (sleep, nutrition, exercise, therapy, spirituality)
Reframing dark anniversaries into days of gratitude and growth

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and podcast
01:00 – International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day explained
01:30 – Dr. John Draper on suicide prevention and connection
02:00 – Introducing guest David Woods Bartley
02:20 – David’s unique background and use of animal stories for teaching
03:00 – The deer story and lessons about misunderstanding behavior
04:20 – Connection as curiosity, recognition, and expression
05:15 – Why expressing appreciation is life-saving
07:00 – David shares his suicide attempt story on the bridge
08:00 – A first responder’s life-saving questions
09:00 – Discovering “positive doubt” and stepping back from the edge
10:20 – Lessons learned in recovery and importance of daily self-care
11:30 – Redefining August 31st as his “New Year’s Day” of gratitude
12:30 – Reflections on how connection creates hope and saves lives
14:20 – Closing thoughts and invitation to join the community

Holiday Depression and Anxiety: Coping With Stress and Protecting Your Mental Health Nov 06, 2018

Show notes

The holidays are supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for many, they bring stress, grief, financial strain, and worsening depression. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz helps us unpack why holiday depression and anxiety are so common—and how to care for your mental health when expectations feel overwhelming.

From practical coping strategies to compassionate mindset shifts, this conversation offers tools you can use right away to reduce stress, navigate family dynamics, and create a season that supports your well-being instead of draining it.

If you struggle with holiday depression or anxiety, you are not alone—and you deserve a holiday that includes peace, self-care, and permission to do less.

Primary Topics Covered

Why depression and anxiety often worsen around the holidays
How grief, finances, and social expectations intensify stress
Dr. Anita Sands’ “holiday gift” of compassionate invitations
The power of giving yourself permission to say “no” or change traditions
Self-care basics for protecting mental health during busy seasons
Coping with comparison, pressure, and guilt
Practical ways to reduce stress and find meaning

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: depression and the holiday season
01:13 – Why depression and anxiety often worsen during holidays
02:26 – Family dynamics and the pressure of expectations
03:42 – Why some people withdraw during celebrations
05:33 – The role of grief and exhaustion in holiday depression
06:31 – Dr. Sands’ “holiday gift” of low-pressure invitations
07:22 – Practicing compassion and flexibility with others
08:44 – The importance of self-care during stressful times
10:46 – Reconnecting with love, hope, and goodwill
12:46 – Giving yourself permission to choose differently
13:56 – Doing less and protecting your mental health
14:46 – The cost of holiday stress—emotional and financial
16:12 – Changing traditions to support well-being
17:15 – Closing encouragement and holiday reminders

Overcoming Depression: Real Stories of Survival and Mental Health Recovery Oct 30, 2018

Show notes

Depression can feel relentless—but recovery is possible, even after the darkest moments. In this episode, we share a powerful story of survival, relapse, and resilience. You’ll hear how early struggles with anxiety and depression led to suicide attempts, hospitalization, and self-stigma—and how persistence, treatment, and support eventually helped shape a life of purpose and hope.

If you’ve ever felt like recovery is out of reach, this conversation is proof that setbacks don’t mean failure. It’s a reminder that depression is real, but so is healing.

Link to Mark Henick's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QoyTmeAYw

Primary Topics Covered:

The weight of childhood anxiety and depression symptoms
Suicide attempts, hospitalization, and the gaps in psychiatric care
The turning point: a life saved by human connection
Why relapses are part of recovery—not proof of failure
Practical coping strategies that work (therapy, meds, structure, sleep)
Overcoming self-stigma and learning to accept depression as an illness
Building resilience, patience, and hope

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Depression, stigma, and the power of shared stories
02:30 - Childhood struggles with anxiety, depression, and misunderstood symptoms
04:15 - Early suicide attempts, hospitalization, and the limits of psychiatric care
06:45 - The night on the bridge—and the stranger who saved his life
08:45 - Why early intervention and mental health education in schools matter
11:20 - Relapse as part of recovery: accepting setbacks without shame
13:30 - Coping strategies that work: therapy, medication, sleep, and awareness
15:45 - Patience, persistence, and perspective in long-term recovery
17:15 - Battling self-stigma: reframing depression as an illness, not weakness
19:45 - Final reflections: hope, resilience, and breaking stigma

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