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

Latest Episodes:

Depression Recovery Stories: Lessons, Hope, and Mental Health Support Oct 23, 2018

Show notes

In this special Season Six Review of Giving Voice to Depression, co-hosts Brigitte and Terri reflect on the most powerful moments and lessons shared across the season. Through deeply personal and inspiring first-person accounts, this episode highlights resilience, healing, and the critical importance of support in coping with depression.

From the hidden toll of trauma on first responders, to navigating guilt, grief, and suicide prevention, listeners will hear authentic stories of courage and community. You’ll also learn practical ways to check in on loved ones, reduce stigma, and offer meaningful support—whether online or in person.

If you’re seeking hope, connection, or resources for mental health and suicide prevention, this recap provides a roadmap of episodes that can help you or someone you love feel less alone.

Primary Topics Covered:

The underreported mental health struggles of first responders
A son’s journey to understand and heal after his father’s suicide
Living with guilt and depression after tragedy—and finding hope
Suicide prevention awareness and everyday ways to support someone in crisis
The power of empathy, online community, and human connection
Crisis lines and why reaching out can save lives
Talking openly about depression to reduce stigma and shame

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and purpose of the season review
01:00 – Honoring guests who shared their vulnerable stories
03:22 – First responders and depression: the hidden toll of trauma
05:32 – A son’s journey after his father’s suicide
07:43 – Guilt, depression, and recovery after tragedy
09:13 – Suicide prevention awareness: support beyond hotlines
10:46 – Sam Dylan Finch’s 11 ways to support someone in crisis
12:55 – How empathy and online communities can save lives
15:30 – Crisis lines: why reaching out matters
17:48 – Early intervention and maintaining mental health
19:03 – Breaking stigma: the importance of talking about depression
21:28 – Closing reflections and invitation to Season Seven

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/

Depression Symptoms and Signs: How to Recognize, Talk About, and Get Help Oct 16, 2018

Show notes

Depression affects more than 350 million people worldwide, but too often its symptoms are misunderstood, ignored, or hidden because of stigma. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terri and Brigitte walk through the common signs and symptoms of depression based on the DSM-5, and welcome guest Alexandria Brown, author of You, Me, and Depression.

Alex shares her personal journey from anxiety in her teen years, to experiencing undiagnosed depression through college, to finally learning how to name and manage her illness. She discusses the turning point moments when she realized something was deeply wrong, and how therapy, medication, family support, and even pet therapy became critical tools in her recovery.

The conversation highlights the power of naming depression, breaking stigma, and choosing compassion for yourself instead of judgment. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is a powerful reminder: you are not alone, and help is available.

Primary Topics Covered:

Defining depression using DSM-5 criteria
Why stigma prevents early recognition and treatment
Alexandria Brown’s story: from anxiety to depression diagnosis
How recognizing depression can change self-compassion and healing
Coping tools: therapy, antidepressants, pets, and support networks
The importance of sharing stories and building community
Breaking myths: depression doesn’t look the same for everyone

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Why talking about depression matters
01:00 – DSM-5 symptoms of depression explained
03:00 – Guest intro: Alexandria Brown, author and mental health advocate
03:40 – Early struggles with anxiety and undiagnosed depression
05:00 – The impact of stigma and silence around mental health
06:30 – College years: breakdown and realizing something was wrong
07:40 – How diagnosis helped with self-compassion and clarity
09:30 – The role of therapy, antidepressants, and supportive family
10:45 – The surprising benefits of pet therapy for depression
12:00 – Why depression is different for everyone
13:40 – Stigma, judgment, and the invisibility of depression
15:00 – Finding strength in vulnerability and shared stories
17:00 – Closing reflections: depression is real, help is possible

Preventing a Mental Health Crisis: Early Warning Signs and Steps to Stay Safe Oct 09, 2018

Show notes

How do you recognize when depression is escalating into a crisis—and what can you do before it reaches that point? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we continue our conversation with Corinne, who bravely shares how calling a suicide prevention hotline saved her life during a dark period of postpartum depression.

Now, from a place of healing, she explains the warning signs of a mental health decline, the tools she uses to prevent relapse, and why early action is essential. We discuss how to create a personal “mental health scale” for monitoring your well-being, practical self-care steps to stabilize before a crisis, and the importance of connection, honesty, and support.

If you’ve ever wondered how to recognize when it’s time to reach out for help—or how to support someone you love—this conversation offers both hope and practical strategies.

Link to Corrine's original article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

Primary Topics Covered:

The lifesaving role of crisis hotlines and immediate intervention
Postpartum depression and suicidal thoughts: Corinne’s story of survival
Creating and using a “mental health scale” (1–10 system) to monitor well-being
Early warning signs that depression may be worsening
Practical steps: therapy, exercise, rest, meditation, and connection
How openness and sharing reduce stigma and isolation
Why prevention and early intervention matter as much as crisis response

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and its purpose
01:14 – Corinne’s story: postpartum depression and the suicide hotline call that saved her life
02:06 – Shifting from survival to recovery: how hope returned
03:23 – Why sharing stories of recovery is essential for reducing stigma
04:25 – Building a “mental health scale” to track warning signs before a crisis
05:31 – Practical steps to take when symptoms worsen (therapy, connection, rest, exercise, meditation)
06:20 – The importance of reaching out to trusted loved ones
07:34 – Recognizing the difference between normal sadness and a mental health crisis
08:42 – Why early intervention makes recovery easier and more effective
09:19 – How hotlines provide immediate “shock paddles” to restart hope
10:44 – The danger of secrecy: why openness saves lives
11:06 – Reframing honesty about depression as “the gift of sharing your experience”
12:04 – Proactive strategies to change course before a breakdown
12:33 – Why silence and shame make depression worse
13:07 – Closing thoughts: breaking stigma and honoring shared stories

988 Suicide Hotline: What to Expect When You Call and How It Can Help Oct 02, 2018

Show notes

When you’re in crisis, knowing that help is just three digits away can make all the difference. In this episode, journalist Corinne Purtill shares her deeply personal experience of calling a suicide hotline during a dark moment in her life. She opens up about the misconceptions she had about crisis lines, what actually happened when she dialed, and how that call changed everything.

We also discuss what callers can expect when reaching out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, why you don’t need to be suicidal to call, and how trained listeners provide immediate support, guidance, and hope.

This episode is a reminder that crisis lines save lives, and that reaching out is a powerful act of courage—not weakness.

Link to Corinne Purtill's article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

Primary Topics Covered:

Misconceptions about suicide hotlines and who they are for
What it’s like to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
How depression convinces people to hide their struggles
The importance of having the right words to ask for help
Why silence and shame worsen mental health struggles
Corinne’s story of reaching out and finding hope through connection
What recovery looks like after a crisis

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and the importance of 988 as the new suicide hotline number
01:00 – Why the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline matters
02:06 – Corinne’s story: never expecting to call a hotline
03:34 – How depression convinces us to stay silent
04:35 – Misconceptions about privacy vs. shame
04:46 – The risk of stopping antidepressants during pregnancy
06:05 – Hiding depression behind a smile
06:54 – The shame that fuels silence and suicidal thoughts
08:08 – Depression’s biggest lie: convincing you it’s reality
09:09 – Corinne makes a plan to end her life
09:43 – The moment she decided to call the hotline
10:30 – What to say when you reach out for help
10:57 – The power of having words to ask for support
11:24 – What happens if you’re placed on hold when calling 988
12:46 – Recovery after crisis: therapy, medication, and ongoing support
13:38 – Recognizing warning signs before “code red”

How to Support Someone with Depression: Why Listening and Empathy Save Lives Sep 25, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry remind us that suicide prevention and support aren’t just about professionals, therapy, or medication. Sometimes, the most life-saving act is simply listening and showing up with empathy.

Guests Bea and Debbie share powerful, raw experiences of reaching out to the Giving Voice to Depression Facebook community during their darkest moments. From losing a spouse to nearly ending their life, both found strength, hope, and connection through the kindness of strangers who took time to respond with compassion.

You’ll learn why you don’t need to be an expert to make a real difference in someone’s life—and why empathy, validation, and presence can mean everything to someone in pain.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why suicide prevention requires daily awareness, not just during awareness month.
How lived experience and peer support can sometimes help more than clinical advice.
Bea’s story of loss and how community empathy carried her through grief.
Debbie’s near-suicide and the crucial role of online support in saving her life.
Why listening, empathy, and small gestures can truly save lives.
Encouragement to step in, even in small ways, when someone is struggling.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and mission of the podcast
01:00 - Suicide Prevention Awareness beyond one month
01:28 - Guests Bea and Debbie share why they reached out for support
02:07 - Why you don’t have to be an expert to make a difference
03:06 - Bea on finding community after her husband’s sudden death
04:28 - The healing power of empathy and being heard
07:06 - Love, empathy, and caring in online communities
09:00 - Why sharing stories and tools matters
11:14 - Debbie’s experience with suicidal crisis and reaching out
12:45 - How community support shifted her perspective
14:16 - Why lived experience makes peer support powerful
15:24 - Small acts of connection that save lives
16:20 - Humanity, hope, and why saying “you’re not alone” matters
17:45 - Closing thoughts and reminder: speak up and listen up

How to Help Someone with Depression: Ways to Support a Loved One Who’s Struggling Sep 18, 2018

Show notes

When someone you love is living with depression, it’s not always easy to know how to help. Do you step in with advice? Should you just listen? What if you say the wrong thing?

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, writer and mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares 11 meaningful ways his loved ones supported him through depression, anxiety, and difficult times. These examples—big and small—show how trust, compassion, and simple presence can make all the difference.

Whether you’re a friend, partner, parent, or sibling, you’ll learn practical ways to support someone without overstepping, and how to keep showing up even after the crisis moment has passed.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why advice often backfires when someone is struggling
How to navigate the mental health system alongside a loved one
Supporting someone who struggles with both depression and substance use
The importance of trust—even when you disagree with their choices
Why it’s crucial to keep checking in after someone “seems better”
Balancing caregiver burnout with continued support
Simple, powerful words that help someone feel safe and cared for

Timestamps:

00:02 – Introduction to the episode and series
00:46 – Why support matters even when it’s hard to ask for help
02:46 – #6: Don’t lecture or push treatment advice
04:42 – #7: Helping navigate the mental health system
07:20 – #8: Maintaining trust, even in difficult choices
08:44 – Supporting without judgment in substance use struggles
10:21 – How to encourage safety planning with compassion
11:10 – #9: Keep checking in, even when they appear better
12:33 – #10: Taking a caregiver break without causing harm
14:15 – #11: Don’t wait for someone to ask for help—reach out
16:27 – Why ongoing support matters after the “crisis” moment
20:31 – Two powerful things supporters can say to help someone feel safe
21:59 – Why we must learn this “support language” for mental health
22:32 – Closing thoughts and gratitude to guest Sam Dylan Finch

How to Support Someone with Depression: Practical Tips That Truly Help Sep 11, 2018

Show notes

When someone you love is struggling with depression, it can be hard to know how to help. Do you offer advice? Do you step back? Do you just listen? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we talk with Sam Dylan Finch, who shares five practical, real-life ways that friends and family can step in to offer meaningful support during a mental health crisis.

Sam’s perspective is shaped not by theory, but by lived experience. These are things people actually did for him that made a difference. From listening without judgment, to helping with daily tasks, to building a support team—this episode is filled with ideas you can use right away.

If you’ve ever worried about “saying the wrong thing” or wondered how you can truly show up for someone in the dark, this conversation will give you clarity, compassion, and concrete steps to take.

Link to Sam's full list: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/

Primary Topics Covered:

Why listening matters more than offering solutions
Asking what someone needs instead of assuming
Offering simple, practical help with daily tasks
The importance of checking on basic self-care (eating, sleeping, medication)
Why learning about your loved one’s condition is a sign of respect
Sending tangible reminders of care and love
Using a team approach so no one supporter feels overwhelmed

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and context
01:00 - Why offering support can feel awkward and difficult
02:40 - The importance of listening over talking
05:10 - Asking what’s needed instead of assuming
07:00 - Offering help with daily tasks like meals or chores
09:10 - Checking on basic needs: food, water, sleep, medication
09:50 - Learning about your loved one’s mental health condition
10:20 - The value of tangible reminders, like small gifts or notes
11:07 - Taking a team approach to support
13:24 - Why supporters also need support themselves
14:18 - Building a contact list for crisis situations
15:27 - Resources: Crisis Text Line and Suicide Prevention Lifeline
16:30 - Final reflections and encouragement

Living with Guilt, Depression, and Trauma: Finding Forgiveness and Healing Sep 04, 2018

Show notes

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Cindy Kolbe shares her journey through overwhelming guilt, grief, and depression after a tragic car accident left her daughter paralyzed. For years, Cindy carried the crushing weight of self-blame, believing she had failed her family. She opens up about her struggles with major depression, the difficulty of forgiving herself, and the slow, painful process of healing.

But this story isn’t only about despair—it’s about resilience, hope, and the transformative power of love. Cindy describes how her daughter’s determination and joy after the accident inspired her, and how practices like therapy, medication, and meditation helped her cope. Her story is a reminder that even after life-altering tragedy, recovery and meaning are possible.

Whether you’re struggling with guilt, depression, or simply searching for hope after hardship, Cindy’s journey will encourage you to keep going.

Link to Cindy's blog: http://www.strugglingwithserendipity.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

The connection between guilt and depression
The impact of a life-altering accident on mental health
Struggles with self-forgiveness and self-worth
The role of therapy, antidepressants, and meditation in recovery
The importance of hope, resilience, and community support
Cindy’s daughter’s inspiring journey from paralysis to independence and achievement

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and context for the episode
02:00 – Understanding depression as a complex condition
03:07 – Cindy’s early experiences with depression and medication
03:41 – The night of the accident and its aftermath
05:31 – Cindy’s caregiving role and feelings of guilt
07:26 – The crushing weight of depression and guilt
08:54 – How guilt fueled feelings of unworthiness
09:16 – Her daughter’s resilience and unexpected joy
10:30 – Therapy, antidepressants, and meditation as coping tools
12:14 – The importance of hope and community support
13:25 – Her daughter’s inspiring accomplishments
15:29 – How tragedy unexpectedly reshaped their lives for the better
16:15 – Finding gratitude and meaning after loss
17:21 – Closing reflections and reminder about suicide prevention

Suicide Loss and Healing: Stories of Grief, Recovery, and Saving Lives Aug 28, 2018

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Sebastian Slobodin shares his deeply personal journey after losing his father to suicide at age six. Growing up in silence and stigma, he struggled with depression himself until a chance encounter opened the door to healing.

Sebastian embarked on a global pilgrimage, speaking with dozens of his father’s friends to better understand the man he lost—and in the process, he uncovered lessons about self-worth, resilience, and the dangers of defining ourselves by external success.

Years later, his healing journey empowered him to step in and save another man’s life, proving that sharing our stories can create ripple effects of hope.

This conversation is a moving reminder that grief doesn’t have to be faced alone, recovery is possible, and your story may one day save someone else’s life.

Learn more about Sebastian and his father in the book Ashes in the Ocean, available on Amazon.com: www.amazon.com/Ashes-Ocean-Through-Learning-Fathers/dp/0692051198

Primary Topics Covered:

The devastating impact of a parent’s suicide on a child
Growing up in silence, stigma, and unprocessed grief
How self-worth tied to external success increases mental health risks
The turning point: finding connection through shared experiences of loss
Lessons learned from a global pilgrimage to understand his father
How sharing his story allowed Sebastian to help save another life
The importance of speaking openly about suicide and mental health
Finding meaning and purpose after tragedy

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression and episode theme
01:10 - Sebastian’s story introduced: loss of his father to suicide
03:08 - Growing up in an “ideal” home that hid painful struggles
03:36 - His father’s suicide at age six and its impact
04:52 - Struggling with depression and isolation as a teen
05:44 - The life-changing conversation with his father’s friend
06:43 - Realization: he was not alone in his grief
07:06 - Starting a pilgrimage to interview 40 of his father’s friends
08:18 - Learning deeper lessons about life, identity, and success
09:29 - The dangers of basing self-worth on external achievements
10:28 - Sebastian’s chance to help another suicidal father
12:11 - Visiting the same hospital where his father had died
13:41 - Therapist’s perspective on self-worth and vulnerability
15:41 - The importance of processing grief over a lifetime
17:31 - The unique power of lived experience in suicide prevention
20:09 - Recognizing self-worth even when you can’t see it yourself
21:33 - The clarity Sebastian felt when sharing his truth with others
22:01 - Closing reflections and message of hope

Depression in First Responders: Mental Health Crisis Among Police, Firefighters, and EMTs Aug 21, 2018

Show notes

First responders are trained to run toward danger while the rest of us run away. But the weight of constant trauma, danger, and stress takes a toll. In this episode, former sheriff’s deputy Monica Quesnell shares her powerful story of battling depression while serving in law enforcement.

We explore the staggering rates of suicide among first responders, the stigma that prevents many from seeking help, and why prioritizing mental health in these professions is literally a matter of life and death. Monica’s journey from despair to healing is an inspiring reminder that even the strongest among us need—and deserve—support.

This episode is for anyone who works in high-stress frontline roles—or loves someone who does. Together, we can fight stigma, build resilience, and create a culture where asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Link to Monica Quesnell's website: http://bespokehappiness.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

The impact of chronic stress and trauma on first responders’ mental health
Alarming statistics on suicide and depression in law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs
Monica’s personal journey: depression, law enforcement work, and finding healing
Why stigma keeps first responders from seeking mental health support
Practical tools and coping strategies Monica used to reclaim her life
The importance of awareness, peer support, and professional counseling

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode
01:01 – The link between chronic stress, trauma, and depression
02:18 – First responders’ unique mental health challenges
02:55 – Suicide rates among first responders
03:42 – Introducing guest Monica Quesnell
04:08 – Monica’s story: battling depression and finding purpose in law enforcement
05:13 – Starting counseling and the emotional impact of the job
06:57 – A traumatic case that shifted Monica’s perspective
08:14 – Witnessing suicide on duty and its lasting impact
09:43 – Choosing to leave law enforcement for her mental health
10:40 – Healing through biking, gardening, painting, and reconnecting with loved ones
12:27 – Coping strategies for “bad days” with depression
13:01 – A 2,400-mile bike ride to raise awareness for first responder mental health
13:57 – Monica’s advocacy work and Bespoke Happiness project
16:39 – Closing reflections: breaking stigma and supporting those on the front lines

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