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

Latest Episodes:

How Shared Mental Health Stories Help Fight Depression Stigma and Build Community Aug 14, 2018

Show notes

Season 3 of Giving Voice to Depression brought powerful, honest, and deeply human stories about living with and overcoming depression. From moments of despair on a London bridge to the healing found in college recovery, relationships, theater, and community support, each episode reminds us that talking openly about mental illness can break isolation and inspire hope.

In this review episode, Bridget and Terri reflect on key lessons learned from Season 3—including the lifesaving impact of compassion, the power of listening, and how stigma continues to silence too many voices. Whether you’re living with depression, supporting someone who is, or seeking ways to reduce stigma in your community, this season’s stories offer connection, strength, and encouragement.

Primary Topics Covered:

The lifesaving role of empathy and compassion in moments of crisis
Breaking stigma and empowering others by sharing lived experience
College student struggles with depression and hope for recovery
Building recovery through self-care and patience—“brick by brick”
The intersection of race and mental health in Black communities
Coping with depression during the holidays and beyond
The gift of listening and reflective communication in support
Using storytelling, theater, and conversation to fight stigma
Childhood depression: warning signs and the importance of early help
How stigma impacts relationships and depression disclosure

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and purpose of the season review
01:00 – Stories of compassion and empathy: The man on the bridge
03:00 – Finding hope and recovery years later
04:30 – Kevin Briggs: The Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge
05:25 – College depression and Justin’s story of recovery
06:25 – Building recovery brick by brick with Brent Williams
07:15 – Black Mental Health Matters with Philip Roundtree
08:00 – Depression, the holidays, and boundaries with Anita Sands
09:00 – The power of community support during crisis
10:00 – The gift of listening and reflective communication
11:30 – Starting the conversation with comedian Frank King
12:30 – Childhood depression and early intervention
13:30 – Ripple effects of storytelling and theater in fighting stigma
15:00 – A couple’s perspective: stigma, relationships, and depression
16:20 – Closing reflections and gratitude for shared stories

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/

College Student Mental Health: Coping with Depression, Stress, and Loneliness Aug 07, 2018

Show notes

College can be a time of growth and excitement, but for many students, it also brings stress, loneliness, and depression. In this episode, Justin shares his personal journey through the challenges of living with depression during his college years. From the early signs of struggle in adolescence to a crisis point in college, Justin’s story highlights the importance of awareness, support, and recovery.

He opens up about the impact of isolation, the night he nearly ended his life, and how reaching out to his family and seeking treatment gave him a path forward. His honesty and resilience serve as a reminder that while depression can steal time and connection, healing and hope are possible.

This conversation offers support not only for students but also for parents, friends, and educators who want to better understand and address the realities of college mental health.

Primary Topics Covered:

Understanding depression in college students
The link between academic pressure, loneliness, and mental health
Justin’s personal journey from adolescence into a college mental health crisis
The warning signs of depression and suicidal thinking
How isolation worsens mental health struggles
The role of family, therapy, and medication in recovery
Moving from a suicide attempt to hope and resilience
Why sharing stories breaks stigma and builds connection

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode
00:42 – Why college student mental health matters
02:05 – Justin’s early signs of depression in adolescence
03:14 – College life and the spiral of isolation
04:18 – Depression’s impact on friendships and academics
05:22 – Reaching a crisis point: the night Justin almost ended his life
06:41 – Opening up to his family and beginning the recovery process
07:52 – Treatment, therapy, and learning patience with medication
08:47 – Finding hope after surviving depression
09:35 – Lessons learned: resilience and perseverance in young adulthood
10:29 – The importance of connection and sharing stories
11:47 – Justin’s book Hell Has No Stars and closing reflections

Men’s Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and the Truth About Antidepressants Jul 31, 2018

Show notes

In this powerful season review, we revisit the most impactful conversations from Season Five of Giving Voice to Depression. From learning how to ask for help when words feel impossible, to breaking myths about suicide, to understanding depression in men, every episode this season carried a message of courage, resilience, and hope.

We also highlight groundbreaking approaches to treatment like genetic testing for antidepressants, and deeply personal stories about self-forgiveness, stigma, and the hidden "mask" many of us wear.

This season reminded us that depression is not weakness, recovery is possible, and sharing stories can save lives.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why asking for help is harder than it sounds — and specific ways to do it
Suicide prevention insights from experts and survivors
Debunking common myths about suicide and depression
Men’s mental health and reframing depression as strength
Genetic testing and personalized treatment for depression
Self-forgiveness after a suicide attempt
The “mask” of depression — and the importance of removing it
Building a supportive community through open conversations

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Why season reviews matter
01:01 - How Giving Voice to Depression grew in Season Five
02:12 - The importance of normalizing mental health conversations
02:49 - Specific ways to ask for help with depression (Sam Dylan Finch)
06:04 - Suicide in the headlines: Anthony Bourdain & Kate Spade
06:39 - How the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline saves lives
08:00 - Breaking suicide myths with Mark Henick
10:19 - A survivor’s story of hope and recovery
11:30 - Genetic testing for personalized antidepressant treatment
13:48 - Men and depression: redefining masculinity and mental health
14:55 - Self-forgiveness after a suicide attempt
16:27 - The hidden “mask” of depression
17:33 - Why sharing personal stories reduces stigma
18:12 - What’s ahead in Season Six

High-Functioning Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and the Mask People Wear Jul 24, 2018

Show notes

Many people with depression seem fine on the outside—successful, social, and “holding it together.” But behind the mask, they’re struggling. This episode explores high-functioning depression—what it looks like, why people hide their symptoms, and the dangers of masking mental illness.

Our guest Andrew shares his deeply personal story of living with hidden depression, masking pain from family and friends, and what finally led him to reach out for help. He also describes how writing became a powerful tool for healing and authenticity.

If you’ve ever wondered how someone can appear fine while battling depression—or if you’ve said “I’m fine” when you weren’t—this episode sheds light on the hidden truth and offers hope.

Primary Topics Covered:

What high-functioning depression really looks like
The concept of masking and why people hide symptoms
Andrew’s journey through suicidal thoughts and recovery
The impact of stigma and stereotypes around mental illness
Why masking may protect short-term but harms long-term
The role of writing, creativity, and authenticity in recovery
How empathy and compassion can help people drop the mask

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to today’s episode
00:59 – What it means to wear a “mask” with depression
03:24 – Andrew’s experience with hidden depression
04:32 – Reaching a breaking point and seeking help
05:22 – Treatment, medication, and coping strategies
06:01 – Balancing work, introversion, and masking
07:17 – The long-term dangers of masking depression
08:46 – Stigma, stereotypes, and misconceptions
09:16 – Why masking fuels darkness instead of healing
10:13 – Facing depression head-on instead of hiding
11:14 – The “1 in 5” mental health statistic in context
12:03 – Delays between symptoms and diagnosis
12:32 – Andrew’s blog on depression and authenticity
13:46 – Writing as a tool for expression and healing
15:08 – Public vs. private personas with mental health
15:32 – Common verbal masks: “I’m fine, just tired”
15:52 – Empathy and compassion help break the mask
16:19 – Closing reflection: hiding the bad hides the good too

Forgiving Yourself After a Suicide Attempt: Healing Guilt, Shame, and Finding Hope Jul 17, 2018

Show notes

Forgiving yourself after a suicide attempt can feel impossible, even when loved ones have already offered their compassion and support. In this deeply moving episode, John shares his story of surviving a suicide attempt, the ongoing struggle with guilt and shame, and the difficulty of extending the same compassion to himself that he readily gives to others.

We explore the emotional aftermath of a suicide attempt, the role of self-compassion in healing, and how recovery is often a non-linear journey. John’s honesty sheds light on the complexities of mental health recovery and offers hope to others facing the same challenges.

This conversation is a reminder that you are not alone, forgiveness takes time, and healing is possible — even if it doesn’t come in a straight line.

Link to article referenced: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/how-to-forgive-yourself-five-not-so-simple-but-important-steps/

Primary Topics Covered:

Why self-forgiveness is one of the hardest parts of recovery
The impact of guilt, shame, and self-loathing after a suicide attempt
How loved ones can forgive — and why forgiving yourself can feel impossible
Tools for building self-compassion and resilience
Why recovery is non-linear and requires patience
The importance of honest conversations in breaking stigma and promoting healing

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and purpose of the podcast
01:01 – Why recovery is not simple or linear
02:16 – John’s story: suicide attempt and aftermath
03:25 – The burden of guilt, shame, and self-loathing
04:34 – A powerful moment: John’s son’s immediate forgiveness
05:26 – Why forgiving yourself feels harder than receiving forgiveness
06:59 – Therapy, psychiatry, and the search for self-compassion tools
09:09 – Guilt, shame, and self-loathing as barriers to healing
10:18 – Advice for other suicide attempt survivors
11:40 – Recovery as a process and the role of patience
13:00 – Shifting perspective: “not yet” instead of “can’t”
14:28 – How sharing stories can foster healing
15:48 – The role of positive self-talk and brain chemistry in recovery
16:20 – Practical self-forgiveness strategies and external resources
17:35 – Closing reflections, community, and support resources

Depression in Men: Mental Health, Suicide Risk, and Rethinking Masculinity Jul 10, 2018

Show notes

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Roro Asmar, a first-generation Lebanese-American chef, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate who opens up about his journey through depression, suicide attempts, and redefining what it means to be a man.

Growing up in a culture that equated masculinity with toughness and silence, Roro was taught to “man up” and suppress his emotions. But ignoring his pain only deepened his depression and eventually led him to a breaking point. Today, he shares how acknowledging his struggles—and rejecting toxic definitions of manhood—has given him more strength than any performance of toughness ever could.

This episode challenges the dangerous stigma men face when it comes to mental health and highlights how honesty, connection, and vulnerability can save lives.

Whether you’re a man struggling with depression, a loved one trying to understand, or someone who wants to change how we talk about masculinity, this episode offers hope and courage.

Primary Topics Covered:

How childhood messages about masculinity can fuel depression in men
Why “man up” is one of the most harmful phrases for men’s mental health
The connection between toxic masculinity and male suicide rates
Roro’s story of depression, suicide attempt, and recovery
Redefining masculinity through vulnerability, honesty, and emotional connection
How open conversations can reduce stigma and literally save lives

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Men, depression, and stigma
01:19 – Why depression looks different for men
02:01 – Roro Asmar’s background and his article How Depression Made Me a Man
03:01 – Reading his story: masculinity, pain, and depression
07:30 – The mask of toughness and living as a “character”
09:14 – Suicide attempt and the breaking point
10:32 – Discovering depression as early as childhood
11:20 – What families and communities can do to help boys open up
12:27 – The dangers of isolation and lack of conversation
13:13 – Challenging stigma: “snowflake” and “sissy” labels
14:26 – Redefining strength and masculinity
15:22 – Why “man up” is one of the most damaging cultural messages
16:19 – Depression as pressing down pain and emotions
16:58 – The power of telling your story openly
18:04 – Closing thoughts and resources

Personalized Medicine for Depression: Can Genetic Testing Improve Antidepressant Success? Jul 03, 2018

Show notes

Struggling to find the right antidepressant can feel like an exhausting and hopeless cycle of trial and error. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we explore how genetic testing may help break that cycle by offering personalized insights into which medications are most likely to work for you.

You’ll hear Megan’s powerful story of misdiagnosis, medication struggles, and eventual hope through genetic testing. We also speak with Dr. Dan Dowd, who explains how these DNA-based tools work, why they matter, and how they could transform depression treatment.

If you or someone you love has ever wondered why antidepressants don’t seem to work—or feared running out of time while waiting for the right treatment—this conversation offers both validation and hope.

Link to more information on GenoMind: https://genomind.com/the-genecept-assay/genetic-testing-better-depression-treatment/

Primary Topics Covered:

Why finding the right depression medication is so difficult
The toll of trial-and-error antidepressant prescribing
Megan’s personal journey through misdiagnosis and failed medications
How genetic testing works to guide antidepressant choices
The role of DNA in medication response and side effects
Costs, insurance coverage, and accessibility of genetic testing
How genetic insights can reduce stigma and validate lived experiences
Expanding potential use beyond depression (anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, ADHD, etc.)

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: the struggle of finding effective depression treatment
01:08 – Listeners describe their frustration with trial-and-error medications
02:26 – Why 50% of first prescriptions fail and people lose hope
03:46 – Introducing genetic testing as a new tool for personalized treatment
04:12 – Megan’s story: battling depression, misdiagnosis, and bipolar disorder
06:19 – The exhausting cycle of trying 20 medications in one year
08:20 – Learning about genetic testing through online support communities
08:55 – How genetic testing works: cheek swab, metabolism, and response markers
10:30 – Why results validate patient experiences and reduce stigma
11:00 – Megan’s results confirm past medications were wrong for her
12:29 – Costs, insurance coverage, and patient assistance programs
13:17 – Megan explains why $300 is worth the investment
14:28 – Recovery, stability, and thriving with proper treatment
15:10 – Broader uses for genetic testing beyond depression
16:02 – Closing thoughts: the importance of hope and personalized care

Depression Recovery Stories: Coping Skills, Relapse, and Finding Hope After Suicidal Thoughts Jun 26, 2018

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, suicide attempt survivor Mark Henick shares his deeply personal journey through depression, anxiety, and repeated suicidal crises. Pulled back from the edge by a stranger, Mark transformed his pain into purpose—dedicating his life to breaking stigma, advocating for suicide prevention, and showing others that recovery is possible.

Listeners will hear about the real-life struggles of living with depression, the harsh realities of stigma and ineffective systems, and—most importantly—the practical coping skills, resilience, and small steps that helped Mark reclaim his life. His story reminds us that recovery is not instant; it’s a gradual process of small wins, self-compassion, and persistence.

Whether you live with depression yourself, love someone who struggles, or simply want to understand how to better support others, this episode provides both hope and concrete strategies.

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

Primary Topics Covered

Early experiences of depression and anxiety in childhood
Stigma, misunderstanding, and inadequate mental health care
Surviving multiple suicide attempts and the pivotal moment of being saved
Why hospitals are about safety, not long-term recovery
The importance of teaching emotional skills early in life
Coping with relapses and reframing them as normal—not failures
Practical strategies: medication, therapy, sleep, structure, and small daily actions
Building resilience through patience and the “slow accumulation of positives”

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 acute 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: medication, therapy, sleep, structure, and awareness

15:45 - Patience, persistence, and the power of perspective in recovery

17:15 - Self-stigma vs. acceptance: reframing depression as a chronic but manageable illness

19:45 - Final reflections: Hope, resilience, and breaking stigma

Understanding Suicide: Myths, Warning Signs, and How to Truly Help Jun 19, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, mental health advocate Mark Henick joins us to challenge the most common myths and misconceptions about suicide. Drawing from his lived experience and his globally renowned TED Talk “Why We Choose Suicide”, Mark explains why stigma, misinformation, and silence prevent people from getting the help they need.

We tackle harmful beliefs such as “suicide is selfish,” “you can’t stop someone who wants to die,” and “it comes out of nowhere,” and instead reveal the real warning signs, the truth about suicidal thoughts, and how anyone can play a role in suicide prevention.

This is a candid, compassionate, and practical conversation for anyone who has been touched by suicide or wants to better understand how to support those struggling.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s true, what’s false, and how you can make a difference, this episode is for you.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why suicide myths persist and how they harm prevention efforts
The difference between wanting to die vs. wanting to end emotional pain
Why calling suicide “selfish” is not only wrong but harmful
The real warning signs that often go unnoticed
How stigma and silence make it harder for people to reach out
Why prior suicide attempts must always be taken seriously
How empathy, listening, and connection can save lives

Timestamps:

00:54 – Suicide in the headlines and rising rates
02:26 – Mark Henick introduces suicide myths and misconceptions
03:02 – Do suicidal people really want to die?
03:50 – Is suicide selfish? Mark’s personal perspective
05:11 – Survivor guilt and why loved ones often miss the signs
06:39 – The myth of “out of the blue” suicides
07:50 – Recognizing subtle warning signs
08:37 – Is suicide impulsive? The truth about planning and triggers
09:58 – Why prior attempts must always be taken seriously
10:58 – Are people “just seeking attention”?
12:21 – Can you really stop someone from dying by suicide?
13:50 – Why conversations and connection matter
14:51 – Mark’s message: You have more power than you think to build a better life

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline: New Phone Number for Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Jun 12, 2018

Show notes

The launch of the 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline marks a historic step forward in mental health crisis care in the United States. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Terri and Dr. Anita Sands talk with Dr. John Draper, Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, about what this change means, how it works, and why reaching out can truly make a difference.

Listeners will learn what happens when you call 988, the science behind crisis intervention, and why you don’t have to be actively suicidal to use the lifeline. Dr. Draper also shares five key steps for supporting someone in crisis — from asking direct questions to helping them feel safe, connected, and cared for.

If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode will show you why calling 988 could be a life-saving decision.

Primary Topics Covered:

What 988 is and why it matters for suicide prevention.
Common misconceptions about crisis hotlines.
How trained crisis counselors help de-escalate suicidal thoughts.
The importance of empathy and human connection in mental health.
Five steps you can take to support someone in crisis.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Why the launch of 988 is historic
01:10 – What 988 is and how it works
02:16 – Concerns about demand overwhelming the system
03:02 – Research showing crisis lines save lives
04:15 – Interview with Dr. John Draper, Director of the Lifeline
05:24 – Who calls the hotline? (Only 25% are suicidal)
06:33 – Why talking to someone changes brain function in crisis
07:55 – How crisis counselors de-escalate risk
09:16 – What to expect when you call 988
11:14 – Why you’re not alone in suicidal thoughts
12:20 – Survivors share that life can get better
13:29 – Crisis as an opportunity for change
15:18 – Five steps to support someone in crisis
16:53 – Why human connection is the strongest prevention tool
17:37 – Bringing in additional support systems
18:23 – Using 988 even if you’re not suicidal
19:22 – Final reflections: hope, connection, and why reaching out matters

Link to Suicide Prevention Lifeline site

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Link to #BeThe1To site: https://www.bethe1to.com

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