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

What does it take to care for your mental health during a global crisis? In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression , therapist Dr. Anita Sands shares how we can protect our emotional well-being, stay connected, and even grow stronger during the challenges of COVID-19. From simple daily habits like movement and gratitude to deeper lessons about vulnerability, honesty, and connection, D...

When a global crisis upends our lives, stress, fear, and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Anita Sands shares evidence-based strategies to help you manage pandemic anxiety, cope with social isolation, and find resilience in the “new normal.” You’ll learn why limiting breaking news can protect your mental health, how to build routines that reduce stress, and ways...

When Pablo Muirhead and his family of four tested positive for COVID-19, the diagnosis brought not only physical symptoms but also waves of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty . In this candid conversation, Pablo shares what it’s really like to live through coronavirus as a family — from the shock of the test results to the emotional toll of quarantine. Despite having underlying health conditions and m...

The COVID-19 pandemic has tested not only our physical health but also our mental resilience. In this episode, we sit down with Paul Gionfriddo, President and CEO of Mental Health America (MHA) , to explore the best mental health resources available during these uncertain times. Paul shares free and reliable online screening tools , expert-curated resources, and simple but effective self-care prac...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , guest T.J. shares his deeply personal journey of living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD—and how he found the courage to talk openly with his young son about it. Far too many parents delay or avoid these conversations, leaving children confused, worried, or misinformed. T.J.’s story offers an honest example of why talking early ma...

How do you cope with depression and anxiety — and how do you support loved ones who are struggling? Season 12 of Giving Voice to Depression explored powerful personal stories and expert insights on living with depression, preventing relapse, and breaking the silence around suicide. In this recap episode, Bridget and Terry revisit highlights from the season, offering both hope and practical tools f...

The weeks immediately following psychiatric hospitalization are some of the most dangerous for suicide risk — yet many patients and families leave without knowing this reality. In this episode, Becky Stoll , Vice President of Crisis & Disaster Management at Centerstone, shares best practices for bridging the gap between inpatient and outpatient care. She explains how families, providers, and s...

The weeks immediately following discharge from a psychiatric hospital are among the most dangerous periods for suicide risk —a reality too few people are aware of. In this episode, we speak with Becky Stoll, VP of Crisis and Disaster Management at Centerstone , about the staggering statistics, why this window is so fragile, and how patients, families, and the healthcare system can do better. Becky...

Sometimes depression doesn’t show up in dramatic ways — it shows up in the words we use every day. Research reveals that our language patterns can signal not only depression, but also suicidal thinking. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Bridget and Terry explore what’s been called the language of depression — from the subtle signs of absolutist thinking (“always,” “never,” “completel...

When someone dies by suicide, words can either bring comfort or cause more pain. In this episode, journalist and suicide loss survivor Deb Sherwood shares the insensitive, stigmatizing comments she received after her husband’s death — and the powerful lessons she learned about the importance of language. From doctors asking hurtful questions to friends making judgmental remarks, Deb reveals how ev...

What happens when suicide loss is kept a secret? In this deeply moving episode, Deb Sherwood shares her journey after her husband’s suicide — a story marked by shock, stigma, guilt, and ultimately, the hard decision to break the silence. Deb opens up about the unique challenges of coping with suicide loss : The trauma of discovering her husband’s death Why guilt is such a common burden for suicide...

What are the warning signs of a depression relapse — and how can you stop it before it gets worse? In this episode, author and mental health educator Douglas Bloch shares his lived experience with recurrent depression and his insights on preventing relapse . He explains how depression rarely crashes in overnight; instead, it builds through subtle changes in sleep, thoughts, and daily habits. You’l...

Is depression real — or just a choice? That’s what Gary believed — until his teenage daughter’s severe illness shattered that misconception. What he once dismissed as “negativity” quickly became the fight of his life as he watched his child struggle with debilitating depression, hospitalization, and survival. In this candid episode, Gary shares his transformation: from disbelief and stigma to a de...

Can pets really help us survive depression? In this episode, Lori shares her moving story of how her dogs gave her the structure, love, and grounding she needed to make it through family struggles, divorce, and deep depression. She explains how walking her dogs gave her purpose, how their unconditional loyalty kept her going when she wanted to give up, and why their companionship brought peace in...

What does depression really feel like? In this powerful conversation, Savannah describes her experience of depression as feeling homesick for her former self — disconnected from her joy, her loved ones, and even her own identity. She opens up about the crushing physical heaviness, the emptiness that no candle or self-care ritual could fix, and the shame that made her hide her struggles behind excu...

Growing up with depression and anxiety can feel overwhelming and isolating — especially when you don’t yet understand what’s happening to you. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Charlotte Underwood reflects on her teenage years living with undiagnosed mental illness. Charlotte shares the struggles she faced as a teen — from feeling alone in her depression to hiding self-harm from love...

The holiday season is often portrayed as joyful and bright—but for many, it’s one of the hardest times of the year. Depression, grief, loneliness, and anxiety can feel heavier at Christmas, making it difficult to “get through” the celebrations. In this special holiday episode, written and read by John Pavlovitz , we speak directly to anyone who feels unseen during the holidays. Whether you’re grie...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dan shares his deeply personal journey of coping with depression and anxiety—after years of hiding his struggles from even those closest to him. When depression brought him to a crisis point, hospitalization and support became lifelines that allowed him to survive and begin healing. Dan reflects on how stigma and shame kept him silent for decades, and...

How do you cope with depression and anxiety when life feels overwhelming? In this Season 11 review of Giving Voice to Depression , Bridget and Terry revisit some of the most powerful and moving conversations of the year. From surviving suicide attempts to finding tools for daily resilience, this season highlighted the importance of speaking up, seeking support, and believing that recovery is possi...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , certified peer specialist Marie shares her personal recovery journey and explains how suicide safety plans can be lifesaving tools during mental health crises. A safety plan is more than a checklist — it’s a personalized roadmap that includes coping strategies, supportive contacts, crisis resources, and reminders of reasons to live. Listeners will le...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Sarah—a suicide prevention researcher and PhD student—shares her deeply personal experience of living with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Despite her professional expertise, Sarah found herself consumed by fear, hopelessness, and a plan to end her life. Her story reveals the immense difficulty of asking for help when trapped in depressio...

Starting the conversation about depression with your parents can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re worried about being judged, dismissed, or misunderstood. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz shares actionable steps for teens and young adults who want to open up about their struggles but don’t know where to start. We explore how to prepare for the conve...

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Jordan shares his deeply personal journey of living with depression, hiding behind masks, and struggling with addiction before finally finding recovery. From childhood soccer fields where he cried alone, to self-medicating with alcohol, to the darkest moments of suicidal despair, Jordan’s story reveals the painful realities of untreated depr...

In this deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression , we hear from Ken Baldwin, one of the rare survivors of a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge. Ken shares his story with honesty and courage—what led him to that moment, what he realized the instant he jumped, and how his life transformed in the decades that followed. Ken’s journey challenges dangerous myths about suicide, highli...

Primary Topics Covered: Ken’s survival story: jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge What suicidal thoughts feel like and how they progress The role of hopelessness and exhaustion in depression Why many people hide their suicidal thoughts, even from family The myth that suicidal people “can’t be stopped” How intervention and direct conversation can save lives Why knowing the warning signs of depressi...