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

Many parents wonder: Why didn’t my teen tell me they were suicidal? In this episode, Dr. Stacey Freedenthal continues her conversation on the ten reasons teens avoid talking to parents about suicidal thoughts . We explore how stigma, denial, fear of overreaction, and misunderstanding silence kids—and what parents can do differently. Listeners will learn: Why some parents dismiss or overreact when...

Why don’t teens tell their parents when they’re having suicidal thoughts? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , psychotherapist, author, and suicide prevention expert Dr. Stacy Friedenthal explains the top reasons adolescents keep their suicidal thoughts hidden from parents — and how families can respond with compassion instead of fear, anger, or shame. Drawing from both professional exp...

How do you cope with depression and anxiety when life feels overwhelming? Season 8 of Giving Voice to Depression was filled with powerful stories of survival, loss, and resilience. In this recap, Bridget and Terry revisit the season’s most impactful guests and lessons — offering both hope and practical tools for mental health recovery. Highlights include: A grieving mother’s plea for honesty after...

Many people expect surgery to be difficult physically, but fewer realize the emotional recovery can be even more challenging. In this episode, Jordan shares his story of experiencing both anxiety and post-surgical depression after open-heart surgery. We also explore how anxiety and depression often overlap, why emotional symptoms after surgery are common, and what friends and family can do to prov...

Can something as simple as tapping your fingertips on pressure points really help with depression and anxiety? In this episode, we explore Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping , with master teacher Brad Yates. Tapping has been used by millions worldwide as a stress relief and healing tool , and studies show it can lower cortisol, ease anxiety, and provide real emotional relief...

For Tara, depression and anxiety began in childhood — with panic attacks at just four years old following a traumatic accident. Decades later, as a mother, she still carried the weight of exhaustion, shame, and guilt, believing she wasn’t living up to expectations. In this episode, Tara shares her deeply personal story of surviving depression, panic attacks, and stigma , and how she’s slowly learn...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Canadian artist Jeff Beyer shares his powerful story of living with bipolar depression, alcoholism, and recovery —and how art became a lifeline for healing. Through deeply personal insights, Jeff discusses early warning signs of depression and mania, the dangers of self-medicating with alcohol, and the process of finally seeking professional help. Hi...

Can art make the invisible visible? In this powerful episode, painter Jeff Beier shares how his creative work shifted from lighthearted flowers to haunting depictions of depression as his own mental health worsened. His art became both a lifeline and a conversation starter, sparking emotional connections with strangers who recognized themselves in his pieces. Through his story, we explore how art...

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...

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 rela...

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-ad...

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 ra...

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 question...

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...

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, a...

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. Lis...

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, par...

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...

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, connectio...

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...

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. Thro...

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...

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 candi...

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...

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 h...