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

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...

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...

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 f...

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 navi...

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 f...

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...

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...

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 mom...

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 an...

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 th...

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 hersel...

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 h...

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 h...

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, Bridge...

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 recov...

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 gene...

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...

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...

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...

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 th...

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 w...

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 s...

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...

Asking for help when you’re struggling with depression can feel overwhelming—sometimes impossible. In this episode, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares the second half of his powerful list of 10 specific phrases you can use when reaching out for support. Instead of vague advice like “just ask for help,” Sam provides concrete, compassionate language for everything from asking a loved one...

Reaching out when you’re struggling with depression can feel nearly impossible. You may not know what to say, what to ask for, or how to begin. In this episode, mental health writer and advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares five practical ways to ask for support—complete with sample phrases you can use when words are hard to find. Through candid conversation with hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz, Sam high...