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

What have we learned from a full season of listening to people who live with depression and those who support them? In this special reflection episode, Bridget and Terry share the most powerful lessons and stories from Season Two of Giving Voice to Depression . From practical coping strategies to groundbreaking research, these highlights reveal how storytelling reduces stigma, builds connection, a...

Season one of Giving Voice to Depression brought deeply moving, raw, and powerful stories from people who know depression firsthand—and those impacted by it. In this special wrap-up, co-hosts Bridget and Terry reflect on the season’s most powerful lessons. From the risks of keeping family mental health struggles secret, to the realities of stigma in schools and workplaces, to the devastating impac...

Season Four of Giving Voice to Depression brought together powerful stories of lived experience, resilience, and hope. In this reflective episode, co-hosts explore the most impactful conversations, lessons learned, and the importance of sharing stories to break stigma. Whether you’re navigating depression yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking understanding, this episode revisits mome...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Travis Pipes shares the story of how reaching out for help at his darkest moment saved his life. Struggling with bipolar disorder, addiction, and homelessness , Travis found himself standing on the edge of despair, ready to end his life. But one phone call—and the compassion of someone who listened—changed everything. Now in recovery and living a lif...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Milwaukee TV anchor Ted Perry shares his personal story of living with depression, breaking years of silence about his struggles. Ted opens up about the early signs he ignored, the stigma that kept him quiet, and the turning point when therapy and treatment gave him hope. Through candid reflections, Ted talks about grief, self-worth, and how depressi...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , musician Matt Steady opens up about his first experience with depression, how he spent years in the fog before recognizing it, and the surprising way he found his path out—through music and creativity. Matt shares his personal journey of hiding his pain, learning to recognize the signs, and ultimately reclaiming control through songwriting. He also d...

In this heartfelt episode, we hear from Becca, who lives with bipolar disorder, and her husband Joe, who has been her partner and primary support for nearly two decades. Together, they share the highs and lows of navigating marriage while facing the challenges of mental illness, including depression, mania, hospitalization, and recovery. Their story highlights the power of honest communication, un...

Depression is devastating—but it can also change the way we see ourselves and the world. In this episode, UK mental health advocate Tom Wavre shares the surprising lessons he has learned from living with depression. From discovering inner strength to challenging stigma, Tom reframes his experience into one of growth, empathy, and resilience. If you’re struggling, this conversation offers hope and...

Many people wrongly associate depression with weakness—but psychiatrist Dr. Tim Cantopher argues the opposite. In this episode, he shares insights from treating thousands of patients and explains why depression often affects those who are strong, responsible, and caring. We explore his idea of the “curse of the strong,” how perfectionism and putting others first can increase risk, and why reframin...

Childhood is often seen as carefree, but for some children, trauma and depression shatter that innocence far too soon. In this deeply personal episode, a mother and her young son open up about their painful journey through early-onset depression, bullying, and the trauma inflicted by an abusive authority figure. Their story sheds light on how childhood trauma can impact mental health, the challeng...

When depression doesn’t respond to standard treatment, it can feel hopeless. But today’s conversation with Dr. James Greenblatt , a pioneer in integrative and nutritional psychiatry, offers new insights and real hope. Instead of treating only symptoms, Dr. Greenblatt explores underlying causes—like nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, gut health, and genetic factors—that might fuel depre...

Depression is more than sadness—it affects mood, energy, sleep, concentration, and even physical health. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Anita Sands joins us to break down the symptoms of depression in a clear, compassionate way. Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers practical guidance: how to recognize the warning signs, what “brain fog” reall...

Depression can make even the smallest tasks feel impossible. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Dr. Robert Duff—known to many as Duff the Psych —shares straightforward, effective tools for coping with depression in daily life. Author of the bestselling Hardcore Self-Help books, Dr. Duff explains why depression feels like a parasite, draining energy and self-worth. He introduces behavi...

Conversations about suicide are hard, but they can also be life-saving. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , hosts Bridget and Terry continue their series with Dr. Barbara Moser, chair of Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee, focusing on how to talk about suicide and what to do when someone is in crisis. Listeners will learn how to recognize warning signs of suicidal thoughts , how to ask...

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet conversations about it remain silenced by stigma. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , we begin a two-part series on suicide prevention with Dr. Barbara Moser, chair of the Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee Coalition. Dr. Moser joins hosts Bridget and Terry to explain the warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors rel...

Season 3 of Giving Voice to Depression brought some of the most powerful and healing stories yet. From strangers who saved lives on bridges, to college students finding their way back from despair, to voices challenging stigma in Black communities — every episode reminded us of the strength found in sharing our struggles. In this season review, Brigitte and Terri revisit key episodes, highlighting...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , we hear from Chris, who has lived with depression since middle school, and her partner Chris, who does not have depression but has learned how to support her. Together, they share what stigma, silence, and misunderstanding can do to relationships—and how compassion, trust, and open communication can make healing possible. From navigating the weight o...

In this special Ripple Report episode, we explore how personal stories about depression and mental health ripple outward to inspire change in surprising ways. From classrooms to crisis hotlines to New York theater productions, listeners of Giving Voice to Depression share how the podcast has transformed their approach to stigma, empathy, and support. We hear from Lindsay, director of the Tribe The...

Childhood depression is often misunderstood — dismissed as moodiness, shyness, or just a “phase.” But the symptoms of depression in children are real, and if ignored, they can have lifelong consequences. In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Sally shares her personal story of living with depression from the age of ten, when her pain went unnoticed by those around her. From losin...

Comedian Frank King has made a career out of laughter—but behind the humor lies his lived experience with depression, suicidal thoughts, and loss within his family. In this conversation, Frank opens up about the ways comedy can be a tool for breaking stigma, starting conversations about mental health, and offering hope to those who feel hopeless. With honesty and humor, he shares his personal stor...

Listening is often underestimated, yet it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to support someone struggling with depression. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , we speak with Robert — a trained listener, retired teacher, and crisis hotline supervisor — who shares what it really means to listen without judgment. Robert explains why listening is not only a gift but also a vital act...

The holidays are painted as a season of joy, but for many living with depression or grief, they can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting. In this episode, we explore how unrealistic expectations, social pressure, and loss can intensify depression at Christmas. With the help of psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz , we reframe holiday struggles through an unexpected lens—Ebenezer Scrooge. Dr. Sands...

Depression does not discriminate, but the way it is experienced, discussed, and treated in different communities can vary greatly. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , we sit down with Philip Roundtree , a therapist and mental health advocate, who shares his personal and professional perspective on depression in the Black community . Philip opens up about living with depression and anxi...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Brant Williams shares his journey of battling anxiety and depression and the creative ways he found to communicate and heal. Through his graphic novel Out of the Woods , Brant opens an honest window into what depression feels like, how it impacts loved ones, and the step-by-step process of rebuilding life after darkness. Brant reminds us that recover...

Starting college can be exciting, but for many students, it can also be overwhelming and isolating. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Justin shares his raw and honest story about battling severe depression during his college years — from isolation in the dorms and academic struggles to a moment of crisis that nearly cost him his life. Justin describes how depression stripped away fri...