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

When 14-year-old Maddie died by suicide, her father Chris Coulter’s world shattered. In this deeply personal conversation, Chris shares his family’s story — from recognizing the first signs of Maddie’s depression to navigating multiple suicide attempts, hospitalization, and finally, unbearable loss. Chris also speaks vulnerably about his own struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts in the ye...

Recovery from depression isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about gathering the right tools, managing daily triggers, and finding small wins that keep you moving forward. In this honest and metaphor-rich conversation, Davey shares what it’s like to live with depression and anxiety, and how he learned to cope after hitting rock bottom. From discovering “tools for a time” to reframing intrusive thoughts a...

What if managing depression didn’t always mean medication? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Rena Shoshana Forester shares her deeply personal story of healing through a holistic approach. From meditation and yoga to breathwork, focusing, and creative expression, she found effective ways to manage her depression without antidepressants. Rena opens up about learning from her grandmothe...

What happens when depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts collide? In this candid episode, comedian and rapper Zane Thomas shares how he talks back to the “bully” in his head, finds relief in humor, and navigates the ups and downs of bipolar disorder and substance use. With refreshing honesty, Zane opens up about sobriety, relapse, and how conversations—both online and in person—can provide l...

Uncertainty has become part of daily life — and it can take a heavy toll on our mental health. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Anita Sanz and co-host Terry McGuire discuss realistic, evidence-based strategies for managing stress, protecting your mental health, and finding moments of calm when life feels unpredictable. From taking intentional breaks and limiting media consumption...

For many, the holidays bring joy, connection, and celebration. But for others, they can be some of the hardest days of the year. If you’re struggling with grief, loneliness, or depression this Christmas, this short episode is for you. Author John Pavlovitz reads his heartfelt essay “To Those Who Struggle This Christmas,” offering words of comfort, understanding, and solidarity for anyone feeling h...

The holidays are often portrayed as the “happiest time of year,” but for many living with grief and depression, they can be especially painful. In this episode, grief expert Krista St-Germain joins hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz to discuss the overlap between grief and depression, how loss changes holiday traditions, and strategies for navigating family expectations while honoring your own needs....

The holidays can be joyful, but for many, they bring stress, exhaustion, and even deeper struggles with depression. Increased expectations, disrupted routines, financial strain, and complicated family dynamics can make December feel overwhelming instead of uplifting. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Anita Sanz and co-host Terry McGuire share practical mental health strategies tha...

Depression often convinces us to stay silent, but silence can keep us stuck. In this powerful conversation, Lystra shares her experience as a young mother navigating exhaustion, intrusive thoughts, and shame while living with depression. She opens up about the turning point when hearing someone else’s vulnerable story helped her realize she needed help—and gave her the courage to ask for it. Toget...

Too often, children grow up surrounded by silence when it comes to mental health. Without words for what they see or feel, kids may blame themselves, feel isolated, or miss the signs of depression altogether. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, TJ, a father living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, shares why he chose to have an open, honest conversation with his youn...

Generational trauma leaves deep scars that ripple through families, cultures, and communities. For Native American communities, centuries of systemic oppression, land loss, and forced assimilation through boarding schools created wounds that continue to affect mental health today. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Oneida Nation member Mark Powless shares his lived experience of how hi...

When veterans return home, the adjustment can be overwhelming. Transitioning from military life back into civilian routines brings unique challenges — trauma, mental health struggles, and uncertainty about where to turn for help. Families, friends, and communities play a critical role in this reintegration. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Don Sanz — a combat veteran, psychologis...

The transition from military service to civilian life brings challenges that many veterans aren’t fully prepared for. While not all veterans develop a mental health condition, most experience some form of adjustment — whether it’s learning how to rebuild structure, manage relationships, or cope with trauma. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychologist and combat veteran Dr. Don Sanz...

For anyone living with depression, even the smallest daily actions can feel impossible. But routines—done consistently—can create a foundation for stability, confidence, and healing. In this episode, mental health advocate Paul Marlow shares how building intentional morning and evening routines helped him recover from two of the darkest years of his life. From improving sleep to reframing therapy,...

Depression is more than sadness — it’s a condition that can affect every part of life, from how we think to how we connect with others. For Paul Marlow, once a professional athlete and personal trainer, depression reshaped his mind, body, and relationships , leaving him feeling disconnected and uncertain of who he was. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Paul shares his raw story of liv...

Recovery from depression can feel overwhelming—especially after years of pain, trauma, and loss. But sometimes the way forward isn’t a giant leap—it’s the smallest possible step. In this inspiring episode, Jenni shares her 8-year battle with unrelenting depression, compounded by grief, trauma, and exhaustion. Through therapy, self-compassion, and a daily commitment to “baby steps,” she slowly rebu...

What does it mean to live with depression every single day — not just in episodes, but as a constant presence? In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, advocate and writer Didi Hairston (known online as Diva with Depression ) shares her raw experience of managing chronic, treatment-resistant depression for more than two decades. Didi describes her depression as “The Monster” — an ac...

When natural disasters strike, the physical destruction is only part of the story—the emotional and psychological scars can last for years. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , guest Tara Pyfrom shares her harrowing survival story of Hurricane Dorian and the long road of recovery that followed. From PTSD and depression to finding ways to rebuild hope through therapy, writing, and resili...

In this deeply moving episode, Bob courageously shares his journey as a suicide attempt survivor who found a way back to hope through therapy, support, and a renewed commitment to life. He speaks openly about the dangerous lies depression tells, the moment he nearly gave up, and the compassion that helped him believe his life was worth living. Bob describes how cognitive behavioral therapy and bui...

Recovery from depression isn’t quick or easy—but it is possible, and it is worth it. In this episode, Renee shares her powerful story of transformation after trauma. Ten years ago, she felt hopeless, isolated, and stuck in survival mode. Today, through therapy, art, community, and relentless effort, she has built a life filled with confidence, calm, and hope. Renee reminds us that recovery often g...

When depression feels unbearable, finding a way to express it can be lifesaving. In this episode, we sit down with singer-songwriter Demetra Prochaska , who bravely shares her journey through depression, treatment, and recovery. From confiding in teachers and counselors as a teen, to writing and performing her powerful song “I’m Not Okay” during one of her darkest times, Demetra shows us how music...

When Emmy-winning news anchor Ted Perry first considered therapy, he was skeptical—and terrified. But what started as a reluctant step turned into a journey that reshaped his understanding of depression, recovery, and hope. In this powerful episode, Ted shares his first-ever public story about depression: how stigma delayed his healing, how therapy and medication helped him find balance, and why s...

Postpartum depression and anxiety affect far more families than most people realize, yet many partners are left unprepared to recognize the signs. In this episode, Justin shares his firsthand experience of watching his wife struggle with undiagnosed postpartum depression after their first child — and how he learned to recognize the symptoms the second time around. Through his candid story, Justin...

For too long, depression has been unfairly labeled as a weakness. Psychiatrist Dr. Tim Cantopher, author of The Curse of the Strong , offers a very different perspective: depression often strikes those who are most diligent, reliable, and strong. In this conversation, Dr. Cantopher explains why the very qualities that make people dependable—responsibility, perseverance, sensitivity—can also put th...

What if supporting a friend with depression was as natural as how Winnie the Pooh and his friends cared for Eeyore? In this episode, Sean shares his experience growing up in a household where mental health was openly discussed and accepted — an environment that shaped how he and his peers approach anxiety and depression with empathy and inclusion. From canceling plans without judgment to sending l...