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

When a parent lives with depression, the impact extends beyond the individual—it ripples into the family, especially children. In this moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Kathleen shares her deeply personal story of parenting while struggling with depression. She reflects on how her children were affected, the guilt she carried, and the steps she took to support them through her mental...

Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Liz shares her personal journey through two very different forms of depression — one triggered by grief and trauma, and another caused by chemical imbalance. Her story sheds light on the spectrum of depression, from episodes that eventually lift to treatment-resistant forms that require long-term strategi...

Childhood depression often hides in plain sight — mistaken for shyness, teenage moodiness, or simply “a phase.” But the truth is, children can experience depression deeply, and without support, the consequences can follow them into adulthood. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Sally shares her powerful story of living with depression from the age of ten — how her sadness went unnotice...

Video games aren’t just entertainment — for many, they’re a lifeline during tough times. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , we explore how gaming can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and provide relief for those living with depression. Our guest shares how video games became a healthy outlet during periods of mental health struggles, and we discuss the research-backed benefits of gaming f...

When you’re living with depression, basic tasks can feel like climbing mountains. This episode is about removing the shame from that reality—and giving you permission to survive in the smallest, kindest ways possible. Mental health educator and Cereal for Dinner founder Emily Derecktor returns to walk us through shame-free survival tips for hard days. From hygiene hacks to meal shortcuts to breaki...

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Emily Director shares her journey of living with depression in college and beyond. From struggling with loneliness at Brown University to creating peer-support programs at Penn, Emily’s story captures both the weight of depression and the hope found in resilience and connection. She discusses her hospitalization, the ongoing challenges of se...

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, many of us set big goals that can feel overwhelming and unsustainable. But what if the key to lasting change — and better mental health — is found in small, intentional steps? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , we explore the powerful connection between exercise, movement, and mental health. Our guest, exercise psychologist and health coach Mic...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Charlotte Underwood shares her deeply personal story of surviving teenage depression. Looking back, she reflects on the lies depression told her, the hidden strength she didn’t realize she had, and the treatments and support that helped her build a brighter future. Charlotte offers the perspective she wishes her younger self could have known: that sh...

 For many, Christmas is not all “merry and bright.” If you’re grieving, feeling alone, or carrying heavy emotional weight this holiday, this episode is for you. In this special Christmas edition of Giving Voice to Depression , we share a heartfelt essay written and narrated by John Pavlovitz. His words offer understanding, compassion, and hope for anyone who finds themselves struggling during a se...

In this episode, Dr. Barbara Moser, a trained teacher in mindful self-compassion, offers three powerful, free tools for managing mental health. Designed to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and support emotional regulation, these practices can be used anytime—no appointments, apps, or equipment required. You'll learn about the STOP technique, mindful breathing, and a self-compassion bre...

The holidays can bring joy, but for many, they also bring anxiety, sadness, and stress. In this episode, Dr. Anita Sanz and Terry McGuire discuss the mental health challenges people often face during the holiday season—from family dysfunction and social pressures to grief and isolation. With relatable stories and proven strategies, they explore how to cope, set boundaries, simplify expectations, a...

The holidays can be especially painful for those facing grief and depression. In this episode, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz speak with grief expert Krista St. Germain about the overlap between grief and depression, how holiday rituals can intensify feelings of loss, and strategies for coping during a season that often emphasizes celebration and togetherness. From setting boundaries to learning h...

Caring for someone with depression can feel overwhelming—and without clear boundaries, it can take a serious toll on relationships. In this episode, Gwen shares the ground rules she and her husband created to keep their family functioning while navigating depression together. From recognizing early warning signs to setting realistic expectations, Gwen explains how her family learned to balance com...

Caring for someone with depression can feel isolating, overwhelming, and exhausting—especially when it’s your partner or child. In this candid episode, Gwen shares her experience of 23 years of marriage, raising children, and managing family life alongside her husband’s severe depression. From setting boundaries to practicing self-care, Gwen explains how she’s learned to avoid being “sucked into t...

Primary Topics Covered Emotional toll of living with a partner with depression Parenting while managing a spouse's mental illness The difference between emotional and physical caregiving The power of shared experience and validation Coping strategies and the need for external support Communication approaches when depression causes emotional withdrawal The stigma and isolation of mental health...

In today’s episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Terry and Anita discuss how constant exposure to traumatic news affects our mental health. Drawing on insights from therapists and Dr. Robert Duff (aka Duff the Psych), they explore vicarious traumatization —the way we absorb trauma simply by witnessing it in the media. Listeners will learn why our brains struggle with the nonstop replay of violen...

Sometimes, the simplest gestures can make the biggest difference. In this moving episode, Rosaleen shares how she went from despair—believing she was worthless and alone—to feeling surrounded by love, thanks to dozens of short, heartfelt messages from strangers in our online community. Co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz reflect on the power of real depression support —why it doesn’t have to be comp...

When someone you love is struggling with depression, knowing what to say can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we share real, heartfelt messages of support collected from our Giving Voice to Depression community — words that made a real difference to someone in crisis. You’ll hear authentic, compassionate responses that show how powerful even a short message can be. We also discuss why validatio...

Recovery from depression is not a straight line—it’s a journey of progress, setbacks, and resilience. In this candid episode, Lacey shares what she’s learned both as someone who has lived with depression and now works as a mental health provider. She explains why setbacks and relapses are not failures but opportunities to grow stronger and develop new coping tools. Lacey also emphasizes the power...

Depression can show up suddenly, even in a supportive home. For Lacey , symptoms of depression and anxiety began at age 14—confusing her family, friends, and even herself. In this episode, she shares how therapy and medication helped her understand that what she was going through wasn’t just “teen angst,” but real depression that deserved care and support . For the first time, someone told her tha...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , we sit down with Craig Kramer , a father, advocate, and former Johnson & Johnson executive, who shares his deeply personal journey navigating his children’s mental health challenges. From the shock of missed warning signs to the heartbreak of suicide attempts and substance struggles, Craig’s story highlights the realities parents face when mental...

When Jeannine Rivers was 19, she attempted suicide. She expected to never wake up—but she did. In that moment of panic and realization, she discovered something profound: she didn’t actually want to die. She just wanted the pain to stop. Now, decades later, Jeannine shares her powerful survivor story —from her diagnosis of Bipolar II disorder to the voice that told her to get up and live, and the...

Depression often begins with voices—sometimes internal, sometimes from those around us—that tell us we’re not good enough. For Janine , those voices started in childhood, intensified through family and religious pressures, and nearly took her life. In this first part of her two-episode story, Janine reflects on her earliest experiences of depression, the verbal abuse that shaped her self-image, an...

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression , suicide attempt survivor Mark Henick shares his journey from childhood struggles with depression and anxiety to becoming a mental health advocate. Mark recalls the stigma, the repeated hospitalizations, and the darkest moments when he planned to end his life—only to be pulled back by the hands of a stranger. His story highlights the importan...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , mental health advocate Mark Henick helps us break down the dangerous myths and misconceptions about suicide. With compassion and clarity, Mark explains why stigma, silence, and misinformation prevent people from getting the support they need — and how understanding the facts about suicide prevention can save lives. We discuss harmful beliefs such as...