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

What happens when the doctor becomes the patient? In this moving episode, trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Weinstein shares his deeply personal story of living with treatment-resistant depression, suicidal thoughts, and eventually undergoing ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). Michael describes how depression convinced him he was worthless and a burden to his family, and how—despite years of medical traini...

If doctors and psychologists are trained to care for others, why are so many struggling with depression and burnout themselves? In this important episode, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez reflect on the stigma surrounding mental illness in medicine, and share the story of Dr. Michael Weinstein , a trauma surgeon who wrote about his experience with depression in the New England Journal of Medicine...

Can a small crocheted heart save a life? In this powerful Valentine’s Day episode, Kathleen shares how her battle with depression, anxiety, complex PTSD, and suicidal thoughts led her to create the Little Heart Project. What began as a therapy-inspired hobby turned into a global movement of kindness, spreading handmade hearts with encouraging messages to strangers in need. Kathleen opens up about...

What does it mean to live with a dual diagnosis? In this episode, Don shares his candid story of navigating clinical depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder —a combination often called a dual diagnosis. After decades of silent suffering, Don finally received the correct diagnoses and found a treatment plan that worked, including medication, support groups, and telehealth through the VA. He...

What role does family play in depression recovery? In this episode, Sandeep , a 33-year-old British-Asian woman, shares her journey through depression, OCD, and an eating disorder , and how her family became a vital part of her healing. From her father first recognizing red flags, to her mother creating a monthly “family trust circle” where everyone shares openly, Sandeep highlights the power of c...

What happens when a child grows up with a parent who has depression or bipolar disorder? In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Michelle Dickinson shares what it was like to be raised by a mother living with untreated bipolar disorder. She recalls the unpredictability of her childhood, the pressure to keep the peace, and the lasting impact of always adjusting herself to her mothe...

What does depression feel like when you’re right in the middle of it ? In this candid episode of Giving Voice to Depression , author and advocate Gina Capobianco courageously shares her experience of recording while actively struggling through a depressive relapse. Instead of looking back from a place of distance, Gina offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the reality of living with depression in...

What does it feel like to find light after years of depression? In this episode, Cara from Belfast, Northern Ireland shares her lived experience with depression, trauma, and recovery. From her teenage years of sadness and hopelessness, through moments of suicidal despair, to the life-changing decision to seek therapy, Cara describes what it’s really like to live in both the darkest lows and the eu...

In this second part of our year-end reflection, Terri, Anita, and Bridget revisit powerful moments from 2022 that offered new ways of coping with depression. From reworking the 12 steps into a mental health framework, to journaling methods that transform negative thoughts into art, to rethinking resolutions with compassion instead of shame, these stories remind us that recovery is built step by st...

As 2022 comes to a close, we reflect on some of the most powerful conversations from the past year—conversations that remind us what depression really feels like, and how shared stories can lead to understanding, connection, and hope. In this special year-in-review episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Terri, Anita, and Bridget revisit listener-favorite guests including Tara, Patty, and John. Fr...

Christmas can be especially difficult for those living with depression, grief, or loneliness. While many people celebrate joy and togetherness, others quietly struggle to get through the day. In this special holiday episode of Giving Voice to Depression , writer and pastor John Pavlovitz offers a compassionate message for anyone who feels out of place during the holidays. His words acknowledge the...

What would you say to your younger self if you could go back in time? In this heartfelt episode of Giving Voice to Depression , author and advocate Charlotte Underwood shares the lessons she wishes she had known as a teenager battling depression, trauma, and suicidal thoughts. Charlotte reflects on how isolating and confusing it was to grow up without the language or understanding of mental illnes...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Dr. Barbara Moser shares three simple, research-backed practices you can use anytime to calm anxiety, reduce stress, and strengthen self-compassion. These tools require no cost, no appointments, and no side effects—just a willingness to pause and try. Guided by Dr. Moser, listeners will learn a three-minute STOP practice, a six-minute CALM practice,...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez speak with Dr. Barbara Moser, a medical doctor and long-time suicide prevention advocate, about two powerful tools for managing depression: mindfulness and self-compassion. Dr. Moser explains how these practices can help regulate emotions, ease anxiety, and bring calm during difficult times. She also guides listeners throug...

What happens when we finally speak the truth about depression? In this episode of SelfWork , Dr. Margaret sits down with Terry McGuire , former journalist and co-creator of the podcast Giving Voice to Depression . Terry shares her deeply personal journey of living with depression, the years she lost to silence and stigma, and why she chose to dedicate her career to amplifying the voices of others...

What if depression isn’t just sadness, but something more insidious—like a parasite that feeds on your energy, motivation, and joy? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , psychologist and author Dr. Robert Duff (Hardcore Self-Help series) shares his unique way of describing depression and the practical tools he teaches clients to push back against it. Duff explains how behavioral activati...

What does it mean to call depression a “terrible gift”? In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression , poet and artist Kristen Roedl shares her lived experience with bipolar II disorder and recurring severe depression. She speaks candidly about her hospitalizations, suicidal thoughts, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going day after day. Through poetry, journaling, and creativity,...

Navigating the holiday season while living with depression can be overwhelming. In this episode, clinical psychologist Anita and host Terry discuss why the holidays can trigger emotional distress and offer actionable strategies for self-care, boundary-setting, and reclaiming joy. Whether you're facing loneliness, family friction, or fatigue, this conversation provides practical advice to help...

In too many Black and Brown communities, depression and other mental health struggles are hidden behind stigma, silence, and cultural expectations of strength. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , advocate Didi Hairston , known online as Diva with Depression , shares her deeply personal journey of living with chronic, treatment-resistant depression while raising children, working, and b...

Can the words we use reveal the depth of our depression and even our risk of suicide? Dr. Mohammed Al-Mosaiwi, psychologist and researcher, joins us to explore how absolutist thinking —using words like always, never, completely —is linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. In this episode, Dr. Al-Mosaiwi explains how the process of our thinking is just as important as the content, why...

In this powerful episode, we hear from J.J. Singleton, who has lived with terminal colorectal cancer for years while also battling depression, PTSD, and anxiety. J.J. shares how therapy, peer support, and even small moments of distraction have helped him survive mentally as he undergoes constant rounds of chemotherapy. He opens up about suicidal thoughts, the stigma around men discussing mental he...

What do you do when even brushing your teeth or standing up feels impossible? This deeply validating and practical episode features Emily Derecktor, founder of Cereal for Dinner , a free online resource built to help people function during depression’s darkest days. With evidence-based tools and insights from lived experience, Emily shares realistic self-care tips that actually work when energy an...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Emily Director shares her deeply personal journey through depression, beginning with her struggles during college. From the overwhelming loneliness she felt at Brown University to building peer-support initiatives at Penn, Emily’s story reflects both the pain and resilience of living with depression. She opens up about her diagnosis, hospitalization,...

This episode features Chloe, who opens up about her early struggle with depression beginning at age 11. After facing intense emotional pain, suicidal thoughts, and multiple crises during her teen years, Chloe’s journey shifted when a high school teacher noticed the signs and intervened. She recounts her attempt at suicide, the impact of a single caring conversation, and the long road to finding ho...

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression , we continue our conversation with Ken Baldwin, one of the very few people to survive a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge. Ken shares candid insights into the thoughts that led him to that moment, the instant regret he felt, and the transformative journey of healing and recovery he has lived since. Ken’s story breaks down dangerous myths about...