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

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression , Ken Baldwin shares his story of surviving a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge and the profound lessons he’s learned over the past three decades as a mental health advocate. Hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez explore the impact of suicidal ideation, the critical role of intervention, and the importance of recognizing depressive thoug...

What does it take to talk someone back from the edge of suicide? In this powerful episode, we hear from Kevin Briggs , retired California Highway Patrol officer known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate , who has spent countless hours having life-or-death conversations with people standing on the Golden Gate Bridge. Kevin opens up about his own struggles with depression and PTSD, how empathy—not au...

What does it mean to live with suicidal thoughts every single day—and still choose to live? In this profoundly honest episode, Wally, a U.S. veteran and trauma survivor, shares what it’s like to manage chronic suicidal ideation without intent. From physical pain and brain injuries to trauma and toxic self-talk, Wally explains how he built an arsenal of mental health tools—mindfulness, cognitive th...

What if the 12 Steps weren’t just for addiction—but also for healing from depression, PTSD, and trauma? In this transformative episode, Wally shares his personalized version of the traditional 12 Steps—revised for mental health instead of substance use. Drawing from decades of lived experience, he walks us through a deeply intentional, self-compassionate approach to healing that emphasizes grace,...

What happens when you decide there’s “no more BS” when talking about depression? In this candid and unfiltered conversation, Sarah, a 28-year-old actress and personal trainer, shares her lived experience with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the impact of stigma. She opens up about the role of hormones in her most severe episode, how suicidal ideation felt like it came “out of nowhere,” and why...

What role can pets play in surviving depression? In this heartfelt episode, Lori shares her powerful story of how her beloved rescue dogs helped her through family trauma, a painful divorce, and the darkest moments of depression. From the structure of daily walks to the unconditional love of her standard poodles, Lori explains how her pets provided companionship, protection, purpose, and even heal...

What if the hardest part of surgery wasn’t physical recovery, but emotional healing? In this episode, Jordan shares his journey with post-surgical depression and anxiety after undergoing open-heart surgery at just 24 years old. He describes how intrusive thoughts, shame, and hopelessness set in after his operation—and how getting the right diagnosis and treatment (including medication) finally bro...

What happens when your job contributes to your anxiety and depression? In this episode, former Unilever executive Jeff MacDonald shares his personal story of being diagnosed with anxiety-fueled depression, how he navigated the stigma in corporate culture, and why he decided to speak openly about his struggles. Jeff discusses the challenges of returning to work while still in recovery, the risks ma...

In July 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline became the new three-digit number in the U.S. for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. But how does it actually work—and why does calling matter? In this special episode, Dr. John Draper, Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, joins Terri and Dr. Anita to explain what happens when you dial 988, how trained crisis counse...

Rates of teen depression and suicide are rising at alarming levels, creating what experts now call a youth mental health crisis . In this deeply personal episode, we hear from Lauren, who was diagnosed with depression at 13 and attempted suicide at 15. Now a survivor and advocate, Lauren shares the subtle but important warning signs her loved ones missed, what might have helped her open up sooner,...

What if you could predict and prepare for depression triggers before they hit? In this powerful conversation, Terri opens up about her own experience anticipating grief around her mother’s passing and the steps she took to avoid being blindsided by depression. Alongside psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz, we explore the concept of stress and energy forecasting —a proactive mental health tool that helps y...

Depression is often misunderstood—and overlooked—in older adults. In this deeply moving episode, Mary, a 93-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother , speaks candidly about aging, loneliness, stigma, and how depression changes the way she sees her life. Despite being surrounded by family, Mary shares the quiet struggles of late-life depression: losing friends, declining health, and the...

So many people living with depression hear the advice: “If you need help, just ask.” But when you’re in the middle of a dark episode, those words can feel vague, overwhelming, or even impossible. In this powerful conversation, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch —a suicide attempt survivor who has lost friends to suicide—shares his 10 practical scripts for asking for help with depression . Thes...

Being told to “just ask for help” isn’t helpful when you don’t have the words. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares his first five practical scripts for reaching out when depression makes it hard to speak up. As a suicide attempt and suicide loss survivor, Sam understands the barriers that keep people from asking for help—and why clear, spec...

What actually helps when you’re deep in depression? After five years and over 300 episodes of Giving Voice to Depression , Terry and Bridget reflect on the most powerful coping tools they’ve learned from guests who’ve lived it. From journaling and safety plans to laughter, music, and sleep, they revisit the strategies that consistently come up as life-saving—and why no single tool works for everyo...

After more than 300 episodes and countless powerful interviews, what stands out the most about living with depression ? In this reflective conversation, Terry and Bridget share the biggest lessons they’ve learned from five years of cohosting Giving Voice to Depression . From understanding how depression manifests differently in each person, to seeing the courage it takes for someone to tell their...

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. In this episode, Dr. David Jacobi from Rogers Behavioral Health joins us to explain how CBT works, why it helps people break free from negative cycles, and what small steps we can take to start feeling better. We explore the CBT triangle—how though...

Negative thoughts can feel like facts when you live with depression or bipolar disorder. But they aren’t always true—and they don’t have to control your mood or behavior. In this episode, Patty shares her decades-long journey with bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidal thoughts —and how discovering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) later in life gave her new tools to challenge destructive tho...

Too often, people living with depression are told they’re “weak” or “lacking faith.” These false beliefs not only fuel stigma—they also isolate people from the support they deserve. In this powerful conversation, Victor Armstrong —a leading mental health advocate—shares how harmful narratives about depression being a moral or spiritual failure have shaped communities, families, and even faith trad...

Depression is not a sign of weakness, failure, or a lack of faith. Yet stigma — especially in families, faith communities, and society at large — often frames it that way, leaving those who live with depression feeling judged or dismissed. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , mental health advocate Victor Armstrong shares why depression is not a spiritual or moral failing, but a human h...

Season 20 of Giving Voice to Depression was filled with raw, honest conversations about living with depression and the different ways people find hope, healing, and resilience. In this review episode, Bridget and Terry highlight some of the most powerful lessons and tools shared by guests — from building supportive routines and asking for help to facing stigma and embracing humor. This is a perfec...

What if you could talk back to depression the same way you would defend a friend from a bully?  In this candid episode, comedian and rapper Zane Thomas shares his lived experience with bipolar disorder, addiction, and suicidal thoughts —and how humor and self-talk became lifelines in his recovery. Zane opens up about substance use, the lies depression tells, and the power of reaching out before it...

Depression isn’t always about sadness. For many, it shows up in the everyday responsibilities that suddenly feel impossible — showering, doing dishes, folding laundry, or even picking up medication. These “impossible tasks” are not signs of laziness or weakness, but very real symptoms of depression . In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , guest Molly Bacchus shares how naming this phenome...

For many people living with depression, the hardest struggles aren’t always the big life events — they’re the “impossible tasks.” Things like showering, doing dishes, making a bed, or even picking up medication can suddenly feel overwhelming and insurmountable. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression , guest Molly Bacchus shares how naming this experience as “the impossible task” helped thou...

What does it look like to live with depression, raise children, survive breakdowns, and still find ways to laugh? In this candid conversation, Shannon — known online as ShannyPants — opens up about the struggles of depression, the healing role of humor, and the turning point when she sought therapy and medication. Shannon’s story is a reminder that depression doesn’t erase our joy, humor, or resil...