Giving Voice to Depression

In this special Valentine's  episode of our podcast, we delve into the heartwarming journey of Kathleen and the transformative power of small gestures in igniting conversations about mental health. At the heart of this narrative lies "The Little Heart Project," a touching initiative born from personal struggle and a desire to spread love and understanding. Kathleen's journey begins with a triggeri...

In this deeply insightful episode of our podcast, we are joined by Liz, who shares her personal journey through various types of depression. With candid honesty, clarity and vulnerability, Liz opens up about her experiences, shedding light on the complexity of mental health struggles and the power of supportive friendships. At the heart of this episode lies Liz's reflections on the pivotal role th...

In this 18-minunte episode, we delve deep into the consequences of overlooking early symptoms of depression.  Join us as we sit down with Sally,  a senior citizen who has spent a lifetime battling depression that began in childhood, yet went undiagnosed and unaddressed for years. As Sally recounts her journey, listeners are taken on a poignant exploration of the silent suffering experienced by man...

When mental health management tools are discussed, there's the often-mentioned A-List: meds, therapy, getting outside, exercise, meditation, etc. But when we talk with our weekly guests about what works for them, the list is lond and personalized.  It includes everything from creative projects like coloring to mood-lifting music, solo dancing, interacting with pets, caring for plants, watching fun...

In one of the most-practical episodes we've produced, we get into the weeds and look at how to keep yourself nourished, and your body and environment clean (enough)when you "just can't" because of depression. Emily Derecktor, founder of the free online resource Cereal for Dinner, knows first-hand that depression can be disabling. She has compiled evidence-based, doable, realistic goals for surviva...

Depression is a thief. It steals our vitality, our sense of connection and worth. Our dreams. And sometimes our very will to live. This week's guest, Emily Derecktor knows losses. She worked hard to do well in school, get into top universities and earn admittance to medical school. And then depression stole that opportunity. For now, anyways. In this episode Emily shares about her mental health jo...

Since you're listening to a depression podcast it's likely that you, like us, could benefit from "resolving" to prioritize your mental health in this New Year. This 27-minute podcast episode looks at several options, including movement- which can be running, walking, dancing, bike riding or any other activity. Whichever you choose to incorporate into your life, there will be preparatory steps. The...

A (then) 23-year-old woman stops during a magical holiday moment  to tweet to her 14-year-old suicidal self the message  that the fight IS worth it,  that things can and will change,  that you will not always feel the way you do right now,  that hope wins and you are NOT alone.  It's a New Year's message of hope and recovery  that we hope you'll listen to, internalize and share.  May 2024 bring yo...

We post this 6-minute essay every Christmas Eve, for those who are not feeling merry or bright.  Whether it's depression, grief, loneliness or something else, if you are hurting, the "joyfulness" of this holiday season can make things feel even worse. John Pavlovitz wrote and recorded a powerful essay we know some of you will also be comforted by-- or at least feel acknowledged.  We'll get through...

End-of-year holidays can be a celebratory time. Or a stressful time. Or both. Whichever is true for you, it's a good time to add or tune-up some of the tools in your mental-health toolkit. This episode focuses on mindfulness and self-compassion - - two readily accessible tools that can help us regulate and cope with difficult emotions. And when the holidays pass, these valuable gifts to ourselves...

How could making a secret, customized Bingo card help you manage holiday stressors? What's the value of a "buffer day?"  Those are just two of the many tips and tricks shared by Dr. Anita Sanz, a licensed clinical psychologist to help us manage and protect our mental health during what can be a difficult time of year for many. Even if you enjoy the holidays, there's no ignoring the fact they impac...

Grieving any impactful loss can be especially challenging during the holidays.  There are so many expectations that we celebrate and keep up traditions regardless of our feelings and pain.  Setting and communicating clear boundaries (even if they will disappoint or upset others) and managing expectations are two ways to protect ourselves and our hearts. Our guest, Krista St-Germain knows a lot abo...

Living with depression is difficult. That goes for both the person with the mood disorder, and  those around them who are also affected.  Last week in "Caregivers Have Needs Too," Gwen, a professional, wife and mother, shared about the challenges of partnering, parenting and running a home with a person  who experiences debilitating depression. This week, she shares the ground rules and clear boun...

Having depression is hard. Loving and caring for someone with depression is, too.  November is National Caregivers Month, and this 24-minute episode explores the need for boundaries, perspective, communication, and self-care while supporting a family member who is struggling.  This 24-minute episode is a response to last week's "I Wish People Understood How Hard and Lonely it Is," in which a careg...

A podcast listener, who is married to and raising a child with a man with depression and other mental health conditions, reached out to get some information and support from others who understand the lonely realities of her situation.  Margaret describes the challenges of trying to run a house and family with a partner whose depression makes him unavailable on several levels.  She speaks of the is...

As individuals, we don't have much control over world events. But when tragic news fills 24-hour news cycles, we have a responsibility to ourselves to tune in and make choices that limit the impact on our mental health. In this remixed episode, our guest, Dr. Robert Duff (Duff the Psych,) talks about the line between being informed and being negatively impacted. Dr. Anita Sanz shares her perspecti...

TW: Imagine one of your darkest nights.  You feel worthless, and as though no one cares or would miss you. You go to bed praying that "if it doesn't hurt, please let me not wake." And then dozens of people from across the globe, people you've never met, post hearts and hugs and comments of love and support specifically for you.  Would you be able to take in those messages? Would they truly help? T...

This extended, 30-minute episode dispels two common mental health misconceptions: 1) That there's really no point in "reaching out" because no on e cares or understands. And 2) That was have to have The Perfect Thing to Say when offering support to someone who's really hurting.   When Rosaleen, a Giving Voice to Depression community member (on Facebook) let us know that she was in a very dark plac...

At 14, Lacey's mental-health challenges made living a long and full life seem impossible to her. She wasn't sure she could even make it to 16. because of her crippling depression and anxiety. Now a social worker in her 20's, Lacey has the perspective of someone familiar with both the bottom of life's pit and the climb out.  She sees mental health as a spectrum and shows grace for all points on it....

As a teen, Lacey's depression and suicidal thoughts were so pervasive that she did not know if she would live past the age of 16. She is now a social worker helping others. Lacey shares about her family's inability to speak openly about mental-health challenges before she opened that conversational door.  She credits her grandmother, who then disclosed the generations-long family history of depres...

When our children first exhibit symptoms of mental health challenges, we seldom recognize them as that.  With lots of encouragement from friends and family (if we even share) we are convinced that the behaviors are "typical teen stuff."  Craig Kramer, says when his children were suffering, he "made every mistake in the book- and them some." He had lots of help with that. He got bad advice from tru...

30+ years after a suicide attempt that left her in a coma, Jeannine looks back on that day, and on what she would have missed if she had died that hopeless day. When you're "in it," you do not think you will ever get out. We need to know, believe and spread the message that the bottom is not the end. For Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, please listen to and share this 24-minute episode. Jeannin...

For Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we want to introduce you to suicide-attempt survivor, Jeannine Rivers, We want you to hear her talk about the good and the bad of the life she never would have experienced had she not (barely) survived her attempt. Please take 17 minutes to honor our guest, Jeannine's honesty and vulnerability sharing about her life for to offer hope to others. Jeannine's we...

It can be so, so hard when you are in depression's darkness to believe anyone who says "it passes," "it will get better," or even "you are loved and needed." Mark Henick, a suicide-attempt survivor has the lived experience, perspective and empathy to reach out with his message of hope and recovery. He has been there. He knows. Please listen, share, reach out for whatever help and support are avail...

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We'll be interviewing attempt survivors to both explore the depths of their despair and hopelessness, AND their recoveries, which include connecting (or reconnecting) with their personal worth and the value of life. In this 26-minute episode guest Mark Henick and Licensed Psychologist Anita Sanz debunk the many misconceptions, myths and lies about t...