For survivors of childhood trauma, depression often feels like an unshakable shadow. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Renee shares her courageous journey through decades of darkness caused by unresolved trauma and how she finally began to heal.

Renee explains how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shaped her mental health, leading to risky behaviors, failed therapy attempts, and deep struggles with shame. Her turning point came through mandated disclosure, group therapy, and art therapy — practices that helped her process abuse, build coping skills, and reclaim her life.

Her story is a reminder that depression recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Healing requires persistence, the right therapeutic fit, and safe spaces where survivors can feel understood. If you’ve struggled to find what works, Renee’s message is clear: don’t stop searching for your path to healing.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on depression
• Why traditional therapy approaches didn’t work for Renee
• The role of mandated reporting and family trials in her healing journey
• Discovering the power of group therapy for sexual trauma survivors
• Using art therapy to express emotions when words aren’t enough
• Learning to recognize and manage trauma triggers
• The value of peer support and survivor communities
• Why depression recovery requires persistence and individualized strategies

Timestamps:
 00:00 – Introduction to the episode
 01:20 – Why recovery from depression can feel impossible at first
 02:00 – Renee’s early struggles with childhood trauma and depression
 02:41 – Understanding ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and their long-term impact
 03:23 – Hospitalization, misdiagnosis, and early therapy attempts
 04:24 – Risky behaviors and court involvement leading to a turning point
 05:37 – Disclosure of abuse and the resulting family trial
 06:53 – Recognizing trauma as the root cause of depression
 07:34 – Why support groups offered the connection Renee needed
 08:29 – Facing the fear of revisiting trauma in therapy
 09:27 – Art therapy as a breakthrough in emotional expression
 10:46 – Learning coping skills and trigger awareness through group work
 12:08 – The power of peer support in recovery
 13:12 – Why healing is not one-size-fits-all
 14:11 – Addressing shame, stigma, and chemical imbalances
 15:04 – Encouraging open conversations with family and friends
 16:17 – Closing reflections: you are not your trauma, you are a survivor

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

When Matt Zinman hit his lowest point after losing his brother, he realized something critical: the difference between a bad day and a dangerous spiral is often just three days.

In this episode, Matt shares how he learned to set a time limit for depression—using a practical “3-Day Rule” to catch himself before sinking deeper into the quicksand. He explains how mood scales, daily structure, physical activity, and reaching out for support became tools to fight back against depression’s pull.

Matt also introduces his concepts of earned confidence and self-kindness—reminders that living with depression takes strength, resilience, and compassion. His story offers not only tools, but also hope: proof that depression’s spiral can be interrupted, and recovery is always possible.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Matt Zinman’s lived experience with depression and suicidal thoughts
• How grief and life stress triggered his most severe depressive episode
• Understanding mood scales and why awareness of “where you are” matters
• The 3-Day Rule: why day three is the critical turning point in depression relapse
• Practical tools to interrupt depression’s spiral: sleep, hydration, nutrition, movement, reaching out
• Why physical activity and endorphins are essential to managing depression
• The role of “earned confidence” in building resilience
• Practicing self-kindness as a grounding principle for recovery
• The importance of coping skills menus (including messy ones like crying or screaming)
• How to challenge depression’s lies with reminders of past strength and positivity

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro and welcome with Terry and Dr. Anita  
01:34 – Introducing guest Matt Zinman and his lived experience  
02:29 – Matt’s history with depression and suicidal thoughts  
03:06 – Understanding mood scales and how depression shifts us  
04:22 – Mild to severe depression: how the slide happens  
05:02 – The 3-Day Rule: why day three is the critical turning point  
05:36 – Tools for breaking the spiral: sleep, hydration, nutrition, movement  
06:07 – Why exercise and endorphins matter for depression recovery  
06:59 – Coping skills menu: joyful activities and messy emotions (crying, screaming)  
09:21 – Using affirmations and reminders during depression  
10:27 – The power of “earned confidence” and resilience  
12:41 – Practicing self-kindness as a line in the sand  
14:42 – Matt challenges the hosts: “Why be anything less than kind to yourself?”  
17:22 – Coping skills discussed by Bridget and Terry  
19:16 – Early warning signs and catching depression upstream  
20:33 – Resources and links to Matt’s book and tools  
20:51 – Closing reflections on self-kindness and supporting each other  

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What role does family history play in depression and other mental health conditions? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Matt Zinman shares his lived experience of growing up in a family deeply impacted by bipolar disorder, depression, and suicide attempts. His story highlights how genetics and environment often intersect, shaping the way depression shows up across generations.

Matt also opens up about his own struggles with depression, suicidal ideation, and the difficult emotions that arise when loved ones attempt or die by suicide. Alongside Terry, Bridget, and Dr. Anita, this conversation explores the complicated mix of anger, grief, compassion, and hope that accompany living with depression in families where mental health struggles are part of the legacy.

Listeners will come away with a better understanding of why depression can feel "inherited," what research actually says about genetics and mental health, and the importance of building supportive networks and tools for resilience.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What research tells us about genetics and depression
• How family history increases risk for mental illness
• Growing up with a parent living with bipolar disorder and depression
• The long-term impact of parental suicide attempts
• Coping with a sibling’s death and opioid struggles
• The complexity of anger, grief, and compassion after suicide
• Medication struggles and suicidal ideation as a side effect
• The gaps in mental health care and why inpatient treatment can be necessary
• Building a personal “safety net” of supportive people

Timestamps:
 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and hosts
 01:34 – The role of genetics in depression and mental health disorders
 02:21 – Sisters’ reflections on family history of depression and bipolar disorder
 03:11 – Guest introduction: Matt Zinman’s lived experience
 04:07 – Growing up with a bipolar father and depressive mother
 05:21 – Early exposure to suicide attempt as a child
 06:13 – Anger, confusion, and disconnect after a parent’s attempt
 07:10 – Matt’s first personal experiences of depression
 08:00 – The loss of his brother and the opioid crisis impact
 08:31 – Holding both anger and compassion for loved ones lost to suicide
 11:05 – Medication struggles and suicidal ideation as a side effect
 12:22 – The gaps in accessible, ongoing mental health care
 13:33 – Why focusing on people who “lift us up” matters
 14:42 – The complexity of emotions when loved ones struggle with suicide
 16:16 – Bridget shares her own medication-induced depression experience
 17:28 – Closing reflections and reminder to not believe everything your brain tells you

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

When depression and addiction occur together, the struggle is even greater. This is called a dual diagnosis, and it requires unique approaches to treatment and recovery.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Don shares his lived experience with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and how he eventually found a path toward healing. He discusses early misdiagnoses, the importance of honesty in therapy, and how support groups and the VA’s mental health system became essential lifelines.

Don’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, even when depression and addiction feel overwhelming. By leaning on peer support, healthy coping tools, and persistence, he demonstrates that dual diagnosis does not have to define you — healing can.

Link to NAMI Dual Diagnosis Fact Sheet: https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Images/FactSheets/Dual-Diagnosis-FS.pdf

Primary Topics Covered:

• What dual diagnosis means and how depression and addiction overlap
• Don’s personal experience with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse
• Why early misdiagnosis can delay recovery
• The role of support groups, peer networks, and the VA in healing
• Coping tools for managing depression and preventing relapse
• Why honesty in therapy is key for progress
• The importance of breaking stigma through lived experience

Timestamps:
 00:00 – Introduction and podcast milestone
 02:48 – What dual diagnosis means: depression plus substance use disorder
 04:46 – Don’s early experiences with depression and anxiety
 05:32 – Misdiagnosis and finding the right treatment
 08:43 – Struggles with addiction and early recovery
 10:26 – Building a support network and staying connected
 11:58 – Don’s positive experience with VA mental health care
 13:27 – Music as a tool for managing depression and anxiety
 15:22 – Why early intervention in depressive episodes matters
 17:25 – Communicating needs during depression
 19:17 – What real support looks like from loved ones
 21:28 – Helping others through lived experience
 22:28 – Fighting stigma with honesty and storytelling
 24:28 – Final takeaways from Don’s journey

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

After losing her son Jake to suicide, Jeannie transformed her grief into action by creating the “Check on Your Friends” movement. What started as a memorial within the car drifting community has become an international suicide prevention effort, spreading awareness through events, bumper stickers, and direct financial and emotional support for those in need.

In this episode, Jeannie shares how small reminders like stickers and simple gestures of connection can save lives. She also explains how her community now funds therapy, rent, groceries, and other needs for people struggling with depression, turning tragedy into hope. This is a conversation about love, resilience, and the power of showing up for one another.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How the “Check on Your Friends” movement began after Jake’s passing
• The role of car culture in raising awareness and building support networks
• The global reach of simple reminders like bumper stickers and hashtags
• Direct financial and emotional support for struggling individuals
• The hope contagion: how sharing stories of survival and support spreads light
• Why unconditional love and less judgment create stronger safety nets

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and hosts
 01:00 – Remembering Jake and his early struggles with depression
 02:00 – How the car drifting community rallied after Jake’s death
 03:50 – The birth of “Check on Your Friends” and Rio Bash events
 04:40 – The power of bumper stickers and global outreach
 06:30 – Spreading hope through unexpected reminders
 07:10 – Using funds to support mental health needs directly
 09:00 – The importance of community-driven support systems
 10:40 – Suicide contagion vs. hope contagion
 12:00 – Jeannie’s role as a safe listener and guide to resources
 13:40 – The importance of unconditional love and connection
 15:00 – Honoring Jake through acts of support and kindness
 16:20 – Reflections on Jeannie’s resilience and message of hope
 19:30 – Final reminders: you are worthy, loved, and deserving of support

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What happens when a parent does “everything right” — early intervention, therapy, open communication — and still loses their child to suicide?

In this deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jeanie shares the story of her son Jake, a brilliant and compassionate young man whose struggles with depression and bipolar disorder began in childhood. Despite 19 years of love, support, and open conversations about his pain, Jake’s life ended by suicide at age 26.

Through Jeanie’s story, we confront the painful reality that suicide isn’t always preventable — even when parents are vigilant, compassionate, and proactive. Together with co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz, we explore how parents can live with that knowledge, why stigma must be broken, and how to support families carrying this unthinkable loss.

This is not just a story about loss — it’s about resilience, truth-telling, and honoring the full lives of those we love.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The challenges of parenting a child with depression and bipolar disorder
• Why early intervention and open communication matter — even if outcomes don’t change
• The emotional toll of living for years with fear of losing a child to suicide
• Understanding that suicide is not the parent’s fault
• The importance of honest conversations about mental illness and suicidal thoughts
• How turning pain into advocacy (#CheckOnYourFriends) can create community impact

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Why these stories matter
 01:24 – Where podcast guests come from and why conversations matter
 02:13 – The bumper sticker that led to today’s story (#CheckOnYourFriends)
 03:28 – Remembering Jake: his brilliance, humor, and compassion
 05:12 – Early signs of depression and suicidal thoughts at age 7
 07:17 – The lifelong weight Jake carried: empathy, pain, and bipolar disorder
 09:08 – The night Jeanie knew something was wrong
 10:03 – The morning she felt her father and son’s presence
 11:22 – Living in shock after suicide loss
 12:20 – Coping with depression as a parent after loss
 13:15 – The constant fear and anxiety of caregiving for a suicidal child
 16:04 – What Jeanie wishes other parents knew: the power of open-door honesty
 18:43 – #CheckOnYourFriends: turning grief into action
 19:56 – Reflections on depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide risk
 22:36 – Why suicide isn’t about blame — and why stigma must end
 23:09 – Closing thoughts: bringing understanding and hope

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What does “normal” look like when you’re living with depression? For Tara, it’s not what society tells her it should be—it’s the small victories: taking a shower, cooking a meal, getting through the day.

In this episode, Tara shares her lifelong journey with panic attacks, trauma, grief, and depression. She opens up about the shame of struggling through college, the guilt of not being fully present as a mother, and the daily fight to hold onto hope. With courage and honesty, she explains how asking for help, redefining “normal,” and choosing to stay alive are acts of strength—not weakness.

Her story is a reminder that living with depression is not about fitting into someone else’s definition of normal—it’s about finding your own.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Tara’s early panic attacks and childhood trauma
• How naming her anxiety brought both relief and new challenges
• Transition from anxiety to depression in college and the shame of being unable to function
• Grief and loss as triggers for worsening depression
• The impact of depression on work, relationships, and parenting
• Explaining depression to her children and the guilt of not being fully present
• Why asking for help feels like a burden—and how to push past that fear
• Redefining “normal” when living with depression
• The power of simple support: “I may not understand, but I’m available to you.”
• How therapy, medication, and honesty keep her alive and grounded

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro and welcome  
01:19 – Why sharing stories helps normalize depression  
02:15 – Tara’s struggle with shame and embarrassment about depression  
03:00 – The importance of asking for help, even if it feels like a burden  
04:22 – Offering support: “I may not understand, but I’m available to you.”  
05:20 – Tara’s lifelong battle with anxiety and depression  
06:20 – Childhood trauma: surviving a drunk driving accident at age 4  
07:38 – Discovering the name for her panic attacks as a teenager  
08:47 – Relief of being diagnosed and starting treatment  
09:25 – Depression taking hold in college and the shame of not functioning  
10:14 – Grief and loss worsening depression in adulthood  
10:48 – Impact of depression on work, family, and friendships  
12:09 – Explaining depression to her children with honesty and love  
13:42 – Redefining “normal” while living with depression  
14:56 – Her daughter’s reminder: “You choose every day to be here.”  
15:13 – Closing reflections: asking for help, telling your truth  
15:43 – Outro and reminder: you are not alone  

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins opens up about his battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the powerful lessons he’s learned in facing mental health struggles. Known as one of the toughest players in the league, Dawkins reveals how vulnerability, therapy, and faith gave him tools to survive—and thrive—beyond football. His story sheds light on the importance of breaking stigma, building support systems, and finding strength in speaking up.

Whether you’re a sports fan, someone living with depression, or supporting a loved one, Brian’s candid reflections offer both inspiration and practical guidance on navigating mental health challenges.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Brian Dawkins’ early struggles with depression during his NFL career
• The role of stigma, masculinity, and silence in worsening mental health
• How therapy, faith, and medication changed his life
• The concept of a “blessed pack” and the importance of support systems
• Parenting, vulnerability, and breaking unhealthy generational patterns
• Why authenticity and unmasking brought him freedom

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and milestone 100th episode
 02:09 – Brian Dawkins’ NFL legacy and Hall of Fame speech on depression
 03:35 – What Dawkins thought depression was before experiencing it
 05:21 – How stigma and masculinity shaped his silence
 06:35 – The power of having a “blessed pack” of supportive people
 07:38 – Parenting lessons: teaching kids emotional openness
 09:20 – The double-edged sword of faith in mental health struggles
 11:05 – Dawkins’ darkest moments and suicidal thoughts
 12:34 – Wearing the mask: hiding depression during his career
 13:41 – Finding freedom in vulnerability and unmasking
 15:22 – Daily disciplines and mindset shifts for resilience
 16:47 – Final message: “You are worth the fight”

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this inspiring episode, Paula shares her powerful story of living with depression, confronting stigma, and ultimately finding hope. Though known for her outgoing and energetic personality, Paula battled privately with dark days, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. She opens up about how prayer, therapy, and community helped her heal, and how podcasting became a lifeline that gave her purpose and connection.

Listeners will hear how Paula courageously spoke out online about her depression—shattering silence and stigma in her family and community—and how that honesty built bridges with others who were struggling. She reminds us that depression doesn’t look the same for everyone and that recovery requires persistence, self-awareness, and community support.

This episode offers hope, honesty, and practical takeaways for anyone living with depression or supporting someone who is.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The hidden side of depression behind an outgoing personality
• How cultural stigma around mental health shaped Paula’s silence
• Turning points: prayer, reaching out, and speaking up publicly
• How podcasting and storytelling became tools for healing
• The importance of community, friendships, and healthy boundaries
• Why different coping strategies work for different people
• Reframing recovery as an ongoing, personal journey

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Paula’s story
 02:30 – Breaking the stereotype of what depression “looks like”
 04:30 – Mistaking depression for homesickness while living abroad
 05:45 – Dark days, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts
 07:10 – Turning to prayer and opening up to her parents
 08:00 – Sharing publicly about depression on Instagram
 10:00 – The role of community and shared stories in healing
 11:30 – Starting her podcast and the unexpected support it brought
 12:50 – Giving herself permission to feel but setting limits
 13:40 – Friends and hobbies as coping strategies
 15:20 – Letting go of toxic relationships and influences
 17:00 – Finding supportive, authentic communities
 18:50 – How Paula “exploded” the stigma by speaking out
 20:30 – Closing reflections and resources for mental health support

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What does it mean to truly listen to someone who’s struggling with depression or anxiety? In this episode, we revisit an impactful conversation with Robert, a trained crisis line volunteer and retired teacher, who shares how listening without judgment can provide hope and even save lives.

Robert offers insight into depression and anxiety as lifelong companions, the importance of boundaries when supporting loved ones, and why listening is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer. His story is both practical and deeply human, reminding us that empathy and presence matter far more than perfect advice.

Whether you’re living with depression, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand the role of listening in mental health recovery, this episode is a powerful guide.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why listening is one of the most effective ways to support someone with depression or anxiety
• The difference between offering advice and offering presence
• How boundaries protect both the listener and the person in need
• The role of hope in mental health recovery
• How sharing personal stories reduces stigma and builds connection

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and partnership with Recovery.com
 01:32 – The importance of listening in mental health struggles
 02:39 – Robert shares his dual perspective as both someone with depression and a crisis line volunteer
 04:07 – Why Robert describes depression and anxiety as lifelong companions
 05:28 – Advice vs. listening: how to support without dismissing
 06:42 – The importance of healthy boundaries when supporting others
 08:44 – How depression smothers hope and why hope is essential
 11:08 – The power of sharing personal stories publicly
 12:56 – How hearing others’ stories can help reduce stigma
 14:22 – Why listening is a gift anyone can give
 15:39 – Final reflections on empathy, understanding, and support

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/