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

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 authority—made him effective in helping others, and why slowing down and truly listening can be lifesaving. Terry and Anita reflect on the importance of upstream prevention, the role of connection in healing, and the reminder that help is always available—even before a crisis point.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please know: you are not alone. Help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Primary Topics Covered

• Kevin Briggs’ journey from military and law enforcement to mental health advocacy
• How stigma shaped his early views on depression and what changed his perspective
• The toll of untreated depression and PTSD
• Lessons from conversations with more than 200 people contemplating suicide
• Why empathy, patience, and slowing down matter in crisis conversations
• The importance of staying on medication and seeking the right therapist
• Upstream prevention: asking for and offering help before crisis hits
• Terry and Anita’s reflections on breaking stigma and the power of human connection

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
 01:11 - Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month matters
 01:37 - Introducing Kevin Briggs and his courageous conversations
 02:24 - Kevin’s background: military, law enforcement, and “macho” culture
 02:38 - Early stigma: believing mental illness was weakness
 02:59 - How depression impacted his life outside of work
 03:37 - Diagnosis through the PHQ-9 and learning depression is real
 04:25 - Accepting help and hope in recovery
 04:37 - The nickname “Guardian of the Golden Gate”
 05:05 - Guiding more than 200 people off the Golden Gate Bridge
 06:05 - Finding the right therapist and medication support
 06:40 - Why simply listening is often lifesaving
 07:06 - Common triggers: financial stress, relationships, lack of access to care
 07:41 - The danger of stopping medication suddenly
 08:10 - Why dignity matters: people choosing to step back themselves
 08:52 - The power of empathy over credentials
 09:27 - What didn’t help: talking too fast and not slowing down
 10:23 - Coping with the emotional toll of this work
 11:01 - How Kevin cares for his own mental health (family, pets, medication)
 12:16 - Reflections on upstream prevention and breaking stigma
 13:40 - Making tough conversations safer and more common
 14:16 - Reminder: call 988 in the U.S. if you need support
 15:11 - Closing reflections and encouragement

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

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 therapy, personal inventory systems—and why talking about suicide needs to become safer, not more secret.

This episode redefines what survival looks like and opens a critical, compassionate space for those navigating similar battles. Suicidal ideation is not always an emergency—it’s often a symptom asking to be heard. Wally shows us how to listen.

CSSRS info link: http://cssrs.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/C-SSRS-Brochure-for-First-Responders-1.pdf

Primary Topics Covered:

• Differentiating suicidal ideation from suicidal intent
• Wally’s personal experience living with chronic suicidal thoughts
• The role of pain, trauma, and TBI in persistent ideation
• Why people avoid sharing suicidal thoughts—and the danger of stigma
• Wally’s Personal Assessment Scale for suicide safety
• Coping strategies: CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and customized check-ins
• Creating a mental health inventory for self-assessment
• How to support someone without trying to “fix” them
• The power of curiosity, empathy, and asking the right questions

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and introduction
01:10 Suicidal thoughts on a spectrum: understanding the difference between ideation and intent
02:04 The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS)
03:49 Meet Wally: Veteran, trauma survivor, and mental health advocate
04:18 Why people keep suicidal thoughts secret
05:11 Wally on managing suicidal ideation without being in crisis
06:29 Childhood abuse and early trauma
07:11 Military service, structure, and hard-earned wisdom
07:45 Surviving a 45-foot fall and traumatic brain injuries
08:24 Chronic pain and toxic self-talk after injury
09:20 The daily mental ritual of dismissing despair
10:33 Public conversations about suicidal ideation on social media
11:00 Mental health tools: CBT, DBT, and breathwork
11:45 Creating a personal inventory for self-assessment
12:49 Wally’s three-level Personal Assessment Scale for suicidal ideation
14:06 What to ask someone having suicidal thoughts
15:17 Boundaries when offering help online or in person
16:08 Holding space and creating safer conversations about suicide
17:07 Reducing knee-jerk responses to suicidal ideation
18:29 How to be a better listener and supporter
19:11 Links to Wally’s blog, CSSRS, and personal inventory template

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Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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, self-accountability, and supporting others.

Wally’s steps incorporate therapy, medication, meditation, and more. They're not about perfection—they’re about progress and integrity. If you’re looking for practical tools to manage your mental health, or just need a new framework that speaks your language, this episode offers a powerful shift.

Link to Wally's Twelve Steps: http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.TheMHTwelveSteps

Link to AA's Twelve Steps: https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditions

Link to Wally's Self-Inventory Template:http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.PersonalInventoryTemplate

Primary Topics Covered:

• Wally’s personal adaptation of the 12 Steps for managing mental health
• How black-and-white thinking can be rechanneled into accountability
• Using the 12 Steps to address PTSD, depression, and chronic pain
• Granting yourself the grace to be human—and why that matters
• Understanding how trauma affects self-talk and internal integrity
• The role of intentional living, mindfulness, and daily tools
• Why “all boats must be lifted” in relationships and recovery
• Tools beyond prayer: medication, therapy, meditation, self-inquiry
• Taking personal inventory through a mental health lens
• Using lived experience to shine light and support others

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and podcast introduction
01:10 Meet Wally and learn how the 12 steps were reimagined for mental health
02:33 Wally reads his “Mental Health 12 Steps” in full
04:01 Why black-and-white thinking shaped his need for accountability
06:04 Redefining step six: embracing effort over external fixes
07:39 Step seven: granting ourselves the grace to be human
08:20 How self-judgment spirals harm trauma survivors
08:50 Catching negative self-talk with the reminder: “I’m human”
09:13 Step eight: Understanding how symptoms affect relationships
10:12 Empathy, understanding, and learning through amends
10:57 Internal integrity and accountability to self
11:35 “Intentional” living as a key to healing
12:36 Tools for mental health: medication, therapy, meditation
14:08 Step 12: Helping others through your own recovery story
15:24 The power of visibility and being a light in dark places
16:37 Psychologist reflections on accountability without shame
17:41 Offering take-what-you-need tools for mental health management
18:17 Closing thoughts and next steps for applying Wally’s model

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

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 she chooses to speak openly and shame-free about mental illness. Sarah also shares the coping tools that help her most, from support groups to pug videos, and the mindset shift that keeps her going: “I don’t feel fine, but I am fine.”

This episode is a reminder that stigma kills, but stories save lives—and that talking openly about depression can make all the difference.

Link to the article quoted: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/art-20047725

Primary Topics Covered:

• Sarah’s decision to share her mental health story without shame
• How depression distorts thought patterns and fuels suicidal ideation
• The role of support groups in reducing isolation
• Why stigma prevents people from seeking help
• The connection between hormones, birth control, and depression
• Tools Sarah uses to cope: community, movement, joy, and reframing thoughts
• Insights from Mayo Clinic on hormones and depression
• The importance of speaking up and seeking treatment

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
 02:45 - Why sharing mental health stories matters
 03:12 - Meet Sarah: no BS about depression
 04:07 - How depression shifts thoughts toward worthlessness
 05:01 - Alcohol, suicidal ideation, and finding safety in support groups
 05:26 - Stigma, culture, and why emotions aren’t “sexy”
 06:14 - Removing stigma to open doors for help
 07:01 - The ups and downs of living with depression
 07:39 - Sarah’s coping strategies: support groups, friends, pug videos
 07:57 - The phrase that helps: “I don’t feel fine, but I am fine”
 09:13 - Hormones, birth control, and suicidal depression
 10:38 - Mayo Clinic insights on hormones and depression
 14:50 - Symptoms to watch for and when to seek help
 15:29 - Closing thoughts and resources

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

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 healing when she felt she couldn’t go on. Along with Terry and Bridget, she also reflects on how fostering, volunteering, or even simply pet-sitting can bring connection and relief to people who struggle.

If you’ve ever wondered whether pets can really make a difference in mental health, this episode offers both real-life testimony and practical ways animals can help ease depression.

Primary Topics Covered

• How pets provide unconditional love and loyalty during depression
• Family history of depression and how stigma silenced open conversation
• Surviving a painful divorce and how dogs kept Lori going
• The healing role of therapy dogs and rescue pets
• How walking dogs created structure, purpose, and daily connection
• Distraction and grounding: focusing on pets instead of pain
• The calm and peace that pets bring into chaotic times
• Practical ways to bring animals into your life, even if you can’t own one

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
 01:13 - Why pets can be powerful allies in mental health
 01:35 - Meet Lori: a lifelong dog lover and mental health advocate
 02:10 - Family history of depression and silence around mental illness
 03:42 - Lori’s personal struggles and painful divorce
 04:33 - How her dogs kept her alive during her darkest year
 05:09 - The healing role of her rescue poodles
 06:07 - Loyalty, protection, and companionship in hard times
 06:20 - How walking dogs provided structure and purpose
 07:17 - Pets as a lifeline during chaos and depression
 08:06 - Walking and crying: the release of grief with dogs by her side
 09:04 - Distraction and focusing on pets instead of depression
 09:56 - How medication and dogs together built a safety net
 11:22 - The calming presence of pets and the peace they bring
 13:12 - The role of human connection alongside pets
 14:10 - Daily check-ins and accountability with a best friend
 15:47 - Advice: rescue, foster, volunteer, or pet-sit if you can’t own a pet
 16:29 - Closing reflections and resources

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

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 brought relief. Jordan also opens up about living with anxiety, why “calm down” is the worst thing you can say to someone experiencing it, and how curiosity, listening, and silence can be the most supportive responses.

Terri and Dr. Anita also share their own experiences with post-surgical mood changes, highlighting how common and under-discussed they are. This episode is both validating and practical, reminding us that emotional recovery is just as real—and just as important—as physical healing.

Primary Topics Covered

• Jordan’s open-heart surgery at age 24 and its impact on mental health
• The difference between physical and emotional recovery after surgery
• Post-surgical depression (cardiac depression) and how common it is
• Intrusive thoughts, shame, and the link to OCD
• How medication (SSRIs) eased anxiety and intrusive thoughts
• Why “calm down” is not helpful for someone with anxiety
• Better ways to support people living with anxiety or depression
• Terri and Dr. Anita’s own experiences with post-surgical depression
• The importance of recognizing and naming post-surgical emotional struggles

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
 02:21 - Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand
 03:07 - Jordan’s story: diagnosed with congenital heart condition at 24
 03:36 - The shock of open-heart surgery for a young athlete
 04:21 - Emotional recovery harder than physical recovery
 04:54 - Intrusive thoughts, shame, and depression after surgery
 05:45 - Post-surgical depression: how common it is after heart surgery
 06:32 - Struggles with medical professionals and finding the right psychiatrist
 06:54 - OCD diagnosis, SSRI medication, and relief from intrusive thoughts
 07:36 - Jordan explains what anxiety feels like from the inside
 08:08 - Why telling someone to “calm down” makes things worse
 09:32 - How to truly support someone with anxiety
 11:40 - Misconceptions about asking people about suicide or anxiety
 12:25 - Why talking openly creates safety and connection
 13:56 - Jordan’s closing reflections: self-knowledge and validation
 14:46 - Terri and Dr. Anita share their own post-surgical depression experiences
 17:00 - Closing thoughts and resources

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

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 many employees face when disclosing mental health concerns, and how stigma silences far too many. He also highlights how organizations benefit when they prioritize emotional well-being—not just physical safety—and why breaking stigma is both good for people and good for business.

If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about mental health at work, or how organizations can better support their employees, this episode is an honest, practical, and hopeful conversation about ending stigma and building workplaces where people can truly thrive.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Jeff MacDonald’s diagnosis with anxiety-fueled depression
• Why stigma keeps employees from talking about mental health at work
• Returning to work as part of recovery
• The role of leadership in shaping workplace culture
• Why organizations must invest beyond “wellness weeks”
• How breaking stigma improves employee engagement, loyalty, and retention
• Practical advice for having vulnerable workplace conversations
• The powerful role of love and hope in recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
 00:56 - The pressure of masking depression at work
 01:37 - When the job itself contributes to mental health struggles
 02:13 - Jeff MacDonald’s story: high stress, misdiagnosis, and anxiety-fueled depression
 03:00 - Four months away from work and the recovery process
 03:23 - Returning to work gradually and finding purpose again
 04:13 - The liberation of receiving a diagnosis
 04:45 - How position and credibility helped Jeff speak openly
 05:41 - Why stigma keeps most employees silent
 06:28 - Advice: when to disclose and when to seek help outside work
 07:27 - Few organizations truly addressing stigma—less than 10%
 07:49 - How COVID changed workplace mental health conversations
 08:30 - The duty of care: why mental health matters as much as physical safety
 09:14 - Breaking stigma as good business: costs of presenteeism and turnover
 09:51 - Younger generations demanding workplaces that care
 10:39 - Beyond wellness weeks: real organizational responsibility
 11:40 - Why superficial wellness programs aren’t enough
 12:34 - Speaking the language executives understand: energy and performance
 13:33 - Overcoming fear of hard conversations about mental health
 14:06 - How to start a supportive workplace conversation
 15:22 - Jeff on love and hope as keys to recovery
 17:35 - Reflections on stigma, culture, and real change
 18:46 - Closing thoughts and encouragement

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

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 counselors support callers, and why most people who experience suicidal thoughts survive—and go on to live meaningful lives.

Through research, lived experience, and compassionate insight, listeners will learn why 988 is more than a hotline—it’s a pathway to hope, healing, and connection.

Primary Topics Covered

• The launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Why an easy-to-remember number matters during crisis
• How hotlines reduce distress—even for non-suicidal callers
• The neuroscience of crisis: why feeling heard restores calm
• Real statistics on suicide attempts, survival, and recovery
• The five key steps in suicide prevention: Ask, Keep Safe, Be There, Connect, Follow Up
• Why caring connections—not shame—are the strongest prevention tool
• How 988 offers hope, empathy, and life-saving support

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
 01:10 - What is 988 and why it matters
 01:44 - The challenge of remembering the old 11-digit number
 02:16 - Concerns about overwhelming the system with demand
 03:02 - Research proving the life-saving impact of crisis hotlines
 03:36 - Interview with Dr. John Draper, Director of the Lifeline
 04:15 - Why calls are increasing and why that’s a good thing
 04:54 - Most callers are not suicidal: why anyone in distress should call
 06:17 - How crisis calls reduce distress and restore calm
 06:33 - The brain in crisis: fight, flight, freeze vs. empathy and connection
 07:55 - The lasting impact of hotline calls weeks later
 09:16 - What to expect if you call 988: questions and safety planning
 10:42 - Why counselors won’t judge—and what survival statistics show
 12:20 - Regret after suicide attempts and why life is worth living
 13:29 - How survivors describe finding hope and meaning after crisis
 14:56 - The five steps of suicide prevention explained
 16:13 - The power of connection: why being there matters most
 16:53 - Bringing others in: support networks and follow-up
 17:37 - Why 988 should become as natural as 911
 18:59 - Calling for yourself—or alongside someone you love
 19:22 - Closing reflections and resources

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

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, and how stigma and invalidation pushed her deeper into silence. She also explains why asking direct, compassionate questions about suicide can actually save lives—and what parents, friends, and teachers can do to support struggling teens.

If you’re worried about a young person in your life, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The CDC’s alarming statistics on teen depression and suicide
• Lauren’s journey from silent suffering to suicide attempt and survival
• Early warning signs of teen depression and suicidal thoughts
• Why stigma and invalidation can make depression worse
• How parents and friends can ask the right questions
• The lifesaving impact of empathy and listening without judgment
• The importance of crisis resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Messages of hope: why survivors like Lauren are glad to be alive

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
 01:10 - Rising rates of youth depression and suicide
 01:59 - PBS documentary “Hiding in Plain Sight”
 02:57 - Introducing Lauren, teen suicide attempt survivor
 03:59 - Lauren’s early symptoms of depression at age 13
 04:25 - Warning signs of isolation and withdrawal
 05:40 - What others might have noticed before her attempt
 07:02 - Why wording matters when asking about mental health
 07:56 - Would she have admitted suicidal thoughts if asked?
 08:38 - Why she hid her struggles from parents and friends
 09:47 - Hoping someone would reach out before it was too late
 10:42 - The importance of validating emotions, not dismissing them
 12:08 - How stigma and invalidation increase suicide risk
 12:53 - Depression’s lies: feeling worthless and hopeless
 13:54 - The reality of facing death during an attempt
 15:01 - Why asking directly about suicide can save lives
 16:38 - What to do if someone says they are suicidal
 17:50 - How Lauren now copes with suicidal thoughts
 18:40 - Lessons for friends, parents, and teachers
 20:55 - Role of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
 22:22 - Gratitude for Lauren’s story and closing reflections

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

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 you recognize high-risk periods, create support plans, and reduce the likelihood of a depressive episode.

Whether you’re coping with grief, relationship stress, or sudden life crises, this episode will give you practical strategies to strengthen your mental health resilience and protect your well-being before it spirals.

Primary Topics Covered

• Terri’s personal story of anticipatory grief and depression risk
• What “stress and energy forecasting” means for mental health
• How to prepare for grief, loss, and life’s hardest moments
• The difference between grief, sadness, and depression
• Why pacing your emotions can prevent relapse into depression
• Building a proactive plan for unexpected crises
• Tools for self-care during stressful seasons
• How preparation can reduce the impact of triggers

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and why this episode is different
 01:30 - Terri’s story: preparing for her mother’s death and grief
 02:44 - What is stress and energy forecasting?
 03:16 - Comparing mental health planning to weather forecasting
 04:24 - Anticipatory grief and pacing difficult emotions
 05:36 - How therapy and open conversations can help
 06:54 - Why practicing feeling sadness strengthens resilience
 08:42 - The difference between grief, sadness, and depression
 10:24 - Using pacing to prevent depressive relapse
 11:27 - How to respond to unexpected crises and stressors
 12:23 - Creating a written crisis plan and identifying supports
 14:08 - Forecasting for predictable stresses like relationships and work
 14:36 - Self-care prioritization: what really matters during crisis
 15:48 - Final reflections on stress forecasting and resilience

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