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

Taking medication for depression doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’re fighting for your life. In this powerful and candid conversation, sports broadcaster and mental health advocate Michael Landsberg (founder of Sick Not Weak) shares his decades-long journey with depression, anxiety, and antidepressants.

Michael speaks openly about his early resistance to medication, the relapses he endured after stopping, and the moment he realized his meds were keeping him alive. He explains his philosophy of “learning to love the thing you hate the least” — choosing antidepressants, despite side effects, because they free him from depression’s grip.

This episode challenges the stigma that keeps so many from seeking help and offers hope, validation, and practical language for anyone living with depression or supporting someone who is.

Link to Sick Not Weak, Michael Landsberg's website: www.sicknotweak.com/

Primary Topics Covered

• Michael Landsberg’s personal journey with depression and anxiety
• Early resistance to antidepressants and lessons from relapses
• The dangers of untreated depression and denial
• Stigma, masculinity, and why men avoid seeking help
• Antidepressants: benefits, side effects, and misconceptions
• “Learning to love the thing you hate the least” approach
• Warning signs of relapse and how Michael manages them
• How one person’s openness can break stigma for others
• Why recovery is about management, not cure
• The importance of honest conversations about mental health

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and thank you to supporters
 01:27 - Introducing Michael Landsberg and his advocacy work
 03:09 - Michael’s story: living with depression and anxiety
 03:44 - Speaking openly about depression and breaking stigma
 04:49 - Michael’s first experience with antidepressants
 05:37 - Stopping meds and painful relapses
 06:57 - The turning point: realizing medication was essential
 07:42 - Addressing stigma and misconceptions about meds
 08:57 - “Learning to love the thing you hate the least” explained
 09:45 - Why some people resist treatment and how to respond
 11:07 - Mistakes Michael learned from in managing depression
 12:36 - Warning signs of relapse and how he responds
 14:25 - Coping strategies: patience, perspective, and self-awareness
 15:21 - Destigmatizing through honest, everyday conversations
 16:02 - Tracking “bad days” and the role of hope in recovery
 17:37 - Final reflections and gratitude

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 be sick, not weak? In this candid conversation, broadcaster and mental health advocate Michael Landsberg shares his personal journey with anxiety and depression—and the power of naming depression as an illness, not a weakness.

Michael speaks openly about his early struggles with anxiety, the turning point when depression took hold at age 40, and how seeking help from a psychiatrist became his “first step back toward the light.” Together, we explore the stigma around antidepressants, how to support someone who resists treatment, and why sharing our stories can shorten the suffering for others.

If you’ve ever questioned whether depression is “real” or struggled with the idea of taking medication, this episode is for you.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why depression is an illness, not a weakness
• The stigma around antidepressants and how to counter it
• Michael’s early struggles with anxiety and later depression
• Why many people delay treatment for years
• The slow and subtle way depression takes over daily life
• The importance of friends and family noticing changes
• How openness and shared stories empower others
• Balancing honesty about medication benefits and challenges

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome and episode introduction
 01:22 - Listener question about resistance to antidepressants
 02:28 - Why sharing openly about medication matters
 03:11 - Personal reflections on using antidepressants
 04:29 - Michael Landsberg’s early experiences with anxiety
 05:48 - The insecurity of wondering if symptoms are “real”
 06:20 - Depression at age 40 and the phrase sick not weak
06:45 - Why depression often goes unrecognized for years
08:33 - Michael’s first psychiatrist appointment as a turning point
09:14 - The importance of early recognition and intervention
10:45 - Subtle changes that signal depression
11:10 - How loved ones can notice and start supportive conversations
12:05 - The loss of joy as a marker of depression
13:33 - Why we feel alone when millions share this struggle
14:05 - The power of sharing openly about mental health
15:14 - Putting words to experiences for the first time
16:16 - Closing thoughts and preview of part two

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/

Recovery from depression can feel overwhelming—but small daily habits and consistent routines can make a real difference.

In this episode, mental health advocate Paul Marlow shares how morning and evening routines helped him climb out of two of the darkest years of his life. From improving sleep to creating daily “wins” like making his bed, journaling, and practicing fitness and nutrition, Paul explains how these habits built his confidence and supported long-term recovery.

Whether you’re living with depression or simply looking for ways to strengthen your mental health, this episode offers practical strategies for using routines as a foundation for healing.

Link to Paul's website/resources: https://weareneveralone.co/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why routines and daily habits are powerful for depression recovery
• Paul’s personal story of two years in his darkest place
• The role of sleep in depression and anxiety management
• Evening routines that improve rest and emotional regulation
• Morning routines that create “small wins” and build confidence
• Why therapy and honest conversations matter for recovery
• How fitness routines reduce fear and anxiety
• Nutrition’s impact on mood and mental well-being
• Normalizing setbacks and why persistence is key

Timestamps:

00:00 – Episode introduction and context  
02:07 – Tools guests have shared for coping with depression  
03:01 – Paul Marlow’s story: two years in a dark place  
03:44 – Morning routines and the power of daily wins  
04:34 – How sleep directly affects depression and anxiety  
05:43 – Tracking sleep and learning its mental health impact  
07:00 – Building evening routines for better rest  
08:13 – Experiencing restful sleep for the first time in years  
09:00 – Starting a morning routine step by step  
09:55 – Why not checking your phone first is essential  
11:18 – Therapy as a key recovery tool  
13:06 – The role of honesty in making therapy effective  
14:59 – Facing setbacks and sticking with the process  
16:10 – Fitness routines as tools for resilience and self-confidence  
17:36 – Using exercise to face fear and anxiety  
18:06 – How nutrition supports mental health  
19:26 – Small wins and changing negative self-talk  
20:26 – Redefining limits and discovering strength  
21:22 – Closing reflections on routines and recovery  

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 everything you thought defined you suddenly crumbles? For Paul Marlowe, a former professional athlete and personal trainer, the losses of a parent and a relationship, combined with anxiety and PTSD, led to years of depression and an inability to feel joy.

In this conversation, Paul shares the reality of living with depression—the nights filled with racing thoughts, mornings curled up crying in the shower, and the daily effort of faking wellness just to get by. But his story doesn’t stop there. Paul also opens up about how he began to rebuild: creating morning routines, embracing therapy, prioritizing sleep and nutrition, and—most importantly—learning to speak honestly with himself and others.

His journey is a reminder that while depression can strip us down, it can also create the space for a stronger, more authentic self to emerge.

Paul Marlow's Never Alone site: https://weareneveralone.co/

Primary Topics Covered:

• How grief, PTSD, and anxiety combined to trigger Paul’s depression
• What depression’s “loss of joy” (anhedonia) really feels like
• The hidden toll of faking wellness while struggling inside
• The impact of holidays and seasonal triggers on depression
• How Paul rebuilt his life through therapy, routines, and lifestyle changes
• The role of honesty—with oneself and others—in recovery
• Why he now views failure as growth instead of defeat

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
 01:03 - Terry shares a story about stigma in depression stereotypes
 02:33 - Introducing Paul Marlowe and his background in sports
 03:36 - Paul’s descent into depression after major life losses
 04:36 - Daily reality of anxiety, sleepless nights, and morning breakdowns
 06:10 - Hiding depression in public and faking wellness
 07:17 - Anhedonia: the inability to feel joy
 09:05 - The “old Paul” versus the person he is today
 10:34 - Growth through vulnerability, failure, and honesty
 11:45 - Seasonal depression triggers during the holidays
 13:03 - Building new habits: therapy, routines, sleep, and nutrition
 14:22 - How honesty with himself fueled lasting change
 16:23 - Reflection on stripping away old facades and rebuilding authentically
 17:23 - Bridget and Terry’s reflections on Paul’s journey
 18:00 - Upcoming webinar on mindful self-compassion
 19:00 - 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 does it really mean to live with both depression and addiction?

In this episode, Don opens up about his decades-long struggle with clinical depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder—a combination often called dual diagnosis. Despite years of misdiagnosis and silent suffering, Don finally found hope through proper treatment, peer support, and telehealth through the VA.

He shares candidly how depression convinced him he was worthless, how addiction deepened the darkness, and how tools like medication, gratitude, and music became lifelines in his recovery. Don also reflects on the power of simply asking, “How can I support you today?” and why breaking stigma saves lives.

This is an honest, hopeful conversation for anyone navigating depression, addiction, or supporting someone they love.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What “dual diagnosis” really means in mental health care
• Don’s early anxiety and decades of misdiagnosis
• The dangers of untreated depression and self-medicating with substances
• Recovery through AA/NA and support networks
• How the VA and telehealth improved access to care
• Finding stability through medications like escitalopram and gabapentin
• The role of music in calming anxiety and lifting mood
• Why asking the right support questions matters
• Challenging stigma by sharing lived experiences openly
• Don’s reflections on recovery, resilience, and hope

Timestamps

00:05 Welcome and introduction
 01:03 Podcast updates and live webinar announcement
 02:06 Defining dual diagnosis: mental illness + addiction
 03:15 Don begins his story of depression and anxiety
 04:21 Early childhood anxiety and silent suffering
 04:58 Initial misdiagnosis with bipolar disorder
 06:05 Finding the right medication for depression and anxiety
 07:59 The dangerous weight of untreated depression
 08:10 Don’s history of substance use and addiction
 09:03 Building strength through AA/NA recovery programs
 09:56 How technology kept him connected during recovery
 11:28 The life-changing role of VA telehealth access
 12:20 Why Don values his mental health providers
 13:07 Music as therapy: calming depression and anxiety daily
 14:58 Spotting early warning signs of depression
 15:50 Lessons learned from lived experience
 17:14 Best ways to support a loved one with depression
 19:47 Why stigma silences people—and why Don speaks up
 22:28 Closing reflections and message of hope

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/

Every January, millions of people make resolutions—only to abandon them weeks later. But what if we shifted the focus from unrealistic goals and shame-based change to something more sustainable: prioritizing our mental health?

In this inspiring New Year’s conversation, psychologist and author Dr. Margaret Rutherford (host of the SelfWork podcast) joins us to explore what real mental health resolutions look like. Together, we discuss why self-compassion matters more than self-criticism, why true self-care goes beyond bubble baths, and how small, intentional practices can protect our mental health all year long.

Dr. Rutherford also shares insights from the American Psychiatric Association’s latest survey, showing that more than 1 in 4 Americans are committing to mental health goals in 2022. From therapy and journaling to limiting toxic social media and nurturing healthy relationships, these are resolutions that truly make a difference.

Link to Dr. Margaret Rutherford's website https://drmargaretrutherford.com

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why traditional New Year’s resolutions often fail
• The importance of setting goals with compassion instead of shame
• How mental health resolutions differ from physical health resolutions
• The role of past, present, and future in shaping self-care practices
• The rise of therapy, meditation, journaling, and mental health apps
• The impact of social media use on depression and anxiety
• Recognizing hidden struggles and reducing stigma
• How to focus on small, daily actions that support mental health

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the episode
 01:08 - Why most New Year’s resolutions fail
 02:09 - The value of setting clear, official goals
 02:49 - American Psychiatric Association study: 1 in 4 Americans resolving to improve mental health
 03:16 - The pandemic’s impact on awareness of mental health
 04:09 - The danger of shame-based resolutions
 05:00 - Setting mental health goals through past, present, and future reflection
 06:01 - Internal validation vs. external validation in self-care
 07:33 - Broadening the definition of “diet” to include media and relationships
 09:09 - Effective mental health resolutions: therapy, journaling, apps, and meditation
 10:34 - The benefits of virtual therapy for accessibility
 11:30 - How depression and anxiety create barriers to seeking therapy
 12:16 - Recognizing hidden struggles and breaking stigma
 13:34 - “People don’t fake depression. They fake being okay.”
 14:55 - Understanding the spectrum of mental health struggles
 16:25 - Therapy as a tool for healing guilt, shame, and past actions
 17:29 - Coping with uncertainty and the ongoing pandemic
 18:06 - Developing internal markers of progress and wellbeing
 18:29 - “There is no health without mental health”
 19:24 - Closing reflections and words of 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/

Season 19 of Giving Voice to Depression brought together powerful, vulnerable conversations about what it means to live with depression. From learning that you’re not alone in your struggles, to understanding recovery as a non-linear process, to hearing about veterans’ mental health, racial trauma, journaling, and holiday survival tips—this season offered both compassion and practical insights.

In this special season wrap-up, co-hosts Bridget and Terry revisit the most impactful episodes, highlighting the resilience and wisdom of people living with depression. If you’re looking for real stories, validation, and hope, this recap will help you reflect, heal, and carry forward lessons into the new year.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why “The Beginning of Hope” resonated with so many listeners
• Understanding recovery as non-linear: moving in and out of hope
• Veterans’ mental health and how civilians can support them
• Trauma recovery and the role of culture and community messages
• Holiday mental health strategies for self-care and compassion
• The power of journaling as a mental health tool
• Reducing stress in social invitations with “the graceful out”
• Listener-favorite story: It’s Really Hard to Fix Something Broken With Something Broken
• Reflections on depression’s lies and the importance of shared voices
• Gratitude for the GVTD community and a look toward the new year

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction
 00:33 - Why this review is about Season 19, not 2021
 01:34 - Invitation to share: “What does your depression tell you?”
 02:30 - Episode 191: The Beginning of Hope
03:45 - Episode 192: Recovery Is Not Linear
05:12 - Episode on veterans’ mental health with Dr. McBride
06:33 - Civilian support for veterans’ mental health
07:46 - Episode 193: Trauma Recovery, Race, and Mental Health
09:12 - Holiday mental health advice with Dr. Maggie Mulqueen
10:36 - Behind-the-scenes blooper + journaling as a mental health tool
12:23 - Journaling to “get the ugly out”
13:48 - Dr. Anita Sands: the “graceful out” for social invitations
14:36 - Episode 195: It’s Really Hard to Fix Something Broken With Something Broken
16:04 - Listener responses and gratitude for community voices
17:31 - Acknowledgment of Facebook community support
18:13 - Closing reflections and new year wishes

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/

The holidays are painted as a season of joy—but for many living with grief, depression, or loneliness, Christmas can feel unbearably heavy. This special holiday episode, written and read by author John Pavlovitz, is for those who struggle when everyone else seems to be celebrating.

If your heart feels heavy, if loss or depression has taken the light out of the season, this episode is a reminder: you are not alone. Millions share in this quiet grief, even if you never see their faces. And as hard as it is to imagine, the way you feel today will not always be the way you feel.

This Christmas, may these words remind you of two truths: you are not suffering alone—and this is not the end of your story.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The reality of struggling with depression and grief during the holidays
• Why Christmas can feel especially painful for those facing loss
• Messages for those battling depression, addiction, or self-hatred
• The weight of loneliness and separation during the season
• Hope that today’s pain is not the end of the story
• Encouragement for receiving the holidays exactly as you are
• The importance of solidarity with others who “get it”

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the special holiday episode
 00:48 - John Pavlovitz begins: “To those who struggle this Christmas…”
 01:15 - For those grieving losses and broken relationships
 02:30 - For those facing illness, hospital rooms, or funerals
 03:15 - For those battling depression, addiction, or inner demons
 04:00 - For those alone or separated from loved ones
 04:40 - Reminder: you are not alone in this struggle
 05:10 - This is not the end of your story—hope will return
 05:37 - Reflection on how words can bring solidarity
 05:50 - Resources and encouragement from Giving Voice to Depression

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/

Depression often feels like trying to fix something broken with something else that’s broken.

In this moving episode, Davey shares his raw and honest story of living with depression and anxiety. From the exhaustion of hitting rock bottom to the slow discovery of “tools for a time” that help him cope, Davey explains how he manages daily triggers, finds small victories, and redefines what recovery looks like.

Through metaphors like a clogged chainsaw and even chicken soup that can’t be digested, he gives listeners new ways to understand depression’s challenges. Most importantly, he offers hope: that even when depression feels overwhelming, it’s possible to gather tools, learn, and keep moving forward.

Primary Topics Covered

• The reality of living with depression and social anxiety
• Redefining identity after depression changes your life
• Coping tools and “tools for a time” for survival
• The importance of taking small steps and celebrating small wins
• How intrusive thoughts and daily triggers impact recovery
• Depression as a legitimate illness, not a personal failing
• The metaphor of clogged machinery as a way to understand depression
• Why well-meaning advice can feel unhelpful during deep depression
• Accepting depression as a challenge instead of a personal weakness
• The hope that depression can be managed, even if not cured

00:00 – Introduction: why Davey’s story still resonates today  
02:06 – Redefining yourself after depression takes you down  
03:00 – Hitting the wall: exhaustion and racing thoughts  
04:11 – Applying a strong work ethic to fighting depression  
05:20 – Small victories: how little accomplishments boost mood  
06:11 – “Tools for a time” and why different tools work at different moments  
07:15 – Restoring chainsaws as a metaphor for understanding depression  
08:23 – Speaking openly about depression for the first time  
08:59 – Why well-meaning advice can feel impossible to “digest”  
10:55 – Becoming a student of your illness: taking notes in therapy  
11:34 – Depression as a legitimate medical condition, not weakness  
13:44 – Managing anxiety to reduce depression triggers  
14:38 – Daily struggles: magnifying small things into catastrophes  
15:20 – Finding purpose in giving back, even through blood donation  
15:57 – Why depression is still a winnable battle  
16:30 – Building a toolbox of coping strategies for recovery  
17:40 – Becoming more compassionate and useful through lived experience  
18:27 – Closing reflections on acceptance, learning, and ongoing growth  

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/

The holidays are painted as a season of joy, but for many, they bring stress, grief, and heightened depression. In this conversation with psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz, we explore the realities of holiday depression and offer practical ways to approach the season with compassion, flexibility, and self-care. From shifting expectations to making empowering choices, this episode provides both validation and strategies for anyone struggling during the holidays—or supporting someone who is.

You’ll learn why permission to say “no” (or a last-minute “yes”) can be a gift, how self-care basics become non-negotiable, and why redefining traditions can help protect your mental health.

Whether you dread family gatherings, feel weighed down by expectations, or just need reminders to give yourself grace, this conversation offers hope and perspective.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why depression often worsens during the holiday season
• The impact of unrealistic expectations and comparison
• Dr. Anita Sands’ “holiday gift” of compassionate invitations
• Practical self-care strategies for navigating holiday stress
• Reframing traditions and giving yourself permission to do less
• How to extend compassion to yourself and loved ones

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and holiday context
 01:13 – Why depression can feel heavier during holidays
 02:26 – The pressure of expectations and family dynamics
 03:42 – Understanding Scrooge and the human side of withdrawal
 05:33 – How grief, depression, and exhaustion block joy
 06:31 – Dr. Sands’ “holiday gift”: low-pressure invitations
 07:22 – Compassionate flexibility in social situations
 08:44 – The importance of self-care (sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management)
 10:46 – Reconnecting with love, hope, and goodwill
 12:46 – Giving yourself choices and permission
 13:56 – Doing less and focusing on what matters most
 14:46 – Financial and emotional fallout of holiday stress
 16:12 – Personal reflections on changing holiday traditions
 17:15 – Closing encouragement and reminders

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/