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

How do you explain depression to a child?

For Todd Rennebohm, that question became deeply personal.

After years of living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, and multiple hospitalizations, Todd found himself facing one of the darkest nights of his life. What began as a desperate attempt to leave something behind for his children eventually became Sometimes Daddy Cries, a children's book designed to help families talk openly about mental health.

In this Father's Day special episode, Todd shares the powerful story behind the book and the lessons he learned as a father navigating depression and recovery.

Together, Todd, Terry, and Dr. Anita Sanz discuss:

•  What depression really feels like beyond "sadness" 
•  Why children need honest, age-appropriate conversations about mental health 
•  How depression can affect parenting and family dynamics 
•  The connection between depression, addiction, ADHD, and anxiety 
•  Why hospitalization can be an important part of recovery 
•  The unique stigma faced by men with depression 
•  How parents can help children understand mental illness without fear 
•  Why hope, treatment, and support matter 

This conversation is a reminder that depression is an illness, not a character flaw. And just like a physical illness, it deserves understanding, treatment, and compassion.

For fathers who struggle. For families who love them. And for children trying to understand what they're seeing, this episode offers honesty, hope, and language that helps.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Depression in fathers
• Men's mental health
• Parenting with depression
• Explaining depression to children
• Children's mental health education
• Addiction and recovery
• Suicidal thoughts and hospitalization
• ADHD and depression
• Mental health stigma in men
• Hope after depression

Timestamps:

00:01:50 – Meet Todd and the story behind Sometimes Daddy Cries
00:02:38 – Writing the book during a suicidal crisis
00:04:03 – Asking for help and choosing treatment
00:04:39 – Reading from the book: "Sometimes Daddy cries"
00:05:11 – What depression really feels like beyond sadness
00:07:10 – Why Todd compares depression to a tummy ache
00:08:24 – Explaining mental illness to children
00:09:39 – Hospitalization and recovery
00:11:22 – Learning from mistakes as a parent
00:12:05 – Why the book helps fathers feel less alone
00:12:31 – The message Todd hopes children take away
00:13:01 – The message Todd hopes men take away
00:14:37 – Why children shouldn't blame themselves for a parent's depression
00:15:38 – Why treatment, support, and love create hope
00:16:08 – The hidden epidemic of depression in men
00:17:02 – The danger of not talking about mental illness in families

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 — and not be actively suicidal?

In this powerful episode, Wally shares what it’s like to experience daily suicide ideation while actively managing their mental health.

With the increased visibility of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, conversations about suicide are more public than ever. But there’s often confusion:

Does having suicidal thoughts automatically mean someone is suicidal?

As this episode explains, suicide ideation exists on a spectrum. There’s a critical difference between:

•  Passive thoughts (“I don’t want to wake up.”) 
•  Active ideation 
•  Suicide planning and intent 

Wally lives with chronic physical pain, traumatic brain injuries, childhood trauma, and long-term mental health challenges. Suicidal thoughts are part of their daily experience — but so is disciplined management.

You’ll hear how Wally:

•  Uses CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to regulate daily ideation 
•  Conducts personal “mental health inventory” check-ins 
•  Distinguishes between ideation and danger 
•  Activates a safety plan when needed 
•  Sets boundaries when helping others 
•  Encourages asking better questions instead of panicking 

Wally’s message is clear: “Unsolicited help is not help. It’s an assumption.”

This episode invites listeners to replace knee-jerk reactions with curiosity, calm, and compassion.

It’s an honest, nuanced conversation about suicide — without sensationalism, shame, or fear.

Primary Topics Covered:

•  Suicidal thoughts vs suicide planning 
•  Suicide ideation spectrum 
•  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 
•  Chronic pain and suicide risk 
•  Trauma and suicidal ideation 
•  Mindfulness and breathing techniques 
•  CBT and DBT tools 
•  Mental health safety planning 
•  How to talk to someone about suicidal thoughts 
•  Reducing stigma around suicide conversations 

Timestamps:

00:01:27 – Introduction to 988 and suicide ideation spectrum
00:02:21 – Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale explained
00:04:35 – Stigma and why suicide conversations get shut down
00:06:45 – Childhood trauma and lifelong pain
00:08:39 – Brain injuries, chronic pain, and toxic self-talk
00:09:38 – Waking up daily into suicidal ideation
00:11:17 – Tools: CBT, DBT, mindfulness, breathing
00:12:01 – Personal mental health inventory system
00:13:05 – Wally’s three-level ideation scale
00:14:35 – “Unsolicited help is not help”
00:14:54 – What questions to ask someone with suicidal thoughts
00:17:35 – Why ideation does not always require hospitalization
00:18:07 – Making it safer to talk about suicide

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/

Can you be depressed and not even realize it?

Psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Margaret Rutherford joins us to explore a powerful and often overlooked topic: high-functioning and perfectly hidden depression.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we unpack why so many people deny their depression — even to themselves.

Dr. Margaret explains the difference between:

•  Classic depression (observable changes in mood and behavior) 
•  High-functioning depression (still productive but internally struggling) 
•  Perfectly hidden depression (deep emotional pain compartmentalized and denied) 

She shares how some people:

•  Believe depression is a personal weakness 
•  See it as a failure of faith 
•  Feel ashamed to even consider therapy 
•  Mistake depression for “just who I am” 
•  Experience symptoms that creep in so slowly they barely notice the change 

One of the most powerful metaphors in this episode describes depression as lights dimming gradually — so slowly you don’t realize you’re squinting.

We also explore:

•  Why naming depression can bring relief 
•  The role of shame in denial 
•  The tension between faith and mental health treatment 
•  Why depression is rarely caused by just one thing 
•  How therapy can help clarify what feels confusing and overwhelming 

If you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore,” this episode may give language to something you’ve been quietly carrying.

Primary Topics Covered:

•  High-functioning depression 
•  Perfectly hidden depression 
•  Depression denial 
•  Signs and symptoms of depression 
•  Depression and faith 
•  Shame and stigma 
•  Personal weakness vs. mental illness 
•  Bipolar disorder and mood swings 
•  Gradual onset depression 
•  Why naming depression matters 

Timestamps:

00:02:15 – Introducing Dr. Margaret Rutherford and the concept of denial
00:02:29 – Classic vs. high-functioning depression
00:03:48 – Perfectly hidden depression explained
00:05:48 – Not recognizing depression as a medical condition
00:06:24 – Relief that comes from naming depression
00:07:54 – The “lights dimming” metaphor for gradual depression
00:10:08 – Reason #1: Viewing depression as a failure of faith
00:11:37 – Reason #2: Believing depression is personal weakness
00:13:48 – Identity loss when you “can’t get your stuff done”
00:16:09 – Faith communities and seeking mental health support

Links:

Dr. Margaret's TEDx Talk on Perfectly Hidden Depression:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXZ5Bo5lafA

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/

Can you be depressed and not even realize it?

Psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Margaret Rutherford joins us to explore a powerful and often overlooked topic: high-functioning and perfectly hidden depression.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we unpack why so many people deny their depression — even to themselves.

Dr. Margaret explains the difference between:

•  Classic depression (observable changes in mood and behavior) 
•  High-functioning depression (still productive but internally struggling) 
•  Perfectly hidden depression (deep emotional pain compartmentalized and denied) 

She shares how some people:

•  Believe depression is a personal weakness 
•  See it as a failure of faith 
•  Feel ashamed to even consider therapy 
•  Mistake depression for “just who I am” 
•  Experience symptoms that creep in so slowly they barely notice the change 

One of the most powerful metaphors in this episode describes depression as lights dimming gradually — so slowly you don’t realize you’re squinting.

We also explore:

•  Why naming depression can bring relief 
•  The role of shame in denial 
•  The tension between faith and mental health treatment 
•  Why depression is rarely caused by just one thing 
•  How therapy can help clarify what feels confusing and overwhelming 

If you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore,” this episode may give language to something you’ve been quietly carrying.

Link to Dr. Margaret's TEDx Talk on "Perfectly Hidden Depression": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXZ5Bo5lafA

Primary Topics Covered:

• High-functioning depression 
•  Perfectly hidden depression 
•  Depression denial 
•  Signs and symptoms of depression 
•  Depression and faith 
•  Shame and stigma 
•  Personal weakness vs. mental illness 
•  Bipolar disorder and mood swings 
•  Gradual onset depression 
•  Why naming depression matters 

Timestamps:

00:02:15 – Introducing Dr. Margaret Rutherford and the concept of denial
00:02:29 – Classic vs. high-functioning depression
00:03:48 – Perfectly hidden depression explained
00:05:48 – Not recognizing depression as a medical condition
00:06:24 – Relief that comes from naming depression
00:07:54 – The “lights dimming” metaphor for gradual depression
00:10:08 – Reason #1: Viewing depression as a failure of faith
00:11:37 – Reason #2: Believing depression is personal weakness
00:13:48 – Identity loss when you “can’t get your stuff done”
00:16:09 – Faith communities and seeking mental health support

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 people speak openly about depression?

In this Ripple Report episode, we hear how honest conversations about mental health create real-world change — from classrooms to hotlines to theater stages.

A New York theater director shares how listening to personal stories of depression helped her manage anxiety during a major life transition. She describes how having voices in her ear “held her hand” during a difficult travel day and prevented her from spiraling.

Her theater ensemble now listens to the podcast together — then sits in a circle and talks about it.

They reflect on:

•  Why hearing one person’s depression story feels more powerful than statistics 
•  How storytelling reduces shame and isolation 
•  Why listening is often more helpful than “fixing” 
•  How sharing lived experience grants others permission to open up 
•  The healing ripple effect of open mental health conversations 

They also describe how storytelling acts as an “olive branch” — a gentle way to open the door to difficult conversations with friends or family who may be struggling.

If you’ve ever wondered whether speaking honestly about depression makes a difference — this episode answers with a resounding yes.

Every story told creates ripples.

Primary Topics Covered:

•  Depression stigma and how to reduce it 
•  The power of storytelling in mental health 
•  Why listening matters more than fixing 
•  Feeling alone with depression 
•  Opening conversations about mental health 
•  Using art and theater to address depression 
•  Creating safe spaces for vulnerability 
•  Depression support in community settings

Timestamps:

00:01:26 – What is a Ripple Report? Real-world impact of sharing stories
00:02:28 – Discovering the podcast and breaking misconceptions about depression
00:03:36 – Using depression stories as a coping tool during anxiety
00:05:19 – The play “Every Brilliant Thing” and its connection to depression
00:06:55 – Listening together as a theater group
00:07:26 – Why listening is more helpful than fixing
00:09:18 – Why one person’s story is more powerful than statistics
00:12:03 – The pressure to pretend we’re fine
00:12:35 – Using stories as an “olive branch” to start conversations
00:15:40 – The ripple effect of open mental health dialogue

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 a bipolar depressive episode actually feel like?

In this early archive episode, 28-year-old Brooklyn artist Ben shares candidly about living with bipolar disorder and depression — including what happens when medication changes trigger a rough patch.

Ben describes:

•  What a “code level orange or red” depressive episode looks like 
•  The emotional contradictions of depression (lonely but avoiding people, hungry but not eating) 
•  Why changing medications can temporarily intensify symptoms 
•  How cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps him self-diagnose and regulate 
•  The importance of daily “practice” — biking, yoga, creative focus — to maintain mental health 
•  Why suppressing depression only makes it come back stronger 
•  How to create a support “game plan” before the next depressive episode 

He also shares powerful insight for loved ones:

Instead of waiting for crisis mode, talk about depression when things are going well. Create a plan. Agree in advance on what support looks like.

This episode offers practical, real-world-tested strategies for:

•  Managing bipolar depression 
•  Preventing relapse escalation 
•  Communicating needs clearly 
•  Supporting someone without overwhelming them 

Depression thrives in isolation. Conversations like this reduce its power.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Bipolar disorder and depressive episodes 
•  Medication changes and mood shifts 
•  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
•  Emotional contradictions in depression 
•  Relapse prevention strategies 
•  Creating a mental health “game plan” 
•  Supporting someone with depression 
•  Why suppressing emotions backfires 
•  Trauma’s impact on depression 
•  Maintenance vs. crisis-mode care 

Timestamps:

00:01:26 – Introduction to Ben and living with bipolar depression
00:02:01 – Major depressive episode after medication change
00:03:02 – CBT tools and self-diagnostic check-ins
00:04:03 – Emotional contradictions during depression
00:05:01 – Recognizing reduced despair over time
00:06:13 – Why discussing depression during “good” times matters
00:07:29 – Creating a support game plan before crisis
00:09:14 – The inner tube metaphor: why suppressing emotions backfires
00:10:20 – Trauma, grad school, and compounded stress
00:10:51 – Medication changes and mood variability

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 isn’t laziness. It isn’t weakness. And it’s not just sadness.

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, licensed therapist and suicide attempt survivor Aja Chavez joins Terry McGuire to unpack what depression really looks like — including the intrusive, convincing lies it tells us.

They explore:

•  How to recognize depression in yourself or someone you love 
•  Why suicidal thoughts are symptoms — not truths 
•  When and how to call 988 (and what actually happens when you do) 
•  How to support someone who says “I’m fine” but clearly isn’t 
•  The role of therapy and antidepressants in recovery 
•  Whether depression can be treated naturally or with prayer alone 
•  Why medication isn’t a personality change — it’s often a foundation 

You’ll also hear candid reflections about:

•  High-functioning depression 
•  The shame that keeps people silent 
•  Why “at least…” statements can make things worse 
•  The small “glimmers” of joy that often come before hope 

If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode offers language, practical tools, and a reminder that depression thrives in secrecy — and loses power when we speak up.

📞 If you are in the U.S., you can call or text 988 for immediate crisis support. You do not have to be actively suicidal to reach out.

Primary Topics Covered:

•  What depression is (and isn’t) 
•  The cognitive symptoms of depression 
•  Intrusive and suicidal thoughts 
•  High-functioning depression 
•  When to call 988 
•  How to ask someone if they’re suicidal 
•  Supporting a loved one with depression 
•  Therapy vs. medication 
•  Antidepressant myths and fears 
•  Natural remedies and prayer 
•  Accessing affordable mental health care 
•  Building hope through small moments of joy 

Timestamps:

00:01:49 – What depression is (and isn’t): not laziness, not just sadness
00:04:33 – How to know if you or someone you love has depression
00:08:02 – The lies depression tells you (burden, hopelessness, worthlessness)
00:13:57 – When to call 988 and what happens when you do
00:15:47 – Does depression ever go away? Remission vs. cure
00:18:42 – How to help someone who says “I’m fine”
00:23:46 – Finding affordable or free therapy options
00:28:23 – How therapists help build hope
00:36:09 – Antidepressants: fears, side effects, and finding the right fit
00:43:35 – Can depression be treated naturally or with prayer?
00:48:37 – What to do if suicidal thoughts start
00:49:04 – How to ask someone directly about suicide

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 depression actually feel like?

In this special crossover episode with Recoverable, Terry interviews licensed therapist and suicide attempt survivor Aja Chavez about what depression really looks like — beyond the stereotypes.

They discuss:

•  Why depression doesn’t always look like sadness 
•  The difference between laziness and clinical depression 
•  What high-functioning depression is (and why it can be dangerous) 
•  Early warning signs to watch for 
•  Why depression can show up “for no reason” 
•  The lies depression tells about worth and value 
•  How medication, therapy, and contrary action save lives 

Aja describes depression as:

•  A “warm, heavy weighted blanket” 
•  Moving through mud 
•  Emotional numbness 
•  Irritability instead of sadness 
•  Loss of joy (anhedonia) 
•  A whisper that isolation is the answer 

She shares her lived experience of attempting suicide at 26 despite appearing successful, driven, and high-achieving — a powerful reminder that depression often hides behind productivity and perfection.

This conversation breaks down stigma, clarifies clinical definitions, and offers practical guidance for recognizing depression early — in yourself or someone you love.

Depression is real.
 It is a medical condition.
 And it is treatable.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What depression feels like 
•  Signs and symptoms of depression 
•  Am I depressed or just lazy? 
•  High-functioning depression 
•  Why depression can appear “for no reason” 
•  Depression vs. grief 
•  Early warning signs and prevention 
•  Contrary action and wellness plans 
•  Medication and therapy 
•  Suicide attempt recovery 
•  Mental health stigma 

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and crossover format explanation
02:57 – What does depression feel like?
04:13 – How depression shows up in teens and adults
05:35 – Am I depressed or just lazy?
08:28 – Is depression a medical condition?
09:39 – Different types of depression
11:49 – How do you know if you’re depressed?
14:25 – Early experiences of depression
18:22 – From numbness to suicide attempt
24:03 – Hospitalization and beginning recovery
27:29 – High-functioning depression explained
29:28 – Depression vs. laziness (internet’s top question)
32:16 – Clinical signs of depression
34:39 – Recognizing personal early warning signs
38:23 – What to do when you notice symptoms
41:17 – Why high-functioning depression can be dangerous
43:45 – “Why am I depressed for no reason?”
46:18 – Self-worth and depression’s lies
50:16 – Why talking about depression saves lives

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 do you do when someone you love has depression — and you don’t?

In this episode, Chris shares her experience living with depression since middle school, while her boyfriend Chris offers an honest look at what it’s like to support someone through depressive episodes without having depression himself.

They discuss:

•  The impact of stigma on seeking help 
•  Why many people hide depression from employers and even doctors 
•  The difference between sadness and clinical depression 
•  What depression paralysis actually feels like 
•  How to support someone during a depressive episode 
•  Why trust is essential in mental health relationships 
•  The importance of supporters having their own support system 

Boyfriend Chris describes the steep learning curve of loving someone with depression — often “flying by the seat of our pants” — and explains why sometimes the most important goal is simply getting through the moment.

Chris also speaks candidly about internalized stigma, guilt, and the pressure to “be stronger than the depression.” Her message is clear:

Whether you’re living with depression or supporting someone who is, this episode offers compassionate, practical insight into what actually helps — and how to protect both people in the relationship.

Depression affects relationships.
 But understanding, communication, and self-care can strengthen them.

Primary Topics Covered:

•  How to help someone with depression 
•  Supporting a partner with depression 
•  Depression in relationships 
•  Mental health stigma 
•  Self-stigma and internalized shame 
•  Depression paralysis and fatigue 
•  Trust during depressive episodes 
•  Distraction vs. talking through an episode 
•  Caregiver self-care 
•  Starting mental health conversations early

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to supporting a partner with depression
01:26 – How stigma silenced early conversations
02:27 – Hiding depression from doctors and employers
04:15 – Why depression is misunderstood as “not a real illness”
05:33 – Internalized stigma and feeling weak
07:00 – Why early intervention matters (“stage one”)
08:16 – Learning to support without a roadmap
08:52 – Using distraction to get through a depressive episode
09:19 – What depression paralysis actually feels like
10:20 – Misunderstanding depression triggers
11:13 – Why supporters need their own support system
11:41 – Choosing safety and remembering your worth
13:00 – Getting through one moment at a time
13:47 – How talking reduces shame

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 is hidden or "smiling" depression?

It’s showing up to work, cracking jokes, caring for your family — while a loop in your mind repeats, “I want to die.”

In this episode, Andrew shares his experience with high-functioning depression and the exhausting mask he wore for decades before receiving a formal diagnosis. For twenty years, he knew something was wrong — but didn’t seek professional help until suicidal thoughts became harder to ignore.

He describes “The Mask” as both savior and enemy: “It saves my life as it drowns my soul.”

This conversation explores:

•  What high-functioning or concealed depression looks like 
•  Why smiling depression often goes undiagnosed 
•  The mental toll of masking suicidal thoughts 
•  How stigma fuels hiding 
•  Why the mask can be protective short-term — but harmful long-term 
•  The ten-year average delay between symptoms and diagnosis 
•  The power of writing and creativity in recovery 
•  Why one in five may underestimate how common depression truly is 

Andrew also shares the pivotal moment he called a crisis line and chose treatment — a decision that likely saved his life.

If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” while collapsing inside, this episode is for you.

You are not weak for needing help.
 You are not dramatic for struggling.
 And you are not alone.

 Primary Topics Covered:

•  Smiling depression 
•  High-functioning depression 
•  Hidden depression symptoms 
•  Masking depression 
•  Suicidal thoughts 
•  Calling a crisis line 
•  Medication and recovery 
•  Depression stigma 
•  Creative expression as coping 
•  Emotional isolation

 Primary Topics Covered:

00:00 – Introduction and what “the mask” means
02:26 – Is masking helpful or harmful?
04:15 – Suicidal thoughts becoming more frequent
04:45 – Calling a crisis line and seeking treatment
05:13 – Medication and recovery progress
06:15 – Smiling at work while suicidal inside
07:29 – “It saves my life as it drowns my soul”
08:16 – Why everyone masks — and why it’s different with depression
09:33 – How masking feeds the darkness
10:27 – Turning on the lights instead of hiding
11:34 – The real meaning behind “1 in 5”
12:17 – The decade-long delay before diagnosis
13:06 – Writing as healing
14:37 – Creative expression as coping
16:15 – Words of empathy loosening the mask
16:59 – “If we keep forcing the bad to go unseen…”

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/