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

Trauma doesn’t end with the people who experience it. It can echo across generations, shaping families, communities, and even entire cultures.

In this powerful conversation, Mark Powless, a member of the Oneida Nation, shares his story of growing up on a reservation and learning how historical trauma — from boarding schools to cultural erasure — continues to affect Native communities today.

We explore how generational trauma impacts mental health, the ways it can manifest as depression, anger, and addiction, and most importantly, how healing practices like sweat lodges, cultural traditions, and open conversations can begin to break the cycle.

This is a deeply human story of pain, resilience, and hope — and a reminder that healing is possible when we acknowledge the past and care for the present.

Resources Mark suggests: 

Oneida Nation website: https://oneida-nsn.gov/

Sky Woman Lives in Me by Roberta Capasso: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Woman-Lives-Roberta-Capasso/dp/1483443469

Boarding School Seasons: American Indian Families, 1900-1940 by Brenda Child: https://www.amazon.com/Boarding-School-Seasons-American-1900-1940-dp-0803214804/dp/0803214804/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=

Healing the Sound Wound by Eduardo Duran: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Soul-Wound-Trauma-Informed-Multicultural/dp/0807761397/

Primary Topics Covered:

• What intergenerational trauma is and how it’s passed down
• The impact of historical traumas such as boarding schools
• How normalized pain and abuse affect Native communities today
• The connection between generational trauma and depression
• Personal reflections on family, grief, and healing
• The role of cultural identity in resilience and recovery
• Indigenous healing practices and the importance of storytelling
• Hope for future generations through awareness and compassion

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and context of trauma
 01:01 – How trauma changes our sense of safety and identity
 01:48 – Understanding intergenerational trauma in Native communities
 03:08 – Mark Powless shares his experiences growing up on the reservation
 03:59 – Recognizing historical events behind today’s struggles
 05:06 – The trauma of boarding schools and cultural erasure
 06:11 – Disconnection from family and community
 06:44 – Silence, shame, and unspoken pain among elders
 07:39 – Coping mechanisms: substance abuse and anger
 08:35 – The cultural and emotional significance of hair in Native traditions
 09:57 – Triggering events and reactivated trauma
 11:21 – Carrying grief and inherited pain across generations
 13:49 – Breaking cycles: Indigenous healing practices
 14:17 – Teaching mental wellness to the next generation
 14:57 – Healing as a lifelong process of compassion and patience
 15:54 – Closing reflections on trauma, healing, and storytelling

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/

Trauma doesn’t always end with the person who experiences it. It can be passed down through families, shaping identities, relationships, and even entire communities.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Mark Powless, a member of the Oneida Nation, shares his story of growing up in a Native community still impacted by the historical trauma of boarding schools and cultural erasure.

We explore how generational trauma contributes to depression and other mental health challenges, why silence and stigma persist, and how Indigenous healing practices are helping to restore identity, connection, and resilience.

This is a conversation about loss, survival, and the powerful role of culture in creating pathways to healing.

Resources Mark suggests: 

Oneida Nation website: https://oneida-nsn.gov/

Sky Woman Lives in Me by Roberta Capasso: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Woman-Lives-Roberta-Capasso/dp/1483443469

Boarding School Seasons: American Indian Families, 1900-1940 by Brenda Child: https://www.amazon.com/Boarding-School-Seasons-American-1900-1940-dp-0803214804/dp/0803214804/

Healing the Sound Wound by Eduardo Duran: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Soul-Wound-Trauma-Informed-Multicultural/dp/0807761397/

Primary Topics Covered:

• What generational trauma is and how it’s passed down
• The connection between historical trauma and depression
• Boarding schools, cultural erasure, and their lingering effects
• Why silence, shame, and stigma prevent open conversations
• Substance use and anger as coping mechanisms for trauma
• How cultural identity shapes resilience and recovery
• The role of Indigenous healing practices like sweat lodges
• Building awareness and hope for future generations

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and overview of generational trauma
 01:01 – Trauma’s impact on identity, safety, and belonging
 01:48 – Intergenerational trauma in Native communities explained
 03:08 – Mark Powless shares his personal story
 03:59 – Historical events shaping present-day struggles
 05:06 – The trauma of boarding schools and cultural erasure
 06:11 – Family disconnection and inherited silence
 07:39 – Coping through anger, grief, and substance use
 08:35 – The meaning of cultural traditions in healing
 09:57 – Triggers and reactivation of old wounds
 11:21 – Carrying grief across generations
 13:49 – Indigenous practices for breaking cycles of trauma
 14:17 – Teaching younger generations about mental health
 14:57 – Healing as a lifelong journey
 15:54 – Closing reflections on trauma and resilience

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

Starting mental health conversations with children can feel intimidating—but avoiding them can leave kids unprepared and alone with their struggles. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest TJ shares why he chose to talk openly with his son about depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and how those conversations helped build understanding, trust, and resilience.

You’ll hear TJ’s powerful story of survival, his lessons on overcoming stigma, and his belief that the earlier we start teaching kids it’s okay to talk about feelings, the stronger and healthier future generations will be.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or loved one, this episode will give you tools and hope for creating safe spaces for kids to discuss emotions and mental health without shame.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why it’s important to start mental health conversations with children early.
• How TJ’s lived experience with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD shaped his parenting.
• The impact of parental mental health on children’s wellbeing.
• Overcoming stigma by making emotions and mental health safe to talk about.
• Strategies for explaining depression and anxiety to kids without overwhelming them.
• Why listening without judgment is key when kids open up.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode
 01:40 – Why families should normalize conversations about mental health
 03:25 – TJ’s personal journey with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD
 05:15 – Struggles with medication, treatment, and relapse
 06:36 – Suicide attempts and the turning point for seeking help
 07:19 – How TJ’s son noticed changes in his father’s mental health
 08:06 – Why TJ decided to talk openly with his child about depression
 09:45 – Teaching kids that mental health struggles are not their fault
 10:41 – Using natural moments to start conversations about emotions
 11:30 – Explaining depression and anxiety to children in an age-appropriate way
 13:09 – Why parents need to model openness and honesty
 14:59 – Encouraging kids to share feelings without shame
 15:33 – Fighting stigma by teaching children early
 16:34 – Prioritizing kids’ mental health as much as other safety lessons
 18:40 – Final reflections and takeaways

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/

How do you explain depression and anxiety to children in ways they can understand? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest TJ shares his powerful story of living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD—and why he made the decision to talk openly with his young son about mental health.

By breaking silence and stigma, TJ gave his child the tools to recognize emotions, ask questions, and understand that mental health struggles are not anyone’s fault. His experience shows that when we start mental health conversations early, we give children a foundation of compassion, resilience, and hope.

This episode is for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to know how to talk to children about mental health in a safe, supportive, and age-appropriate way.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why children’s mental health should be prioritized as much as physical health.
• TJ’s personal journey with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
• The role of family openness in reducing stigma.
• How parental mental health affects children.
• Practical tips for explaining depression and anxiety to children.
• The importance of listening without judgment when kids share their feelings.
• Why early mental health conversations build resilience for the future.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
 01:40 – Why children need open conversations about mental health
 03:25 – TJ’s experience with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD
 05:15 – Struggles with medication, treatment, and relapse
 06:36 – Suicide attempts and reaching a turning point
 07:19 – How TJ’s son noticed his struggles
 08:06 – Choosing to talk openly with his child about depression
 09:45 – Teaching kids that mental health struggles are not their fault
 10:41 – Using natural moments to start conversations
 11:30 – Explaining depression and anxiety in kid-friendly ways
 13:09 – Parents modeling openness and honesty
 14:59 – Helping kids feel safe sharing their emotions
 15:33 – Fighting stigma early through family conversations
 16:34 – Prioritizing children’s mental health alongside other life skills
 18:40 – 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 happens when traditional therapies don’t work? For many people living with depression, the path to healing isn’t straightforward. In this candid conversation, Renee shares her decades-long depression recovery journey shaped by childhood trauma, failed therapies, and the eventual discovery of support systems that finally helped her heal.

From surviving sexual abuse and risky behaviors to discovering the power of group therapy and art therapy, Renee’s story is a testament to persistence — and a reminder that recovery from depression is possible when you find what works for you.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, hopeless, or convinced that nothing will help, this episode offers hope, validation, and encouragement to keep searching.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence lifelong mental health
• Renee’s early experiences with depression and self-harm
• Why talk therapy and medication didn’t work for her at first
• The role of a judge in redirecting her toward help
• The impact of disclosing childhood sexual abuse
• Why depression was a symptom of unresolved trauma
• Discovering group therapy as a safe and validating space
• Art therapy as a tool for expression and healing
• Learning coping skills and identifying triggers
• Why no single therapy works for everyone
• Encouragement to persist in finding the right support

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction  
01:02 – Depression recovery is possible, even if it feels hopeless  
01:20 – Renee’s early trauma and family history of suicide  
03:23 – Childhood self-harm and first hospitalization  
03:57 – Failed attempts with talk therapy and medication  
04:38 – Risky behaviors and intervention from a judge  
05:37 – Disclosure of childhood sexual abuse during therapy  
06:37 – The long-lasting impact of trauma on mental health  
07:28 – Realizing depression was a symptom of unresolved trauma  
08:29 – Taking the scary first step into a survivor support group  
09:27 – Discovering art therapy as a healing practice  
10:32 – Learning coping skills and recognizing triggers  
11:57 – The value of peer support in group therapy  
13:12 – Why healing isn’t one-size-fits-all  
14:11 – Encouragement: your depression is not your fault  
15:44 – Why speaking up about your struggles matters  
16:34 – Survivor’s manifesto 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/

Depression and childhood trauma are deeply connected, but the path to healing is rarely straightforward. Many survivors spend years trying different therapies, medications, and support systems before finding what actually helps.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Renee shares her personal depression recovery journey, shaped by early childhood trauma, failed treatments, and the eventual discovery of group and art therapy. Her story is both raw and hopeful — showing that while healing looks different for everyone, persistence in finding therapy that works can make all the difference.

Listeners will learn how trauma influences depression, what symptoms often get overlooked, and why no single therapy works for every survivor. If you’ve ever felt stuck or hopeless, this conversation offers validation, encouragement, and a reminder that recovery is possible.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The connection between childhood trauma and depression
• Early warning signs and symptoms of depression in children
• Renee’s personal history of abuse, self-harm, and early hospitalizations
• Why traditional talk therapy and medication didn’t work for her initially
• The impact of disclosing childhood sexual abuse during therapy
• Recognizing depression as a symptom of unresolved trauma
• How group therapy provided safety, validation, and connection
• The role of art therapy in expression and healing
• Learning coping skills and managing emotional triggers
• Why every recovery journey is unique — and requires persistence
• Encouragement for survivors: finding therapy that truly works

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction  
01:02 – The link between depression and childhood trauma  
01:20 – Renee’s early trauma and family history of suicide  
03:23 – Self-harm and first hospitalization as a child  
03:57 – Why talk therapy and medication failed at first  
04:38 – Risky behaviors and intervention from a judge  
05:37 – Disclosing sexual abuse in therapy sessions  
06:37 – How unresolved trauma shaped lifelong depression  
07:28 – Realizing depression was a symptom, not the root cause  
08:29 – First steps into a survivor support group  
09:27 – Discovering art therapy as a tool for healing  
10:32 – Coping skills and identifying emotional triggers  
11:57 – The value of peer support in recovery  
13:12 – Why therapy must be personalized to work  
14:11 – Encouragement: your depression is not your fault  
15:44 – Speaking up and advocating for your needs  
16:34 – Closing reflections and survivor’s manifesto  

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 this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, singer-songwriter Demetra Prochaska shares how her journey with depression and suicidal thoughts found expression through music. From her teenage years navigating divorce, foster care, and a residential treatment program to writing her haunting song “I’m Not Okay” during the pandemic, Demetra shows how songwriting became both an outlet for pain and a pathway toward hope.

She opens up about the importance of trusted adults, the role of coping skills, and why asking for help can be an act of survival. Her story is both heartbreaking and inspiring — and her music reminds us that while depression tells us lies, hope and healing remain possible.

Link to Demetra's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijatOUHQY9g-hjS4_mBzqQ

Primary Topics Covered:

• The connection between depression and music as emotional expression
• Demetra’s experience with depression starting in her teens
• The importance of trusted adults and guidance counselors
• Residential treatment and its role in her recovery
• Writing “I’m Not Okay” during the pandemic as a cry for help
• Differentiating between not wanting to live like this vs. not wanting to live
• Coping skills: reaching out, checking in with herself, and practicing self-care
• The healing and reflective power of songwriting

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and co-hosts
 02:01 - How music lyrics reflect depression
 02:49 - Introducing Demetra and her mental health journey
 03:20 - Early experiences with depression and lack of open conversation
 03:56 - Turning to trusted adults and feeling heard
 05:34 - Entering residential treatment and shifting perspectives
 07:00 - Looking back at life before treatment
 08:18 - Depression during the pandemic and unbearable lows
 09:26 - Writing the song “I’m Not Okay” as a cry for help
10:34 - Exploring suicidal ideation and the desire for change
11:45 - Holding onto hope while in pain
13:37 - Reaching out for help instead of masking
14:33 - Coping strategies and self-reflection
15:45 - Seeking reassurance and reminders of worth
17:01 - Escalating depression and need for professional support
18:12 - Lessons on asking for help and reflecting on self-worth
20:35 - Full performance of “I’m Not Okay”

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 this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, musician Demetra Prochaska shares her deeply personal story of living with depression and how songwriting became both a survival tool and a source of hope.

From her teenage years marked by family struggles, foster care, and residential treatment, to writing her song “I’m Not Okay” during the isolation of the pandemic, Demetra opens up about how music gave voice to emotions she couldn’t express otherwise.

Her story highlights the difference between not wanting to live and not wanting to live like this, the importance of reaching out for help, and how creative expression can offer both reflection and healing.

Whether you’re living with depression, supporting someone who is, or searching for healthy coping strategies, this conversation offers honesty, vulnerability, and a reminder that you are not alone.

Link to Demetra's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijatOUHQY9g-hjS4_mBzqQ

Primary Topics Covered:

• How music and songwriting can help express depression and anxiety
• Demetra’s early experiences with depression as a teenager
• The importance of trusted adults, teachers, and counselors
• Residential treatment as a turning point in her recovery journey
• The story behind “I’m Not Okay” and writing through the pandemic
• Understanding suicidal ideation and the desire for change
• Practical coping skills: self-reflection, reaching out, and self-care
• The role of creative outlets in healing and recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and context for the episode
 02:01 - Music as a mirror for depression and emotions
 02:49 - Demetra’s story begins: early signs of depression
 03:20 - Struggles in teen years and lack of open conversation about mental health
 03:56 - Finding guidance and support from trusted adults
 05:34 - Entering residential treatment and shifting her outlook
 07:00 - Reflecting on life before receiving help
 08:18 - Depression and struggles during the pandemic
 09:26 - Writing “I’m Not Okay” as a cry for help
10:34 - Suicidal thoughts: wanting change vs. not wanting life to end
11:45 - Holding onto hope while facing deep depression
13:37 - The importance of reaching out instead of masking pain
14:33 - Coping strategies and checking in with herself
15:45 - Seeking reassurance and reminders of self-worth
17:01 - Recognizing when professional help is needed
18:12 - Lessons on self-worth, asking for help, and reflection
20:35 - Full performance of “I’m Not Okay”

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 this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we focus on recognizing the early warning signs of a mental health crisis — and what you can do to prevent it.

Guest Corinne shares her deeply personal story of struggling with depression during pregnancy and how reaching out for help saved her life. She introduces a simple “mental health scale” that helps her identify when things are worsening before they reach crisis levels.

We also explore practical coping strategies for depression and anxiety, including therapy, exercise, sleep, and meditation, as well as the life-saving role of connection and support.

This episode is a reminder that awareness and action can make the difference between crisis and recovery. By learning how to spot the signs and respond early, we can protect ourselves — and those we love.

Link to Corinne's article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

Primary Topics Covered:

• The importance of early recognition of depression and anxiety symptoms
• Corinne’s story of calling a suicide prevention hotline
• Using the mental health scale to track wellness and risk levels
• Key coping strategies to prevent escalation into crisis
• Why connection, honesty, and empathy are essential for healing
• The role of prevention-focused mental health support

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and framing the conversation
 01:14 - Corinne’s struggle with depression during pregnancy
 02:31 - Why sharing lived experiences is life-saving
 04:25 - The mental health “scale” as a self-monitoring tool
 05:31 - Coping strategies: therapy, exercise, sleep, meditation
 06:20 - Building trust and connection as protective factors
 07:34 - How to tell when depression turns toward crisis
 09:19 - Suicide prevention hotlines as critical lifelines
 10:44 - Breaking stigma through honesty about mental health
 12:04 - Final reflections on prevention and resilience
 13:20 - 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/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we explore how to prevent a mental health crisis before it escalates. Our guest, Corinne, shares her powerful story of reaching out for help during one of her darkest moments — a call that saved her life.

She explains the early warning signs of depression and how she uses a simple scale to monitor her mental health before reaching a breaking point. Corinne walks us through practical coping strategies like therapy, exercise, sleep, meditation, and building a strong support network.

This conversation is a reminder that crisis prevention starts with awareness — knowing when to check in with yourself, when to reach out, and how to stay connected. Mental health struggles don’t have to be faced in silence or shame.

Whether you live with depression or love someone who does, this episode offers life-saving insights about staying safe, building resilience, and finding hope.

Link to Corinne's article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why early intervention is critical in managing depression and anxiety
• Corinne’s personal story of calling a suicide prevention hotline
• The “mental health scale” tool for monitoring warning signs
• Coping strategies that help prevent escalation into crisis
• The role of connection, empathy, and honesty in healing
• Breaking the silence: why we need to talk openly about depression

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and episode context
 01:14 - Corinne’s experience with depression during pregnancy
 02:31 - Why sharing recovery stories matters
 04:25 - The mental health “scale” for self-monitoring
 05:31 - Corinne’s personal coping steps: therapy, exercise, sleep, meditation
 06:20 - The importance of trusted connections and support
 07:34 - Understanding when depression shifts from sadness to crisis
 09:19 - Suicide prevention hotlines as life-saving interventions
 10:44 - The power of honesty and breaking silence about depression
 12:04 - Final reflections and takeaways
 13:20 - 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/