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

In this Veterans Day conversation, psychiatrist and veteran Dr. Mike McBride joins the podcast to discuss the unique mental health challenges facing those who served. Drawing from his experience in the Army and Navy as well as his work at the Milwaukee V.A., Dr. McBride explains why PTSD, depression, and suicide risk are critical issues for veterans — and how both medical professionals and civilians can better support them.

He shares how loss and isolation, worsened by the pandemic, compound mental health struggles, and outlines practical tools for veterans to stay connected, resilient, and hopeful. From the Veterans Creed to safe gun storage conversations, this episode offers guidance not only for veterans themselves but also for families, friends, and communities who want to help.

Link to Veteran's Crisis Linehttps://www.veteranscrisisline.net

How to Be There for Veterans: https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/be-there-for-veterans.html

Serving Together Project: https://servingtogetherproject.org/

MHA RR House: https://www.facebook.com/RRHouseMHA/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Veterans’ unique mental health challenges (PTSD, depression, trauma)
• The role of loss and isolation in worsening depression
• How the Veterans Creed can provide grounding and purpose
• Suicide prevention: the importance of connection and safe gun storage
• Civilian support: asking about service, showing appreciation, and creating safe communities
• Building resilience and post-traumatic growth after service
• Why veterans often avoid seeking help — and how families can bridge the gap

Timestamps:

00:11:00 – Dr. McBride introduces himself and his dual role as psychiatrist and veteran

00:16:40 – His journey from child psychiatry to serving in the Army and Navy after 9/11

00:18:35 – Reflections on deployments, trauma, and the lasting toll of war

00:22:47 – Why military culture requires people who understand veterans’ experiences

00:25:15 – COVID-19, isolation, and the rise in depression among veterans

00:27:18 – Exploring the link between loss and depression

00:30:20 – The Veterans Creed as a tool for daily resilience

00:33:44 – Importance of connection and suicide prevention outreach

00:36:46 – How civilians can better understand and support veterans

00:39:42 – Why veterans struggle to ask for help — and how families can step in

00:44:33 – Teaching medical students to ask difficult questions about depression, suicide, and firearm safety

00:47:07 – The challenge of gun safety in veteran suicide prevention

00:48:59 – Final message: veterans as leaders in healing divided communities

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/

Millions of children grow up with a parent struggling with depression or another mental illness. This episode explores the hidden impact parental mental illness can have on kids, including the silence, guilt, and self-blame they often carry. Guest Michelle Dickinson shares her story of growing up with a mother with bipolar disorder and how it shaped her childhood and adulthood.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz offers expert insights into what children need to know, how parents can protect their kids even while struggling, and practical, low-energy strategies that foster love and connection at home.

This episode is for anyone navigating the challenges of mental illness in families—whether you are a parent, child, or loved one.

Link to Michelle Dickinson's site: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/

Link to Michelle Dickinson's article: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/protecting-our-happy/

Link to Michelle Dickinson's book:

https://breakingintomylife.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Michelle Dickinson’s experience growing up with a parent with bipolar disorder
• How children often internalize a parent’s mental illness as their fault
• The “chameleon effect” of kids adapting to unpredictable moods
• What parents can do to protect and support their children while managing depression
• The importance of honesty and low-barrier parenting strategies
• How children can begin separating their parent from the illness
• The role of therapy, support networks, and modeling care

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and topic
 01:00 - How a son realized his father’s depression through a friend’s perspective
 02:00 - Revisiting an interview with Michelle Dickinson about growing up with a bipolar parent
 03:20 - Early signs of her mother’s mental illness
 04:20 - Living through cycles of mania and deep depression
 05:10 - Hospitalizations and limited explanations as a child
 06:40 - Internalizing blame for a parent’s illness
 07:15 - Adapting as a “chameleon” to survive at home
 08:00 - The fear and unpredictability of coming home
 09:00 - The long-term impact on voice, needs, and self-worth
 10:00 - What kids need to hear: “It’s not your fault”
 11:00 - Learning that her mother was not her disease
 12:20 - Forgiveness and understanding after her mother’s death
 13:20 - How Michelle’s own depression deepened her empathy
 14:30 - Advice for kids and partners of people with depression
 16:10 - The importance of treatment and medication
 18:00 - Expert insights from Dr. Anita Sands on parenting with depression
 19:00 - Why honesty and consistency matter for children
 21:00 - How kids often misinterpret a parent’s symptoms as rejection
 23:00 - Practical low-energy strategies for parents to connect with kids
 24:30 - Terri shares her own story of a Thanksgiving spent in bed
 25:20 - Final reflections and resources for 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/

In this bonus episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Barbara Moser—trained in Mindful Self-Compassion and a passionate mental health advocate—guides listeners through a short self-compassion break. This accessible meditation draws from Kristin Neff’s foundational work and integrates the three pillars of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness.

The practice is designed to be used in moments of stress, anxiety, or emotional struggle, offering a gentle and effective tool you can return to anytime.

Listeners are reminded that self-compassion is not about ignoring difficulties but about meeting them with kindness, perspective, and care. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking for a reliable practice to add to your mental health toolkit, this guided exercise provides a grounding, healing pause.

Primary Topics Covered

• Introduction to self-compassion as a mental health tool
• The three pillars of self-compassion (mindfulness, common humanity, self-kindness)
• Step-by-step guided self-compassion break
• Practical ways to adapt the practice for daily stress and anxiety
• The importance of gentle, non-judgmental self-support

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to mindfulness and self-compassion
 00:48 - Starting the guided self-compassion practice
 01:15 - Choosing a manageable situation for practice
 02:10 - Recognizing mindfulness: naming the difficulty
 03:05 - Common humanity: knowing you’re not alone
 04:00 - Self-kindness: soothing touch and kind words
 06:10 - Offering yourself supportive phrases
 07:20 - Applying the practice in daily life
 08:35 - Closing thoughts and community 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/

Most of us would never speak to a friend the way we speak to ourselves. Yet for people living with depression, negative self-talk and constant self-criticism can feel relentless and exhausting.

In this episode, we explore how to challenge the inner critic and begin building a voice of self-compassion instead. You’ll hear real stories from people who struggle with the daily cycle of “I’m not enough” and learn practical strategies for shifting toward kinder, more balanced self-talk.

Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or just the weight of unrealistic expectations, this episode will help you see why words matter — especially the ones you say to yourself.

Link to Dr. Kristin Neff's Self-Compassion program: https://self-compassion.org/link 

Link to Barbara's Mindful Self-Compassion website: CompassionMKE.com

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why self-talk has such a powerful impact on mental health
• Common patterns of negative self-talk in people with depression
• The difference between self-awareness and self-criticism
• Why the inner critic is loudest during stress or isolation
• Practical techniques for catching and reframing harmful thoughts
• The role of self-compassion in healing and recovery
• How practicing new internal dialogue strengthens resilience
• Personal stories of moving from harshness to kindness

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: The hidden weight of negative self-talk
 01:19 – Why we speak to ourselves more harshly than to loved ones
 02:36 – Common forms of self-criticism in people with depression
 04:05 – The difference between self-awareness and destructive judgment
 05:42 – How depression amplifies feelings of “not enough”
 07:13 – Techniques to notice and interrupt negative thought spirals
 09:28 – Reframing: turning “I’m a failure” into “I’m learning”
 11:02 – Why self-compassion is not self-indulgence
 12:18 – Stories of people practicing kinder internal dialogue
 14:05 – Building resilience through positive self-talk habits
 15:27 – Closing: Choosing words that heal instead of harm

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, Dr. Barbara Moser—a retired physician and suicide prevention advocate—guides us through practical, evidence-based mindfulness and self-compassion techniques.

These simple yet powerful exercises can help you calm your nervous system, lower stress, and create space for resilience when depression or anxiety feels overwhelming. From mindful breathing to self-soothing touch and emotional naming, Dr. Moser shows how small, daily practices can make a meaningful difference in mental health and emotional stability.

If you’re looking for accessible, real-world tools to manage stress, depression, and anxiety, this episode is a compassionate place to start.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What self-compassion really means and why it improves mental health
• How mindfulness helps regulate emotions during times of stress
• Breathing techniques to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety
• Using longer exhalations to reset during difficult moments
• The role of soothing touch in emotional regulation and grounding
• Naming emotions to create space and reduce overwhelm
• Why practicing mindfulness and self-compassion supports suicide prevention
• Practical ways to weave these exercises into daily life

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and welcome

01:34 – Why this season focuses on mental health during the pandemic

02:44 – Guest introduction: Dr. Barbara Moser

03:05 – What self-compassion is and why it matters

04:33 – How self-compassion helps with depression and anxiety

05:17 – The definition and power of mindfulness

06:26 – Using mindfulness in unpredictable times

07:37 – Combining mindfulness and self-compassion for coping

08:09 – Dr. Moser shares her personal struggles and tools

09:22 – Choosing mindful actions when feeling overwhelmed

09:59 – Guided breathing exercise for grounding

12:08 – The science behind longer exhalations

12:53 – Using soothing touch for self-care and comfort

14:52 – Practicing self-care as a way of meeting, not erasing, emotions

15:34 – Naming emotions to increase resilience

16:35 – Closing 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/

How do you deal with depression in isolation?

In this powerful conversation, Hobbs shares how the pandemic amplified his depression, turning simple check-ins like “how are you?” into impossibly complicated questions. He describes the exhaustion of constant change, the loneliness of lost routines, and the mood swings that can shift within hours.

Through honesty and vulnerability, Hobbs reveals the coping tools that keep him afloat — community, exercise, medication, and the support of hearing others’ stories. His words remind us that while depression lies and isolation magnifies it, connection and self-care can help us find steadier ground.

If you’ve ever wondered how to deal with depression when you’re exhausted or alone, Hobbs’ story offers comfort and validation.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why “How are you?” feels more complicated during a pandemic
• Living with depression when moods shift multiple times a day
• The impact of isolation and lost routines on mental health
• Physical signs of depression and stress (clenched jaw, exhaustion)
• Why exhaustion is a universal experience during times of change
• Coping tools: exercise, community, and medication
• Fighting stigma around men and antidepressants
• Depression’s inner voice vs. your true self
• Building a “depression toolbox” before a crisis hits
• The importance of speaking up, listening up, and connection

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro — revisiting an archived conversation
 01:00 Why “how are you?” feels so different during the pandemic
 02:30 Hobbs on mood swings: “I can only tell you how I feel right now”
 04:10 The role of news, negativity, and triggers in daily mood shifts
 05:40 Isolation and the loss of community/exercise routines
 07:40 Exhaustion and sleeping up to 18 hours at a time
 09:50 Recognizing depression’s impact on body and mind
 11:00 Normalizing brain fog and fatigue in uncertain times
 12:15 Why hearing others’ stories builds connection and hope
 14:00 Depression’s inner voice vs. reality — battling absolutes (“always,” “never”)
 15:40 Hobbs on the “depression toolbox” — medication, exercise, community
 17:30 Breaking stigma: why men also need medication and support
 18:50 Closing reflections: self-care, connection, and the value of every listener

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 special Season 14 review episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry look back at the powerful stories, expert insights, and lessons shared over the past 13 episodes. From navigating depression during the uncertainty of COVID-19 to breaking stigma, preventing suicide, and planning for wellness, this season brought raw honesty and deep hope.

Listeners will hear highlights from conversations about:

• How the pandemic changed mental health and may help reduce stigma
• The reality of “the impossible task” and depression’s hidden struggles
• Returning to work during COVID-19 and frontline mental health challenges
• Personal recovery stories that dismantle stigma and inspire hope
• Suicide prevention through shared lived experience and recovery plans
• Tools like WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) to prepare before crisis

This recap offers reassurance, reflection, and reminders that you are not alone—especially in times of uncertainty and struggle.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How COVID-19 exposed mental health struggles and stigma
• Depression symptoms that don’t always look like sadness
• Workplace challenges during and after the pandemic
• Firsthand stories of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and recovery
• The importance of planning ahead with safety and wellness strategies
• Stigma vs. recovery in mental illness (including bipolar disorder)
• Tools and therapies for calming racing thoughts (ACT therapy)
• The power of children’s voices and recognizing early depression signs

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and context: pandemic, uncertainty, and mental health
 01:11 – Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month mattered more than ever
 02:37 – Could COVID-19 finally destigmatize mental illness? (Dr. Jessi Gold)
 04:13 – The “impossible task” explained with lived experience (M. Mali Bacchus)
 05:28 – Returning to work and pandemic anxiety (Sayair Sultan)
 07:12 – Mental health on the COVID frontline (hospital chaplain Christy)
 09:22 – Stigma vs. recovery: Michelle Yang’s bipolar disorder story
 10:51 – Stopping a racing mind with ACT therapy (Dr. Steven C. Hayes)
 12:59 – Children and depression: spotting the signs (Susan Ringle)
 14:24 – Bob’s story: suicide attempt and recovery
 16:21 – “Don’t give up”: voices of survivors offering hope
 18:00 – Creating a crisis plan: WRAP safety strategies with Katrina Koppel
 20:20 – Closing reflections and looking ahead to Season 15

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/

When life feels overwhelming, having a mental health crisis plan in place can be the difference between spiraling and finding stability. In this episode, we continue our discussion of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and explore how to identify triggers, recognize early warning signs, and create a personalized strategy to protect yourself during difficult moments.

With guest Katrina, an advanced WRAP facilitator, we walk through practical steps you can take to strengthen your resilience and give your support network the tools they need to step in effectively when things get tough.

This conversation is about empowerment, preparation, and hope — because mental health planning is not a sign of weakness, but a form of self-care and strength.

Link to PDF WRAP Worksheet: www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

Info on Wellness Recovery Action Plans: https://www.wellnessrecoveryactionplan.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

• What a mental health crisis plan (WRAP) is and why it matters
• Identifying triggers and how to respond to them in healthy ways
• Recognizing early warning signs before things worsen
• How to create a personal action plan for when things start to break down
• The role of support networks in crisis planning
• Practical steps for post-crisis recovery and reflection
• How WRAP plans empower individuals through choice and preparation

Timestamps:

00:49 – Introduction to the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
 01:13 – Defining triggers and why identifying them matters
 02:19 – Common examples of external triggers
 03:42 – Coping with overwhelming emotions
 04:23 – Recognizing early warning signs of decline
 05:33 – Building action plans around self-awareness
 06:10 – Signs that things are getting worse and when to act
 07:32 – Creating a detailed crisis plan
 08:49 – Including medications, contacts, and trusted supporters
 09:52 – How a WRAP plan keeps everyone on the same page
 11:07 – Involving friends, family, and professionals in crisis planning
 12:39 – Overcoming stigma and asking for help during crisis
 13:32 – Post-crisis recovery and lessons learned
 14:36 – Why mental health planning is “wellness insurance”
 16:25 – Accessing WRAP resources and tools online
 17:01 – The value of peer support in recovery
 17:54 – Inviting listeners to share their own planning experiences

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, we explore the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)—a practical, step-by-step tool designed to help you maintain mental health, recognize early warning signs, and prepare for crises before they happen. Hosts Terry and Bridget are joined by Katrina Coppel, a certified peer specialist and WRAP facilitator, who explains how to create and personalize a mental health plan that works for you.

The conversation highlights how daily wellness tools, crisis planning, and self-awareness strategies can make the difference between falling into crisis and staying safe. You’ll also hear real-life examples from the Giving Voice to Depression community about what keeps them grounded and well.

Whether you live with depression, anxiety, or another mental health challenge—or you simply want to build resilience—this episode provides practical steps you can start today.

WRAP Information: https://mentalhealthrecovery.com/

WRAP PDF Worksheet: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

Primary Topics Covered:

• What a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is and how it helps
• Why writing down your daily wellness plan increases success
• Identifying triggers and early warning signs before crisis hits
• Creating a personalized wellness toolbox with simple, effective coping skills
• The role of hope, meaning, and values in sustaining mental health
• Community voices: real strategies from people who manage depression daily
• Why WRAP works beyond mental illness—chronic pain, stress, and life challenges

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Suicide Prevention Month and the importance of prevention
 01:15 – Desmond Tutu’s wisdom: upstream prevention vs. crisis response
 02:04 – Why making a written plan matters for mental health
 02:57 – Guest introduction: Katrina Coppel on WRAP and how it works
 04:49 – WRAP as a customizable framework for self-care and recovery
 06:59 – Daily wellness tools and building your personal “wellness toolbox”
 08:06 – Community voices: coping strategies from listeners
 10:08 – Writing reminders and keeping your plan visible
 11:32 – The role of hope, values, and meaning in staying grounded
 12:22 – Defining your “baseline self” when you’re well
 13:22 – Why reminders of your well self matter during depression
 14:45 – Creating a daily maintenance plan that’s realistic and achievable
 16:35 – Habits that help but are easy to neglect (exercise, nature, water, etc.)
 17:49 – The impact of uncertainty and why planning is more essential now
 18:33 – A personal commitment: starting a WRAP plan today
 19:27 – Looking ahead: triggers, early warning signs, and crisis planning
 20:24 – Closing thoughts: Speak up, listen up, and keep planning

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/

Is there hope after a suicide attempt?

In this powerful Suicide Prevention Month episode, you’ll hear from people who stood at the very edge of life — convinced they were a burden, that things would never get better, that suicide was their only escape. And yet, today, they’re alive to share their truth: life can change, recovery is possible, and hope is real.

These lived-experience voices expose depression for the liar it is, challenge the stigma that keeps so many silent, and remind us that suicide doesn’t end pain — it ends possibility.

You’ll also learn about the Columbia Protocol (C-SSRS), a suicide risk assessment tool endorsed by the CDC and WHO, with simple questions that can help save a life.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to stand on the edge, or if you’re searching for reasons to keep going, this episode is a lifeline.

Link to Columbia Protocol Questionnaire: https://cssrs.columbia.edu/the-columbia-scale-c-ssrs/cssrs-for-families-friends-and-neighbors/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why direct questions about suicide matter
• The Columbia Protocol (C-SSRS) and how to use it
• Misconceptions and stigma around suicide and depression
• Stories of people who nearly died — and why they’re glad they survived
• The lies depression tells vs. the reality of recovery
• How faith, therapy, medication, and community play a role in healing
• Messages of hope from survivors: “It doesn’t have to be this way”
• Why speaking up, listening, and connection can save lives

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro — framing Suicide Prevention Month
 01:10 Why direct language about suicide is essential
 02:00 The Columbia Protocol (C-SSRS) explained
 03:30 Voices from the edge: lived experiences of suicidal thinking
 04:33 Misconceptions and stigma that keep people from seeking help
 06:30 How depression lies: “you’re not enough”
 08:13 The irrational logic of suicidal thoughts
 09:47 Stories of attempts and realizations that life was still worth living
 12:08 Medication, therapy, and healing beyond coping
 13:26 Messages to past selves: “you are not a failure”
 15:30 Why survivors are glad they’re alive — family, milestones, joy
 17:39 Building strength by admitting weakness and seeking support
 19:30 Closing reflections: hope is real, share this episode during Suicide Prevention Month

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/