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

How do you cope with depression and anxiety when life feels unbearable?

Season 8 of Giving Voice to Depression brings together powerful stories of resilience, creativity, and healing. In this season recap, Bridget and Terry revisit conversations with guests who shared openly about suicide prevention, stigma, and the different ways people navigate their mental health journey.

Highlights include:

• A grieving mother’s plea for honesty after losing her son to suicide
• Six common mistakes people make when coping with depression
• A father and son’s courageous conversation about family stigma
• Dr. Zach Bush on the gut-brain connection and depression
• Artist Jeff Beyer’s story of painting through pain
• Why “there is no normal” — and why that’s freeing
• EFT/Tapping as a tool for stress, depression, and anxiety
• Living with both anxiety and depression in everyday life

This episode offers both perspective and tools — a reminder that while depression is isolating, you are not alone.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Suicide prevention and the importance of speaking honestly
• Common mistakes when coping with depression
• Breaking silence in families around mental illness
• How gut health influences mood and depression
• Using art to express and survive depression
• The power of rejecting “normal” and embracing authenticity
• EFT/Tapping as a self-help tool for anxiety and depression
• Language and connection in supporting loved ones

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome & introduction to Season 8 recap
 01:40 Episode 86 — A mother’s lessons after her son’s suicide (Patty Kajawa)
 03:05 Episode 87 — What she wants depressed teens to know
 04:25 Episode 88 — Six mistakes to avoid when coping with mental illness (Catherine)
 05:42 Episode 89 — A father and son’s healing conversation about depression
 06:50 Episode 90 — The gut-brain connection with Dr. Zach Bush
 08:15 Episode 91 — Painting through depression (Jeff Beyer, part 1)
 09:40 Episode 92 — Depression unmasked: when art reveals struggle (Jeff Beyer, part 2)
 11:15 Episode 93 — “There is no normal” with Tara
 12:30 Episode 94 — EFT/Tapping as a portable coping tool with Brad Yates
 14:05 Episode 95 — Anxiety and depression: daily realities with Jordan
 15:00 Reflections on themes of Season 8
 16:10 Closing thoughts and invitation to the GVTD community

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 someone in the public eye chooses to open up about their depression? In this special Ripple Report, Milwaukee news anchor Ted Perry shares his deeply personal journey with depression—how he first resisted therapy, the impact of his father’s illness and death, and what finally helped him find healing.

Ted reflects on the stigma that kept him silent for years, the regret of lost relationships, and the powerful shift that comes with breaking the silence. With honesty, humor, and hope, he shows how therapy, medication, faith, and simple daily practices like walking his dog became protective factors that helped him move forward.

This episode is for anyone who has struggled with depression, wondered about seeking help, or felt ashamed to share their story. Ted’s journey is a reminder that speaking out creates ripples of understanding and hope for others.

Link to Ted Perry's TV report on the Giving Voice to Depression podcast: https://fox6now.com/2018/02/22/former-tv-news-anchor-helps-those-suffering-depression-with-podcast-i-can-give-voice/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why depression stigma makes people afraid to speak out
• Ted Perry’s first experience with therapy and what he learned
• The impact of grief and loss on depression
• How untreated depression can strain relationships and careers
• Practical coping strategies: therapy, exercise, medication, pets, faith
• The importance of protective factors in staying grounded
• Why hope is one of the most powerful tools in recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Ripple Report concept
 00:29 - Listener feedback: stories that create change
 00:45 - Why Ted Perry decided to share his story
 01:23 - Breaking the silence about depression as a public figure
 03:11 - Early signs of depression in college
 03:40 - The role of grief after his father’s cancer diagnosis
 04:27 - First therapy session and the power of talking
 05:38 - Learning that help is available and effective
 05:50 - Depression masked as physical illness and sick days
 06:42 - Realizing “I was depressed, not just tired”
 07:11 - What worked: therapy, medication, protective factors
 08:13 - Exercise, pets, faith, and hope as tools for recovery
 09:21 - Fighting hopelessness and holding onto hope
 11:12 - The stigma of hiding depression in relationships
 12:11 - Regrets about lost time and missed connections
 13:40 - Reflections on wasted time and the weight of depression
 14:04 - Closing thoughts: hope, healing, and moving forward

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 10 was filled with powerful stories of resilience, survival, and hope. In this special review episode, Bridget and Terry revisit highlights from the past ten episodes — sharing the voices and experiences of people living with depression, battling stigma, and finding their way toward recovery.

Whether you’re new to the podcast or looking to catch up, this is the perfect place to hear the best depression recovery stories and discover episodes you won’t want to miss.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How poets and artists use creativity to live with depression (Ep. 105)
• Stigma and its role in delaying recovery (Ep. 106)
• Long-term struggles with medication and treatment (Ep. 107)
• The line between grief and depression (Ep. 108)
• Coping with negative news and protecting mental health (Ep. 109)
• Supporting a partner through depression (Ep. 110)
• Teens leading the way with mental health days in schools (Ep. 111)
• Chronic pain and depression’s vicious cycle (Ep. 112)
• Jeannine’s courageous journey of depression, music, and survival (Ep. 113 & 114)
• Why suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and welcome
 01:32 Celebrating 200,000 plays of the podcast
 02:03 Episode 105 – A poet’s perspective: art as a voice for depression
 03:13 Episode 106 – Stigma impedes recovery: John’s first time sharing
 04:15 Episode 107 – Depression as a “villain” and struggles with medication
 05:05 Episode 108 – Grief vs. depression: a widow’s story of loss and love
 06:05 Episode 109 – How negative news impacts mental health
 07:35 Episode 110 – Supporting a partner with depression
 09:09 Episode 111 – Mental health days in schools: teens leading the way
 11:06 Episode 112 – Chronic pain and depression’s vicious cycle
 11:43 Episode 113 – Jeannine’s early life with depression and resilience
 13:17 Episode 114 – Jeannine’s suicide attempt survival and message of hope
 14:53 Suicide prevention language: “failed attempt” vs. “survived attempt”
 15:47 Why sharing this podcast matters: reaching more people in need
 16:20 Bridget reflects on loving her life after depression
 16:54 Closing thoughts and call to join the community

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 someone survives a suicide attempt and chooses to share their story out loud?

In this powerful episode, Jeannine Rivers opens up about her experience with depression, bipolar disorder, and a suicide attempt that nearly ended her life at 19. She reflects on the voices—both dark and life-saving—that shaped her choice to keep living, and the gratitude she feels today for surviving.

With honesty, courage, and hope, Jeannine challenges the stigma around mental illness, reclaims her identity beyond her diagnosis, and shares how she built a life filled with meaning, creativity, and love.

This conversation offers vital lessons for anyone who has struggled with suicidal thoughts or loves someone who has. It’s a reminder that survival is not failure—and that there is always reason to hold on.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and why this story matters
• Jeannine’s early struggles with depression and stigma
• Being diagnosed with bipolar II disorder
• The reality of living with hypomania and depression
• Her suicide attempt at 19 and the moment she realized she wanted to live
• Why language matters: “survivor” vs. “failed attempt”
• How faith, family, and music helped her rebuild her life
• Finding purpose and hope after surviving

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
 01:25 - Small acts of kindness as suicide prevention
 01:39 - Introducing Jeannine and her journey
 02:54 - Why sharing suicide attempt stories matters
 03:17 - Jeannine opens up about stigma and depression
 04:37 - Being diagnosed with bipolar II disorder
 05:57 - Identity vs. diagnosis: “I am not bipolar disorder”
 07:25 - Jeannine shares her suicide attempt at 19
 08:50 - Choosing survival: shifting from failure to survivor
 09:59 - The pain of isolation and believing no one cared
 10:09 - Recalling the moment she woke up after her attempt
 11:49 - Making it to safety and being found in time
 12:29 - Gratitude for survival and what came after
 13:36 - Reflection on second chances and resilience
 14:03 - Achievements that would never have happened without survival
 15:07 - The power of inner voices: destructive vs. life-saving
 16:31 - Closing message of hope and encouragement

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

In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Jeannine Rivers shares her powerful journey of living with depression since childhood, battling toxic voices, and finding strength through faith, self-love, and music.

In this candid conversation, Jeannine reflects on growing up in a restrictive religious environment, enduring verbal abuse, and discovering her gift of music. She opens up about how affirmations, prayer, and courage helped her quiet the toxic voices of self-doubt and begin to heal.

If you’ve ever wondered how to recover from depression or how to support a loved one, Jeannine’s story offers both honesty and hope: depression is not the end of the story, and healing is always possible.

Link to Jeannine's website: http://jeanninerivers.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why Jeannine chose to share her story now, with courage and honesty
• Growing up with depression and the impact of childhood trauma
• How restrictive religious rules deepened her feelings of isolation
• Verbal abuse, racism, and the painful impact of toxic voices
• The role of music and performance as a source of joy and identity
• Using affirmations, prayer, and meditation to fight negative self-talk
• Building resilience and finding hope after depression and suicidal thoughts
• Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: why small acts of kindness matter

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and World Suicide Prevention Day
 01:27 Why survivor stories matter: regret and the will to live
 02:13 Introduction to Jeannine Rivers
 03:05 Why she chose to speak out now with courage
 04:15 Growing up with depression and toxic voices
 05:35 Childhood dreams of music and performance
 06:20 Impact of Jehovah’s Witness restrictions on her identity
 07:23 Racism, verbal abuse, and painful self-doubt
 08:52 How prayer, meditation, and affirmations became coping tools
 09:51 Fighting back against toxic self-talk with self-love
 11:12 Reminders that affirmations are not “quick fixes” but part of healing
 11:46 Jeannine sings “Summertime” and shares its personal meaning
 14:12 Finding joy and resilience despite layers of pain
 14:25 National Suicide Prevention Day kindness challenge
 15:35 Closing reflections on gratitude, courage, 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/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Stacey shares her story of living with chronic pain and major depressive disorder—a difficult combination that millions face every day. She opens up about how years of fibromyalgia, depression, and exhaustion left her struggling to keep going, until therapy helped her reframe her life with mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion.

We explore how chronic pain and depression create a vicious cycle, why seeking the right therapist can make all the difference, and what it means to rebuild your life when you can’t return to who you once were. Stacey reminds us that resilience isn’t about “fixing everything,” but about finding new ways to live with honesty, courage, and kindness toward ourselves.

If you or someone you love lives with depression and chronic pain, this conversation offers both practical insights and emotional support.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The connection between chronic pain and depression
• How fibromyalgia impacts mood, energy, and daily life
• Why therapy is essential when medication alone isn’t enough
• The role of mindfulness and acceptance in healing
• Learning to be kinder to yourself through self-talk
• How stigma and “pushing through” worsen mental health
• The importance of building a supportive care team
• Why teaching others how to treat you is part of recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and opening reflections on resilience
 01:41 – Meet Stacey: A story of chronic pain and depression
 02:31 – The overlap of pain and depression explained
 03:38 – Stacey’s life before illness and how everything changed
 05:27 – Living with fibromyalgia, depression, and seasonal struggles
 07:03 – When pain and depression feed into each other
 07:35 – Finding a therapist after years of failed attempts
 08:47 – Learning mindfulness to interrupt negative thought cycles
 09:42 – The role of acceptance in living with chronic pain
 10:21 – How fighting reality can make symptoms worse
 11:09 – Advice for others living with chronic pain and depression
 12:32 – Learning self-compassion and teaching others how to treat you
 13:12 – Closing reflections and reminder of 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/

When Oregon high school students successfully fought for the right to take mental health days just like sick days, it sent a powerful message: depression and anxiety deserve to be taken seriously in schools.

In this episode, Derek, one of the teens behind the new law, shares how burnout, anxiety, and depression motivated his advocacy. Then, Carly — a social worker and former student who used mental health days — explains why giving young people permission to rest, recharge, and care for themselves is a crucial step in reducing stigma.

If you’ve ever wondered how mental health days help students with depression and anxiety, this conversation sheds light on the difference one day of rest can make — and why laws like this could save lives.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Oregon teens pass first-in-the-nation law for excused mental health days
• Why many students already took mental health days — but had to lie about it
• The connection between student burnout, depression, and school absences
• Oregon’s suicide rate and why prevention requires proactive policies
• Carly’s story: taking mental health days as a student and now working as a school social worker
• Why stigma keeps students silent about anxiety and depression
• How mental health days can reduce shame and encourage self-care
• The bigger vision: nationwide adoption and built-in early detection systems

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and intro
 01:21 Oregon teens fight for mental health days law
 01:57 Derek’s story: living with anxiety and depression in high school
 02:31 Testifying before lawmakers and passing the bill
 02:52 Pushback: stigma and skepticism about “Ferris Bueller days off”
 03:22 Oregon’s high absenteeism and suicide rate context
 03:38 Derek’s personal experience with mental health days
 04:05 Why proactive policies matter for suicide prevention
 04:42 How students use mental health days to rest and recharge
 05:33 Why lying about “stomach aches” perpetuates stigma
 06:10 Mental health days as equal to physical sick days
 07:06 Terry’s parenting story: offering mental health days at home
 07:41 Carly’s reflection: what mental health days felt like as a teen
 08:41 How anxiety manifests as emptiness and exhaustion
 09:32 The role of rest, sleep, and recovery
 09:49 Carly’s unique perspective as a social worker in schools
 10:12 Why students need permission to prioritize mental health
 11:06 Equity concerns: differences across class and family situations
 12:20 How excused mental health days can improve outcomes
 13:13 Life skill: learning to pause and recalibrate
 14:10 Nationwide advocacy and next steps for student mental health laws
 14:59 Closing thanks to Derek and Carly
 15:15 Outro: reminder to speak up and listen up

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 someone you love is struggling with depression, it’s natural to want to help—but knowing how to help can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Elliot vulnerably shares the questions he wishes he’d asked years earlier while navigating his partner’s depression.

With insights from clinical social worker Mike Stens, we explore:

• Early warning signs of depression in a loved one
• The difference between supporting and trying to “fix” your partner
• What to say (and what not to say) when your partner is struggling
• Why couples therapy and family involvement matter
• The impact of medication side effects and what families should know
• The long-term outlook for relationships when depression is involved
• Hopeful reminders that depression is treatable and recovery is possible

This episode is for spouses, partners, and anyone trying to understand how to love and support someone living with depression.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Misconceptions partners often have about depression
• Recognizing early signs of depression in a spouse
• Common mistakes people make when trying to “fix” depression
• The importance of empathy and presence over solutions
• Couples therapy and family support in recovery
• Addressing concerns about medication side effects
• Long-term relationship challenges and hope for stability
• How conversations and small actions can strengthen connection

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro and framing the episode
 01:27 - Why partners’ questions about depression matter
 02:19 - Elliot shares his story and questions
 03:25 - Early signs of depression in a partner
 04:55 - Why you can’t “fix” depression for someone else
 05:59 - How to support instead of blaming yourself
 07:06 - Shifting from fixing to helping
 07:24 - The role of conversations and shared activities
 08:37 - When (and how) to talk about depression
 09:20 - Concerns about medication and family safety
 10:26 - Why couples should meet with doctors together
 11:03 - Long-term relationship concerns and realities
 12:41 - Black-and-white thinking about the future
 13:46 - What couples need to know about recovery and hope
 14:43 - Why not knowing what to do is normal
 15:36 - Closing reflections and resources

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

In this episode, Duff the Psych and Terry explore how constant exposure to negative news stories affects our mental and emotional health. They discuss the balance between staying informed and protecting your well-being, the different ways news can impact people with heightened empathy or existing mental health conditions, and strategies to set healthy boundaries around media consumption. Listeners will gain insight into why tragic images linger in our minds, how children process frightening news, and practical ways to reduce feelings of helplessness by turning emotions into action.

Link to article: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/violent-media-anxiety_n_6671732

Link to research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803729/

Link to Duff the Psych's website: https://www.duffthepsych.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

• The psychological impact of starting or ending your day with negative news
• Differences in how reading, hearing, and viewing disturbing news content affects us
• Why people with depression and anxiety may feel more empathetic and overwhelmed
• The long-term effects of traumatic news exposure on children
• How to set boundaries with media while still staying informed
• Strategies for turning fear and helplessness into positive, constructive action

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
 02:24 How negative news affects your mood and daily outlook
 03:18 News exposure before bedtime and its impact on sleep
 04:24 The difference between reading, hearing, and seeing tragic news
 05:18 Why people with depression may feel news more deeply
 06:26 The psychological impact of viewing negative images
 07:06 How anxiety and emotional reasoning distort perception of threat
 07:56 Balancing caution with living life fully despite risks
 08:11 The effects of traumatic news exposure on children
 09:06 How to talk with kids about frightening news events
 09:32 Rising anxiety and hyper-vigilance in everyday situations
 10:37 Why today’s world requires a new understanding of anxiety
 10:47 Channeling feelings of helplessness into positive actions
 13:56 Closing thoughts

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/

Grief and depression can look remarkably similar — sadness, fatigue, loss of motivation, changes in sleep — but they are not the same. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jennifer Bartolotta shares her deeply personal story of losing her husband, renowned restaurateur Joe Bartolotta, and how she learned to distinguish between normal grief and clinical depression.

Jennifer discusses how her husband once recognized signs of depression in her, how she built daily spiritual and mental health practices to sustain herself, and why asking for help is not a weakness but an act of courage.

Listeners will learn how to recognize the warning signs that grief may be developing into depression, why having honest friends and a strong support network matters, and what tools can help us through both grief and depression.

This conversation offers comfort, validation, and practical strategies for anyone navigating loss while also tending to their mental health.

Link to Psychology Today article on Grief vs. Depression: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-new-grief/201203/when-does-grief-become-depression

Primary Topics Covered:

• The difference between grief and depression
• Jennifer’s personal story of loss and resilience
• How depression first showed up in her life and how her husband recognized it
• The role of daily practices in supporting mental health
• Why asking for help and building a support network is essential
• The gift of honest friends during hard times
• Professional guidance on coping with grief and preventing relapse into depression

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and podcast overview
 00:59 – How grief and depression overlap but differ
 01:38 – Jennifer Bartolotta shares her sudden loss
 02:43 – Jennifer’s background and confidence growing up
 03:45 – Struggles with authenticity and early signs of depression
 04:25 – The moment her husband recognized she needed help
 05:55 – Beginning therapy and learning to manage depression
 06:39 – Jennifer’s daily spiritual and mental health practices
 07:20 – Practicing kindness: making someone smile each day
 08:00 – Living through grief after her husband’s death
 08:54 – Distinguishing grief from depression with expert insights
 10:00 – Holding onto hope and perspective during grief
 11:28 – Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
 12:30 – The importance of honest friends who notice changes
 13:19 – How noticing “something is off” can start healing
 14:01 – Psychology Today tips on navigating grief
 15:33 – Closing reflections and next week’s preview

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/