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

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jennifer shares her powerful journey living with treatment-resistant depression—an illness that has followed her since childhood. Despite trying nearly every class of antidepressants, she continues to fight for relief while also offering support to students in her role at a high school counselor’s office.

Jennifer speaks candidly about the impact of depression on her life, including self-harm, medical leave, and the daily resilience it takes to keep moving forward. She also discusses the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms, why connection matters more than isolation, and how sharing her lived experience has helped young people feel less alone.

This episode is a reminder that while depression steals moments of joy and opportunity, there is always strength in survival, and hope in connection.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What treatment-resistant depression feels like
• Challenges and frustrations of trying multiple medications
• Coping strategies: pacing, knitting, distraction techniques
• The role of supportive partners and community
• Self-harm, scars, and the symbolism of the semicolon tattoo
• How sharing lived experiences helps others
• Why connection combats isolation
• Finding small ways to make a difference daily

Timestamps (Single Code Format):

00:00 – Introduction to the episode
 01:00 – Jennifer shares her first experiences with depression
 04:00 – Loneliness, diagnosis, and early struggles in school
 06:00 – Trying nearly every class of antidepressant
 07:30 – The frustration of medications losing effectiveness
 09:00 – How depression robs life experiences and joy
 10:45 – The importance of a supportive partner
 11:30 – Why isolation gives depression more power
 12:20 – Coping tools: knitting, pacing, and distraction
 14:00 – Self-harm, scars, and the semicolon tattoo
 15:00 – Using lived experience to support students
 16:30 – Fighting stigma by sharing personal stories
 17:45 – Closing reflections and hope

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

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, John shares what it’s like to live with untreated depression for decades, held back by stigma, fear of judgment, and the belief that asking for help was a sign of weakness.

He describes depression as “an attack in your own voice”—a relentless inner monologue that erases self-worth and fuels despair. His story illustrates how stigma not only delays treatment but also drives harmful coping mechanisms like alcohol use.

Now, after finally seeking support in midlife, John reflects on what recovery looks like, why connection is vital, and how hearing other people’s mental health stories inspired him to speak out.

This intimate conversation is for anyone who has ever felt silenced by stigma or struggled to explain what depression really feels like.

Link to Jon's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxlVwfFkjH7dE-uz3_Q5WmQ/featured

Link to Jon's website: https://cleaningwarrior.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

• The impact of stigma on seeking depression treatment
• First experiences with depression as a teenager
• How self-medication with alcohol worsened symptoms
• Struggles and confusion with antidepressant use
• What depression “feels like” in real lived experience
• The metaphor of “an attack in your own voice”
• The importance of hearing and sharing personal stories
• Finding hope and reassurance that dark times don’t last forever

Timestamps:

00:00 – Partnership announcement with Mental Health America Wisconsin
 01:10 – Introducing John and why he chose to share his story
 01:52 – First experience with depression as a teenager
 03:06 – Living decades without professional treatment
 03:44 – Turning to alcohol as self-medication
 04:20 – Why stigma made seeking help feel like failure
 05:05 – Starting antidepressants after many years
 06:22 – The uncertainty of long-term medication use
 06:56 – John describes depression as “an attack in my own voice”
 08:27 – The relentless, self-erasing inner dialogue of depression
 09:32 – Metaphor of a “spreadsheet of self-worth”
 10:42 – Why hearing others’ stories made John feel less alone
 11:39 – A message of hope for listeners in the darkest moments
 12:33 – Reflection on stigma, recovery, and speaking out
 13:22 – John’s YouTube channel “Cleaning Warrior” and resources
 13:41 – Closing gratitude and continued mission of the podcast

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 survive bipolar depression—and even find hope in it?

In this moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, poet and mental health advocate Kristen Roedl shares her lived experience with bipolar II disorder and recurring severe depression. She describes how depression has taken her to the edge of survival, yet also pushed her toward creativity, empathy, and resilience.

Through poetry, journaling, and speaking openly about her hospitalizations and struggles, Kristen has found ways to process her pain and remind herself—and others—that depression lies.

Her story is a powerful reminder that while bipolar depression can feel unrelenting, recovery is possible with the right mix of treatment, community support, and self-compassion.

To learn more about Kristin and her poetry: KristinRoedell.wikidot.com

Primary Topics Covered:

• Kristen’s lived experience with bipolar II disorder and severe depression
• What it feels like to be hospitalized for suicidal thoughts
• Why she calls depression both destructive and a “terrible gift”
• How poetry and journaling became healing tools
• Recognizing depression as time-limited, not permanent
• Learning to separate self-worth from productivity
• The role of medication, therapy, and partner support in recovery
• Talking back to depression with affirmations of worth
• Finding resilience through self-compassion and acceptance
• Sharing poetry as a way to connect and inspire hope

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode framing
 01:12 Rethinking what “gift” means in the context of depression
 02:25 Introducing Kristen’s story and lived experience
 03:49 Preparing mentally and emotionally for the interview
 05:02 Realizing that worth is not tied to productivity
 06:19 Depression’s weight and the challenge of survival
 07:30 Coping with panic attacks and daily overwhelm
 08:22 Giving depression space without letting it define you
 09:15 Kristen describes living with bipolar II disorder
10:24 Hospitalization experiences during severe depression
12:40 Using poetry to process emotions and fight back against depression’s lies
13:58 Reading her poem “I Swallowed Hope That Winter”
15:20 Why she calls depression a “terrible gift”
16:41 Using affirmations and journaling to counter depression’s voice
18:10 Art and creativity as acts of resilience and healing
19:55 Key takeaways: self-compassion, rest, and hope
21:15 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 powerful episode, Philip Roundtree, a therapist, powerlifter, and mental health advocate, shares what it’s really like to live with depression as a Black man. From confronting daily suicidal thoughts to challenging stigma in the Black community, Philip’s story shines a light on survival, faith, therapy, and the importance of support systems.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help someone with depression or how cultural stigma shapes mental health, this conversation offers both insight and hope.

Link to Philip Roundtree's website: http://quadefyllc.net/

Primary Topics Covered:

• The stigma of depression and mental illness in the Black community
• The role of faith, survival, and historical trauma
• Philip’s personal battle with depression and suicidal thoughts
• Why representation in mental health conversations matters
• Coping vs. true healing: why therapy is essential
• The power of medication, therapy, and supportive networks
• Breaking silence: why saying “this is what depression looks like” is revolutionary
• Encouragement for anyone supporting loved ones with depression

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the episode
 01:26 Understanding depression and cultural differences
 02:11 Meeting Philip Roundtree: advocate, therapist, and survivor
 02:37 “This is what depression looks like” – challenging stereotypes
 04:15 The stigma of mental illness in the Black community
 05:12 Historical trauma, faith, and survival as barriers to healing
 07:08 Philip’s struggle with suicidal thoughts and daily battles
 08:29 The importance of support systems and crisis resources
 09:41 How medication shifted Philip’s mental health journey
 10:20 Why therapy is essential for true healing, not just coping
 11:15 Closing reflections: strength includes mental health

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 talk about how to recognize when depression is getting worse — and what you can do to act before it becomes a crisis.

Guest Corinne shares her personal journey through depression during pregnancy, including a pivotal moment when calling a suicide prevention hotline saved her life. She introduces the mental health scale, a simple but powerful tool that helps track emotional well-being and signals when to reach out for support.

We also highlight practical strategies for coping with depression and anxiety, including therapy, sleep, exercise, meditation, and — most importantly — connection and honesty.

If you’ve ever wondered how to know when it’s time to seek help, this conversation offers insight, tools, and encouragement to act early and protect your mental health.

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

Primary Topics Covered:

• Recognizing early warning signs of worsening depression and anxiety
• Corinne’s experience with depression during pregnancy
• The role of suicide prevention hotlines in saving lives
• How the mental health scale helps track wellness and risk levels
• Coping strategies: therapy, exercise, sleep, meditation
• The importance of connection, openness, and support networks
• Shifting the focus from crisis response to prevention and resilience

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to depression prevention and early action
 01:12 - Corinne’s personal story of depression during pregnancy
 02:28 - Why sharing lived experiences reduces stigma and saves lives
 04:14 - Introducing the “mental health scale” as a self-monitoring tool
 05:22 - Coping strategies: therapy, sleep, exercise, and meditation
 06:08 - Building trust and connection to prevent crisis
 07:21 - How to know when depression is getting worse
 09:03 - Suicide prevention hotlines as life-saving resources
 10:36 - Breaking stigma with honesty about mental health
 12:02 - Final reflections: acting before crisis
 13:10 - Closing thoughts and support resources

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

What happens when you stop whispering about depression and start living out loud?

In this episode, Sarah, a 28-year-old actress, trainer, and teaching artist, shares her raw and unfiltered journey with depression, suicidal ideation, and recovery. She talks about moving from shame to authenticity—being “loud and proud” about her mental health struggles—and why honesty matters in breaking stigma.

Sarah describes her “staircase to the pit of despair,” the role of support groups like AA, the unexpected impact of hormonal birth control on her mental health, and the lifesaving power of pug videos, friends, and honest conversations.

If you’ve ever felt silenced by stigma or questioned your worth while living with depression, Sarah’s story is a reminder that depression can’t kill you unless you let it—and that speaking out can save lives.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why sharing personal depression stories reduces stigma
• Sarah’s experiences with depression and suicidal ideation
• How support groups create safe spaces for vulnerability
• The societal stigma around mental illness in the U.S.
• Coping tools: support groups, friends, exercise, joy practices
• Why “feelings won’t kill you” became Sarah’s mantra
• Hormonal birth control and its impact on depression
• The importance of being open, authentic, and unashamed

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and NAMI on why sharing stories matters
 01:19 - Sarah introduces herself: “loud and proud” about depression
 02:23 - Joy practices: cookie dough, pug videos, and otters
 02:53 - How depression spirals from disappointment to worthlessness
 03:40 - Alcohol, suicidal thoughts, and why laughter helps
 04:43 - Stigma, vulnerability, and the U.S. culture of silence
 05:26 - Comparing asking for help with fixing a leaky faucet
 06:07 - Coping strategies and Sarah’s “list” of survival tools
 06:22 - Her mantra: “Depression can’t kill me unless I let it”
 07:39 - Hormones, birth control, and a warning for women
 08:06 - The night of her worst suicidal ideation
 09:10 - How tracking symptoms revealed the connection to ovulation
 09:45 - Recovery after switching to nonhormonal birth control
 10:15 - Closing reflections on stigma, survival, and living out loud

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 cope with depression and anxiety — and how can we better prevent suicide among teens, students, and adults?

Season 9 of Giving Voice to Depression explored critical topics like why teens don’t share suicidal thoughts with parents, how schools can create safe spaces for mental health, and why even NFL legends and doctors struggle with depression. In this recap, Bridget and Terry revisit seven powerful episodes that highlight prevention, resilience, and recovery.

Highlights include:

• Dr. Stacey Freedenthal on why teens hide suicidal thoughts from parents
• A Wisconsin school district making student mental health a priority
• NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins opening up about his depression and stigma
• Dr. Michael Weinstein on being both a doctor and psychiatric patient
• The Crisis Text Line as a lifesaving, confidential resource

These stories remind us that depression can affect anyone — teens, athletes, doctors, and everyday people — but with support and open conversation, healing is possible.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why teens don’t tell parents about suicidal thoughts
• Suicide prevention strategies for youth and schools
• Coping with depression and anxiety in high-pressure careers
• Breaking stigma around mental health in sports and medicine
• How medical training impacts depression in doctors
• Crisis Text Line as a 24/7 support tool
• The importance of listening, honesty, and hope

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Season 9 in Review
 01:40 Episode 97 — Why teens avoid telling parents about suicidal thoughts (Part 1)
 03:18 Episode 98 — Parents in denial: Why kids don’t share suicidal thoughts (Part 2)
 05:05 Episode 99 — Keeping students mentally healthy and safe (Menasha Joint School District)
 07:10 Episode 100 — NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins on depression and stigma
 09:12 Episodes 101 & 102 — When doctors become psychiatric patients (Dr. Weinstein)
 12:00 Episode 103 — Crisis Text Line: Confidential support via text
 14:00 Closing reflections and hope for listeners

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 spotlight the Crisis Text Line—a free, 24/7 support service available by text message. For many, especially younger people or those unable to make a phone call, texting provides a private and immediate way to reach out in moments of crisis.

Guest Ashley Womble, Head of Communications at Crisis Text Line, explains how the service works, who uses it, and what to expect when reaching out. We also explore how texters are triaged, how counselors de-escalate “hot” moments into calmer ones, and how this unique form of support is expanding worldwide.

Whether you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, overwhelming stress, or suicidal thoughts, this episode helps demystify the process and reminds listeners: you don’t have to go through it alone.

Link to Crisis Text Line website: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Primary Topics Covered:

• What defines a “crisis” and who can use Crisis Text Line
• How texting support differs from calling a hotline
• Why younger people prefer texting for mental health help
• Privacy and accessibility benefits of text-based support
• The triage system and how urgent needs are prioritized
• What to expect when you text for help (step-by-step)
• Crisis counselor training and volunteer opportunities
• The global expansion of Crisis Text Line

Episode Timestamps:

00:08 - Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression podcast
 01:10 - Introducing Crisis Text Line as a mental health resource
 02:00 - What “crisis” means and why people reach out
 03:50 - Guest Ashley Womble explains who uses the text line
 05:20 - Why younger generations prefer texting over calling
 06:05 - Privacy advantages of silent texting in different situations
 07:00 - International expansion of the Crisis Text Line
 08:01 - How crisis counseling by text actually works
 08:52 - Step-by-step: what to expect when you text in
 09:14 - Triage system: prioritizing urgent situations
 10:29 - Connecting with a real counselor and moving from “hot” to “cool”
 11:25 - Providing referrals and the 1% of cases needing active rescue
 12:29 - Testing the service before a crisis
 13:27 - Training and opportunities to volunteer as a crisis counselor
 14:04 - Closing reflections on the value of this free, 24/7 service

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 a doctor becomes the patient — and faces treatment-resistant depression?

In this powerful episode, trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Weinstein shares his deeply personal battle with depression that no medication or therapy seemed to touch. Diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, Michael reached the point of hospitalization and was recommended electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) — a treatment that frightened him but ultimately helped save his life.

He speaks candidly about:

• Feeling worthless and convinced his family would be better off without him
• The stigma and fear of admitting himself to a psychiatric hospital
• What ECT was like and why it’s still misunderstood
• Why hearing “you have treatment-resistant depression” can feel hopeless — but doesn’t mean recovery is impossible

Michael’s story is a rare, honest look inside the mind of a physician who nearly lost everything to depression but found his way back. His message: you are not alone, and recovery is always possible.

Article link: https://medschool.ucsd.edu/som/hear/resources/Documents/Out_of_the_Straitjacket_NEJM_Perspective.pdf

Link to YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qBobGOF0fs&t=5s

Primary Topics Covered

• What treatment-resistant depression really means
• A doctor’s personal account of suicidal thoughts and hopelessness
• Why stigma in medicine prevents doctors from seeking help
• Hospitalization and the fear of losing a medical career
• Firsthand experience with ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)
• Learning empathy by becoming a patient
• Why stories help fight stigma in the medical field
• Finding joy and recovery after severe depression

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro — continuing the “Doctors and Depression” conversation
 01:29 Michael Weinstein’s family history of depression
 02:22 When depression became overwhelming and suicidal thoughts began
 03:14 Feeling worthless and convinced his family was better off without him
 05:13 The importance of hearing real stories of depression
 06:25 What “treatment-resistant depression” means for patients
 08:16 Voluntarily entering a psychiatric hospital as a doctor
 08:45 Facing the recommendation of ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)
 09:31 Resistance, restraints, and the reality of psychiatric hospitalization
 10:36 Lessons learned from being a patient, not just a doctor
 11:43 Why storytelling breaks stigma and builds connection
 12:23 Michael’s recovery and reflections on resilience
 13:40 Why doctors need to remember they’re human, too
 16:00 Closing thoughts: every human is human, and healing is possible

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/

Doctors save lives — but who saves doctors when they’re struggling with depression?

In this eye-opening episode, trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Weinstein shares his personal experience living with depression inside a profession where stigma is often strongest. Despite having the knowledge and resources to recognize mental illness, Dr. Weinstein — like many physicians — felt depression was a personal weakness and kept silent until he could no longer ignore it.

This conversation reveals why depression in doctors is far more common than most realize, why stigma in medicine prevents help-seeking, and what needs to change in medical education and culture.

Listeners will learn:

• Why suicide rates are higher among physicians than the general population
• How medical training can actually increase depression rates
• The stigma doctors face from colleagues when they disclose mental illness
• The personal story of a surgeon who became both doctor and psychiatric patient
• Why compassion for others often comes at the cost of self-compassion
• How to support physicians — and why healthier doctors mean better patient care

Primary Topics Covered:

• Statistics on depression and suicide risk among physicians
• Why medical trainees experience rising rates of depression
• Stigma and discrimination against doctors with mental illness
• Dr. Weinstein’s personal story: from respected surgeon to psychiatric patient
• The lack of self-compassion among medical professionals
• How avoidance culture in medicine worsens mental health struggles
• Why medical education needs a revolution in empathy and self-care
• Steps toward a more supportive, stigma-free healthcare system

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and intro to today’s episode
 01:14 The shocking stigma around depression in doctors
 02:09 Dr. Michael Weinstein — surgeon and psychiatric patient
 03:27 From successful career to “just enduring life”
 04:37 Burnout, depression, and medical training’s role
 05:56 Why medical education needs a revolution
 06:30 The challenge of self-compassion in medicine
 07:30 Why colleagues often don’t know how to help
 08:38 Weinstein’s struggle to accept help and feelings of unworthiness
 10:22 Avoidance culture and silence in the medical profession
 12:23 Looking ahead to Part Two: living through psychiatric hospitalization
 13:30 Closing reflections and hope for cultural change

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/