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

What happens when one of the NFL’s toughest players admits he was fighting suicidal thoughts behind the mask of strength?

In this milestone 100th episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Brian Dawkins, NFL Hall of Famer and former Philadelphia Eagle, opens up about his battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the silent pressure of unspoken pain.

Nicknamed “Weapon X” for his fearless play, Dawkins reveals how bottling up anger, family stress, and the cultural pressure to “be tough” nearly drove him to take his own life. He describes how therapy, medication, and faith gave him tools to step back from the brink, and why he now uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, especially among men, athletes, and communities of color.

Dawkins shares the importance of building a “blessed pack” of trusted people, teaching his children to talk openly about their feelings, and learning that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. His story is a powerful reminder that pressure builds in silence—but freedom comes in speaking truth.

Link to Brian Dawkins' Website: https://www.briandawkins.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Brian Dawkins’ rookie year and his first crash with depression
• How masculinity and sports culture teach suppression of emotions
• The silent buildup of pressure when pain isn’t shared
• Contemplating suicide and searching for ways to end his life
• The liberating power of therapy, medication, and faith
• Building a “blessed pack” of supportive, nonjudgmental people
• Why teaching children emotional openness matters
• The freedom and authenticity of unmasking
• How discipline, prayer, and mindset shape recovery
• Final message: “You are worth the fight.”

Timestamps

00:08 Intro and welcome to the 100th episode
 01:46 Reflections on 100 episodes of GVTD
 02:09 Brian Dawkins’ NFL career and “Weapon X” reputation
 02:53 Why he revealed his depression in his Hall of Fame speech
 03:35 What Dawkins thought depression was before experiencing it
 04:21 His rookie year and the buildup of pressure
 05:06 Masculinity, toughness, and suppressing emotions
 06:18 “Pressure builds in silence” – the cost of holding it all in
 06:35 Creating a “blessed pack” for support and prayer
 07:38 Teaching children to talk about feelings without shame
 09:00 Faith, therapy, and medication working together
 11:05 Contemplating suicide and searching for ways to end his life
 12:34 Wearing a mask while dying inside
 13:41 The freedom of authenticity and unmasking
 14:34 Learning from darkness: mindset and daily disciplines
 15:54 Feeding yourself positive input at critical times of day
 16:47 Final message: “You are worth the fight.”
 17:39 Hosts reflect on Dawkins’ message
 18:17 Mention of Dawkins’ foundation and Better Man conference
 18:38 Closing gratitude and outro

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Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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When teens struggle with suicidal thoughts, too often they confide in peers instead of parents—placing an impossible burden on young shoulders. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Stacy Friedenthal, author of Helping the Suicidal Person, and Dr. Jennifer Shavina, a Wisconsin school psychologist leading a district-wide effort to address student mental health proactively.

Through programs like Signs of Suicide (SOS) screenings, consistent follow-ups, and classroom lessons that normalize seeking help, this school system has created a framework that empowers students to speak up—and saves lives.

Listeners will learn what works in school-based suicide prevention, how peers can responsibly respond to suicidal disclosures, and why mental health education must start early and include families.

Link to Menasha Joint School District website: www.mjsd.k12.wi.us/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why teens often confide in peers instead of parents about suicidal thoughts
• The risks of “swearing to secrecy” when suicide is involved
• The role of peers vs. adults in suicide prevention
• How school-based screening and support programs can identify at-risk students
• Parent engagement in school mental health initiatives
• Building resilience, communication skills, and a culture of caring in schools
• Budget and resource considerations for districts implementing these programs

Timestamps:

00:08 – Introduction to the podcast and mission
 01:10 – Recap: why teens don’t tell parents about suicidal thoughts
 01:38 – The burden on peers when friends confide suicidal thoughts
 02:18 – “Better mad than dead” – the hard truth of suicide prevention
 02:27 – Dr. Stacy Friedenthal on the risks of secrecy
 04:46 – What to do if a friend discloses suicidal intent
 05:58 – Introduction to Dr. Jennifer Shavina and her school district’s program
 06:25 – Mental health screening and prevention in schools
 07:31 – How staff follow up with at-risk students and families
 07:49 – Teaching students to recognize and report warning signs
 08:38 – Why students feel comfortable reporting concerns
 09:17 – Recognizing subtle signs beyond direct suicide language
 10:02 – Parent reactions and involvement in suicide prevention
 11:00 – Preparing students for resilience and emotional regulation after graduation
 11:44 – Budget and resource challenges for districts
 12:26 – Collaboration and sharing between school districts
 13:11 – Encouragement to find trusted adults beyond parents
 13:23 – Crisis support options and hotline reminder
 13:39 – Teaser for next episode and closing remarks

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Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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Many parents wonder: Why didn’t my teen tell me they were suicidal? In this episode, Dr. Stacey Freedenthal continues her conversation on the ten reasons teens avoid talking to parents about suicidal thoughts. We explore how stigma, denial, fear of overreaction, and misunderstanding silence kids—and what parents can do differently.

Listeners will learn:

• Why some parents dismiss or overreact when kids disclose suicidal thoughts
• How "cognitive constriction" makes it hard for teens to see hope beyond the pain
• The damaging effects of overprotection and punishment after disclosure
• Why asking “Are you still suicidal?” repeatedly can backfire
• How to listen without judgment, fear, or panic
• Practical ways to start conversations if you suspect your child is struggling
• The role of CBT and DBT in helping teens manage suicidal thoughts
• How to make your home and your relationship a safe space for disclosure

This episode is for any parent, caregiver, or adult who loves a teen and wants to know how to prevent suicide and create open, honest conversations about mental health.

Link to full list: http://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2013/05/29/parents-and-teens/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why suicidal teens stay silent around parents
• Cognitive constriction and the "mental toothache" analogy
• Parent underreaction: dismissing, denying, or minimizing suicidal thoughts
• Parent overreaction: rushing to ER without listening
• How to respond when suicide talk feels like “attention-seeking”
• The dangers of repeated questioning (“Are you still suicidal?”)
• Overprotective behaviors that make teens feel punished
• How parents can approach conversations with compassion and curiosity
• The importance of making help and hope visible
• Suicide prevention resources (Lifeline 988, Crisis Text Line 741741)

Detailed Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and episode framing
 01:10 – Dr. Stacey Freedenthal’s expertise on suicide prevention
 01:39 – Recap of part one: 5 reasons teens avoid telling parents
 02:34 – Understanding "cognitive constriction" and suicidal focus
 03:45 – Therapies that help: CBT and DBT in suicidal crises
 04:21 – Reason #6: Parents dismiss or downplay suicidal thoughts
 04:48 – Reason #7: Parents overreact and rush to the ER
 05:19 – Why “attention-seeking” suicide talk is misunderstood
 06:30 – The compassion lens: what’s behind suicidal communication
 07:04 – Why rushing to hospitalization can silence teens
 07:55 – Reason #8: Parents grow impatient, asking “Are you still suicidal?”
 09:16 – A better way to check in with teens about suicide
 09:50 – Reason #9: Overprotective parenting backfires
 10:36 – Why removing phones or isolating kids can worsen depression
 10:45 – How parents can proactively start the conversation
 11:41 – The most important thing parents can do: listen with empathy
 12:31 – The phrase both experts repeat: “Help and hope are available”
 13:07 – National suicide prevention resources for parents and teens
 13:29 – Key takeaway: connection, not control, saves lives
 14:06 – Preview of next episode: who teens tell if not their parents
 14:32 – Closing reflections and support resources

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Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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Why don’t teens tell their parents when they’re having suicidal thoughts?

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychotherapist, author, and suicide prevention expert Dr. Stacy Friedenthal explains the top reasons adolescents keep their suicidal thoughts hidden from parents — and how families can respond with compassion instead of fear, anger, or shame.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal lived experience, Dr. Friedenthal outlines the 10 most common reasons teens avoid talking to parents about suicide, from worrying about overreaction, to not wanting to feel like a burden, to fearing hospitalization.

This episode is an essential listen for parents, teachers, and anyone who cares about young people’s mental health. With empathy and clarity, Dr. Friedenthal helps us understand suicidal thinking as a symptom — not a choice — and shows us how listening with calm and love can open the door to life-saving conversations.

Link to resource for parents: https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2013/05/29/parents-and-teens/

Link to learn more about Dr. Stacey Freedenthal: https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/about-stacey-freedenthal/stacey-freedenthal-phd-lcsw/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why suicide rates among adolescents are rising
• The #1 reason teens don’t disclose suicidal thoughts to parents
• How parental overreaction (fear, anger, sadness) shuts down honesty
• The role of guilt, stigma, and blame in silencing kids
• Understanding suicidal thoughts as symptoms, not choices
• Why some parents take suicidal thinking personally — and why that’s dangerous
• The powerful role of ambivalence in preventing suicide
• Dr. Friedenthal’s lived experience with suicidal thoughts and attempts
• What parents can do differently to create safety and trust

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction — suicide rates in teens rising sharply
 01:11 Dr. Stacy Friedenthal on her work and research
 02:18 Why adolescents share suicidal thoughts with peers, not parents
 03:26 A tragic example: journals found after a teen’s suicide
 04:05 The #1 reason: teens fear parents will “freak out”
 05:12 Parents offering reassurance instead of listening
 06:17 When parents’ overwhelming sadness shifts focus away from the teen
 07:01 Believing you’re a burden — depression’s convincing lie
 07:39 Parents reacting with anger or blame
 08:51 Understanding suicidal thoughts as symptoms of illness, stress, or sleep deprivation
 10:12 Why guilt (“if you loved me, you wouldn’t think of suicide”) shuts kids down
 12:15 Misconceptions: suicide as a choice vs. distorted thinking
 13:37 Dr. Friedenthal’s own lived experience with suicidal thoughts
 14:48 How irrational thoughts can feel rational in suicidal states
 15:35 Key takeaways for parents: listen first, respond with love
 16:37 Preview of Part 2 (reasons 6–10)

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Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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How do you cope with depression and anxiety when life feels overwhelming?

Season 8 of Giving Voice to Depression was filled with powerful stories of survival, loss, and resilience. In this recap, Bridget and Terry revisit the season’s most impactful guests and lessons — offering both hope and practical tools for mental health recovery.

Highlights include:

• A grieving mother’s plea for honesty after losing her son to suicide
• Six behaviors to avoid when coping with mental illness
• A father and son’s journey of generational healing through openness
• Dr. Zach Bush on the gut-brain connection and depression
• Canadian artist Jeff Beyer on expressing depression through painting
• Tara’s reminder that there is no “normal” — and why that’s freeing
• EFT/Tapping as a portable tool for managing depression and stress
• Conversations about living with both anxiety and depression

Whether you’re seeking signs of depression, ways to cope, or inspiration from others who’ve been there, this episode offers perspective and support.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Suicide prevention and the importance of honesty in treatment
• Coping mistakes to avoid in depression recovery
• Breaking family silence and stigma around depression
• How the gut-brain connection impacts mood
• Using art to express and share mental health struggles
• Letting go of “normal” and embracing openness
• EFT/Tapping as a tool for depression and anxiety relief
• Language to use (and avoid) when supporting someone with anxiety

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome & why season recaps matter
 01:44 Episode 86 — A mother’s lessons after her son’s suicide (Patty Kajawa)
 03:00 Episode 87 — A grieving mother’s message to depressed teens
 04:22 Episode 88 — Six behaviors to avoid when coping with mental illness (Catherine)
 05:38 Episode 89 — Generational healing: a father and son speak openly about depression
 06:46 Episode 90 — Gut-mind health connection with Dr. Zach Bush
 08:05 Episode 91 — When art imitates depressed life (Jeff Beyer, part 1)
 09:29 Episode 92 — When depression can no longer be hidden (Jeff Beyer, part 2)
 11:07 Episode 93 — “There is no normal” with Tara
 12:27 Episode 94 — Bonus toolkit: EFT/Tapping with Brad Yates
 14:01 Episode 95 — Anxiety and depression with Jordan
 14:29 Closing reflections on Season 8 and what’s ahead in Season 9

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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Many people expect surgery to be difficult physically, but fewer realize the emotional recovery can be even more challenging. In this episode, Jordan shares his story of experiencing both anxiety and post-surgical depression after open-heart surgery. We also explore how anxiety and depression often overlap, why emotional symptoms after surgery are common, and what friends and family can do to provide meaningful support.

Whether you’ve faced surgery yourself or are supporting someone through recovery, this conversation sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of healing.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The emotional impact of open-heart surgery and the reality of post-surgical depression
• How anxiety and depression often co-occur (nearly half of people with one also live with the other)
• Why telling someone to “calm down” or “cheer up” doesn’t help
• Practical ways to support someone struggling with anxiety or depression
• The importance of recognizing intrusive thoughts and seeking appropriate treatment
• How awareness and preparation can reduce the shock of depression after surgery

Timestamps:

00:11 - Introduction to the episode and podcast mission
 01:10 - Why depression looks different for everyone
 02:21 - Guest Jordan shares his experience with anxiety and depression
 03:07 - How open-heart surgery triggered emotional struggles
 04:14 - Emotional recovery vs. physical recovery after surgery
 04:54 - Depression after heart surgery (cardiac depression) explained
 05:45 - Jordan’s struggles with intrusive thoughts and shame
 06:32 - How finding the right psychiatrist and treatment helped
 07:10 - What anxiety feels like and how intrusive thoughts appear
 08:08 - The overlap between anxiety and depression
 09:32 - How to support someone experiencing anxiety
 11:40 - Why silence, curiosity, and listening matter
 12:25 - Misconceptions about discussing anxiety and suicide
 13:45 - Why meaningful connection helps anxiety recovery
 14:46 - Final reflections and the importance of self-knowledge
 15:52 - Hosts share their own experiences with post-surgical depression
 17:00 - Preparing for emotional side effects of surgery
 17:20 - 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/

Can something as simple as tapping your fingertips on pressure points really help with depression and anxiety? In this episode, we explore Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping, with master teacher Brad Yates.

Tapping has been used by millions worldwide as a stress relief and healing tool, and studies show it can lower cortisol, ease anxiety, and provide real emotional relief. Brad guides us through a custom tapping session designed for people struggling with depression, offering a practical, portable, and cost-free technique anyone can try — even from bed.

If you’ve ever wondered “does tapping work for depression?”, this episode offers both an explanation and an experience.

Link to Brad's site:

https://tapwithbrad.mykajabi.com/

Link to Brad's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/eftwizard

Key Topics Covered:

• What tapping (EFT) is and how it works
• Why EFT can reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol
• A guided tapping exercise specifically for depression
• How acknowledging negative feelings can actually help healing
• Why tapping provides hope, even when progress feels small
• How EFT can shift self-talk and release stuck emotional pain
• The importance of practicing consistently, like exercise
• How tapping can bring moments of relief in the darkest times

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why self-help tools matter for depression
 02:10 – What is tapping (EFT) and how it works
 03:07 – Scientific evidence: lowering cortisol and stress
 04:35 – Why tapping can bring even small moments of relief
 06:01 – Step-by-step: How to start tapping
 09:44 – Guided tapping session for depression with Brad Yates
 13:20 – Moving from self-doubt to self-acceptance
 15:00 – Using gratitude and love during tapping
 17:15 – Releasing old programming and emotional pain
 20:00 – How EFT can shift identity around depression
 22:00 – Why tapping is a tool you can use anywhere, anytime
 24:00 – Closing thoughts: hope, practice, and feedback

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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For Tara, depression and anxiety began in childhood — with panic attacks at just four years old following a traumatic accident. Decades later, as a mother, she still carried the weight of exhaustion, shame, and guilt, believing she wasn’t living up to expectations.

In this episode, Tara shares her deeply personal story of surviving depression, panic attacks, and stigma, and how she’s slowly learning to ask for help, accept support, and redefine what “normal” means.

Her honesty is a powerful reminder that coping with depression and anxiety is not weakness — it’s strength. Whether it’s medication, therapy, or simply choosing to keep going each day, Tara’s journey shows that recovery is not about perfection, but persistence.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Childhood trauma and the onset of panic attacks
• The link between anxiety and depression across her life
• Struggles with college, work, and stigma around mental illness
• Parenting with depression and explaining it to children
• The importance of therapy and medication in her recovery
• The pressure of the “supermom” ideal and letting it go
• Redefining normal: small victories like cooking or getting dressed
• Why asking for help is not weakness but resilience

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and opening reflections
 01:22 - Why it’s hard to talk about depression and anxiety
 01:42 - Guilt and shame as a mother living with depression
 02:23 - The importance of asking for help
 05:02 - Tara’s first panic attacks at age four
 05:55 - Traumatic accident and early PTSD symptoms
 07:02 - Discovering the term “panic attacks” at 14
 08:04 - Relief in finally having words for her symptoms
 08:56 - Depression intensifies during college years
 09:39 - Loss of loved ones and impact on her mental health
 10:12 - Struggles balancing full-time work with depression
 11:33 - Parenting with depression and talking to her kids
 12:55 - Medication, therapy, and redefining “normal”
 14:17 - Choosing every day to keep going as resilience
 15:16 - Closing reflections on asking for help and telling your truth

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, Canadian artist Jeff Beyer shares his powerful story of living with bipolar depression, alcoholism, and recovery—and how art became a lifeline for healing.

Through deeply personal insights, Jeff discusses early warning signs of depression and mania, the dangers of self-medicating with alcohol, and the process of finally seeking professional help. His artwork, inspired by his darkest moments, has become both a therapeutic tool and a way to break the stigma of mental illness.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, or addiction, this episode offers both honesty and hope.

Link to Jeff Beier's website: http://jeffbeier.com

Primary Topics Covered:

• The early signs of depression and bipolar disorder
• The role of self-medication and alcoholism in masking symptoms
• The dangers of ignoring bipolar disorder diagnoses
• How antidepressants can complicate bipolar symptoms
• Using art as a therapeutic outlet and conversation starter
• The importance of open dialogue in reducing stigma
• Hope through recovery, self-awareness, and self-care

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and podcast mission

01:24 – Jeff’s journey and how depression first appeared in childhood

02:20 – Struggling with suicidal thoughts and turning to alcohol

02:50 – First diagnosis of depression and later bipolar disorder

03:57 – The risks of untreated bipolar disorder and manic phases

04:37 – Tracking moods, recognizing patterns, and building awareness

05:56 – Early warning signs of depressive episodes

06:50 – Manic episodes, addiction to the “high,” and dangerous consequences

08:44 – The reality of dual diagnosis: addiction + mental illness

09:22 – The role of stigma and fear of speaking out

10:23 – Masculinity, vulnerability, and stigma in healthcare professions

11:24 – Addiction as “doing push-ups in the background”

12:09 – Reclaiming power through art, sharing, and conversation

13:40 – Audience reflections on Jeff’s artwork and mental health conversations

15:06 – Closing thoughts: breaking stigma by speaking up

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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Can art make the invisible visible? In this powerful episode, painter Jeff Beier shares how his creative work shifted from lighthearted flowers to haunting depictions of depression as his own mental health worsened. His art became both a lifeline and a conversation starter, sparking emotional connections with strangers who recognized themselves in his pieces.

Through his story, we explore how art can be both therapeutic and isolating, how expressing pain visually can open dialogue about depression, and why creativity often intertwines with mental illness.

Listeners will hear Jeff’s journey from creating safe, “happy” paintings to producing raw and deeply personal works that confront the reality of depression head-on — and how sharing those works created healing connections with others.

Link to Jeff Beier's works: http://jeffbeier.com/live/

See the paintings under "Galleries" and then "Incidamus" 

Primary Topics Covered:

• The relationship between art and depression
• Using creative expression as therapy
• Public reaction to art depicting mental illness
• The stigma of showing depression openly
• How art can help others understand invisible struggles
• The healing that comes from being seen and understood

Timestamps:

00:01 - Introduction to the episode and theme
 01:11 - Depression and artistic expression: Van Gogh Blues & creative struggles
 02:23 - Guest Jeff Beier shares how his art changed with his mental health
 03:50 - How painting became a therapeutic tool for coping with depression
 05:07 - The symbolism of the first dark painting with black balloons
 06:19 - Jeff describes paintings expressing suicidal thoughts and struggles
 08:04 - The meaning behind “Insidious” – his depression-focused series
 09:03 - Reactions from the public at his art exhibition
 10:02 - Emotional audience responses and shared personal stories
 11:25 - The release of black balloons: symbolism and closure
 12:12 - How listening to depression podcasts helped Jeff during suicidal ideation
 13:37 - Why hearing other voices with depression reduces isolation
 15:17 - Understanding depression as a disease that lies to you
 15:48 - Lessons learned through painting and self-expression
 16:47 - Healing through love, starting with self-compassion
 17:14 - Closing thoughts and where to see Jeff’s art

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