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

Could depression begin in the gut?

In this episode, Dr. Zach Bush, one of the few triple board-certified physicians in the U.S., explains the fascinating link between gut health and depression. Drawing from both science and personal experience with major depression, Dr. Bush describes how the microbiome, inflammation, and toxins like glyphosate affect our brain chemistry and mood.

Listeners will learn how conditions like leaky gut disrupt serotonin and dopamine production, why depression rates have soared in recent decades, and what practical steps we can take — from food choices to time in nature — to restore balance.

If you’ve ever wondered how your diet, microbiome, and environment impact mental health, this conversation will give you hope and concrete strategies to improve both your physical and emotional well-being.

Link to Dr. Zach Bush's website: https://zachbushmd.com/

Links to related articles:

• https://www.produceretailer.com/article/news-article/2018-dirty-dozen-and-clean-15-lists-released 
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why rates of depression have skyrocketed since the 1900s
• Dr. Bush’s personal struggle with major depression and suicidal thoughts
• How glyphosate and environmental toxins damage the gut lining
• What “leaky gut” is and how it affects brain function
• The gut microbiome’s role in producing serotonin and dopamine
• Why inflammation is a root cause of many mood disorders
• How fermented foods and probiotics help restore gut balance
• The power of nature, movement, and purpose in healing depression
• Small daily steps to support gut health and improve mood

Detailed Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and framing: what causes depression?
 01:37 – Why gut health may hold answers doctors overlook
 02:08 – Dr. Zach Bush’s background and expertise
 03:04 – The fine line between mental health and disorder
 03:49 – A catastrophic rise in mood disorders since 1900
 04:38 – Dr. Bush’s personal experience with depression and suicidal ideation
 05:49 – Why depression isn’t a personal weakness
 06:27 – The role of glyphosate and toxins in disrupting gut health
 07:33 – How toxins spread globally through water and air
 08:33 – Why the microbiome is central to serotonin and dopamine production
 09:12 – How to build resilience: exposure to diverse ecosystems
 09:41 – Making smart choices with organic foods
 09:59 – Fermented foods and the return of microbiome diversity
 10:35 – Can gut health improvements reduce the need for depression meds?
 10:55 – Purpose, gratitude, and finding meaning in healing
 12:18 – The 4-minute exercise routine for energy and mood
 13:09 – 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 moving episode, we explore how open conversations about mental health can spark healing that extends across generations. Dan, a father who once resisted sharing his struggles with depression, found strength in speaking out. His openness inspired his son, Kendall, to step forward and share his own story of living with depression.

Together, they reveal how honest dialogue deepened their relationship, broke cycles of silence, and created a ripple effect of healing within their family. Their story highlights the power of vulnerability, the importance of checking in with loved ones, and the reality that depression does not have to be carried alone.

This is an inspiring example of how breaking stigma and “being comfortable with being uncomfortable” can help families—and future generations—move toward hope and healing.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The impact of silence vs. openness in families living with depression
• How a father’s decision to share inspired his son to speak out
• Recognizing depression’s voice and internal dialogue
• Building resilience and connection through honest conversations
• The ripple effect of generational healing

Timestamps:

00:57 – Opening reflections on unexpected stories of healing
 02:15 – Dan shares how listening helped him open up about depression
 03:12 – Kendall explains why his father’s openness inspired him
 04:19 – Hearing a parent talk about depression for the first time
 05:17 – How Dan’s story removed barriers for Kendall to share
 06:29 – A pivotal father-son conversation after hospitalization
 07:47 – Talking about depression within a family for the first time
 09:23 – The guilt and confusion of “having no reason to be depressed”
 10:12 – Depression’s negative inner voice and its impact
 11:36 – Coping strategies Kendall uses to reset during depression
 12:55 – Siblings stepping in as added support within the family
 13:28 – The power of asking “How are you, really?”
 15:30 – The ripple effect: healing across generations
 16:39 – Closing reflections on connection, stigma, 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/

Coping with a mental illness like depression or bipolar disorder isn’t just about what you should do — it’s also about avoiding behaviors that can sabotage recovery. In this episode, guest Catherine Ponti shares her personal journey of living with bipolar disorder and the hard lessons she’s learned about behaviors that made her healing more difficult.

From denial and dismissal to medication non-adherence and reckless choices, Catherine’s story sheds light on the six most common mistakes people make when coping with mental illness. By sharing her experiences openly, she helps others recognize harmful patterns and take proactive steps toward recovery.

If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in your mental health journey, this episode offers both cautionary tales and a message of hope: with the right support, treatment adjustments, and mindset, recovery is possible.

Link to NAMI blog article: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/January-2019/Coping-with-Mental-Illness-What-Not-to-Do

Link to ForLikeMinds resources: https://www.forlikeminds.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why “what not to do” is just as important as traditional mental health advice
• Catherine’s experience with severe bipolar disorder and hospitalizations
• How a medication change transformed her recovery
• Six harmful behaviors to avoid when coping with mental illness
• The role of denial, dismissal, and recklessness in blocking progress
• Why self-belief and peer support communities matter for recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction
 01:26 - Shifting focus: what NOT to do in coping with mental illness
 01:55 - Catherine’s journey with bipolar disorder and recovery challenges
 02:50 - The impact of ineffective treatment and changing psychiatrists
 04:16 - How a new medication regimen changed everything
 05:19 - Six behaviors to avoid: starting with treatment ambivalence
 06:53 - Taking ownership in your own recovery process
 08:16 - The dangers of denial and dismissal
 09:38 - Ignorance and refusal to learn about your condition
 09:45 - Medication non-adherence and its consequences
 10:31 - Recklessness and relapse risk
 11:24 - Overcoming being “stuck” through peer support and self-belief
 12:26 - Catherine’s online community: For Like Minds
 12:51 - Podcast anniversary and gratitude to listeners
 13:21 - 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/

When Patty Kijawa’s teenage son Jack died by suicide, her world was shattered. Through unimaginable grief, she has found the strength to speak openly—hoping her family’s story might save another.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Patty shares her journey as a grieving mother, the subtle changes and warning signs she wishes more families knew, and why teens often open up to friends rather than parents. Her message is one of both heartbreak and hope: that through awareness, compassion, and open conversations, we can prevent other families from experiencing the same loss.

If you’ve ever wondered what suicide warning signs to look for, or how to support a struggling teen, Patty’s voice offers both painful honesty and life-saving insight.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Primary Topics Covered:

• A mother’s story of losing her teenage son to suicide
• Why grief after suicide is uniquely painful and complex
• The subtle warning signs parents may miss
• Why teens often share their struggles with peers, not adults
• How one mother turned tragedy into suicide prevention advocacy
• Bringing awareness to schools and communities
• Faith, resilience, and finding meaning in loss
• Crisis resources and the importance of reaching out

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and suicide awareness message
 01:41 – Patty shares her son Jack’s story
 03:18 – Their last family conversation before his death
 04:37 – A mother’s final goodbye
 05:56 – Speaking about Jack at his memorial
 07:39 – What Jack wrote to encourage others
 08:12 – Private struggles revealed in his diary
 09:08 – Why suicide warning signs are easy to miss
 09:53 – Friends noticing changes before adults do
 10:39 – Red flags and behaviors parents should watch for
 10:58 – Patty shares her message in schools
 11:31 – Faith and finding purpose through grief
 12:23 – Suicide prevention resources and 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/

When Patty Kajawa lost her teenage son Jack to suicide, her world changed forever. Jack was funny, kind, and deeply loved—but like so many living with depression, he hid his pain behind a mask.

In this episode, Patty shares her family’s story with raw honesty, reflecting on what she wishes parents, teachers, and teens knew about depression and suicide. From the importance of asking direct questions—like “Are you safe?”—to why honesty in therapy is critical, her message blends heartbreak with hope.

Patty also offers a powerful reminder that suicide prevention is not only about awareness campaigns, but about daily kindness, listening without judgment, and making sure our loved ones know they belong.

Primary Topics Covered:

• A mother’s experience losing her son to suicide at 18
• Why depression often looks different than stereotypes suggest
• The importance of honest conversations about suicidal thoughts
• The role of kindness and belonging in suicide prevention
• What Patty wishes more parents, teens, and providers understood
• Why awareness alone isn’t enough to save lives
• The importance of telling the truth in therapy and psychiatry
• Holding onto hope and honoring lost loved ones

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month context
 01:15 - Radical belonging and prevention: reflections from Jess Stoneman-Raney
 02:54 - Patty Kajawa introduces her kindness challenge for Jack’s birthday
 04:02 - Small acts of kindness as suicide prevention
 05:27 - Revisiting Patty’s 2018 interview about her son Jack
 06:38 - Dr. Barbara Moser on the complexity of suicide prevention
 09:28 - Patty shares Jack’s story and family struggles
 11:24 - Jack’s humor, kindness, and hidden depression
 12:31 - Why teens may not tell the truth in therapy
 13:55 - The reality of depression masking and stereotypes
 15:09 - Patty and Jack’s phrase: “Are you safe?”
16:05 - Mental health days and coping tools for kids
17:12 - Wrestling with guilt and the “what ifs”
18:26 - Patty’s faith and her commitment to share Jack’s story
19:08 - Updated language guidelines around suicide
19:31 - Final reflections and closing

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

Depression is more than just “feeling sad.” It changes how you think, move, sleep, eat, and connect with others. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Anita Sands helps us break through the most common myths and misconceptions about depression.

You’ll learn what depression really feels like from the inside—why it’s not laziness, weakness, or something you can just “snap out of.” Dr. Sands explains the symptoms to watch for, how brain fog and negative thought spirals make life feel impossible, and why professional support is often needed for recovery.

We’ll also share ways to support someone who is struggling, with real-life examples and language you can use to start compassionate conversations. Whether you’re experiencing depression yourself or trying to help someone you love, this episode offers clarity, hope, and practical next steps.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The difference between sadness and clinical depression
• Key symptoms of depression: mood, energy, sleep, appetite, and focus
• Understanding brain fog and cognitive changes in depression
• Why guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness intensify symptoms
• The role of time (two-week diagnostic threshold) in identifying depression
• Misconceptions about depression as “weakness” or “laziness”
• The importance of therapy, medication, and other professional support
• How friends and family can check in and offer real help
• What to say when you don’t know what to say

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and hosts
 01:16 – What depression actually is (and what it isn’t)
 02:12 – Why depression should be seen as a serious illness
 02:41 – Emotional symptoms: sadness, irritability, numbness
 03:33 – Energy shifts: restlessness, exhaustion, and withdrawal
 04:23 – Behavioral changes: lack of motivation, loss of interest, “zombie walk”
 05:04 – Cognitive symptoms: brain fog and difficulty concentrating
 06:21 – Duration and when depression becomes diagnosable
 07:51 – Seeking help: therapy, medication, or both
 08:27 – Why recovery often requires multiple approaches
 09:20 – Supporting loved ones: starting safe conversations
 10:07 – Michael Phelps example: checking in with a struggling friend
 11:00 – Helping with logistics: appointments and practical support
 12:24 – Supportive language: “You deserve to feel better”
 13:34 – Comparing depression to cancer to illustrate severity
 14:10 – Resources: website and Facebook community
 14:58 – Closing reminder of hope 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/

Depression in older adults is often misunderstood or dismissed as a “normal” part of aging. But the reality is, late-life depression is common, underdiagnosed, and too often left untreated. In this heartfelt episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we revisit a conversation with Mary, a 93-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who bravely shared her struggles with aging, loneliness, and depression.

Mary’s honest words highlight the stigma older generations face in talking about mental health, the unique challenges of losing friends and independence, and the importance of connection, presence, and support.

This replay not only honors Mary’s voice but also shines a light on the urgent need to address mental health in older adults with compassion, openness, and community.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The stigma around mental health in older adults
• Why late-life depression is often overlooked or dismissed
• The impact of loneliness and loss on seniors’ mental health
• The importance of family, connection, and showing up
• Practical ways to support aging loved ones experiencing depression

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and context of the episode
 01:13 – Remembering Mary and honoring her voice
 02:28 – Mary introduces herself and speaks about being 93 and depressed
 03:10 – Generational stigma and attitudes toward mental health
 03:46 – Coping with aging, deafness, and loneliness
 04:59 – How stigma and self-stigma impact older adults
 06:06 – Mary’s reflections on feeling ashamed of depression
 07:28 – Why seniors struggle to open up about depression
 08:39 – What support looks like to Mary
 09:54 – The universality of wanting someone to show up and care
 10:58 – Healthy habits and mental health in older adults
 11:52 – Reflections on Mary’s courage and message
 12:10 – Closing thoughts and preview of next week’s episode

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

Depression doesn’t just affect adults—it can begin in childhood, often going unnoticed until years later. In this episode, Sally looks back at her own childhood and shares how her early signs of depression were overlooked and misunderstood. From excessive sleeping to dark writing and persistent sadness, Sally’s story highlights why recognizing and responding to childhood depression is crucial.

Listeners will learn what warning signs to watch for, why stigma often delays support, and how families, schools, and communities can intervene earlier to change the trajectory of a child’s life.

This conversation is a reminder to parents, educators, and caregivers: children often lack the words to describe what they’re feeling, but their behaviors, writings, and silences may be speaking for them.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why childhood depression often goes unnoticed
• Key symptoms of depression in children (sleep changes, isolation, dark writing, loss of joy)
• The role of grief and family dynamics in worsening depression
• How stigma and lack of awareness delay intervention
• The life-changing difference of medication and therapy later in life
• Why parents, teachers, and mentors must tune in and take action
• Sally’s message of hope: with awareness and support, children today don’t have to suffer in silence

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Why childhood depression matters
 01:00 - Sally’s story: looking back at her 10-year-old self
 02:15 - Early symptoms: excessive sleeping, sadness, and withdrawal
 03:25 - The impact of grief after losing her grandmother
 04:10 - Dark poetry as a cry for help
 05:10 - Teacher concern that went unaddressed at home
 06:05 - A childhood letter that revealed hidden depression
 07:30 - Growing up without mental health support
 08:40 - First diagnosis and antidepressant experience in adulthood
 10:05 - The struggle with stopping and restarting medications
 12:20 - Building a successful career while managing depression
 13:20 - How depression still “feels like wearing a rain-soaked coat”
 14:30 - The importance of recognizing childhood depression today
 15:40 - Ending stigma and demanding support for kids
 16:50 - Final reflections: helping children get help sooner

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 Seven in Review” episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry reflect on the most powerful moments from the past nine episodes. Each guest shared a unique perspective on depression—covering personal struggles, treatment breakthroughs, and powerful reminders of connection and hope.

You’ll hear insights from suicide attempt survivors, mental health advocates, parents, therapists, and everyday people who stepped forward to share their lived experiences. This review episode works like an audio table of contents, helping you discover which full conversations resonate most with you while reminding us all that we are never alone in the fight against depression.

Whether you’re coping with depression yourself or supporting a loved one, these highlights will give you practical tools, encouragement, and hope to carry forward.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The power of connection in preventing suicide and creating hope
• Genetic testing for depression treatment and personalized medicine
• How national conversations (including royals in the UK) reduce stigma
• Reflections on living with depression as siblings and podcast co-hosts
• Managing expectations and emotions during the holidays
• Gratitude, connection, and reframing depression’s role in our lives
• Messages of hope to younger suicidal selves and struggling listeners
• The importance of talking to children about mental health early
• Community and solidarity as tools to reduce isolation

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and podcast milestone (100,000 listens)
 01:26 – Why review episodes matter
 02:31 – David Woods Bartley: Connection creates hope and saves lives
 04:19 – Scott: Genetic testing and finding new energy with MTHFR treatment
 06:20 – Bobby Temps: Encouraging a national discussion on mental health
 07:46 – Dan Udell: Know Yourself podcast and sibling perspectives on depression
 10:00 – Steve Austin: Getting real about the holidays and mental health
 10:59 – Dan: The best gifts—gratitude, connection, and hope
 13:25 – Reframing depression and finding control
 13:36 – John Pavlovitz: “To Those Who Struggle at Christmas”
 16:16 – Charlotte: Messages to my younger suicidal self
 17:59 – TJ: Talking to your children about mental health
 19:48 – Community reminders: “You are not alone”
 20:20 – Closing reflections and season wrap-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/

Children are often more observant than we realize—they notice when a parent is struggling with depression or anxiety, even if no one names it. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest T.J. shares his journey of living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, and how he found the courage to talk openly with his young son about mental health.

Instead of hiding his struggles, T.J. chose honesty—and in doing so, he built trust, reduced stigma, and gave his child the tools to understand mental health at a young age.

This conversation explores why parents need to talk about depression, how to explain mental illness in age-appropriate ways, and why ongoing conversations matter more than a single talk. Listeners will come away with practical strategies and emotional encouragement for having these difficult but necessary family discussions.

Link to WebMD article on Children's Mental Health: https://www.webmd.com/depression/mental-health-depression-children#1

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why children notice depression and anxiety in parents
• How secrecy about mental health increases fear and stigma
• Tips for explaining depression to kids in simple, non-scary language
• Why honesty builds trust and resilience in children
• The role of love, listening, and empathy in family mental health conversations
• Why ongoing dialogue matters more than a one-time talk
• T.J.’s message to parents struggling with whether to speak up

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Why children need honest conversations about depression
 01:42 - T.J.’s story: living with depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD
 03:05 - How his struggles affected daily life and relationships
 05:18 - The turning point: realizing his son noticed his depression
 07:10 - Why silence around mental health creates confusion and stigma
 09:04 - How T.J. explained depression to his child in simple terms
 11:20 - Encouraging ongoing conversations, not just one talk
 13:15 - Tips for parents on honesty and age-appropriate language
 14:50 - Building resilience in children through openness
 16:40 - Closing reflections: why breaking stigma begins at home

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/