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

Award-winning journalist and author Meg Kissinger joins Giving Voice to Depression to share the extraordinary and heartbreaking story behind her memoir “While You Were Out.”

In her conversation with Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow, Meg opens up about growing up in a large family marked by bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression—as well as two sibling deaths by suicide. She explores how decades of silence and stigma shaped her family’s story and how finally speaking out broke the cycle of shame and secrecy.

Meg’s dual perspective—as a journalist who investigated the U.S. mental health system and as a sister who lived it firsthand—offers a rare, honest look at mental illness, discrimination, resilience, and recovery. Her story reminds us that talking openly about mental health saves lives—and that empathy and truth can heal generations.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The power of storytelling in breaking mental health stigma
• How silence and secrecy isolate families living with mental illness
• Understanding the difference between stigma and discrimination
• The lasting effects of losing loved ones to suicide
• What it’s like to grow up with bipolar disorder and depression in the family
• The importance of honesty in family and community mental health conversations
• How to respond when someone shares suicidal thoughts
• Why it’s okay to ask for help—and how courage can begin with one conversation

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and welcome from Terry and Carly
 01:24 – Introducing journalist and author Meg Kissinger
 02:21 – Mental illness in Meg’s family: depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide
 03:27 – Why stigma is actually discrimination — and how language shapes understanding
 04:42 – Growing up in silence: how mental illness was hidden in the 1960s
 06:25 – Balancing humor, love, and loss in a family marked by mental illness
 07:29 – Losing her sister Nancy to suicide and the painful secrecy that followed
 09:24 – Talking about her brother’s struggles and what she’d say differently now
 10:55 – Learning to sit with discomfort and listen with compassion
 11:50 – Writing While You Were Out and gaining her siblings’ trust to tell the truth
12:41 – The goal: showing her family’s full humanity and helping others feel less alone
13:36 – Why families must talk about their mental health history
14:48 – Advice for those who struggle to speak about mental illness or trauma
15:34 – Lessons from her brother Jake on living openly and unapologetically
16:21 – Asking for help: humility, courage, and connection
17:39 – Reflections from Terry and Carly on authenticity and generational healing
19:34 – Breaking silence one story—and one generation—at a time
22:26 – How to truly listen to someone in emotional pain (“Heard, Helped, or Hugged”)
25:56 – Final reflections: showing up with love, empathy, and presence

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In this deeply human episode of Giving Voice to Depression, John, a survivor of a suicide attempt, shares his ongoing struggle with self-forgiveness — and what healing looks like when you’re still learning to forgive yourself.

While many conversations about suicide focus on grief or prevention, John opens up about what comes after survival: the guilt, shame, and lingering belief that he doesn’t deserve forgiveness. Despite being forgiven by his family, including his son, John continues to wrestle with self-compassion and self-worth.

Through an honest and courageous conversation with hosts Terry McGuire and Bridget, John explores what it means to recover emotionally and spiritually — even when the process is slow, imperfect, and deeply personal.

This episode sheds light on the emotional aftermath of suicide attempts and offers gentle encouragement to anyone navigating their own healing: you are not alone, and forgiveness is possible — even if it hasn’t happened yet.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The emotional aftermath of surviving a suicide attempt
• Why forgiving yourself can be harder than forgiving others
• Guilt, shame, and self-loathing in recovery
• How family support can begin the healing process
• Developing self-compassion through therapy and meditation
• Understanding that recovery isn’t linear — and that “not yet” is still progress
• Practical insights on living with ongoing suicidal thoughts
• The importance of honest, stigma-free conversations about mental health

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and hosts
 02:13 – John’s story: surviving a suicide attempt and learning to forgive himself
 03:06 – Why stories about self-forgiveness after a suicide attempt are rare
 04:02 – Guilt, self-loathing, and loss of self-worth
 05:14 – How John’s son forgave him — instantly and unconditionally
 06:03 – Why self-forgiveness feels harder than accepting forgiveness from others
 06:49 – Living with lingering feelings of unworthiness
 07:36 – How therapy and psychiatry help manage suicidal thoughts
 08:34 – Searching for the “magic tool” for self-compassion
 09:13 – Meditation and its role in emotional healing
 09:46 – Guilt, shame, and letting go — why all are connected
 10:55 – Advice to other suicide attempt survivors: don’t let guilt derail recovery
 12:43 – Accepting that forgiveness takes time — and that “not yet” is okay
 13:25 – The power of reframing self-talk
 14:00 – Learning by speaking: how sharing stories helps healing
 15:19 – From self-loathing to self-acceptance: small language shifts that matter
 16:28 – The chemistry of self-talk and why kindness changes your brain
 17:39 – Closing reflections and resources for self-forgiveness and support

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What happens when mental health and addiction collide? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, David Shamszad shares his raw and revealing story of living with bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction — a combination often referred to as a dual diagnosis.

From self-medicating through college to hospitalization, reckless mania, and rock bottom, David opens up about how stigma, shame, and silence kept him from getting help for years. His turning point came after a dangerous blackout that could have ended in tragedy — and became the moment he chose recovery.

Now 10 years sober, David reflects on the long road to understanding his bipolar disorder, the importance of therapy, and how sharing his story publicly has become a form of healing.

If you or someone you love struggles with both mental illness and substance use, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope. Recovery is possible — and it often begins with honesty.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What “dual diagnosis” means and why it’s often misunderstood
• The connection between bipolar disorder and addiction
• How self-medicating can delay diagnosis and worsen symptoms
• The impact of shame, stigma, and cultural norms on help-seeking
• David’s experience with mania, depression, and suicidal thoughts
• The moment of clarity that led to his recovery
• Why sobriety alone isn’t enough — therapy and connection matter
• Practical tools for managing co-occurring conditions
• How hope grows “drop by drop” through small acts of support

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and dual diagnosis
 01:15 - What it means to live with both a mental health condition and addiction
 02:12 - David’s early signs of bipolar disorder in college
 03:33 - How shame and masculinity silenced his depression
 04:50 - Manic highs, risky behavior, and denial
 06:08 - The crash after mania: waking up in fear and paralysis
 07:25 - Hospitalization and first bipolar diagnosis
 08:27 - The power of naming an illness — and the shame that still lingered
 09:30 - Understanding Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
 10:31 - Alcohol as self-medication and the illusion of control
 11:20 - The night that changed everything: waking up injured and afraid
 12:20 - Realizing addiction could destroy more than just his own life
 12:42 - The decision to get help and tell the truth
 13:18 - Ten years sober and learning to rebuild
 14:15 - Therapy, coping skills, and daily maintenance
 15:15 - Message to those still struggling: recovery happens gradually
 17:31 - The power of “small drops” of hope and connection
 18:54 - Reflections on stigma, masculinity, and vulnerability
 20:28 - Encouragement to speak up and seek support
 24:23 - Where David is now: success, sobriety, and service
 25:09 - Closing thoughts and resources for help

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In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Barbara Moser, a trained teacher in mindful self-compassion, shares three simple yet powerful practices you can use anytime to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. These tools are free, backed by credible research, and require no appointment, transportation, or side effects.

From mindful breathing to the STOP method and a self-compassion break, these practices are designed to help you calm your nervous system, manage transitions, and respond to difficult moments with greater resilience. Whether you’re struggling with daily overwhelm or seeking preventive strategies, this episode offers practical techniques that can become part of your mental health toolkit.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Introduction to no-cost, research-backed mental health tools
• Guided three-minute mindful breathing exercise
• STOP practice for managing daily transitions and stress
• Self-compassion break: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness
• How mindfulness and self-compassion work together for healing

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and mission of Giving Voice to Depression
01:20 – Framing the episode: free, accessible mental health tools
02:06 – Dr. Barbara Moser introduces mindfulness practices
02:42 – Three-minute mindful breathing and calming exercise
09:21 – How breathwork engages the parasympathetic nervous system
10:14 – STOP practice: pause, breathe, observe, and proceed
14:22 – Using STOP for daily transitions and relationships
14:32 – Guided self-compassion break with three core elements
18:40 – Recognizing common humanity in moments of struggle
20:03 – Practicing self-kindness and supportive self-talk
22:32 – Closing reflections and invitation to community support

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In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Kevin Lepine shares his deeply personal journey of growing up misunderstood, bullied, and isolated — experiences that fueled his depression long before he had words to describe it. He opens up about the pain of being unseen, living with undiagnosed ADD, and the crushing loneliness that often comes with both bullying and depression.

Kevin also discusses the turning points that helped him: friends who refused to let him disappear, learning the language to describe his struggles, and finding mental health support that gave him tools to heal. He offers raw but practical advice about managing depression, breaking free from isolation, and building a supportive community.

This conversation sheds light on the destructive overlap of bullying and depression while reminding us that connection, compassion, and even small shifts — like going for a walk — can make a life-saving difference.

If you’ve ever struggled to explain depression to someone else, or if you’re supporting a loved one who feels stuck in darkness, Kevin’s story provides both validation and hope.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How bullying and undiagnosed ADD fueled Kevin’s depression
• The impact of isolation on mental health and empathy
• Finding hope through community, friendship, and support
• Practical tools for interrupting depression’s cycles
• Why disclosure and openness can reduce stigma and isolation
• The power of small shifts, like walks and connection, in healing

Timestamps:

00:01:15 – Introduction to Kevin’s story: bullying, isolation, and depression
 00:02:58 – Childhood signals of depression and the role of bullying
 00:04:55 – The dangers of ignoring bullying and its isolating effects
 00:06:25 – Building true friendships that interrupted depression’s cycle
 00:08:02 – How Kevin’s depression manifested and became paralyzing
 00:09:38 – Strategies to “trick” depression: filling the calendar, asking for support
 00:10:35 – Why disclosure lessens depression’s hold and reduces isolation
 00:11:19 – Addiction, self-medication, and the search for relief
 00:13:11 – Tools from 12-Step programs and the role of community
 00:14:36 – Hypnosis, depression, and the “parasite” metaphor
 00:14:49 – Two life-or-death turning points in Kevin’s journey
 00:16:31 – Why “It can be different” is more powerful than “Be happy”
 00:20:17 – The role of small, simple shifts like walking and connection
 00:23:21 – How bullying echoes depression’s lies and reinforces hopelessness
 00:25:36 – Absolutist thinking: both a symptom and contributor to depression
 00:26:24 – Closing reflections: compassion, language, and concrete support

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In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we revisit the powerful story of author and advocate Rebecca Lombardo, who has openly shared her struggles with bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidality. Now 10 years removed from her last hospitalization and self-harm attempt, Rebecca reflects on her growth, resilience, and the coping strategies that have helped her heal.

She discusses the importance of self-awareness, positive self-talk, and open communication with loved ones, as well as the role her husband and community have played in her journey. Rebecca also highlights the need to recognize progress—no matter how small—and the ongoing work of fighting stigma.

This rerun is a reminder that while depression can distort our perspective, recovery and hope are possible.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why it’s often hard to recognize progress while living with depression or bipolar disorder
• Rebecca’s reflections on 10 years without hospitalization or self-harm
• The role of loved ones in supporting recovery
• Positive self-talk, therapy, and self-awareness as essential coping strategies
• How writing, advocacy, and community helped Rebecca reduce shame and find purpose
• The importance of self-care and redefining what “success” looks like in recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and the power of hope
 01:25 – Guest introduction: Rebecca Lombardo’s return update
 03:18 – Reflecting on a decade since her last hospitalization
 04:25 – The ongoing challenge of living with bipolar disorder
 05:29 – Why negative thoughts feel easier to believe than positive ones
 07:05 – Celebrating 10 years of progress and accomplishments
 08:01 – Feeling like a burden vs. recognizing depression’s lies
 09:23 – Positive self-talk and open communication with loved ones
 10:30 – The impact of her past suicide attempt on her husband
 11:48 – Choosing to live for herself as well as others
 12:29 – The work beyond medication: therapy, self-awareness, and learning
 13:58 – Helping others through advocacy and writing
 15:05 – Hopes for the next decade of life and advocacy
 16:54 – Advice for listeners currently struggling
 18:44 – Rebecca’s blog reflections and practical tools for healing
 19:21 – Dr. Anita Sanz on the importance of therapy beyond medication
 22:01 – Closing remarks and upcoming Suicide Prevention Awareness Month focus

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In this intimate, unscripted conversation, Giving Voice to Depression hosts Terry McGuire and her daughter Carly McCollow open up about their personal experiences with depression across generations. They reflect on how genetics, trauma, and family silence shape mental health — and why speaking openly can break cycles of shame and stigma.

Listeners will hear stories about childhood anxiety, gratitude rituals, reframing depression as a chronic condition, and the healing that comes when families normalize talking about mental health. This candid dialogue offers validation and encouragement for anyone navigating depression within the context of family history.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Genetics, trauma, and their role in intergenerational depression
• Why families often avoid mental health conversations
• Early signs of anxiety and depression in children
• How parenting with depression changes perspective and priorities
• Challenging stigma through openness and humor
• Trauma as both a family and cultural experience
• The power of naming and normalizing depression in loved ones

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the episode and why it’s different
 01:12 Stigma around depression in families
 03:57 Childhood memories of anxiety and gratitude practices
 08:36 Depression going unnamed and misunderstood in families
 12:56 Parenting while living with depression
 16:18 Mental health days and challenging the wellness binary
 20:28 How trauma and silence carry forward across generations
 24:52 Understanding trauma as individual, family, and cultural
 27:31 Closing reflections on responsibility, acceptance, and love

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In this rerun episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz revisit The Spoon Theory, a popular metaphor created by Christine Miserandino to explain life with chronic illness. The conversation explores how the theory applies to depression and mental health, providing listeners with a way to explain their limited energy to others and make mindful daily choices. The hosts discuss real-world applications, including self-compassion, boundaries, communication, and pacing, and share tips for conserving energy and avoiding burnout.

This episode is both validating and practical, offering language and strategies to help those living with depression—and those who support them—better understand the realities of limited energy.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Explanation of The Spoon Theory and its origins
• How Spoon Theory applies to depression and chronic illness
• Using spoons as a tool for energy management and self-care
• Setting boundaries and improving communication with loved ones
• Practicing self-compassion while coping with limited resources
• Small, low-energy strategies for getting through depressive episodes

Timestamps:

• 00:04 – Introduction to the podcast and mission
• 01:30 – Overview of Spoon Theory and its global impact
• 02:24 – Dr. Anita explains how Spoon Theory helps with chronic illness and depression
• 04:15 – How daily tasks consume “spoons” differently depending on health status
• 06:25 – Christine Miserandino’s original blog and explanation
• 07:54 – Real-life application: prioritizing energy and making choices
• 10:28 – Using Spoon Theory as a communication tool in relationships
• 11:43 – Practical low-energy self-care ideas for those with severe depression
• 14:40 – Insights from Adam Weitz on Spoon Theory and depression
• 15:43 – Key benefits: self-compassion, boundaries, assertiveness
• 16:30 – Final reflections on using Spoon Theory to reframe depression
• 17:31 – Closing remarks and resources

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In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Eric shares his deeply personal journey of living under the crushing weight of depression and how he found a path toward healing. Instead of fighting against his pain, Eric discovered the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, which allowed him to engage with his depression in a new, compassionate way. Through personifying his struggle as a “boulder” and learning to soften toward the parts of himself he once rejected, Eric uncovered resilience, rootedness, and a renewed sense of hope.

Listeners will hear how acceptance, rather than resistance, opened the door to healing and how reframing depression as a protective force instead of an enemy helped Eric move forward with faith and curiosity. This conversation is a reminder that healing from depression is not about eradicating symptoms but learning to live with compassion for all parts of ourselves.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Eric’s experience of living with the “boulder” of depression
• The difference between intellectualizing depression and doing emotional “heartwork”
• How Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy works and its role in healing
• Shifting from resistance to acceptance in managing depression
• The role of self-compassion and “softening” in recovery
• Finding rootedness, faith, and curiosity when hope feels out of reach

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and mission of the podcast
 01:13 – Eric describes the crushing weight of depression
 02:22 – Signs of emerging from a prolonged depressive period
 04:28 – The importance of allowing grief and honest feelings
 05:37 – Eric’s metaphor of depression as a boulder
 07:40 – The added burden of shame in depression
 09:28 – Moving from intellectualizing depression to emotional “heartwork”
 10:04 – Discovering Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy
 12:47 – Personifying depression as “Atlas” holding the boulder
 14:12 – Reframing depression through compassion and acceptance
 15:38 – Eric finds faith, rootedness, and curiosity
 18:19 – The power of grace and self-compassion in healing
 20:10 – Letting go of expectations and embracing groundedness
 23:45 – Reflections on diagnosis, stigma, and compassion for differences
 25:32 – Understanding feelings as information and depression’s role in deepening care
 27:04 – Closing thoughts on resilience, growth, and ongoing healing

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In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, J.J. Singleton shares his journey of living with terminal colorectal cancer and battling depression. After enduring over 170 rounds of chemotherapy, J.J. opens up about the toll cancer has taken not just on his body but on his mental health. He discusses the stigma men face in expressing vulnerability, his initial resistance to therapy, and the life-changing benefits of opening up and seeking professional support. J.J.’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and hope — a reminder that healing is both a physical and emotional process.

He also highlights the importance of peer support, distraction, and advocacy, showing that even in the darkest times, connection and conversation can make a life-saving difference.

Primary Topics Covered:

• J.J. Singleton’s journey with terminal colorectal cancer
• The connection between cancer and depression
• Stigma around men’s mental health and vulnerability
• The role of therapy in coping with suicidal thoughts
• Tools for resilience: peer support, therapy, and distraction
• Advocating for mental health awareness in cancer care

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Giving Voice to Depression
 02:26 Introducing guest J.J. Singleton and his cancer journey
 03:34 The impact of cancer on men’s mental health
 04:55 How cancer and treatment triggered depression and PTSD
 06:36 Learning to shift mindset and seek support
 07:22 Realizing the importance of therapy
 08:13 How therapy helped J.J. cope with suicidal thoughts
 09:48 Breaking stigma around talking about mental health
 11:25 The unseen mental toll of cancer treatment
 11:45 Using distraction and peer support as coping tools
 13:01 Why J.J. advocates for mental health awareness in cancer care
 13:55 How awareness could have helped earlier in his journey
 14:22 J.J.’s motivation for sharing his story publicly
 15:01 From darkest places to speaking out about healing
 15:32 Reflections on mind-body connection in illness
 16:22 The cost of silence and repression in mental health struggles
 17:05 Closing thoughts and resources, including manuptocancer.com

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