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

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. David Jacobi of Rogers Behavioral Health explains how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works as an evidence-based treatment for depression. Together with hosts Terry and Anita, Dr. Jacobi breaks down the CBT “triangle” of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and explains why behavioral activation — doing something different, even small — can help break the cycle of depression.

Listeners will learn how CBT can reduce avoidance, reintroduce pleasure and valued activities, and provide tools to support both self-healing and loved ones. This conversation highlights why no step is too small when moving toward recovery and how we can give ourselves the help we need.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is and why it works
• The CBT triangle: thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
• How behavioral activation helps reduce depression symptoms
• The importance of routine, pleasurable, and valued activities
• The role of support systems without enabling avoidance
• Medication as a tool alongside CBT practices
• Why small steps matter in recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to the episode
 01:25 What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
 02:17 The CBT triangle: emotions, thoughts, and behaviors
 03:48 How CBT changes depressive thoughts and behaviors
 05:13 Behavioral activation and why doing something matters
 06:24 Avoidance patterns and how they maintain depression
 07:22 Active coping vs avoidance
 08:28 Routine, pleasurable, and valued activities in recovery
 10:05 How small actions build momentum out of depression
 11:11 Motivation follows action, not the other way around
 12:20 The importance of support and accountability
 12:57 Symptom accommodation: helping vs enabling
 14:13 Encouraging activation while offering empathy
 14:42 Medications as another tool in recovery
 15:34 Combining CBT, medication, and daily actions
 16:14 Why no step is too small in depression recovery
 17:24 Supporting yourself with encouragement and patience
 17:52 Closing thoughts and takeaways

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Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Anita Sanz joins Terry and Carly to discuss the importance of seeking therapy as a proactive step for mental health, not just during times of crisis. Together, they break down what therapy actually looks like, why the stigma around it persists, and how people can find the right therapist for their needs. From analogies comparing therapy to car repair and physical therapy, to tackling fears around stigma and suicidal thoughts, this episode provides insight and encouragement for anyone considering therapy.

Listeners will gain clarity on when to seek help, what to expect in sessions, and why proactive therapy can lead to better outcomes.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why therapy should be proactive, not just reactive
• The stigma surrounding therapy and mental health care
• How to know when it’s time to seek therapy
• What to expect in a therapy session
• How to find a therapist that’s the right fit
• The importance of being honest with your therapist
• Addressing suicidal thoughts in therapy
• How therapy works beyond the session

Timestamps:
 00:00 Intro
 01:26 Why we treat physical health differently than mental health
 02:28 What really happens in therapy
 03:11 Knowing when it’s time to seek help
 04:21 Why therapy works better before things get really bad
 05:42 Changing generational attitudes toward therapy
 07:26 Stigma and resistance to therapy
 09:37 The healthiest people go to therapy
 10:34 Using therapy proactively for stressors and grief
 11:09 How to choose the right therapist
 12:55 Free consultations and therapist shopping
 13:53 What to say in your first session
 15:16 Asking how a therapist will work with you
 15:56 Why honesty with your therapist matters
 17:18 How long therapy lasts and knowing when you’re “done”
 19:02 Discussing suicidal thoughts with a therapist
 21:51 Why therapy requires effort outside of sessions
 23:33 Listener question on learned helplessness and negative thought patterns
 25:49 Closing

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Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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One caring adult can make the difference between life and death.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Chloe shares how her teacher noticed warning signs of her depression and suicidal thoughts — and stepped in to have a direct, lifesaving conversation.

Her story is a powerful reminder that teachers, coaches, and mentors play a critical role in suicide prevention. By noticing changes in behavior, asking hard questions, and showing compassion, educators can literally save lives.

This is not just Chloe’s story — it’s a call to action for all of us to notice, care, and step in.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Chloe’s early struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts
• How masking and “joking” hid her true pain
• The panic attack that exposed her struggles
• The pivotal role of her PE teacher in noticing signs and stepping in
• Why asking directly about suicide saves lives
• The harm of stigma and unhelpful hospital responses
• Recovery, hope, and finding color again after depression
• How Chloe now coaches student athletes with mental health in mind
• The “healing circle” of giving back what was once given to her
• Practical suicide prevention steps anyone can take

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction  
02:01 – “The Boy and the Starfish” story and why one action matters  
02:22 – Meet Chloe: six years suicide attempt free  
03:20 – Depression starting at age 11 and masking pain  
04:21 – Panic attack at age 16 exposes struggles  
05:20 – A teacher steps in and notices  
06:27 – Believing pain would never end  
07:01 – Suicide attempt and unhelpful hospital response  
08:33 – Hope returns: seeing the world in color again  
09:29 – Second crisis moment: teacher’s direct intervention  
10:33 – How one conversation saved her life  
11:18 – Asking directly about suicide: why it matters  
13:02 – Recognizing others’ silent struggles  
14:00 – Walking 220 miles for mental health awareness  
14:32 – Moving to the U.S. on a soccer scholarship  
15:45 – Becoming a coach: giving back to student athletes  
17:24 – Closing reflections: the circle of hope and healing  
20:49 – The responsibility of teachers, coaches, and mentors  
22:08 – How peers also play a role in noticing warning signs  
24:03 – Closing gratitude to educators, mentors, and youth supporters  

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Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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Depression can convince us that healing is impossible. But recovery doesn’t come all at once — it shows up in small, powerful signs of change.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Cara McErlain from Belfast shares her lived experience of depression, therapy, and gradual healing. She opens up about the darkest moments of her journey and the hopeful signs that showed her recovery was possible: flashes of joy, moments of connection, and learning to see herself with compassion.

If you’ve ever wondered what recovery from depression looks like, or how to recognize the signs of healing, Cara’s story offers both validation and hope.

Primary Topics Covered

• What recovering from depression can look like in real life
• The difference between sadness, numbness, and depression
• Cara’s personal story of living with depression since her teens
• Why therapy helped validate her trauma and shift her perspective
• Signs of healing: small “flashes of light” in daily life
• Coping strategies: journaling, photography, and peer support
• How depression lies and distorts memories of happiness
• Why healing is not linear — setbacks are part of recovery
• The importance of lived experience and peer validation
• Reframing recovery as gradual signs of hope and healing

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction  
02:00 – Cara’s lived experience with depression  
03:08 – Finding euphoric joy after deep depression  
04:24 – Sadness vs numbness: what depression really feels like  
05:29 – Living with depression since adolescence  
06:21 – The silence around mental health while growing up  
07:12 – Therapy: validating trauma and reframing her story  
09:36 – Naming trauma and its healing power  
10:09 – The turning point: reaching out for help  
12:01 – Beginning therapy during her lowest point  
13:37 – Recovery isn’t linear: ups and downs of the journey  
14:45 – Recognizing “flashes of light” as signs of healing  
15:47 – Journaling and photography as coping tools  
16:38 – Why hearing “it gets better” matters  
18:52 – Holding on through the darkest times  
20:11 – Reframing small daily moments as recovery  
22:38 – Closing reflections: hope after depression  

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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Depression doesn’t just impact mood — it can also steal your memories of joy. In this episode, mental health advocate and author Natasha Tracy shares her lived experience with bipolar depression and how it robs her of the ability to recall happy times. She explains the cruel cycle of memory loss and depression, how “state memory” keeps us trapped in negative thought patterns, and practical strategies for holding on to hope even when your brain tells you otherwise.

If you’ve ever wondered why depression makes it feel like you’ve never been happy — and what you can do about it — this conversation offers both understanding and tools for resilience.

Primary Topics Covered

• How depression affects memory and why happy memories fade
• Natasha’s personal journey with bipolar depression and long-term depressive episodes
• The concept of state memory and how it fuels hopelessness
• Why depression “lies” and distorts emotional recall
• Practical strategies for coping when good memories feel erased
• Using tools like letters, photos, and self-recorded videos to preserve hope
• The importance of separating yourself from depression and “talking back” to its lies
• Creative hacks from listeners who shared their own memory-preserving techniques

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
01:14 – Depression’s impact on memory, according to Harvard research
02:13 – Why depression erases happy memories first
02:50 – Guest Natasha Tracy shares her personal story with depression
04:17 – Living with prolonged depressive episodes despite treatment
05:34 – The experience of memory loss during deep depression
06:18 – How depression removes hope by erasing good memories
07:12 – The concept of state memory: remembering only what matches your current mood
08:33 – Depression as a “trickster” that lies to the brain
10:30 – How depression attacks you using your own voice
11:50 – Audience reflections on losing happy memories
12:43 – Creative hacks: asking friends to recall happy memories
13:13 – Building memory boxes and recording video messages to yourself
14:35 – Why your own voice can be the most convincing against depression
15:31 – Two critical strategies for surviving deep depression
17:12 – Hosts reflect on recording messages to their future selves
21:19 – Why this advice is different from standard mental health strategies
24:22 – The isolating filter of depression that blocks gratitude and joy
25:15 – Pop culture parallels: Dementors from Harry Potter and depression
28:46 – Using photos, letters, and reminders as “lifelines” in depression
29:29 – Closing reflections and thanks

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Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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When people talk about maternal mental health, postpartum depression often gets the spotlight. But what about the depression that begins during pregnancy?

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Isabelle shares her experience with antepartum depression — the deep sadness, hopelessness, and stigma she felt while expecting both of her children. She describes how little people talk about depression during pregnancy, why the shame is so heavy, and how her ongoing recovery looks years later.

With honesty, reflection, and a dose of Buddhist wisdom, Isabelle opens up about coping strategies, managing depression like a chronic condition, and how friends and community support can help lighten the weight. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression during pregnancy, this story reminds you that you are not alone — and healing is possible.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What antepartum depression is and why it’s rarely discussed
• Isabelle’s experience of depression during both pregnancies
• The difference between postpartum and antepartum depression
• The stigma of being depressed during pregnancy
• How hormones, fear, and expectations contribute to maternal depression
• Depression as a lifelong condition to be managed
• Coping strategies: therapy, exercise, childcare support, and community
• The role of perspective: learning to say “this will pass”
• Why hearing other people’s stories can make depression less isolating

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Maternal Mental Health Month  
01:31 – What is antepartum depression?  
02:07 – Isabelle shares her story of depression during pregnancy  
02:30 – The stigma of saying “I’m depressed while pregnant”  
02:48 – Why maternal depression is rarely discussed  
03:32 – Hormones, fear, and the reality of pregnancy  
04:13 – Postpartum depression after her first child  
04:22 – A different experience during second pregnancy  
04:57 – Depression as a managed, chronic condition  
05:21 – Coping strategies: therapy, exercise, childcare support  
05:33 – How depression distorts reality and emotions  
06:10 – Learning to recognize “bad days” as temporary  
06:57 – The power of hearing others’ stories  
07:46 – Accepting the full spectrum of emotions  
07:56 – Buddhist practice: sitting with depression until it passes  
08:32 – Writing letters to yourself during good times  
09:48 – Giving voice to depression as a way of separating from it  
10:22 – How pregnancy reshapes identity and mental health  
10:53 – Closing reflections on maternal depression 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/

Looking for a new mental-health management tool?How about a creative one that "gets the ugly out" while maintaining your privacy?Our guest, Gina Barry, tells us how she modified the practice of writing "morning pages" into a more-private, freeing and effective way to get the darkness, depression and grief out of her head. Gina says giving your feelings a voice helps them not just sit there, on a repetitive loop.In just 19-minutes, you could learn a new technique that could help you manage your depression and other mental-health challenges.https://www.ginabarry.com/https://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages/https://www.amazon.com/29-Gifts-Month-Giving-Change/dp/0738214302

https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/

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What happens when the pain of childhood is never spoken aloud — or validated? For Trina Kennedy, it meant carrying an invisible backpack of heavy rocks: unresolved grief, shame, and loneliness. That burden grew into depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Trina shares her journey of living with the weight of childhood trauma — and how finding safe spaces, supportive adults, and therapy helped her begin to unpack it. Alongside reflections from hosts Terry and Carly, this conversation explores the difference between stress and trauma, why validation matters so deeply, and how healing is possible through connection and post-traumatic growth.

If you’ve ever wondered about the connection between childhood trauma and depression, or struggled to make sense of unspoken pain, Trina’s story will remind you: you are not alone, and healing is possible.

Link to Trina's website: https://trinaleekennedy.ca/

Primary Topics Covered

• The link between childhood trauma and depression
• Why unspoken pain becomes a lifelong burden
• The “backpack of rocks” metaphor for unresolved emotions
• Difference between stress and trauma — and why both matter
• The role of validation in completing the “distress loop”
• How parental responses (or lack of them) shape a child’s coping
• Suicidal thoughts in adolescence and finding life-saving support
• The importance of safe spaces and compassionate professionals
• Post-traumatic growth: transforming pain into purpose
• Why healing requires connection, not isolation

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and purpose of the podcast  
01:12 – Mr. Rogers: “Anything human is mentionable”  
01:34 – Trina Kennedy shares her “messy middle” journey  
02:36 – How definitions of trauma have shifted  
03:45 – Stress vs. trauma: why the distinction matters  
04:28 – Trina’s childhood and relational trauma with her father  
06:36 – The “backpack of rocks” metaphor for unprocessed pain  
08:34 – Accumulated pain leading to depression and suicidal thoughts  
09:43 – Hospitalization at 16 after a suicide attempt  
10:34 – Finding a life-changing psychologist who provided safe space  
12:22 – Healing is messy but growth is possible  
12:39 – Post-traumatic growth: learning, growth, and helping others  
14:11 – What people most need to hear in their darkest moments  
15:33 – Gabor Maté’s “The Myth of Normal” and societal trauma  
17:41 – Trauma as a normal response to abnormal conditions  
20:21 – Why adults must validate children’s emotions  
22:53 – Adults admitting they don’t have the answers — and why it matters  
24:26 – How consistent caring adults buffer childhood trauma  
26:01 – Somatization: when unspoken pain shows up in the body  
27:19 – Resources and closing reflections  

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Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
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Many people living with depression are told to “get better” for their families, their partners, or their friends. But what happens when you realize you deserve to recover for yourself?

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Ari Cohen shares her lifelong journey with depression, from being diagnosed at age 11 to navigating suicidal thoughts, family loss, and the pressure to heal for others. Through therapy and reflection, Ari discovered a profound truth: true recovery begins when we believe we are worthy of healing for our own sake.

If you’ve ever wondered what recovery from depression really looks like — and how self-worth plays a central role — this conversation offers validation, hope, and practical insights for your own healing journey.

Primary Topics Covered

• Why recovery from depression often feels like it’s “for others”
• Ari’s first diagnosis of depression as a child
• How antidepressants triggered suicidal thoughts at age 11
• The devastating impact of losing a family member to suicide
• Making a personal commitment to seek help in crisis
• The importance of connection and meeting others with similar struggles
• How trauma-informed therapy reframed healing around self-worth
• The role of self-compassion, journaling, and gentle practices in recovery
• Why healing for yourself (not just others) is essential
• Recognizing that doing it “for you” doesn’t mean doing it alone

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and framing of the episode  
01:18 – How depression is often framed in relation to others  
02:35 – Ari Cohen’s story begins  
03:09 – Early depression diagnosis at age 11  
05:12 – Antidepressants, side effects, and first suicidal thoughts  
06:24 – Crisis intervention and support from family  
08:13 – Starting high school while still depressed  
09:19 – Losing a stepbrother to suicide and its impact  
09:28 – Making a personal commitment to seek help in crisis  
10:11 – Discovering the importance of peer support  
11:26 – Trauma-informed outpatient program in late 20s  
12:05 – Writing a letter to suicide: realizing its grip on life milestones  
12:37 – The key question: Who are you getting better for?  
13:08 – Shifting toward healing for self-worth  
15:13 – Doing it for yourself doesn’t mean doing it alone  
16:34 – Gentle practices: hobbies, self-compassion, journaling  
18:25 – Dr. Anita’s reflections on Ari’s message  
19:33 – The importance of community and safe spaces  
21:07 – Closing thoughts and resources  

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Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Men are less likely than women to seek therapy — but not because they don’t need it. Stigma, cultural expectations, and outdated ideas about masculinity often keep men silent when they’re struggling with depression or grief.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health counselor Ethan Getchell shares his personal story of losing his brother to suicide and how it inspired him to change careers and rebrand therapy for men. From using humor and relatable language to creating safe, judgment-free spaces, Ethan shows how new approaches to therapy can help men open up, heal, and save lives.

If you’ve ever wondered why men avoid therapy — and what can be done about it — this candid and hopeful conversation offers fresh insights, practical tools, and reasons to believe change is possible.

Link to Ethan's Hey Man newsletter: https://ethangetchell.substack.com/

Link to "Man Therapy" website: https://mantherapy.org/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why men are less likely to seek therapy for depression
• Ethan’s personal story of grief after losing his brother to suicide
• Cultural expectations of masculinity and “rugged individualism”
• How the pandemic exposed covert depression in men
• Rebranding therapy to make it more approachable for men
• Using CBT, apps, and behavioral tracking to engage clients
• The “Core Four” basics: earth, air, fire, and water as self-care tools
• The role of vulnerability and safe spaces in men’s mental health
• How humor and creative campaigns (like Man Therapy) break stigma
• Why rebranding mental health can literally save lives

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Carly joins as guest co-host  
01:25 – Why men get depressed (Man Therapy excerpt)  
02:12 – Why rebranding mental health communication matters  
02:44 – Meet Ethan: his story and motivation  
03:04 – Losing his brother to suicide and its impact  
04:14 – Masculinity, independence, and the “lone cowboy” myth  
05:07 – The pandemic and covert depression in men  
06:21 – Why men avoid therapy and how to rebrand it  
07:06 – CBT and behavioral strategies for men  
08:19 – The “Core Four” elements: basics of self-care  
10:08 – Two modes of therapy: crisis vs exploration  
11:29 – Humor, campaigns, and the power of rebranding  
13:17 – Happiness through discomfort, growth, and resilience  
14:39 – Listening first: building trust with young men  
16:22 – The importance of male therapists as role models  
18:02 – Vulnerability vs fear of judgment  
19:17 – Core needs and acronyms like HALTS  
21:00 – “Hey Man” newsletter: shoulder-to-shoulder conversations  
22:40 – Safe spaces, community, and reducing stigma  
23:22 – Why more people should embrace therapy without shame  
24:32 – Closing thoughts and resources  

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