What if managing depression didn’t always mean medication?

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Rena Shoshana Forester shares her deeply personal story of healing through a holistic approach. From meditation and yoga to breathwork, focusing, and creative expression, she found effective ways to manage her depression without antidepressants.

Rena opens up about learning from her grandmother’s and father’s struggles, navigating her own darkest moments, and discovering how mind-body practices could help her build resilience and reclaim joy. Her journey is a powerful reminder that while every recovery path looks different, exploring alternative tools can open doors to healing.

This conversation offers validation, encouragement, and practical strategies for anyone wondering if holistic approaches might complement or support their depression management.

Link to Rena's website: https://www.renashoshana.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

• How family experiences shaped Rena’s early understanding of depression
• First encounters with depression in college and abroad
• Meditation, yoga, and breathwork as tools for mental health
• Processing trauma through focusing and creative expression
• Why she chose not to take antidepressants and how she worked with a psychiatrist
• Viewing depression as an emotion to learn from, not only fight against
• How acceptance and self-compassion play a role in long-term recovery
• Lessons for families in talking openly about mental health

Timestamps:
 00:00 – Introduction by Terry and Dr. Anita
 01:26 – Rena’s early exposure to depression through her family
 03:22 – First experiences of depression during college and abroad
 04:26 – Turning to meditation and learning from her father’s example
 05:23 – The impact of therapy and initial resistance to antidepressants
 06:35 – Discovering yoga, breathwork, and creative practices as healing tools
 07:27 – Using focusing to process emotional and physical pain
 08:16 – Decision with psychiatrist: medication not necessary
 09:00 – Dark thoughts and physical heaviness of depression
 10:06 – Motorcycle accident trauma and unprocessed pain
 11:27 – Choosing to view depression as an emotion to learn from
 12:32 – Building a relationship with depression instead of fighting it
 13:22 – The importance of professional help in supporting inward work
 14:11 – Reflections from Dr. Anita and Terry on lessons from Rena’s story
 20:06 – Closing thoughts and encouragement for listeners

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