Giving Voice to Depression

"How are you?"Instead of giving the automatic answer—"Fine"—Nick paused.Then he said something most of us rarely admit:"Actually, I've been really struggling."That honest response became the beginning of this conversation.In this deeply personal episode, Nick shares how years of hiding his sexuality contributed to clinical depression, why coming out brought an unexpected sense of relief, and how learning to understand his own patterns has helped him navigate depression with greater awareness and self-compassion.Nick also opens up about surviving leukemia as a child, recognizing the early warning signs of depression, living through suicidal thoughts, and the phone call to his best friend that may have saved his life.Together, Terry and Carly explore the emotional cost of hiding parts of ourselves, the healing power of authenticity, and why saying "I'm not okay" can create deeper connection—not only in our closest relationships, but sometimes even in the workplace.Whether you're living with depression, supporting someone you love, or navigating questions about identity and authenticity, this conversation offers compassion, practical insight, and a powerful reminder that you don't have to struggle alone.Primary Topics Covered: LGBTQ+ mental health  Depression and coming out  Clinical depression  Suicide prevention and reaching out  Early warning signs of depression  Authenticity and self-acceptance  Depression in the workplace  Friendship and emotional support  Depression recovery tools  Living openly with depressionTimestamps:00:01:23 An honest workplace conversation becomes the beginning of Nick's story00:02:27 Why Nick stopped answering "I'm fine"00:03:53 The value of vulnerability and honest conversations00:05:05 Common misconceptions about depression00:05:39 Childhood leukemia, anxiety, and the beginning of mental health treatment00:06:28 Realizing his sexuality and how suppression contributed to depression00:07:28 LGBTQ+ mental health and higher rates of depression00:08:11 Learning to recognize personal warning signs of depression00:09:56 Why being around people helps during depressive episodes00:10:42 What depression feels like from the inside00:11:24 Coming out and the emotional relief of living authentically00:13:59 The lowest point: suicidal thoughts and creating a safety plan00:15:44 The phone call to a best friend that changed everything00:17:18 "You are not alone": Nick's advice for anyone struggling00:18:14 Carly and Terry reflect on self-awareness and learning your own depression00:19:53 Self-acceptance, authenticity, and living with depression00:21:18 The importance of safety and context when sharing your story00:22:45 The emotional cost of hiding part of yourself00:23:57 Why everyone deserves one person who truly "has your back"Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

link to Sarah's article: https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-motivation-tipsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Instagram creator ShannyPants has built a community of hundreds of thousands of followers by making people laugh.But while millions of people saw the funny videos, very few knew she was quietly living with depression.In this episode, Shannon shares what depression really looked like behind the scenes, why she finally sought treatment, how antidepressants and therapy changed her life, and why humor became one of the tools that helped her heal.In today's podcast episode, you'll hear about: What daily life with depression really looks like  Why simple routines can make difficult days more manageable  How checking off tiny accomplishments builds momentum  The role antidepressants played in her recovery  Why she waited years before asking for help  The connection between isolation and depression  How humor became part of her healing  Why talking openly about depression changed both her life and the lives of her followers Shannon reminds us that depression doesn't always look the way people expect—and that laughter and depression can exist at the same time.Most importantly, she offers hope that healthier days are possible.Primary Topics Covered Living with depression  Coping with depression  Depression routines and habits  Antidepressant medication  Therapy for depression  Humor and mental health  Depression and isolation  Asking for help  Daily mental health strategies  Hope after depression Timestamps00:01:26 – Why laughter can help during depression00:02:30 – Meeting Shannon and her mental health journey00:03:19 – What depression feels like on difficult days00:03:46 – Using routines to manage depression00:05:11 – Small daily goals that build momentum00:06:11 – The difference between an "off day" and depression00:06:34 – Leaving the house to interrupt depressive episodes00:07:56 – Learning self-compassion00:08:26 – COVID's impact on her mental health00:09:26 – Reaching a breaking point and asking for help00:10:24 – Changing her views about antidepressant medication00:11:03 – Accepting depression and seeking treatment00:12:05 – Starting medication and noticing improvement00:13:09 – Why humor became part of healing00:15:20 – Sharing depression publicly on social media00:16:09 – Breaking isolation through honest conversations00:17:19 – Why recovery stories create hope00:19:20 – Looking ahead to EMDR therapyExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

For years, Davey believed he had depression.What he didn't know was why.After nearly a decade of living with severe depression—including years of suicidal thoughts—a conversation with a physician changed everything. Within minutes of hearing Davey's childhood story, the doctor wrote two words on a piece of paper:Complex PTSD (CPTSD).That diagnosis became the beginning of a completely different healing journey.In this follow-up episode—nearly ten years after his first appearance on Giving Voice to Depression—Davey shares how understanding childhood trauma helped him replace shame with self-compassion, perfectionism with acceptance, and hopelessness with genuine joy.You'll hear about: How childhood abuse and emotional neglect contributed to depression  The difference between depression and Complex PTSD  Why understanding the root cause changed everything  Learning that self-worth isn't based on productivity  Recovering from years of believing he wasn't lovable  Setting boundaries with toxic relationships  Why healing is an ongoing journey—not a destination  Finding hope after living with suicidal thoughts Davey's story offers hope for anyone who has ever believed they were "broken."As he says in this conversation:"I'm through the tunnel. I'm in the sunshine."Primary Topics Covered: Complex PTSD (CPTSD)  Childhood trauma and depression  Emotional neglect  Self-worth and healing  Suicidal thoughts and recovery  Perfectionism and trauma  Trauma-informed mental health care  Healthy boundaries  Healing from childhood abuse  Hope after depressionTimestamps:00:01:34 – Why Davey returned nearly a decade later00:02:48 – A doctor's encouragement to share his recovery00:03:16 – Living with suicidal thoughts before healing00:03:30 – Discovering Complex PTSD00:04:31 – The book that changed Davey's understanding of himself00:05:13 – Becoming more resilient through healing00:06:05 – How understanding trauma changed everything00:07:13 – Recognizing childhood abuse and emotional neglect00:08:29 – The relief of finally understanding the "why"00:10:25 – What daily life looks like after healing00:11:50 – What he'd tell his former self00:13:17 – Learning that you're worthy of love00:14:40 – A message for anyone struggling today00:15:50 – Why he believes he won't return to that dark place00:20:27 – Carly on suicidal thoughts, stigma, and creating safe conversations00:22:30 – The meaning behind Davey's semicolon tattooExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What do you do when depression makes even getting out of bed feel impossible?Davey knows that battle firsthand.After years of pushing through exhaustion and believing something was physically wrong, he was eventually diagnosed with major depressive disorder. What followed wasn't a quick recovery—it was a daily commitment to learning everything he could about depression and building a toolbox of coping strategies.In this deeply practical conversation, Davey shares the lessons that have helped him survive some of his darkest days.You'll hear about: Why getting out of bed can be a victory  The idea of "tools for a time"—small coping strategies that help in difficult moments  Why accomplishing one small task can build momentum  Learning your depression's triggers instead of fearing them  Why depression convinces us we're broken  The importance of accepting depression as a legitimate illness  Why well-meaning advice often isn't helpful during severe depression  Building a personalized toolbox instead of searching for one perfect solution Davey's unforgettable metaphors—from restoring old chainsaws to comparing unwanted advice to chicken soup during the stomach flu—offer powerful ways to understand what living with depression actually feels like.His message is hopeful without minimizing the struggle:Depression may be a difficult enemy, but it can be managed one day, one tool, and one small victory at a time.Primary Topics Covered:Coping with depression Major depressive disorder  Anxiety and depression  Depression recovery tools  Building a mental health toolbox  Depression self-care strategies  Small wins and behavioral activation  Understanding depression triggers  Supporting someone with depression  Hope while living with depressionTimestamps:00:01:12 – Davey's update and why this story still matters00:03:07 – Losing your identity after depression00:03:44 – Recognizing the symptoms of major depression00:04:33 – Fighting depression one day at a time00:05:15 – Why small accomplishments build momentum00:06:13 – "Tools for a time": building a coping toolbox00:07:16 – The chainsaw metaphor for understanding depression00:08:45 – Why lived experience matters00:09:21 – The "chicken soup" analogy: when advice isn't helpful00:11:17 – Learning depression's lies00:12:07 – "Fixing something that's broken with something that's broken"00:13:14 – Accepting depression as a legitimate illness00:14:05 – Anxiety triggers and managing depressive episodes00:15:43 – Finding purpose while living with depression00:16:19 – Why depression is a winnable battle00:18:02 – Listening instead of saying, "You just need to..."Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Why do so many people wait years before asking for help with depression?For award-winning television journalist Ted Perry, the answer was simple: stigma.In this candid conversation, Ted shares why he kept his depression hidden for years, how grief after his father's death intensified his symptoms, and why finally accepting therapy and antidepressant medication changed his life.He also reflects on the relationships depression affected, the shame that kept him silent, and the hope that ultimately carried him through.In this episode, you'll hear about: Why depression often hides behind humor and success  How stigma keeps people from seeking treatment  Why asking for therapy felt harder than asking for help with a physical illness  What antidepressants actually do—and what they don't  Building a personal depression recovery toolbox  The importance of exercise, meditation, faith, and meaningful routines  Why depression convinces people they're a burden  The role hope plays in recovery Ted reminds listeners that depression isn't a character flaw. It's an illness that deserves treatment, compassion, and conversation.His message is simple:There is another side to depression.And there is hope.Primary Topics Covered: Depression stigma  Men's mental health  Therapy for depression  Antidepressant medication  Grief and depression  Hope after depression  Exercise and mental health  Protective factors in recovery  Depression and relationships  Asking for helpTimestamps:00:01:58 – Why Ted decided to speak publicly about depression00:04:23 – Early signs of depression in college00:05:13 – Overcoming the stigma of seeing a therapist00:06:32 – Why asking for help is a sign of strength00:07:11 – Depression after the death of his father00:08:32 – Finally admitting, "I'm depressed"00:08:53 – How antidepressants actually work00:09:34 – Building a recovery toolbox with therapy, exercise, faith, and meditation00:10:42 – Why hope is essential in depression recovery00:12:33 – Hiding depression because of shame00:12:55 – How depression affected romantic relationships00:14:14 – Why depression is not a character flawLink to Mentioned News Story:Link to Ted Perry's feature on the "Giving Voice to Depression" podcast on Fox 6 News: https://www.fox6now.com/news/former-tv-news-anchor-helps-those-suffering-depression-with-podcast-i-can-give-voiceExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

How do you help someone with depression when they believe they're a burden?Pam knows that feeling all too well.After years of suppressing depression, childhood trauma, and overwhelming life stress, she experienced a severe depressive episode that lasted more than three years. During that time, she was hospitalized four times, survived a suicide attempt, and struggled to believe she would ever experience joy again.Today, Pam shares not only how she recovered, but what family members, friends, and caregivers can do to support someone living with depression—and what often causes even more pain.In this episode, you'll learn: Why depression is far more than sadness  The symptoms that signaled Pam needed help  Why finding the right therapist sometimes takes more than one attempt  What psychiatric hospitalization was actually like—and why it wasn't frightening  Why "Snap out of it" is one of the least helpful things someone can say  Small acts of kindness that helped Pam feel seen and valued  How physical touch and loving presence can bring comfort during depression  Why depression convinced her she was a burden—and how loved ones challenged that lie Pam also shares a powerful perspective: despite now living with a painful chronic nerve condition, she says she would choose physical pain over depression every time because depression stole her ability to experience joy.This conversation is filled with practical guidance for anyone supporting a loved one through depression—and hope for anyone wondering if recovery is possible.Primary Topics Covered:Severe depression Depression symptoms  Suicide attempt recovery  Psychiatric hospitalization  Finding the right therapist  Childhood trauma and depression  Supporting someone with depression  What not to say to someone with depression  The healing power of connection and touch  Hope after depressionTimestamps00:01:21 – Pam's experience with severe depression, hospitalization, and a suicide attempt00:02:16 – Why depression is much more than sadness00:03:03 – Life events that triggered a years-long depressive episode00:03:36 – Finding the right therapist after several attempts00:04:12 – Symptoms of severe depression00:04:48 – Living with constant suicidal thoughts00:05:07 – Why depression was worse than chronic physical pain00:06:42 – Psychiatric hospitalization and overcoming fear of getting help00:08:30 – What not to say to someone with depression00:09:59 – Small acts of kindness that truly help00:10:38 – Why flowers mattered so much00:11:03 – "You're loving me through this"00:11:55 – The healing power of hugs and safe physical touch00:14:52 – Finding the right therapist and why fit matters00:16:11 – Free consultation calls and making therapy accessibleExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What if there were a free, portable tool you could use almost anywhere to help reduce stress and emotional overwhelm?In this episode, Terry and Bridget explore Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) — commonly known as tapping — with EFT expert Brad Yates.Tapping combines gentle stimulation of acupressure points with focused attention on thoughts and emotions. Supporters of the technique describe it as a way to calm the body's stress response while creating space for emotional healing.Brad explains: What EFT tapping is  How tapping may help reduce stress and anxiety  Why acknowledging difficult emotions is important  How stress can become intertwined with depression  Why small improvements matter  How tapping can create hope when you feel stuck Listeners are guided through a complete tapping session focused on depression, self-compassion, gratitude, and emotional relief.Whether you're curious about EFT, looking for new depression coping tools, or simply interested in practical mental health techniques, this episode offers a guided introduction you can follow along with in real time.As Brad reminds listeners:Even moving from a "9" to an "8.75" is evidence that change is possible.Primary Topics Covered:EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)  Tapping for depression  Tapping for anxiety  Stress reduction techniques  Self-help tools for depression  Gratitude practices  Emotional regulation  Self-compassion  Managing overwhelming emotions  Hope and resilienceTimestamps:00:01:28 – Introduction to EFT tapping and why listeners requested coping tools00:02:14 – What EFT is and how it combines emotional and physical stress relief00:04:06 – Research on stress reduction and cortisol00:04:30 – Why EFT is free, portable, and accessible00:05:13 – Small improvements create hope00:05:59 – Step-by-step explanation of tapping points00:06:44 – Why EFT starts by acknowledging difficult feelings00:09:13 – Stress, depression, and unresolved emotional experiences00:10:20 – Guided EFT session for depression begins00:13:43 – Opening to the possibility of feeling better00:14:05 – Gratitude as part of emotional healing00:15:13 – Choosing happiness in the present moment00:16:04 – Worthiness, self-love, and releasing old beliefs00:17:14 – Evaluating emotional shifts after tapping00:17:48 – Why EFT can be useful when depression makes everything feel difficultExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What does a bipolar depressive episode actually feel like?In this early archive episode, 28-year-old Brooklyn artist Ben shares candidly about living with bipolar disorder and depression — including what happens when medication changes trigger a rough patch.Ben describes: What a “code level orange or red” depressive episode looks like  The emotional contradictions of depression (lonely but avoiding people, hungry but not eating)  Why changing medications can temporarily intensify symptoms  How cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps him self-diagnose and regulate  The importance of daily “practice” — biking, yoga, creative focus — to maintain mental health  Why suppressing depression only makes it come back stronger  How to create a support “game plan” before the next depressive episode He also shares powerful insight for loved ones:Instead of waiting for crisis mode, talk about depression when things are going well. Create a plan. Agree in advance on what support looks like.This episode offers practical, real-world-tested strategies for: Managing bipolar depression  Preventing relapse escalation  Communicating needs clearly  Supporting someone without overwhelming them Depression thrives in isolation. Conversations like this reduce its power.Primary Topics Covered:Bipolar disorder and depressive episodes  Medication changes and mood shifts  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)  Emotional contradictions in depression  Relapse prevention strategies  Creating a mental health “game plan”  Supporting someone with depression  Why suppressing emotions backfires  Trauma’s impact on depression  Maintenance vs. crisis-mode care Timestamps:00:01:26 – Introduction to Ben and living with bipolar depression00:02:01 – Major depressive episode after medication change00:03:02 – CBT tools and self-diagnostic check-ins00:04:03 – Emotional contradictions during depression00:05:01 – Recognizing reduced despair over time00:06:13 – Why discussing depression during “good” times matters00:07:29 – Creating a support game plan before crisis00:09:14 – The inner tube metaphor: why suppressing emotions backfires00:10:20 – Trauma, grad school, and compounded stress00:10:51 – Medication changes and mood variabilityExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Depression isn’t laziness. It isn’t weakness. And it’s not just sadness.In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, licensed therapist and suicide attempt survivor Aja Chavez joins Terry McGuire to unpack what depression really looks like — including the intrusive, convincing lies it tells us.They explore: How to recognize depression in yourself or someone you love  Why suicidal thoughts are symptoms — not truths  When and how to call 988 (and what actually happens when you do)  How to support someone who says “I’m fine” but clearly isn’t  The role of therapy and antidepressants in recovery  Whether depression can be treated naturally or with prayer alone  Why medication isn’t a personality change — it’s often a foundation You’ll also hear candid reflections about: High-functioning depression  The shame that keeps people silent  Why “at least…” statements can make things worse  The small “glimmers” of joy that often come before hope If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode offers language, practical tools, and a reminder that depression thrives in secrecy — and loses power when we speak up.📞 If you are in the U.S., you can call or text 988 for immediate crisis support. You do not have to be actively suicidal to reach out.Primary Topics Covered: What depression is (and isn’t)  The cognitive symptoms of depression  Intrusive and suicidal thoughts  High-functioning depression  When to call 988  How to ask someone if they’re suicidal  Supporting a loved one with depression  Therapy vs. medication  Antidepressant myths and fears  Natural remedies and prayer  Accessing affordable mental health care  Building hope through small moments of joy Timestamps:00:01:49 – What depression is (and isn’t): not laziness, not just sadness00:04:33 – How to know if you or someone you love has depression00:08:02 – The lies depression tells you (burden, hopelessness, worthlessness)00:13:57 – When to call 988 and what happens when you do00:15:47 – Does depression ever go away? Remission vs. cure00:18:42 – How to help someone who says “I’m fine”00:23:46 – Finding affordable or free therapy options00:28:23 – How therapists help build hope00:36:09 – Antidepressants: fears, side effects, and finding the right fit00:43:35 – Can depression be treated naturally or with prayer?00:48:37 – What to do if suicidal thoughts start00:49:04 – How to ask someone directly about suicideExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

If you're a parent with a mental health condition (i.e. depression)you can't hide it from your children. They will notice when you pull away and isolate. They'll notice when you're sad. And when you're angry. And, without a clear, medical explanation, they will often blame themselves for your "mood." This 43-minute episode "Explaining Depression to Children" is an extended version of #255 "Sometimes Daddy Cries." Both are conversations with Todd Rennebohm, a father who lives with depression, anxiety, ADHD and addictions. He has written a children's book to help start much-needed (and avoided) conversations about mental health and mental illness. If you're a parent with depression or the partner, friend or parent of one, we encourage you to listen to this (or the edited version) interview. It could help you help a child.

This is a blooper from our recent recording of the Season 20 in Review episode. (You can click on this link to hear the final, edited version: https://bit.ly/3szNFqC) Sometimes the words just don't come out right, or we get the giggles. Because even though we have depression, we are still quite hilarious (just ask us.) We are all so much more than our diagnoses.

We're trying something new for the new year! Will you join us? We're trying a new schedule where we post new podcast episodes every other week (vs. every week for the past 5 years) and on alternating weeks we have a live zoom/Facebook lunchtime conversation.The first is scheduled for Wednesday, January 12th from 11:30-12:15 CST(lunch time.) The link below is to register (you will not be seen or see other attendees, though you will be able to post/communicate via chat)or you can join when we go live on Facebook.If you don't already follow Giving Voice to Depression on FB, please head over and join our wonderfully-supportive community.Link to webinar/live lunchtime chat: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Jxv9zZjSom3_kjfMOAVSw

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

My sister and I, who co-host the Givng Voice to Depression podcast, take mental health and our advocacy of it very seriously.We do not, however, take ourselves real seriously.This morning we tried to record our next episode and I simply could not say the phrase "mental-health management techniques" and my sisters HUGE laugh lets you know how much she enjoyed that. We may have a heavy, serious illness. But we are not always heavy and serious.

You do not have to go through this global healthcare crisis alone. Mental Health America has created and curated trusted and current mental-health information and online self-help resources from a network of reliable sources. Links below for free, confidential screenings to determine the effects this pandemic is having on your mental health, and to access individualized support recommendations.https://mhanational.org/covid19https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools

Need a laugh? If you listen to our Giving Voice to Depression podcast, you know that I (Terry ) co-host with my sister, Bridget. What you may not realize is that I am also the producer, which means I have to listen for pacing, pronunciation, etc. and make sure the episode is clear and engaging. Steve, our audio engineer, has a lot of jobs too, including walking behind us like the guy with the bucket behind the elephant in a parade, making sure you never see the ... well... mistakes. But we make them all the time! This blooper is from our session recording tomorrow's episode, "The Impossible Task" with guest Molly Backes. (Full, cleaned-up version posting 6/30/20)