Giving Voice to Depression

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)