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

When a teenager tells a parent they're thinking about suicide, it's one of the most frightening conversations a family can face.How do you respond without minimizing their pain—or overwhelming them with your own fear?In Part 2 of our conversation with suicide prevention expert Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, we explore five more reasons many teens hesitate to tell their parents they're having suicidal thoughts, along with practical ways adults can respond that build trust instead of shutting down communication.Dr. Freedenthal explains why both underreacting and overreacting can make it harder for a young person to ask for help again. She also introduces the concept of cognitive constriction—the intense mental narrowing that can occur during a suicidal crisis—and explains why listening with empathy is often the most powerful place to begin.In this episode, you'll learn: What "cognitive constriction" means and why it matters  Why dismissing suicidal thoughts as "attention-seeking" can be harmful  How both minimizing and overreacting can discourage future conversations  Better ways to check in with a teen over time  Why overprotectiveness can unintentionally increase isolation  Signs that may indicate a teenager is struggling with depression  How to start a conversation if you're concerned about your child  Why helping a teen feel understood is often the first step toward hope Whether you're a parent, grandparent, educator, coach, or another trusted adult, this conversation offers compassionate, practical guidance for one of life's most difficult conversations.Sometimes the most powerful response isn't having the perfect words.It's helping a young person feel safe enough to keep talking.Primary Topics Covered:  Teen suicide prevention  Talking to a suicidal teenager  Cognitive constriction  Parent-child communication  Listening without judgment  Depression in adolescents  Suicide warning signs  Emotional validation  Supporting a struggling teen  Creating psychological safetyTimestamps:00:01:12 Why these conversations matter during Suicide Prevention Month00:02:11 Recap of the first five reasons teens don't tell their parents00:03:12 Understanding cognitive constriction during a suicidal crisis00:04:23 Why empathy and listening come before problem-solving00:04:59 Evidence-based therapies that can help00:05:26 Why minimizing a teen's crisis can be dangerous00:06:03 The myth of "attention-seeking"00:07:08 Why overreacting can discourage future disclosure00:07:42 Why these conversations are so difficult for parents00:08:33 Patience when suicidal thoughts don't disappear immediately00:09:54 Better ways to check in with your teen00:10:28 How overprotectiveness can unintentionally isolate teenagers00:11:23 Starting the conversation before your child does00:11:36 Recognizing signs your teen may be struggling00:12:19 The most important thing parents can do: listen with compassion00:13:17 "Help and hope are available"00:14:12 If teens don't tell parents, who do they tell?Links Related to Dr. Freedenthal:Dr. Freedenthal's Article: https://speakingofsuicide.com/2013/05/29/parents-and-teens/comment-page-56/Dr. Freedenthal's Website: https://staceyfreedenthal.com/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/

One of the greatest fears many parents have is learning that their child was struggling—and never told them.Why do so many teenagers share suicidal thoughts with friends but keep them from the adults who love them most?In this important conversation, suicide prevention expert Dr. Stacey Freedenthal explores the reasons many teens stay silent and offers compassionate, practical guidance for parents who want to create safer, more supportive conversations.Drawing on both her professional expertise and her own lived experience, Dr. Freedenthal explains why teens often fear being misunderstood, dismissed, or overwhelming their parents. She also shares common responses that unintentionally shut down communication—and what to do instead.In this episode, you'll learn: Why many teens fear telling their parents they're suicidal  How fear, anger, or reassurance can unintentionally end important conversations  Why listening is often more helpful than trying to immediately solve the problem  The difference between suicidal thoughts and immediate danger  Why suicidal thoughts are often symptoms of overwhelming emotional pain—not a genuine desire to die  How depression and distorted thinking affect decision-making  The importance of helping teens feel heard instead of judged  Why compassion and curiosity create safer conversations than panic or guilt Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, or trusted adult, this episode offers valuable insight into how to respond when a young person shares something frightening—and why that first response matters so much.Primary Topics Covered:Teen suicide prevention Suicidal thoughts in adolescents  Teen depression  Parent-child communication  Listening without judgment  Supporting a suicidal teenager  Depression and distorted thinking  Suicide risk and protective factors  Emotional validation  Mental health conversations with teensTimestamps00:01:12 Rising rates of youth suicide and why this conversation matters00:02:16 Why teens are more likely to tell friends than parents00:03:26 The biggest reason teens hide suicidal thoughts00:04:20 Why parents' fear is understandable—and how it affects conversations00:05:12 Mistake #1: Offering reassurance before listening00:06:03 When parents become overwhelmed and teens stop talking00:06:47 Why depression convinces people they're a burden00:07:39 Mistake #2: Responding with anger or blame00:08:33 Viewing suicidal thoughts as symptoms, not choices00:09:47 Depression, stress, and other causes of suicidal thinking00:10:01 Mistake #3: Using guilt to stop suicidal thoughts00:10:53 Why ambivalence can be a powerful protective factor00:12:15 Mistake #4: Treating suicidal thoughts as a conscious decision00:13:37 Dr. Freedenthal shares her own experience with suicidal thoughts00:14:48 "How the irrational can seem rational"00:15:34 Why listening may be the most important thing parents can doLinks Related to Dr. Freedenthal:Dr. Freedenthal's Article: https://speakingofsuicide.com/2013/05/29/parents-and-teens/comment-page-56/Dr. Freedenthal's Website: https://staceyfreedenthal.com/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/

When depression steals your motivation, even the smallest task can feel impossible.Getting out of bed. Answering an email. Folding laundry. Starting a work project.From the outside, it may look like procrastination or laziness. From the inside, it can feel like trying to move through wet concrete.In this practical episode, Terry and Bridget welcome writer Sarah Fielding, whose article on staying motivated while struggling with mental health inspired a conversation full of realistic, compassionate strategies for navigating days when depression makes everything feel harder.Together they discuss simple tools that can make overwhelming days feel more manageable, including: Why getting started is often the hardest part  Breaking large projects into small, achievable steps  Creating realistic to-do lists that build momentum  Planning your day around your natural energy levels  Giving yourself permission to adapt when depression or burnout hits  The difference between being busy and being productive  How changing your environment can improve focus  Why self-compassion often leads to greater productivity than self-criticism Whether you're working from home, returning to the office, managing a household, or simply trying to make it through the day, this episode offers practical ideas you can try the next time depression makes even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.Because sometimes the hardest part isn't finishing—it's taking the first step.Primary Topics Covered: Depression and motivation  Depression and productivity  Executive dysfunction  Breaking tasks into smaller steps  Time blocking  To-do lists and momentum  Burnout and mental fatigue  Self-compassion  Managing work with depression  Practical depression coping strategiesTimestamps:00:01:24 Why motivation can disappear during depression00:02:23 Meet Sarah Fielding and the inspiration behind today's practical tips00:02:58 Why getting started is often the hardest part00:03:54 Planning your day to reduce overwhelm00:04:16 Time-blocking, prioritizing, and choosing your "Big Three"00:05:05 Why writing everything down reduces mental clutter00:06:09 Breaking large projects into manageable steps00:07:08 Working with your natural productivity patterns00:07:47 How changing your environment can improve motivation00:08:35 Checking in with yourself instead of pushing through burnout00:09:50 Advice for employers supporting employees with depression00:11:25 Why it's normal not to perform at 100% every day00:12:23 Busy versus productive00:13:11 Adapting your routine to match your mental state00:13:54 The "big rocks" prioritization metaphor00:14:43 Why small accomplishments create momentumExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Hundreds of thousands of people know Shannon for making them laugh.Her videos have gone viral. Her social media is full of humor, energy, and outrageous comedy.What most people didn't see was that behind the camera, she was learning one of the hardest lessons of her life: she couldn't heal from depression alone.In Part 2 of Shannon's story, she shares the biggest changes she's made since seeking treatment—and why asking for help became one of the most powerful tools in her recovery.She talks candidly about learning to accept help from friends and family, finding a community that noticed when she was struggling, becoming more honest with her husband, and discovering that vulnerability strengthened her relationships instead of weakening them.Shannon also describes her experience with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and the unexpected relief she felt after beginning to process a painful memory in a new way.In this episode, you'll hear about: Why asking for help is often the hardest—and most important—step  Finding supportive friendships after years of feeling alone  How honesty transformed her marriage  Why depression convinces us we're a burden  What her first EMDR session was actually like  How therapy changed her relationship with a traumatic memory  Free mental health resources when therapy isn't financially possible  Why hearing other people's stories reminds us we're not alone Whether you're living with depression yourself or supporting someone who is, Shannon's story is a reminder that healing rarely happens in isolation.Sometimes the bravest words we can say are:"I need help."Primary Topics Covered:Asking for help with depression Depression support  Therapy for depression  EMDR therapy  Feeling alone with depression  Finding supportive friendships  Marriage and mental health  Vulnerability and healing  Mental health resources  Hope after depression Timestamps:00:01:26 Continuing Shannon's story and the tools helping her manage depression00:02:36 Going public about depression on social media00:03:17 How honesty online became part of her healing00:04:15 Why depression makes so many people feel alone00:05:03 Breaking the stigma by talking openly00:06:35 Learning to ask for—and accept—help00:07:25 Why asking for help is worth the vulnerability00:08:43 Finding supportive friendships after opening up00:09:34 Becoming more honest with her husband about depression00:10:46 Making therapy a regular part of recovery00:11:16 What EMDR therapy is00:11:53 Shannon's first EMDR session00:13:08 Replacing self-criticism with self-compassion00:13:53 How EMDR changed her relationship with a traumatic memory00:15:22 Finding free mental health resources when therapy isn't affordable00:16:15 Why changing our relationship to painful memories matters00:17:07 Asking for help is an act of courage00:17:52 What to do if your first attempt to get help isn't successfulExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Nearly a decade ago, Davey shared one of the darkest depression stories we've ever featured on Giving Voice to Depression. He was living with relentless depression, frequent suicidal thoughts, and believed he simply couldn't do life anymore.Today, he comes back with a very different story.After years of searching for answers, one conversation with a physician led to a diagnosis of Complex PTSD (CPTSD)—a discovery that completely changed how he understood his depression, his childhood, and, ultimately, himself.In this powerful follow-up, Davey shares how understanding the root of his pain opened the door to self-compassion, healing, and something he once thought was impossible: waking up happy to be alive.In this episode you'll hear about: How childhood trauma contributed to years of depression  Why understanding Complex PTSD changed everything  The connection between perfectionism and childhood abuse  Learning that your value isn't based on your productivity  Recovering from years of believing you weren't lovable  Finding hope after years of suicidal thoughts  Setting healthy boundaries with toxic people  Why healing is a journey—not a finish line  The importance of self-compassion in trauma recovery  A hopeful message for anyone who feels like they're beyond help Davey's story won't be everyone's story, but it offers something many people living with depression desperately need to hear:Things really can change.As he says during this conversation:"I'm through the tunnel. I'm in the sunshine."Primary Topics Covered: Complex PTSD (CPTSD)  Childhood trauma  Depression recovery  Suicidal thoughts  Emotional neglect  Self-worth and self-compassion  Perfectionism and trauma  Trauma-informed healing  Healthy boundaries  Hope after depression Timestamps:00:01:14 Understanding depression through the lens of Complex PTSD00:01:34 Why Davey wanted to return after nearly ten years00:02:55 A doctor's encouragement to share his recovery00:03:16 Living with severe depression and suicidal thoughts00:03:30 The life-changing Complex PTSD diagnosis00:04:31 The book that transformed Davey's understanding of himself00:05:13 Building resilience and beginning a healing journey00:06:05 How childhood trauma shaped his depression00:07:13 Realizing emotional neglect wasn't a normal childhood00:08:29 Relief after finally understanding the "why"00:09:40 Learning that self-worth isn't based on productivity00:10:25 What daily life looks like after healing00:11:50 What he'd tell the version of himself who wanted to give up00:13:17 Why everyone deserves love simply for who they are00:13:37 Letting go of toxic relationships00:14:40 A message of hope for anyone living with depression today00:15:42 Why he believes he won't return to his darkest place00:16:49 The importance of receiving the right diagnosis00:19:04 Understanding Complex PTSD beyond traditional PTSD00:20:34 Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and reducing stigma00:22:30 The meaning behind Davey's semicolon tattoo00:23:21 Why creating safe spaces saves livesExplore 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 explain depression to a child?For Todd Rennebohm, that question became deeply personal.After years of living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, and multiple hospitalizations, Todd found himself facing one of the darkest nights of his life. What began as a desperate attempt to leave something behind for his children eventually became Sometimes Daddy Cries, a children's book designed to help families talk openly about mental health.In this Father's Day special episode, Todd shares the powerful story behind the book and the lessons he learned as a father navigating depression and recovery.Together, Todd, Terry, and Dr. Anita Sanz discuss: What depression really feels like beyond "sadness"  Why children need honest, age-appropriate conversations about mental health  How depression can affect parenting and family dynamics  The connection between depression, addiction, ADHD, and anxiety  Why hospitalization can be an important part of recovery  The unique stigma faced by men with depression  How parents can help children understand mental illness without fear  Why hope, treatment, and support matter This conversation is a reminder that depression is an illness, not a character flaw. And just like a physical illness, it deserves understanding, treatment, and compassion.For fathers who struggle. For families who love them. And for children trying to understand what they're seeing, this episode offers honesty, hope, and language that helps.Primary Topics Covered:Depression in fathersMen's mental healthParenting with depressionExplaining depression to childrenChildren's mental health educationAddiction and recoverySuicidal thoughts and hospitalizationADHD and depressionMental health stigma in menHope after depressionTimestamps:00:01:50 – Meet Todd and the story behind Sometimes Daddy Cries 00:02:38 – Writing the book during a suicidal crisis 00:04:03 – Asking for help and choosing treatment 00:04:39 – Reading from the book: "Sometimes Daddy cries" 00:05:11 – What depression really feels like beyond sadness 00:07:10 – Why Todd compares depression to a tummy ache 00:08:24 – Explaining mental illness to children 00:09:39 – Hospitalization and recovery 00:11:22 – Learning from mistakes as a parent 00:12:05 – Why the book helps fathers feel less alone 00:12:31 – The message Todd hopes children take away 00:13:01 – The message Todd hopes men take away 00:14:37 – Why children shouldn't blame themselves for a parent's depression 00:15:38 – Why treatment, support, and love create hope 00:16:08 – The hidden epidemic of depression in men 00:17:02 – The danger of not talking about mental illness in familiesExplore 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 it mean to live with suicidal thoughts — and not be actively suicidal?In this powerful episode, Wally shares what it’s like to experience daily suicide ideation while actively managing their mental health.With the increased visibility of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, conversations about suicide are more public than ever. But there’s often confusion:Does having suicidal thoughts automatically mean someone is suicidal?As this episode explains, suicide ideation exists on a spectrum. There’s a critical difference between: Passive thoughts (“I don’t want to wake up.”)  Active ideation  Suicide planning and intent Wally lives with chronic physical pain, traumatic brain injuries, childhood trauma, and long-term mental health challenges. Suicidal thoughts are part of their daily experience — but so is disciplined management.You’ll hear how Wally: Uses CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to regulate daily ideation  Conducts personal “mental health inventory” check-ins  Distinguishes between ideation and danger  Activates a safety plan when needed  Sets boundaries when helping others  Encourages asking better questions instead of panicking Wally’s message is clear: “Unsolicited help is not help. It’s an assumption.”This episode invites listeners to replace knee-jerk reactions with curiosity, calm, and compassion.It’s an honest, nuanced conversation about suicide — without sensationalism, shame, or fear.Primary Topics Covered: Suicidal thoughts vs suicide planning  Suicide ideation spectrum  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  Chronic pain and suicide risk  Trauma and suicidal ideation  Mindfulness and breathing techniques  CBT and DBT tools  Mental health safety planning  How to talk to someone about suicidal thoughts  Reducing stigma around suicide conversations Timestamps:00:01:27 – Introduction to 988 and suicide ideation spectrum00:02:21 – Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale explained00:04:35 – Stigma and why suicide conversations get shut down00:06:45 – Childhood trauma and lifelong pain00:08:39 – Brain injuries, chronic pain, and toxic self-talk00:09:38 – Waking up daily into suicidal ideation00:11:17 – Tools: CBT, DBT, mindfulness, breathing00:12:01 – Personal mental health inventory system00:13:05 – Wally’s three-level ideation scale00:14:35 – “Unsolicited help is not help”00:14:54 – What questions to ask someone with suicidal thoughts00:17:35 – Why ideation does not always require hospitalization00:18:07 – Making it safer to talk 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/

Can you be depressed and not even realize it?Psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Margaret Rutherford joins us to explore a powerful and often overlooked topic: high-functioning and perfectly hidden depression.In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we unpack why so many people deny their depression — even to themselves.Dr. Margaret explains the difference between: Classic depression (observable changes in mood and behavior)  High-functioning depression (still productive but internally struggling)  Perfectly hidden depression (deep emotional pain compartmentalized and denied) She shares how some people: Believe depression is a personal weakness  See it as a failure of faith  Feel ashamed to even consider therapy  Mistake depression for “just who I am”  Experience symptoms that creep in so slowly they barely notice the change One of the most powerful metaphors in this episode describes depression as lights dimming gradually — so slowly you don’t realize you’re squinting.We also explore: Why naming depression can bring relief  The role of shame in denial  The tension between faith and mental health treatment  Why depression is rarely caused by just one thing  How therapy can help clarify what feels confusing and overwhelming If you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore,” this episode may give language to something you’ve been quietly carrying.Primary Topics Covered: High-functioning depression  Perfectly hidden depression  Depression denial  Signs and symptoms of depression  Depression and faith  Shame and stigma  Personal weakness vs. mental illness  Bipolar disorder and mood swings  Gradual onset depression  Why naming depression matters Timestamps:00:02:15 – Introducing Dr. Margaret Rutherford and the concept of denial00:02:29 – Classic vs. high-functioning depression00:03:48 – Perfectly hidden depression explained00:05:48 – Not recognizing depression as a medical condition00:06:24 – Relief that comes from naming depression00:07:54 – The “lights dimming” metaphor for gradual depression00:10:08 – Reason #1: Viewing depression as a failure of faith00:11:37 – Reason #2: Believing depression is personal weakness00:13:48 – Identity loss when you “can’t get your stuff done”00:16:09 – Faith communities and seeking mental health supportLinks:Dr. Margaret's TEDx Talk on Perfectly Hidden Depression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXZ5Bo5lafAExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Can you be depressed and not even realize it?Psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Margaret Rutherford joins us to explore a powerful and often overlooked topic: high-functioning and perfectly hidden depression.In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we unpack why so many people deny their depression — even to themselves.Dr. Margaret explains the difference between: Classic depression (observable changes in mood and behavior)  High-functioning depression (still productive but internally struggling)  Perfectly hidden depression (deep emotional pain compartmentalized and denied) She shares how some people: Believe depression is a personal weakness  See it as a failure of faith  Feel ashamed to even consider therapy  Mistake depression for “just who I am”  Experience symptoms that creep in so slowly they barely notice the change One of the most powerful metaphors in this episode describes depression as lights dimming gradually — so slowly you don’t realize you’re squinting.We also explore: Why naming depression can bring relief  The role of shame in denial  The tension between faith and mental health treatment  Why depression is rarely caused by just one thing  How therapy can help clarify what feels confusing and overwhelming If you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore,” this episode may give language to something you’ve been quietly carrying.Link to Dr. Margaret's TEDx Talk on "Perfectly Hidden Depression": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXZ5Bo5lafAPrimary Topics Covered:High-functioning depression  Perfectly hidden depression  Depression denial  Signs and symptoms of depression  Depression and faith  Shame and stigma  Personal weakness vs. mental illness  Bipolar disorder and mood swings  Gradual onset depression  Why naming depression matters Timestamps:00:02:15 – Introducing Dr. Margaret Rutherford and the concept of denial00:02:29 – Classic vs. high-functioning depression00:03:48 – Perfectly hidden depression explained00:05:48 – Not recognizing depression as a medical condition00:06:24 – Relief that comes from naming depression00:07:54 – The “lights dimming” metaphor for gradual depression00:10:08 – Reason #1: Viewing depression as a failure of faith00:11:37 – Reason #2: Believing depression is personal weakness00:13:48 – Identity loss when you “can’t get your stuff done”00:16:09 – Faith communities and seeking mental health supportExplore 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 happens when people speak openly about depression?In this Ripple Report episode, we hear how honest conversations about mental health create real-world change — from classrooms to hotlines to theater stages.A New York theater director shares how listening to personal stories of depression helped her manage anxiety during a major life transition. She describes how having voices in her ear “held her hand” during a difficult travel day and prevented her from spiraling.Her theater ensemble now listens to the podcast together — then sits in a circle and talks about it.They reflect on: Why hearing one person’s depression story feels more powerful than statistics  How storytelling reduces shame and isolation  Why listening is often more helpful than “fixing”  How sharing lived experience grants others permission to open up  The healing ripple effect of open mental health conversations They also describe how storytelling acts as an “olive branch” — a gentle way to open the door to difficult conversations with friends or family who may be struggling.If you’ve ever wondered whether speaking honestly about depression makes a difference — this episode answers with a resounding yes.Every story told creates ripples.Primary Topics Covered: Depression stigma and how to reduce it  The power of storytelling in mental health  Why listening matters more than fixing  Feeling alone with depression  Opening conversations about mental health  Using art and theater to address depression  Creating safe spaces for vulnerability  Depression support in community settingsTimestamps:00:01:26 – What is a Ripple Report? Real-world impact of sharing stories00:02:28 – Discovering the podcast and breaking misconceptions about depression00:03:36 – Using depression stories as a coping tool during anxiety00:05:19 – The play “Every Brilliant Thing” and its connection to depression00:06:55 – Listening together as a theater group00:07:26 – Why listening is more helpful than fixing00:09:18 – Why one person’s story is more powerful than statistics00:12:03 – The pressure to pretend we’re fine00:12:35 – Using stories as an “olive branch” to start conversations00:15:40 – The ripple effect of open mental health dialogueExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/