Giving Voice to Depression
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A podcast dedicated to reducing the isolation and stigma of depression, one story at a time. Listen to our latest episode or explore our archive of 400+ episodes.
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In this episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, hosts Terry and Carly speak with guest David Shamszad about his journey with a dual diagnosis—living with both Bipolar Disorder and a substance use disorder. David shares his personal story of how he used alcohol to self-medicate and cope with the extreme highs of mania and the devastating lows of depression before he was formally diagnosed. He describes how his manic episodes, though they felt fun and energized at the time, led to se...
In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Barbara Moser, a trained teacher in mindful self-compassion, shares three simple yet powerful practices you can use anytime to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. These tools are free, backed by credible research, and require no appointment, transportation, or side effects. From mindful breathing to the STOP method and a self-compassion break, these practices are designed to help you calm your nervous system, manage transitions, and re...
In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Kevin Lepine shares his deeply personal journey of growing up misunderstood, bullied, and isolated — experiences that fueled his depression long before he had words to describe it. He opens up about the pain of being unseen, living with undiagnosed ADD, and the crushing loneliness that often comes with both bullying and depression. Kevin also discusses the turning points that helped him: friends who refused to let him disappear, learning the lang...
In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we revisit the powerful story of author and advocate Rebecca Lombardo, who has openly shared her struggles with bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidality. Now 10 years removed from her last hospitalization and self-harm attempt, Rebecca reflects on her growth, resilience, and the coping strategies that have helped her heal. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, positive self-talk, and open communication with loved ones, as well as t...
In this intimate, unscripted conversation, Giving Voice to Depression hosts Terry McGuire and her daughter Carly McCollow open up about their personal experiences with depression across generations. They reflect on how genetics, trauma, and family silence shape mental health — and why speaking openly can break cycles of shame and stigma. Listeners will hear stories about childhood anxiety, gratitude rituals, reframing depression as a chronic condition, and the healing that comes when families...
In this rerun episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz revisit The Spoon Theory, a popular metaphor created by Christine Miserandino to explain life with chronic illness. The conversation explores how the theory applies to depression and mental health, providing listeners with a way to explain their limited energy to others and make mindful daily choices. The hosts discuss real-world applications, including self-compassion, boundaries, communication, and pacing, a...
1In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Eric shares his deeply personal journey of living under the crushing weight of depression and how he found a path toward healing. Instead of fighting against his pain, Eric discovered the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, which allowed him to engage with his depression in a new, compassionate way. Through personifying his struggle as a “boulder” and learning to soften toward the parts of himself he once rejected, Eric...
In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, J.J. Singleton shares his journey of living with terminal colorectal cancer and battling depression. After enduring over 170 rounds of chemotherapy, J.J. opens up about the toll cancer has taken not just on his body but on his mental health. He discusses the stigma men face in expressing vulnerability, his initial resistance to therapy, and the life-changing benefits of opening up and seeking professional support. J.J.’s story is one of ...
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 ple...
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 pro...
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 ...
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’v...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 w...
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...
Recovery from depression doesn’t always come through major breakthroughs. Sometimes it begins with the smallest shift — a single degree of change that sets you on a new path. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Lori shares her raw experience of persistent depression and how discovering the “power of yet” helped her reclaim hope. With support from Dr. Anita Sanz, she explains how connection, reframing, and small daily adjustments can make recovery possible, even when depression insi...
Persistent depression doesn’t just come and go. It lingers — shaping daily routines, relationships, energy, and even self-worth. In this raw and honest episode of Giving Voice to Depression, our guest shares what it feels like to “live at 60 percent,” carrying the weight of chronic depression every day. From constant fatigue to feelings of hopelessness, she describes the signs and symptoms of living with depression that rarely lets up. This conversation isn’t about quick fixes or miracle cure...
What does depression really feel like — and how is it different from ordinary sadness? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychologists Dr. Robert Duff, Dr. Margaret Rutherford, and Dr. Maduka Trivedi help clarify one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health. While sadness is a temporary emotional state, depression is a serious and persistent illness that can impact every part of life. Through metaphors, expert insights, and lived experience, our guests explain why depres...
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What I don't believe in, is lumping depression in with addiction recovery which sometimes people like to do. That somehow you can alter the Twelve Steps and make "Depression Anonymous." I am not an addict, nor have I ever been, whether its drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. The Twelve Steps were originally created specifically to address alcohol addiction. Having depression doesn't mean you're addicted to a substance. If you were, it's called dual diagnosis.
I really identified with this guest. It was like listening to myself talk I have the same issue.
He makes such a good point in reminding us to be KIND to ourselves. Depression sometimes makes us say the most horrible things to ourselves. And they SEEM so real at the time. But they'rere lies. Thank you for doing this podcast.
it was wrong .we have at least almost 50 melion depressed people in my country
Can I have the link of his blog
I've experienced what you felt, but it's like you know, unstable emotions that I just couldn't control anymore. there are times when I just wanna ended up my life, but then I remembered about my family. It just that I was kind of my Family connector and I couldn't imagine how my family would be If i'm gone:(
yess
These were amazing conversation starters. I'm planning to reframe them to use them to let my loved one know I'm here as a non stressful support system when they're ready to share and plan. thank you for this great resource.