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

Brian Dawkins on Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, and the Fight for Mental Health

21 Mar 2023

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What happens when one of the toughest men in the NFL takes off the mask and admits he’s been battling depression?In this powerful 100th episode of Giving Voice to Depression, NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins opens up about his lifelong struggle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the pressure of hiding behind toughness. Known as “Weapon X” during his 16 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos, Dawkins reveals how silence nearly cost him his life—and how vulnerability, therapy, and faith helped him find freedom.Dawkins shares candidly about the dangers of holding everything in, the importance of building what he calls a “blessed pack” of supportive people, and how medication, therapy, and prayer worked together in his healing. He also reflects on the lessons he wishes he’d learned earlier, and why he now uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, especially for men of color and athletes.This episode is a reminder that true strength is asking for help—and that depression does not discriminate, even among the strongest.Link to Brian Dawkins's website: www.briandawkins.com/Primary Topics Covered:Brian Dawkins’ first experience with depression during his NFL rookie yearThe harmful message of “pain is weakness leaving the body”Why men, especially athletes, are taught to suppress emotionsThe silent pressure that builds when feelings aren’t expressedThe moment depression drove him to consider suicideHow therapy, medication, and faith worked together in his healingThe power of vulnerability and unmaskingBuilding a “blessed pack” of trusted friends and mentorsTeaching the next generation to talk about feelingsHow daily practices like prayer, meditation, and positive focus help recoveryTimestamps00:11 Introduction to the 100th episode and hosts’ reflections 02:09 Brian Dawkins’ NFL career and reputation as “Weapon X” 02:53 Why he chose to reveal his depression in his Hall of Fame speech 03:35 What he thought depression was before experiencing it himself 04:21 Depression hitting hard during his rookie year 05:06 The culture of silence and “toughness” in sports and masculinity 06:18 The silent pressure of unspoken pain 06:35 The concept of a “blessed pack” for support and vulnerability 07:38 Teaching his kids to express emotions and not fear judgment 09:00 The role of faith and prayer in his healing 09:48 How medication and therapy helped him regain perspective 11:05 Suicidal thoughts and searching for ways to end his life 12:34 The mask of performance while dying inside 13:41 Freedom found in authenticity and unmasking 14:34 How dark times can teach resilience and discipline 15:54 The role of focus and daily practices in recovery 16:47 Final message: “You are worth the fight.” 18:17 Brian’s advocacy work and upcoming foundation 18:33 Closing reflections from hostsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

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12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

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

Brian Dawkins on Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, and the Fight for Mental Health

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other recent transcribed episodes

3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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