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

How to Use Tapping (EFT) for Depression and Anxiety Relief

08 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Can something as simple as tapping your fingertips on pressure points really help with depression and anxiety? In this episode, we explore Emotional F...

Coping With Depression and Anxiety: Tara’s Story of Panic Attacks and Survival

01 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For Tara, depression and anxiety began in childhood — with panic attacks at just four years old following a traumatic accident. Decades later, as a ...

Alcoholism, Bipolar Disorder, and Depression: One Man’s Journey to Healing Through Art

25 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Canadian artist Jeff Beyer shares his powerful story of living with bipolar depression, alcoholism, and...

Art Therapy for Depression and Anxiety: How Creativity Helps Mental Health Struggles

19 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Can art make the invisible visible? In this powerful episode, painter Jeff Beier shares how his creative work shifted from lighthearted flowers to hau...

Gut Health and Depression: How the Microbiome Shapes Mood and Mental Health

12 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Could depression begin in the gut?In this episode, Dr. Zach Bush, one of the few triple board-certified physicians in the U.S., explains the fascinati...

How Talking About Depression Can Heal Families Across Generations

05 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this moving episode, we explore how open conversations about mental health can spark healing that extends across generations. Dan, a father who onc...

What NOT to Do When Living with Depression or Bipolar Disorder

26 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Coping with a mental illness like depression or bipolar disorder isn’t just about what you should do — it’s also about avoiding behaviors that c...

Suicide Prevention and Awareness: A Grieving Mother Speaks Out After Loss

18 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When Patty Kijawa’s teenage son Jack died by suicide, her world was shattered. Through unimaginable grief, she has found the strength to speak openl...

Losing a Child to Suicide: A Mother’s Story of Grief, Love, and Mental Health Awareness

12 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When Patty Kajawa lost her teenage son Jack to suicide, her world changed forever. Jack was funny, kind, and deeply loved—but like so many living wi...

What Depression Really Feels Like: Symptoms, Misconceptions, and Paths to Recovery

05 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Depression is more than just “feeling sad.” It changes how you think, move, sleep, eat, and connect with others. In this episode, psychologist Dr....

Elderly Mental Health and Depression: Stories of Aging, Stigma, and Support

29 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Depression in older adults is often misunderstood or dismissed as a “normal” part of aging. But the reality is, late-life depression is common, un...

Childhood Depression: Warning Signs and When to Seek Help

22 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Depression doesn’t just affect adults—it can begin in childhood, often going unnoticed until years later. In this episode, Sally looks back at her...

Mental Health Podcast Highlights: Real Stories of Depression and Hope

15 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this special “Season Seven in Review” episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry reflect on the most powerful moments from the pa...

How to Talk to Children About Depression: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health Conversations

08 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Children are often more observant than we realize—they notice when a parent is struggling with depression or anxiety, even if no one names it. In th...

What I Wish I Knew as a Teenager Struggling with Depression and Anxiety

01 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful conversation, Charlotte Underwood reflects on her teenage years living with undiagnosed depression and anxiety. She opens up about th...

Holiday Depression Is Real: Support and Hope for Christmas When You’re Struggling

23 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

For many people, Christmas isn’t joyful—it’s painful. Depression, grief, and loneliness often intensify during the holidays, making it feel impo...

Breaking Stigma with Depression Recovery Stories: How Gratitude, Connection, and Hope Can Save Lives

17 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful holiday-themed episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dan shares his journey of living with anxiety and depression while hiding his s...

Holiday Depression and Stress: Coping with Family, Finances, and Loneliness

11 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The holiday season brings joy for some, but for many, it’s a time of overwhelming pressure, financial strain, family conflict, and loneliness. In th...

Depression Stories That Inspire Hope: Giving Voice to Mental Health Through Podcasting

04 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we flip the script as Giving Voice to Depression co-host Terri sits down with podcaster and mental health advocate Dan Udell of Know ...

How to Help Someone with Depression: Why Mental Health Education Matters

27 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Why don’t we teach kids how to recognize and respond to depression in school? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we talk with Bobby Temp...

Depressed and Always Tired? How Genetic Testing May Unlock New Answers

20 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Are you living with depression and extreme fatigue that never seems to improve?In this powerful episode, Scott, a husband and father, shares his journ...

How to Help Someone Considering Suicide: Connection, Hope, and Recovery Stories

13 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, David Woods Bartley shares his powerful story of surviving a suicide attempt and finding healing throug...

Holiday Depression and Anxiety: Coping With Stress and Protecting Your Mental Health

06 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The holidays are supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for many, they bring stress, grief, financial strain, and worsening dep...

Overcoming Depression: Real Stories of Survival and Mental Health Recovery

30 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Depression can feel relentless—but recovery is possible, even after the darkest moments. In this episode, we share a powerful story of survival, rel...

Depression Recovery Stories: Lessons, Hope, and Mental Health Support

23 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this special Season Six Review of Giving Voice to Depression, co-hosts Brigitte and Terri reflect on the most powerful moments and lessons shared a...

Depression Symptoms and Signs: How to Recognize, Talk About, and Get Help

16 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Depression affects more than 350 million people worldwide, but too often its symptoms are misunderstood, ignored, or hidden because of stigma. In this...

Preventing a Mental Health Crisis: Early Warning Signs and Steps to Stay Safe

09 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How do you recognize when depression is escalating into a crisis—and what can you do before it reaches that point? In this episode of Giving Voice t...

988 Suicide Hotline: What to Expect When You Call and How It Can Help

02 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When you’re in crisis, knowing that help is just three digits away can make all the difference. In this episode, journalist Corinne Purtill shares h...

How to Support Someone with Depression: Why Listening and Empathy Save Lives

25 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry remind us that suicide prevention and support aren’t just about professionals, ther...

How to Help Someone with Depression: Ways to Support a Loved One Who’s Struggling

18 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When someone you love is living with depression, it’s not always easy to know how to help. Do you step in with advice? Should you just listen? What ...

How to Support Someone with Depression: Practical Tips That Truly Help

11 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When someone you love is struggling with depression, it can be hard to know how to help. Do you offer advice? Do you step back? Do you just listen? In...

Living with Guilt, Depression, and Trauma: Finding Forgiveness and Healing

04 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Cindy Kolbe shares her journey through overwhelming guilt, grief, and depres...

Suicide Loss and Healing: Stories of Grief, Recovery, and Saving Lives

28 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Sebastian Slobodin shares his deeply personal journey after losing his father to suicide at ag...

Depression in First Responders: Mental Health Crisis Among Police, Firefighters, and EMTs

21 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

First responders are trained to run toward danger while the rest of us run away. But the weight of constant trauma, danger, and stress takes a toll. I...

How Shared Mental Health Stories Help Fight Depression Stigma and Build Community

14 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Season 3 of Giving Voice to Depression brought powerful, honest, and deeply human stories about living with and overcoming depression. From moments of...

College Student Mental Health: Coping with Depression, Stress, and Loneliness

07 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

College can be a time of growth and excitement, but for many students, it also brings stress, loneliness, and depression. In this episode, Justin shar...

Men’s Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and the Truth About Antidepressants

31 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful season review, we revisit the most impactful conversations from Season Five of Giving Voice to Depression. From learning how to ask f...

High-Functioning Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and the Mask People Wear

24 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Many people with depression seem fine on the outside—successful, social, and “holding it together.” But behind the mask, they’re struggling. T...

Forgiving Yourself After a Suicide Attempt: Healing Guilt, Shame, and Finding Hope

17 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Forgiving yourself after a suicide attempt can feel impossible, even when loved ones have already offered their compassion and support. In this deeply...

Depression in Men: Mental Health, Suicide Risk, and Rethinking Masculinity

10 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Roro Asmar, a first-generation Lebanese-American chef, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate who op...

Personalized Medicine for Depression: Can Genetic Testing Improve Antidepressant Success?

03 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling to find the right antidepressant can feel like an exhausting and hopeless cycle of trial and error. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depr...

Depression Recovery Stories: Coping Skills, Relapse, and Finding Hope After Suicidal Thoughts

26 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, suicide attempt survivor Mark Henick shares his deeply personal journey through depression, an...

Understanding Suicide: Myths, Warning Signs, and How to Truly Help

19 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, mental health advocate Mark Henick joins us to challenge the most common myths and misconceptions about suicide. Drawing from his liv...

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline: New Phone Number for Mental Health Crisis Lifeline

12 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The launch of the 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline marks a historic step forward in mental health crisis care in the United States. In this episode of G...

How to Ask for Help With Depression: 10 Phrases That Make Reaching Out for Depression Support Easier

05 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Asking for help when you’re struggling with depression can feel overwhelming—sometimes impossible. In this episode, mental health advocate Sam Dyl...

How to Reach Out for Help with Depression When You’re Struggling with Mental Health

29 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Reaching out when you’re struggling with depression can feel nearly impossible. You may not know what to say, what to ask for, or how to begin. In t...

How to Cope With Depression: Key Takeaways and Recovery Tools From Season Two

22 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What have we learned from a full season of listening to people who live with depression and those who support them?In this special reflection episode,...

Real Stories of Living With Depression, Stigma, and Suicide

15 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Season one of Giving Voice to Depression brought deeply moving, raw, and powerful stories from people who know depression firsthand—and those impact...

Living with Depression: Real Stories, Stigma, and Mental Health Recovery Insights

08 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Season Four of Giving Voice to Depression brought together powerful stories of lived experience, resilience, and hope. In this reflective episode, co-...

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: How Reaching Out Saves Lives

01 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Travis Pipes shares the story of how reaching out for help at his darkest moment saved his life. Strugg...

Depression Recovery Stories: TV Anchor Ted Perry on Stigma, Therapy, and Finding Hope Again

24 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Milwaukee TV anchor Ted Perry shares his personal story of living with depression, breaking years of si...

Overcoming Depression with Art and Music: A Journey of Hope

17 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, musician Matt Steady opens up about his first experience with depression, how he spent years in the fog...

Supporting a Partner with Mental Illness: Love, Communication, and Resilience

10 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this heartfelt episode, we hear from Becca, who lives with bipolar disorder, and her husband Joe, who has been her partner and primary support for ...

What Depression Taught Me: Life Lessons, Resilience, and Hope for Recovery

03 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Depression is devastating—but it can also change the way we see ourselves and the world. In this episode, UK mental health advocate Tom Wavre shares...

High Achievers and Depression: The Hidden Link — Insights from a Psychiatrist

27 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Many people wrongly associate depression with weakness—but psychiatrist Dr. Tim Cantopher argues the opposite. In this episode, he shares insights f...

Childhood Trauma and Depression: A Family’s Story of Struggle and Healing

20 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Childhood is often seen as carefree, but for some children, trauma and depression shatter that innocence far too soon. In this deeply personal episode...

Depression Treatment Breakthroughs: Vitamin Deficiencies, Gut Health, and Holistic Psychiatry

13 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When depression doesn’t respond to standard treatment, it can feel hopeless. But today’s conversation with Dr. James Greenblatt, a pioneer in inte...

Depression Symptoms Explained: How to Recognize, Support, and Find Treatment

06 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Depression is more than sadness—it affects mood, energy, sleep, concentration, and even physical health. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Anita San...

Depression Help That Works: Mindfulness, Motivation, and Self-Help Strategies

27 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Depression can make even the smallest tasks feel impossible. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Robert Duff—known to many as Duff th...

How to Talk About Suicide: Prevention Tips, Warning Signs, and Support Strategies

20 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Conversations about suicide are hard, but they can also be life-saving. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Bridget and Terry continu...

How to Prevent Suicide: Recognizing the Signs and Offering Support

13 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet conversations about it remain silenced by stigma. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depr...

Talking About Depression: Real Stories of Recovery, Resilience, and Support

06 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Season 3 of Giving Voice to Depression brought some of the most powerful and healing stories yet. From strangers who saved lives on bridges, to colleg...

How to Support a Partner with Depression: Lessons from a Real Couple

30 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we hear from Chris, who has lived with depression since middle school, and her partner Chris, who does ...

How Storytelling About Depression Reduces Stigma and Builds Community

23 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this special Ripple Report episode, we explore how personal stories about depression and mental health ripple outward to inspire change in surprisi...

Childhood Depression: Symptoms and Warning Signs Parents Can’t Ignore

16 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Childhood depression is often misunderstood — dismissed as moodiness, shyness, or just a “phase.” But the symptoms of depression in children are...

Depression and Laughter: How Comedian Frank King Uses Humor to Spark Suicide Prevention Conversations

09 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian Frank King has made a career out of laughter—but behind the humor lies his lived experience with depression, suicidal thoughts, and loss wi...

How to Support Someone with Depression Without Judgment: The Power of Listening

02 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Listening is often underestimated, yet it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to support someone struggling with depression. In this episode of...

Holiday Depression and Grief: Coping with Expectations, Stress, and Loneliness

19 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The holidays are painted as a season of joy, but for many living with depression or grief, they can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting. In t...

Depression in the Black Community: Overcoming Stigma and Healing Through Therapy

12 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Depression does not discriminate, but the way it is experienced, discussed, and treated in different communities can vary greatly. In this episode of ...

Depression Treatment That Works: Real Stories of Healing and Hope

05 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Brant Williams shares his journey of battling anxiety and depression and the creative ways he found to ...

Depression in College Students: Justin’s Story of Survival and Recovery

28 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Starting college can be exciting, but for many students, it can also be overwhelming and isolating. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jus...

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness: Lessons from Kevin Briggs, Guardian of the Golden Gate

21 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Retired California Highway Patrol officer Kevin Briggs, often called “The Guardian of the Golden Gate”, has been on the frontlines of suicide prev...

Real Stories of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support: Compassion in Action

14 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a stranger chooses compassion in a moment of crisis? This episode continues the extraordinary true story of Johnny and Neil—two me...

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health: Why Empathy and Compassion Matter Most

07 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry share a powerful first-person story of empathy, compassion, and suicide preven...

Best Depression Podcast Stories: Lessons, Hope, and Recovery From Season Two

31 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this special season wrap-up, Bridget and Terry reflect on some of the most powerful conversations and lessons from Season Two of Giving Voice to De...

How to Manage Depression: Liz’s Journey With Therapy, Medication, and Self-Care

24 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Depression doesn’t always look the same—and managing it often requires persistence, patience, and support.In this episode, Liz, 58, shares her pow...

Bipolar and Depression Coping Strategies: Ben’s Honest Mental Health Journey

17 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Depression is full of contradictions: loneliness mixed with withdrawal, hunger without appetite, the need for support alongside the fear of asking for...

Compassion Fatigue and Burnout: Coping Strategies for Caregivers and Helpers

10 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive deep into the reality of compassion fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and burnout—especially for caregivers, healthcare worker...

How to Deal With Depression: Sarah’s Honest Story of Coping and Recovery

03 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What does depression really feel like? For Sarah, it’s more than sadness—it’s a sudden drop into worthlessness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoug...

How Social Media Impacts Teen Mental Health, Depression, and Suicide Risk

26 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry share part two of the documentary Not Alone, where teens open up about living with de...

Teen Depression and Suicide Prevention: Real Stories and Warning Signs Parents Need to Know

19 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Teen suicide is now the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15–24, yet too often conversations about it are avoided out of stigma ...

Suicide Prevention Strategies: How to Help Someone in Crisis and Save a Life

12 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry continue their two-part series on suicide prevention with Dr. Barbara Moser, chair of...

Suicide Prevention Tips: Warning Signs, Risk Factors, and How to Help

06 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and in this special episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we begin a two-part series dedicated to one...

Personalized Depression Treatment: How Blood Tests Could Match You With the Right Antidepressant

29 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Finding the right depression treatment is often described as a guessing game—trial and error with medications that may take weeks to work, only to l...

Depression in Older Adults: Why Senior Mental Health Matters and How to Help

22 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Depression is not a normal part of aging—but for many seniors, it becomes a silent struggle. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we hear ...

Living with Bipolar Disorder: Jennifer Marshall on Stigma, Recovery, and Finding Hope

15 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

When Jennifer Marshall first experienced mania, she didn’t know what was happening. Hospitalized on Christmas Day, she began a long journey through ...

How to Fight Depression: Expert Advice on Self-Help and Mental Health Tools

08 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we sit down with Dr. Robert Duff—known online as Duff the Psych—to explore practical and a...

How to Support Someone With Depression: Ben’s Honest Story of Asking for Help

01 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What does it feel like to live with both bipolar disorder and depression—and what kind of support actually helps during the darkest days?In this epi...

Living With Depression’s Lies: How to Fight Back Against the Inner Bully

25 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Depression has a voice—a cruel, convincing voice that whispers (or shouts) lies about our worth, our future, and our place in the world. In this dee...

Signs of Perfectly Hidden Depression: Dr. Margaret Rutherford Explains the Hidden Struggle

18 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Not all depression looks the same. Some people appear successful, outgoing, and “perfectly fine” while silently carrying deep emotional pain. Clin...

Fighting Mental Health Stigma: Why Sharing Stories Beats Education

11 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Is education enough to fight the stigma of depression and mental illness? Dr. Patrick Corrigan, a leading researcher on stigma, says no. In fact, rese...

Living with Depression: How Liz Found the Right Diagnosis, Support, and Tools

04 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Liz thought her pain was something she had to power through—until someone helped her name it. This episode explores how she found real support, advo...

How Real Stories of Depression Improve Suicide Prevention in Mental Health Care

27 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a personal story about depression changes the way a clinician approaches suicide prevention?In this Ripple Report, Patrick Doyle, a ...

How to Talk About Suicidal Thoughts: A More Compassionate Mental Health Question

20 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we explore how shifting the question from “Are you suicidal?” to “Do you find yourself thinking of death as a welcome relief?” can ...

Depression, Stigma, and Suicide: Real Stories of Living With Depression

30 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Season one of Giving Voice to Depression brought together deeply moving, honest, and powerful stories from people living with depression—and those i...

Depression During Pregnancy: Isabelle’s Honest Journey Through Stigma and Healing

23 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We often hear about postpartum depression, but what about antepartum depression—the depression that strikes during pregnancy? In this powerful episo...

Postpartum Depression: Lisa’s Honest Story of Motherhood, Anxiety, and Healing

16 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 new mothers, but too often it goes unspoken. In this candid episode, Lisa, a first-time mom, shares her raw and v...

What Depression Really Feels Like: Sarah’s Honest Story of Coping and Survival

09 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What does depression really feel like? For Sarah, it’s not just sadness—it’s a fast spiral into worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, and the strugg...

Depression vs Sadness: Key Differences Explained by Experts

02 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terri explore an important and often confusing question: What’s the difference between fe...

Depression in the Workplace: How Geoff Is Breaking Stigma and Inspiring Change

25 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a top corporate leader opens up about depression? For Geoff McDonald, a former global vice president at Unilever, sharing his story ...