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

Recovery.com
Recovery.com
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Giving Voice To Depression unites lived experience and expert insight to shine a spotlight on depression and mental health. Each week, we bring you honest personal stories, evidence-based strategies, and compassionate conversations to help you understand, cope with, and recover from depression. Whether you’re navigating your own journey, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to better understand mental-health challenges, this podcast offers real voices, trusted guidance, and a path toward hope. Subscribe now for new episodes every week and join a community where depression isn’t silenced—it’s voiced, understood and overcome.

  1. 2d ago

    How to Cope with Depression: Daily Routines, Medication, and the Healing Power of Humor

    Instagram creator ShannyPants has built a community of hundreds of thousands of followers by making people laugh. But while millions of people saw the funny videos, very few knew she was quietly living with depression. In this episode, Shannon shares what depression really looked like behind the scenes, why she finally sought treatment, how antidepressants and therapy changed her life, and why humor became one of the tools that helped her heal. In today's podcast episode, you'll hear about:  What daily life with depression really looks like  Why simple routines can make difficult days more manageable  How checking off tiny accomplishments builds momentum  The role antidepressants played in her recovery  Why she waited years before asking for help  The connection between isolation and depression  How humor became part of her healing  Why talking openly about depression changed both her life and the lives of her followers Shannon reminds us that depression doesn't always look the way people expect—and that laughter and depression can exist at the same time. Most importantly, she offers hope that healthier days are possible. Primary Topics Covered  Living with depression  Coping with depression  Depression routines and habits  Antidepressant medication  Therapy for depression  Humor and mental health  Depression and isolation  Asking for help  Daily mental health strategies  Hope after depression Timestamps 00:01:26 – Why laughter can help during depression 00:02:30 – Meeting Shannon and her mental health journey 00:03:19 – What depression feels like on difficult days 00:03:46 – Using routines to manage depression 00:05:11 – Small daily goals that build momentum 00:06:11 – The difference between an "off day" and depression 00:06:34 – Leaving the house to interrupt depressive episodes 00:07:56 – Learning self-compassion 00:08:26 – COVID's impact on her mental health 00:09:26 – Reaching a breaking point and asking for help 00:10:24 – Changing her views about antidepressant medication 00:11:03 – Accepting depression and seeking treatment 00:12:05 – Starting medication and noticing improvement 00:13:09 – Why humor became part of healing 00:15:20 – Sharing depression publicly on social media 00:16:09 – Breaking isolation through honest conversations 00:17:19 – Why recovery stories create hope 00:19:20 – Looking ahead to EMDR therapy Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/ Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

    How to Cope with Depression: Daily Routines, Medication, and the Healing Power of Humor

  2. Jul 21

    Healing from Childhood Trauma: Understanding Complex PTSD, Depression, and Self-Worth

    For years, Davey believed he had depression. What he didn't know was why. After nearly a decade of living with severe depression—including years of suicidal thoughts—a conversation with a physician changed everything. Within minutes of hearing Davey's childhood story, the doctor wrote two words on a piece of paper: Complex PTSD (CPTSD). That diagnosis became the beginning of a completely different healing journey. In this follow-up episode—nearly ten years after his first appearance on Giving Voice to Depression—Davey shares how understanding childhood trauma helped him replace shame with self-compassion, perfectionism with acceptance, and hopelessness with genuine joy. You'll hear about:  How childhood abuse and emotional neglect contributed to depression  The difference between depression and Complex PTSD  Why understanding the root cause changed everything  Learning that self-worth isn't based on productivity  Recovering from years of believing he wasn't lovable  Setting boundaries with toxic relationships  Why healing is an ongoing journey—not a destination  Finding hope after living with suicidal thoughts Davey's story offers hope for anyone who has ever believed they were "broken." As he says in this conversation: "I'm through the tunnel. I'm in the sunshine." Primary Topics Covered:  Complex PTSD (CPTSD)  Childhood trauma and depression  Emotional neglect  Self-worth and healing  Suicidal thoughts and recovery  Perfectionism and trauma  Trauma-informed mental health care  Healthy boundaries  Healing from childhood abuse  Hope after depressionTimestamps: 00:01:34 – Why Davey returned nearly a decade later 00:02:48 – A doctor's encouragement to share his recovery 00:03:16 – Living with suicidal thoughts before healing 00:03:30 – Discovering Complex PTSD 00:04:31 – The book that changed Davey's understanding of himself 00:05:13 – Becoming more resilient through healing 00:06:05 – How understanding trauma changed everything 00:07:13 – Recognizing childhood abuse and emotional neglect 00:08:29 – The relief of finally understanding the "why" 00:10:25 – What daily life looks like after healing 00:11:50 – What he'd tell his former self 00:13:17 – Learning that you're worthy of love 00:14:40 – A message for anyone struggling today 00:15:50 – Why he believes he won't return to that dark place 00:20:27 – Carly on suicidal thoughts, stigma, and creating safe conversations 00:22:30 – The meaning behind Davey's semicolon tattoo Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/ Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

    Healing from Childhood Trauma: Understanding Complex PTSD, Depression, and Self-Worth

  3. Jul 14

    How to Cope with Depression: Small Steps, Daily Tools, and Hope That Lasts

    What do you do when depression makes even getting out of bed feel impossible? Davey knows that battle firsthand. After years of pushing through exhaustion and believing something was physically wrong, he was eventually diagnosed with major depressive disorder. What followed wasn't a quick recovery—it was a daily commitment to learning everything he could about depression and building a toolbox of coping strategies. In this deeply practical conversation, Davey shares the lessons that have helped him survive some of his darkest days. You'll hear about:  Why getting out of bed can be a victory  The idea of "tools for a time"—small coping strategies that help in difficult moments  Why accomplishing one small task can build momentum  Learning your depression's triggers instead of fearing them  Why depression convinces us we're broken  The importance of accepting depression as a legitimate illness  Why well-meaning advice often isn't helpful during severe depression  Building a personalized toolbox instead of searching for one perfect solution Davey's unforgettable metaphors—from restoring old chainsaws to comparing unwanted advice to chicken soup during the stomach flu—offer powerful ways to understand what living with depression actually feels like. His message is hopeful without minimizing the struggle: Depression may be a difficult enemy, but it can be managed one day, one tool, and one small victory at a time. Primary Topics Covered: Coping with depression Major depressive disorder  Anxiety and depression  Depression recovery tools  Building a mental health toolbox  Depression self-care strategies  Small wins and behavioral activation  Understanding depression triggers  Supporting someone with depression  Hope while living with depressionTimestamps: 00:01:12 – Davey's update and why this story still matters 00:03:07 – Losing your identity after depression 00:03:44 – Recognizing the symptoms of major depression 00:04:33 – Fighting depression one day at a time 00:05:15 – Why small accomplishments build momentum 00:06:13 – "Tools for a time": building a coping toolbox 00:07:16 – The chainsaw metaphor for understanding depression 00:08:45 – Why lived experience matters 00:09:21 – The "chicken soup" analogy: when advice isn't helpful 00:11:17 – Learning depression's lies 00:12:07 – "Fixing something that's broken with something that's broken" 00:13:14 – Accepting depression as a legitimate illness 00:14:05 – Anxiety triggers and managing depressive episodes 00:15:43 – Finding purpose while living with depression 00:16:19 – Why depression is a winnable battle 00:18:02 – Listening instead of saying, "You just need to..." Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/ Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

    How to Cope with Depression: Small Steps, Daily Tools, and Hope That Lasts

  4. Jul 7

    Living With Depression: 10 Lessons About Stigma, Therapy, Medication, and Finding Hope

    Why do so many people wait years before asking for help with depression? For award-winning television journalist Ted Perry, the answer was simple: stigma. In this candid conversation, Ted shares why he kept his depression hidden for years, how grief after his father's death intensified his symptoms, and why finally accepting therapy and antidepressant medication changed his life. He also reflects on the relationships depression affected, the shame that kept him silent, and the hope that ultimately carried him through. In this episode, you'll hear about:  Why depression often hides behind humor and success  How stigma keeps people from seeking treatment  Why asking for therapy felt harder than asking for help with a physical illness  What antidepressants actually do—and what they don't  Building a personal depression recovery toolbox  The importance of exercise, meditation, faith, and meaningful routines  Why depression convinces people they're a burden  The role hope plays in recovery Ted reminds listeners that depression isn't a character flaw. It's an illness that deserves treatment, compassion, and conversation. His message is simple: There is another side to depression. And there is hope. Primary Topics Covered:  Depression stigma  Men's mental health  Therapy for depression  Antidepressant medication  Grief and depression  Hope after depression  Exercise and mental health  Protective factors in recovery  Depression and relationships  Asking for helpTimestamps: 00:01:58 – Why Ted decided to speak publicly about depression 00:04:23 – Early signs of depression in college 00:05:13 – Overcoming the stigma of seeing a therapist 00:06:32 – Why asking for help is a sign of strength 00:07:11 – Depression after the death of his father 00:08:32 – Finally admitting, "I'm depressed" 00:08:53 – How antidepressants actually work 00:09:34 – Building a recovery toolbox with therapy, exercise, faith, and meditation 00:10:42 – Why hope is essential in depression recovery 00:12:33 – Hiding depression because of shame 00:12:55 – How depression affected romantic relationships 00:14:14 – Why depression is not a character flaw Link to Mentioned News Story: Link to Ted Perry's feature on the "Giving Voice to Depression" podcast on Fox 6 News: https://www.fox6now.com/news/former-tv-news-anchor-helps-those-suffering-depression-with-podcast-i-can-give-voice Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/ Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

    Living With Depression: 10 Lessons About Stigma, Therapy, Medication, and Finding Hope

  5. Jun 30

    How to Help Someone with Depression: What Actually Helps (and What Makes It Worse)

    How do you help someone with depression when they believe they're a burden? Pam knows that feeling all too well. After years of suppressing depression, childhood trauma, and overwhelming life stress, she experienced a severe depressive episode that lasted more than three years. During that time, she was hospitalized four times, survived a suicide attempt, and struggled to believe she would ever experience joy again. Today, Pam shares not only how she recovered, but what family members, friends, and caregivers can do to support someone living with depression—and what often causes even more pain. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why depression is far more than sadness  The symptoms that signaled Pam needed help  Why finding the right therapist sometimes takes more than one attempt  What psychiatric hospitalization was actually like—and why it wasn't frightening  Why "Snap out of it" is one of the least helpful things someone can say  Small acts of kindness that helped Pam feel seen and valued  How physical touch and loving presence can bring comfort during depression  Why depression convinced her she was a burden—and how loved ones challenged that lie Pam also shares a powerful perspective: despite now living with a painful chronic nerve condition, she says she would choose physical pain over depression every time because depression stole her ability to experience joy. This conversation is filled with practical guidance for anyone supporting a loved one through depression—and hope for anyone wondering if recovery is possible. Primary Topics Covered: Severe depression Depression symptoms  Suicide attempt recovery  Psychiatric hospitalization  Finding the right therapist  Childhood trauma and depression  Supporting someone with depression  What not to say to someone with depression  The healing power of connection and touch  Hope after depressionTimestamps 00:01:21 – Pam's experience with severe depression, hospitalization, and a suicide attempt 00:02:16 – Why depression is much more than sadness 00:03:03 – Life events that triggered a years-long depressive episode 00:03:36 – Finding the right therapist after several attempts 00:04:12 – Symptoms of severe depression 00:04:48 – Living with constant suicidal thoughts 00:05:07 – Why depression was worse than chronic physical pain 00:06:42 – Psychiatric hospitalization and overcoming fear of getting help 00:08:30 – What not to say to someone with depression 00:09:59 – Small acts of kindness that truly help 00:10:38 – Why flowers mattered so much 00:11:03 – "You're loving me through this" 00:11:55 – The healing power of hugs and safe physical touch 00:14:52 – Finding the right therapist and why fit matters 00:16:11 – Free consultation calls and making therapy accessible Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/ Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

    How to Help Someone with Depression: What Actually Helps (and What Makes It Worse)

  6. Jun 23

    EFT Tapping for Depression: A Self-Help Technique for Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Relief

    What if there were a free, portable tool you could use almost anywhere to help reduce stress and emotional overwhelm? In this episode, Terry and Bridget explore Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) — commonly known as tapping — with EFT expert Brad Yates. Tapping combines gentle stimulation of acupressure points with focused attention on thoughts and emotions. Supporters of the technique describe it as a way to calm the body's stress response while creating space for emotional healing. Brad explains:  What EFT tapping is  How tapping may help reduce stress and anxiety  Why acknowledging difficult emotions is important  How stress can become intertwined with depression  Why small improvements matter  How tapping can create hope when you feel stuck Listeners are guided through a complete tapping session focused on depression, self-compassion, gratitude, and emotional relief. Whether you're curious about EFT, looking for new depression coping tools, or simply interested in practical mental health techniques, this episode offers a guided introduction you can follow along with in real time. As Brad reminds listeners: Even moving from a "9" to an "8.75" is evidence that change is possible. Primary Topics Covered: EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)  Tapping for depression  Tapping for anxiety  Stress reduction techniques  Self-help tools for depression  Gratitude practices  Emotional regulation  Self-compassion  Managing overwhelming emotions  Hope and resilienceTimestamps: 00:01:28 – Introduction to EFT tapping and why listeners requested coping tools 00:02:14 – What EFT is and how it combines emotional and physical stress relief 00:04:06 – Research on stress reduction and cortisol 00:04:30 – Why EFT is free, portable, and accessible 00:05:13 – Small improvements create hope 00:05:59 – Step-by-step explanation of tapping points 00:06:44 – Why EFT starts by acknowledging difficult feelings 00:09:13 – Stress, depression, and unresolved emotional experiences 00:10:20 – Guided EFT session for depression begins 00:13:43 – Opening to the possibility of feeling better 00:14:05 – Gratitude as part of emotional healing 00:15:13 – Choosing happiness in the present moment 00:16:04 – Worthiness, self-love, and releasing old beliefs 00:17:14 – Evaluating emotional shifts after tapping 00:17:48 – Why EFT can be useful when depression makes everything feel difficult Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/ Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

    EFT Tapping for Depression: A Self-Help Technique for Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Relief

  7. Jun 16

    Father's Day Special: When Dad Has Depression — Helping Children Understand Mental Health

    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 families Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/ Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

    Father's Day Special: When Dad Has Depression — Helping Children Understand Mental Health

  8. Jun 9

    Suicidal Thoughts vs. Suicide Planning: How to Understand and Manage Daily Ideation

    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 spectrum 00:02:21 – Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale explained 00:04:35 – Stigma and why suicide conversations get shut down 00:06:45 – Childhood trauma and lifelong pain 00:08:39 – Brain injuries, chronic pain, and toxic self-talk 00:09:38 – Waking up daily into suicidal ideation 00:11:17 – Tools: CBT, DBT, mindfulness, breathing 00:12:01 – Personal mental health inventory system 00:13:05 – Wally’s three-level ideation scale 00:14:35 – “Unsolicited help is not help” 00:14:54 – What questions to ask someone with suicidal thoughts 00:17:35 – Why ideation does not always require hospitalization 00:18:07 – Making it safer to talk about suicide Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/ Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

    Suicidal Thoughts vs. Suicide Planning: How to Understand and Manage Daily Ideation
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Giving Voice To Depression unites lived experience and expert insight to shine a spotlight on depression and mental health. Each week, we bring you honest personal stories, evidence-based strategies, and compassionate conversations to help you understand, cope with, and recover from depression. Whether you’re navigating your own journey, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to better understand mental-health challenges, this podcast offers real voices, trusted guidance, and a path toward hope. Subscribe now for new episodes every week and join a community where depression isn’t silenced—it’s voiced, understood and overcome.

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