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

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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. Holiday Depression Is Real: Finding Hope in Grief, Loss, Depression, and Loneliness

    1D AGO

    Holiday Depression Is Real: Finding Hope in Grief, Loss, Depression, and Loneliness

    The holidays can be painful for anyone carrying grief, loss, or depression — especially in a world that insists on constant cheer.  In this special annual episode of Giving Voice to Depression, author John Pavlovitz reads his essay “To Those Who Struggle This Christmas” — a heartfelt message to anyone who feels broken, lonely, or unseen this time of year. His compassionate words acknowledge every kind of pain that the season can amplify:  grief over loved ones lost, strained relationships, health struggles, or the quiet war within your own mind.  He reminds listeners that while pain may feel overwhelming today, this moment is not the end of your story — that you are loved, seen, and not alone. Co-hosts Terry McGuire, Carly McCollow, and Dr. Anita Sanz introduce and close the episode with reflections on why this message matters — and where to find community and support if the holidays feel unbearable. If this season is heavy for you, this six-minute reflection is a soft place to land. 💬 Primary Topics Covered Holiday depression and the loneliness of unmet expectationsHow grief, loss, and separation deepen emotional pain in DecemberMental health and faith: how compassion and honesty can coexistThe false pressure to “be merry” when you’re strugglingReleasing guilt for not feeling joyful during the holidaysWhy you are not alone in your pain — millions feel this way tooThe reminder that your current sadness is not your whole storyFinding hope through empathy, connection, and communityThe role of self-acceptance in healing through the holidays⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Giving Voice to Depression’s holiday message 00:25 – The power of sharing stories of struggle during the holidays 01:32 – Introducing Dr. Anita Sanz and John Pavlovitz’s annual essay 02:20 – John Pavlovitz begins reading “To Those Who Struggle This Christmas” 02:44 – A message to those grieving, alone, or weighed by loss 04:25 – When dreams dissolve and relationships end 05:13 – For those facing illness, depression, and personal demons 06:00 – The shared human truth: you are not suffering alone 06:45 – Hope beyond today’s pain: your story is not over 07:20 – Reflection from hosts on finding hope and connection 07:40 – Where to find support and understanding in the GVTD community 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/

    8 min
  2. Managing Holiday Stress and Depression: How to Protect Your Mental Health with Compassion and Boundaries

    DEC 16

    Managing Holiday Stress and Depression: How to Protect Your Mental Health with Compassion and Boundaries

    The holiday season can bring warmth, connection, and joy — but it can also trigger deep stress, loneliness, and depression. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Anita Sanz, psychologist and board member for Giving Voice to Depression, joins hosts Terry McGuire and Bridget to talk about how to navigate the holidays with compassion and balance. Using a surprising lens — Ebenezer Scrooge — Dr. Sanz explores how grief, loss, and unrealistic expectations can transform the season into an emotional burden, and what we can do to reclaim meaning. She shares practical ways to manage mental health, from setting boundaries and redefining traditions to offering (and receiving) grace. Listeners will learn actionable self-care strategies and a simple but powerful way to support friends with depression during the holidays — what Dr. Sanz calls “the gift of the out.” If you’ve ever felt pressure to pretend everything’s fine when you’re struggling, this episode reminds you: You have permission to slow down, simplify, and celebrate on your own terms. 💬 Primary Topics Covered Why the holidays are emotionally challenging for people with depressionHow grief and unrealistic expectations fuel holiday stress“The Scrooge Perspective”: empathy for those who can’t feel festiveWhat it means to “offer the out” to someone strugglingHow to set healthy boundaries with friends and familyGiving yourself permission to rest, say no, or leave earlyNon-negotiable self-care during the holidays (sleep, nutrition, sunlight)How to simplify and find meaning beyond consumerismDealing with financial pressure and post-holiday burnoutChoosing quality over quantity: redefining what “celebration” means⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and welcome 02:28 – Why holidays amplify stress, grief, and expectations 03:38 – Reframing “Scrooge” through the lens of empathy and depression 05:13 – Why some people withdraw or avoid gatherings 07:24 – The emotional cost of unpredictability in depression 08:00 – “The Gift of the Out”: offering flexibility and compassion 08:47 – Allowing guests to arrive, leave, or skip without guilt 09:13 – Why flexible invitations reduce pressure for people with depression 10:32 – Turning empathy inward: offering compassion to yourself 10:57 – The basics of self-care during the holidays (sleep, nutrition, movement) 12:07 – Simple, low-cost ways to recharge emotionally 12:54 – Asking “What do I really want this holiday to mean?” 13:31 – Letting go of traditions that no longer serve you 14:43 – Redefining family expectations and setting limits 15:53 – Post-holiday burnout and financial stress management 16:42 – The importance of permission and choice in healing 17:38 – Hosts share their own holiday simplification experiences 18:59 – Closing reflections and message of hope 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/

    19 min
  3. EFT Tapping for Depression and Anxiety: How Emotional Freedom Technique Reduces Stress and Boosts Hope

    DEC 9

    EFT Tapping for Depression and Anxiety: How Emotional Freedom Technique Reduces Stress and Boosts Hope

    In this special episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terry McGuire and her sister and former co-host Bridget Shore introduce a simple, science-backed tool that anyone can use to calm their nervous system and ease symptoms of depression or anxiety — EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), also known as tapping. They’re joined by Brad Yates, one of the world’s most recognized EFT practitioners, who guides listeners through a powerful step-by-step tapping session designed specifically for people living with depression. Brad explains how tapping works by lowering cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone), interrupting negative thought loops, and helping people release stuck emotional energy. He walks listeners through the basic tapping points, offers guidance on self-acceptance and gratitude, and reminds us that even small reductions in distress can reignite hope. If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in depression, this episode offers a free, accessible way to start feeling lighter — no special equipment, therapist, or medication required. 💬 Primary Topics Covered What EFT Tapping is and how it helps reduce stress and depressionThe science behind tapping: lowering cortisol and calming the nervous systemStep-by-step guide through the tapping points and techniqueWhy acknowledging your negative feelings is essential for healingHow tapping can help shift emotional patterns linked to past traumaThe connection between self-acceptance and emotional recoveryHow small progress (even from a “9” to an “8.75”) builds hopeUsing tapping as a portable, no-cost self-help tool for mental healthEncouragement for practicing regularly for stronger resultsHow to pair tapping with gratitude and mindfulness for long-term relief⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Why self-help tools like EFT belong in your mental health toolbox 01:11 – What EFT Tapping is and how it helps manage depression and anxiety 02:23 – The science of tapping: lowering cortisol and reducing stress 03:02 – Brad Yates joins to explain how tapping works 04:08 – Why tapping provides both emotional and physical relief 05:03 – How small stress reductions create momentum for hope 06:08 – Step-by-step EFT demonstration: tapping points and phrases 09:23 – How tapping helps release old programming and trauma 10:13 – Shifting identity from “I have depression” to “I experience depression” 10:30 – Guided tapping session for depression and self-acceptance 14:21 – Focusing on gratitude, breathing, and small joys 17:19 – Checking progress: from low mood to calm awareness 17:57 – Why EFT works even for skeptics 18:13 – A tool that requires no cost, insurance, or therapist 19:13 – Why saying affirmations out loud makes tapping more powerful 19:50 – Call to action: try EFT, share your results, and suggest future topics 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/

    21 min
  4. How to Cope with Holiday Stress: Expert Strategies for Mental Health, Boundaries, and Self-Care

    DEC 2

    How to Cope with Holiday Stress: Expert Strategies for Mental Health, Boundaries, and Self-Care

    The holidays are marketed as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for millions struggling with depression, anxiety, and burnout, the season can feel more overwhelming than joyful. In this special Giving Voice to Depression episode, Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz discuss how to manage emotional overload and protect your mental health amid unrealistic expectations, family pressures, and financial strain. Dr. Sanz shares compassionate, evidence-based strategies she gives her therapy clients to prevent holiday burnout — from paring down expectations and setting boundaries to planning for alone time and managing social triggers. You’ll learn why fatigue, disrupted routines, and grief make the holidays especially difficult for people with depression — and how to use humor, self-care, and intentional rest to make it through intact. This conversation is full of practical insights for anyone who feels stretched too thin or emotionally fragile during the holidays — and a reminder that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s essential. Primary Topics Covered: Why holiday expectations can worsen depression and anxietyHow fatigue and disrupted routines impact mental healthSetting healthy boundaries with family and friendsDealing with loneliness and grief during the holidaysPractical coping tips for holiday travel and gatheringsThe “Bingo Card” method for handling family stress with humorFinancial pressure and gift-giving guiltHow to simplify plans and reduce emotional overloadCreating new, meaningful traditions when you’re grievingThe importance of rest and post-holiday recovery daysTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: The mental health challenges of the holidays 02:29 – Why expectations and energy demands cause emotional overload 03:38 – Family pressure, estrangement, and grief 04:16 – How to stop trying to make everyone happy 05:13 – Financial strain and burnout after overspending 05:43 – How disrupted routines impact your well-being 06:19 – Rule #1: Simplify and match expectations to your reality 06:46 – Remember you’re a co-creator of your holiday experience 07:56 – How to handle loneliness or being alone for the holidays 09:10 – Finding meaning when you’re not celebrating with family 10:40 – Grieving during the holidays and giving yourself permission to “turtle” 11:56 – Using humor and creativity to manage family stress (the “Bingo Card” strategy) 13:33 – Reframing interactions through laughter and dark humor 14:38 – Setting firm limits on time, topics, and commitments 15:39 – Giving yourself a “buffer day” after travel or family events 15:58 – Managing energy demands and planning for recovery 16:44 – Final advice: Be gentle, lower expectations, and care for yourself first 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/

    19 min
  5. Holiday Depression and Grief: How to Set Boundaries, Manage Expectations, and Find Peace

    NOV 25

    Holiday Depression and Grief: How to Set Boundaries, Manage Expectations, and Find Peace

    The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many living with depression or grief, this season can feel unbearably heavy. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, host Terry McGuire and psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz speak with grief expert Krista St-Germain about how to navigate the emotional complexities of the holiday season when you’re struggling with loss, sadness, or mental exhaustion. Krista explains the difference between grief and depression, why both can coexist, and how social expectations and “holiday perfectionism” can make it harder for us to honor what we’re truly feeling. She shares compassionate, practical strategies for setting boundaries, communicating your needs, and letting go of the guilt that often comes with saying “no.” You’ll also learn Krista’s “N-O-W Method”—a simple three-step process for sitting with emotions instead of resisting them: Name what you’re feelingOpen to itWitness the physical sensations until they passThe conversation closes with a powerful reminder: If someone’s going to be disappointed this holiday season, make sure it’s not you. Primary Topics Covered: How grief and depression overlap but differ in focusWhy holidays amplify emotional pain and lonelinessHow social “shoulds” worsen depression during celebrationsThe importance of rewriting family rituals after lossHow to communicate your needs to othersSetting healthy boundaries without guiltHow to stop “pre-feeling” bad emotions before eventsUsing the N-O-W method to process feelings mindfullyWhat to do when loved ones can’t understand your griefHow to honor your emotions instead of performing for othersTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and welcome 01:45 – Grief vs. depression: how they overlap and differ 04:25 – Understanding grief as a response to all kinds of loss 07:00 – How accomplishments can unexpectedly trigger grief 08:10 – The pressure of “holiday happiness” and unrealistic expectations 09:28 – Giving yourself permission to change traditions 10:21 – Communicating your needs to family and friends 11:13 – Handling pushback and advocating for yourself 12:17 – Respecting different ways of grieving within families 13:06 – Avoiding “should” thinking during the holidays 13:28 – How anticipating bad feelings makes things worse 14:34 – Learning to feel your feelings with the N-O-W method 17:48 – When loved ones expect you to act happy 18:04 – Boundaries: “Someone’s going to be disappointed—don’t let it be you” 19:37 – Why feeling guilty often means you’re doing the right thing 20:12 – Grieving lost dreams and unmet expectations 21:08 – The value of mindfulness and emotional witnessing 22:49 – Giving others permission to be disappointed 23:25 – Reframing conflict and emotional honesty 25:32 – Challenging the expectation to “perform” happiness 26:10 – The lack of grief education in our culture 26:40 – Depression and grief: two misunderstood emotional experiences 27:01 – Using EFT (tapping) to manage difficult feelings 27:18 – Closing reflections and hope for the holidays 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/

    28 min
  6. Mothering Through Mental Illness: Surviving Depression While Raising Neurodivergent Kids

    NOV 18

    Mothering Through Mental Illness: Surviving Depression While Raising Neurodivergent Kids

    Michelle is a mom living with depression, anxiety, and ADHD — and raising children diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, and DMDD. In this candid and compassionate episode, she describes how she juggles emotional overwhelm, fights toxic productivity, and clings to small moments of self-care. You’ll hear real strategies from her therapy sessions, how she recognizes early signs of a crash, and why talking to yourself with kindness matters. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep parenting through your own darkness, Michelle’s story will speak to you. Key Topics Discussed: Parenting with depression, anxiety, and ADHDRaising kids with OCD, ADHD, and DMDDFeeling physically and emotionally weighed down by depressionTherapist advice that actually helpsLearning to speak to yourself with compassionSetting boundaries and making space for your own needsManaging toxic productivity and self-worthThe power of naming what your soul needsCreating emotional check-in routines with your partnerThe importance of showing kids real coping strategiesTimestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:12 Parenting with Depression and Mental Illness in the Family 02:12 Michelle’s Mental Health Journey Begins 03:10 Physical and Emotional Experience of Depression 04:14 Caring for Young Kids When You Feel Weighted Down 05:40 Therapist Tips for Self-Care Amidst Chaos 07:03 Learning to Speak Kindly to Yourself 07:59 How Michelle Manages Intrusive Thoughts 08:52 Daily Emotional Dump Strategy with Spouse 09:41 Empathy as a Parenting Tool (and Challenge) 10:22 Balancing Self-Care and Motherhood 12:32 Early Warning Signs of a Depressive Episode 14:03 Preparing During the “Good” Days 15:35 ADHD and Depression: Coexisting Conditions 16:59 Medication Helps — But It’s Not a Cure 17:24 Micro-Actions to Shift Out of a Depressive Fog 18:50 What’s Missing? Soul-Check Questions 21:27 DMDD Explained (Childhood Mood Disorder) 24:10 Toxic Productivity and Survival Mode 25:41 “Pain is Pain” – Validating Emotional Struggles 26:00 Closing: You're Not Alone 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/

    27 min
  7. When Depression Feels Endless: How Therapy and Small Moments of Hope Can Save a Life

    NOV 11

    When Depression Feels Endless: How Therapy and Small Moments of Hope Can Save a Life

    In this deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Cara from Belfast, Northern Ireland, opens up about her journey through years of darkness — from living with untreated depression as a teen to finally finding validation, healing, and light through therapy. Cara describes depression not as constant sadness but as a suffocating grayness — a loss of color, motivation, and meaning. After multiple suicide attempts and years of feeling numb, she reached a breaking point in 2021 and took one small but life-saving step: emailing a local counselor. Therapy helped Cara recognize the impact of her childhood trauma and validate her pain for the first time. While progress wasn’t linear, she learned to celebrate small wins — sitting up in bed, taking a shower, or savoring a coffee — and to document her “happy days” as proof that joy returns. Co-hosts Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz unpack Cara’s insights about resilience, the importance of reframing thoughts, and the courage it takes to hold on when life feels unbearable. This episode is for anyone who feels like depression will never end — and a reminder that even the smallest flicker of light can guide you through the darkest night. Primary Topics Covered: The emotional reality of depression: numbness, sadness, and emptinessRecognizing depression as a legitimate illness, not a weaknessThe role of therapy in naming and healing traumaHow validation can transform self-perceptionReaching out for help during a suicidal crisisThe non-linear path of depression recoveryFinding gratitude and meaning after traumaThe power of peer support and shared understandingJournaling and photography as tools for emotional resilienceBuilding hope through small daily acts and self-compassionTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why real stories of depression matter 01:25 – Meet Cara: Finding euphoria after surviving darkness 02:36 – Describing depression as grayness, emptiness, and numbness 04:30 – Understanding depression as an illness, not a character flaw 05:06 – Early signs of depression during teenage years 06:31 – The turning point: Recognizing trauma and seeking therapy 07:18 – The healing mess: unpacking pain in therapy 09:04 – Validating trauma and learning self-compassion 09:37 – The night Cara reached out for help 11:52 – Taking the first small step: emailing a therapist 12:26 – How therapy revealed the ups and downs of recovery 13:32 – Flashes of light: noticing small moments of peace 14:21 – Finding happiness in small things — a hug, coffee, or sunshine 15:14 – Journaling and documenting “happy days” as proof of hope 16:17 – Holding on one day at a time 18:19 – Insights on depression, patience, and perspective 20:31 – How reframing thoughts helps shift hopelessness 22:06 – Final reflections: You deserve to live and to be happy 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/

    23 min
  8. Treatment-Resistant Depression and Recovery: How Therapy, Medication, and Self-Compassion Can Change Everything

    NOV 4

    Treatment-Resistant Depression and Recovery: How Therapy, Medication, and Self-Compassion Can Change Everything

    After years of living with depression — through countless ups, downs, and failed treatment attempts — Caryn finally found light again. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, she opens up for the first time about what it’s like to live with treatment-resistant depression, the exhaustion of constantly “trying,” and the unexpected relief that came when she finally found the right therapist and medication. Caryn describes how depression shows up not just mentally, but physically — the aching body, the heavy fatigue, the simple impossibility of getting off the couch or into the shower. She explains how she learned to live minute by minute when the pain became unbearable, and how giving herself permission to rest became an act of survival. With honesty and strength, Caryn shares what helped her finally stabilize: a supportive therapist, compassionate friends, medication that worked, and the belief that she was worth the effort it took to heal. Co-hosts Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow reflect on Caryn’s story, exploring how depression can become habitual, why it’s so hard to break free from its patterns, and why persistence — even when you’re exhausted — can save your life. If you’ve ever felt hopeless after trying therapy or medication that didn’t work, Caryn’s story is proof that there’s still reason to keep going. Primary Topics Covered: What treatment-resistant depression really feels likeHow to find the right therapist after years of tryingPhysical symptoms of depression and why they’re realLearning to ask for help without shame or guiltThe power of supportive friends and “letting yourself cry”When to rest and when to push forward during depressive episodesWhy depression can feel like a habit — and how to retrain your brainHow seasonal changes can trigger depressionWhy finding hope doesn’t mean pretending you’re okayThe importance of giving yourself grace and patienceTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: The importance of real conversations about depression 01:15 – Meet Caryn: a listener sharing her story for the first time 02:17 – Caryn’s turning point: finally finding the right therapist 03:27 – The physical toll of depression and exhaustion 05:10 – Living minute by minute when suicidal thoughts creep in 06:24 – Why finding a therapist who truly listens changes everything 07:01 – The physical exhaustion of depression: “Even walking hurts” 08:45 – The “damn shower”: small tasks that feel impossible 09:01 – Accepting that you’ll never be the same — and that’s okay 10:35 – The storm quote that helped Caryn redefine recovery 11:05 – Retraining your brain after years of living in depression 11:49 – Preparing for depressive episodes before they hit 12:07 – How supportive friends helped Caryn through crisis moments 13:34 – The freedom of knowing when to reach out for help 14:10 – A breakthrough with new treatment after years of resistance 14:50 – Medication that worked: “It was the best I’ve felt in years” 15:59 – Learning self-compassion and patience through recovery 17:33 – Why rest and self-acceptance are not weakness 17:52 – Celebrating progress and small victories 19:01 – Caryn’s message: “There’s always some form of light” 20:18 – Reflection: habits of depression vs. habits of recovery 22:37 – The seasonal triggers of depression and self-awaren 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/

    27 min
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About

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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