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Episode Description “Why do I still feel unsafe when nothing is wrong?” For many people living with complex trauma, that question can shape relationships, work, and daily life. Terry McGuire speaks with licensed clinical therapist Amanda Stretcher Lewis about CPTSD and the ways old survival strategies can show up as people-pleasing, shutdown, self-criticism, or fear of rejection. The conversation offers practical, nonjudgmental language for listeners and loved ones alike. It also explores what healing may look like: more room to pause, more self-compassion, more connection, and a growing sense of possibility. Listen for an honest, hopeful conversation about moving from survival toward thriving. Primary Topics Discussed Feeling unsafe in safe relationshipsImplicit memory and survival responsesAttachment patterns and CPTSDPeople-pleasing and shutdownTrauma bonding and codependencyFinding a trauma-informed therapistWhat recovery can look like dailyPost-traumatic growth Timestamps 00:04 Giving Voice to Depression welcome and mission01:05 Why CPTSD belongs in a depression conversation02:50 Introducing the featured RECOVERable conversation03:27 What complex PTSD is and how it differs from PTSD04:10 Why formative experiences can feel so enduring06:53 Safety, belonging, and co-regulation as basic needs07:53 Generational trauma and experiences without clear memories09:00 How invalidation can become an internalized identity10:59 Developmental skills that may be disrupted by trauma13:19 Dissociation as a protective response16:27 Getting curious about patterns that once served a purpose18:06 Finding trauma-informed, relational support21:07 Why CPTSD can involve shame and self-blame25:31 Why trauma survivors may think something is wrong with them29:39 Replacing shame with language and understanding32:07 How loved ones can offer support without trying to fix34:48 Trauma bonding, codependency, and relationship patterns36:04 Common CPTSD triggers and expanding capacity to respond39:22 Why the body may feel unsafe before the mind catches up41:46 Diagnosis, ICD-11, DSM-5-TR, and access to care45:28 What healing from CPTSD can realistically look like48:31 Therapy approaches and the importance of a safe therapeutic fit51:16 Recovery as greater choice, agency, and possibility53:43 Signs that healing may be taking root54:55 Closing message from Giving Voice to DepressionExplore 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/

Could complex PTSD be part of the story behind depression, anxiety, numbness, self-blame, or feeling constantly on edge? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Terry McGuire shares a conversation from RECOVERable with licensed clinical therapist Amanda Stretcher Lewis. Together, they explore complex PTSD, or CPTSD, including how repeated or relational trauma can shape emotional regulation, self-worth, memory, boundaries, and relationships. They discuss why some people feel responsible for everyone else’s emotions, why safe relationships can still feel threatening, and why symptoms may be mistaken for depression alone. Amanda also offers a compassionate reminder that survival responses are not evidence that someone is broken. If you have ever wondered why you feel stuck in fight-or-flight, carry deep shame, struggle to identify your own needs, or feel like conflict makes you feel much younger than you are, this conversation may offer language, context, and hope. Primary Topics How complex PTSD can overlap with depression, anxiety, emotional numbness, and hopelessness Why repeated trauma, emotional neglect, and unsafe relationships can affect the nervous system Signs of CPTSD that may appear as people-pleasing, hypervigilance, burnout, or shutdown Why someone may carry persistent shame or believe they are fundamentally flawed How relationship struggles can develop when closeness once felt unsafe or unpredictable Why boundaries can feel frightening, especially for people who learned to prioritize others’ needs The difference between self-blame and compassionate curiosity about survival responses What to look for in a trauma-informed therapist with CPTSD experienceDetailed Timestamps 00:00:04 Giving Voice to Depression introduction 00:01:12 Why CPTSD can overlap with depression 00:02:17 Introducing therapist Amanda Stretcher Lewis 00:03:42 CPTSD myth or fact 00:08:46 What is complex PTSD? 00:10:05 Why childhood powerlessness matters 00:11:03 CPTSD versus PTSD 00:12:45 What counts as trauma? 00:17:53 What causes CPTSD? 00:19:56 Parentification and relational trauma 00:22:02 Signs and symptoms of CPTSD 00:26:43 Why boundaries can feel so difficult 00:29:34 Memory gaps and survival 00:31:49 Can CPTSD be mistaken for depression? 00:34:37 High functioning, burnout, and masking 00:36:24 Emotional dysregulation and CPTSD 00:38:02 Self-worth, relationships, and hypervigilance 00:40:03 Moving from self-blame to curiosity 00:42:30 What trauma-informed therapy can explore 00:45:30 Relief and grief in understanding the past 00:48:33 Adaptive survival strategies 00:51:13 What can change through healing 00:53:35 Finding a CPTSD-informed therapist 00:54:57 Closing message 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/

What does it take to find hope when severe depression makes even getting out of bed feel impossible? On this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Alexis shares her experience navigating decades of mental health challenges, including severe depression, suicidal ideation, and dissociative identity disorder (DID). After reaching one of the lowest points of her life, Alexis began finding her way back through honest conversations with her therapists, professional support, music, and small victories that gradually helped her reconnect with herself. She also shares what it was like to seek emergency mental health care and why recognizing the need for help can be an important step toward recovery. Alexis’s story is a reminder that progress does not always arrive as a dramatic breakthrough. Sometimes, it begins with getting out of bed, laughing at something silly, or noticing a flicker of joy that was missing before. She also challenges the idea that mental health expertise comes only from textbooks and formal education, explaining why lived experience deserves to be recognized and respected. If you or someone you love is living with depression, this conversation offers an honest look at the struggle, the support that can help, and the small signs of hope that can emerge along the way. Giving Voice to Depression is brought to you by Recovery.com, a resource for finding mental health and addiction treatment. Primary topics discussed Lived experience as expertise: Why years of living with a mental health condition can provide valuable knowledge beyond formal education.Living with dissociative identity disorder (DID): Alexis’s effort to challenge stigma and misconceptions about DID.What severe depression feels like: Hopelessness, numbness, isolation, loss of interest, and difficulty managing everyday tasks.Finding ways to cope with depression: Using music, drawing on previous experiences, and relying on a mental health toolkit.The importance of honesty in therapy: Sharing difficult realities without censoring feelings or minimizing symptoms.Recognizing when crisis care is needed: Alexis’s experience seeking emergency mental health care and receiving medication adjustments.Celebrating small victories: Getting out of bed, laughing, showering, smiling at squirrels, and connecting with other people.How loved ones can help: Recognizing subtle signs of improvement and offering support when someone struggling with depression cannot yet see progress.Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Giving Voice to Depression 00:43 Why Sharing Mental Health Stories Matters 01:02 Are People With Lived Experience Mental Health Experts? 02:43 Alexis on Living With Dissociative Identity Disorder 03:22 The Personal Cost of Living With Depression 04:31 Losing Her Spark During Severe Depression 05:27 What a Debilitating Depressive Episode Feels Like 06:54 Hopelessness, Suicidal Thoughts, and Getting Through the Day 08:06 Using Music and a Mental Health Toolkit to Cope 09:08 Why Being Honest in Therapy Matters 10:42 Recognizing When Emergency Mental Health Care Is Needed 10:56 Alexis Shares Her Mental Health ER Experience 12:21 The Slow Journey Back to Hope 13:48 Recognizing the First Signs of Recovery 15:40 Smiling at Squirrels and Celebrating Small Victories 17:13 How Small Changes Lead to Bigger Progress 18:20 What Alexis Learned From Her Depression Recovery 19:28 Why Lived Experience Deserves Recognition 20:58 How Loved Ones Can Recognize Signs of Improvement 21:53 Finding Hope in Other People's Stories 23:03 The Spark That Found Its Way, Full Song 26:41 Closing Thoughts and Mental Health Resources 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/

What do you say when someone you care about is struggling with depression and feels completely alone? This episode of Giving Voice to Depression shares Rosaleen's powerful story of a dark night when she felt hopeless and didn't believe anyone could help. After a difficult interaction with the podcast community, Rosaleen received an outpouring of short messages from people she'd never met: “I understand,” “I'm thinking of you,” and “I'm sending hugs.” Those simple expressions of compassion helped her feel understood, connected, and reminded her that she mattered. Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz explore why validation can be more helpful than trying to fix someone's pain, why depression doesn't always look like sadness and withdrawal, and why support from people with lived experience can carry a unique kind of credibility and hope. This is a story about living with depression, emotional support, community, hope, and the surprisingly powerful things we can say when someone is hurting. Primary Topics Discussed:  Rosaleen’s experience of a severe depressive episode and feeling completely alone.  How depression can show up as anger, negativity, or aggression, not only sadness and withdrawal.  Why noticing changes in someone’s behavior can be more useful than simply looking for textbook depression symptoms.  How online communities and strangers can provide meaningful emotional support.  Why validation is more helpful than trying to fix someone’s pain.  The surprising power of short messages such as “I understand,” “I’m thinking of you,” and “I’m sending hugs.”  How being understood by people with lived experience of depression made the messages more believable to Rosaleen.  How collective kindness helped challenge depression’s message that she was worthless and did not matter.  The value of gentle persistence when someone who is depressed initially says that nothing can help.  Creating personal reminders of what is true about your worth so you can return to them during a depressive episode.Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Giving Voice to Depression and the power of shared experience  01:09 Why this story of support matters  01:41 When “reach out” doesn't feel possible or helpful  02:10 You don't have to fix someone's pain—validation can help  02:58 How a negative reaction revealed that Rosaleen was struggling  04:15 Depression doesn't always look like sadness or withdrawal  04:51 Rosaleen describes feeling empty, numb, hopeless, and suicidal  05:47 Asking an online community to support someone in crisis  06:33 Rosaleen wakes to messages from people who understand  07:25 “The pain was different”: the beginning of healing  08:15 Belonging to a community instead of feeling like an individual in pain  09:02 Why virtual hugs had such a powerful impact  10:20 What should you say to someone who is hurting?  10:43 “I understand,” “I've been there,” and “you're not alone”  11:30 Why simple messages can be more helpful than finding the perfect words  12:31 The beauty and effectiveness of simplicity  13:35 How heart emojis and small gestures challenged feelings of worthlessness  14:17 How support from strangers helped Rosaleen believe she mattered  15:00 Helping someone else can help the person offering support, too  15:58 Why sharing our struggles can give other people permission to speak up  16:18 Rosaleen reflects on the night she didn't want to live  17:19 Kindness, connection, and the realization that you're not alone  18:03 Why this story feels especially important in a world filled with negativity  19:21 Can a heart emoji or hug GIF really make a difference?  20:10 When depression tells you that you don't matter  21:00 Using truthful self-affirmations during periods of depression  21:21 A therapist's perspective on a “dark night of the soul”  22:43 The value of loving, gentle persistence  24:34 Why support from people with lived experience can be more powerful  25:17 Trust, hope, and the importance of “experts by experience”  25:37 Thanking the community that showed up for Rosaleen  26:21 The mission of Giving Voice to Depression  26:35 Closing: Speak up when you're struggling, and listen when someone else is 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/

When someone you love is living with depression, one of the biggest fears is saying the wrong thing. Should you offer advice? Try to cheer them up? Remind them of everything they have to be grateful for? Or simply sit beside them in the darkness? In this deeply moving episode, Terry McGuire and psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz read dozens of heartfelt messages written by members of the Giving Voice to Depression community for a listener who reached out during one of the darkest nights of her life. As they reflect on these messages together, they uncover what genuine support really sounds like—and why people with lived experience often know exactly what another person needs to hear. In this episode, you'll learn: Why validation is often more helpful than adviceThe difference between comforting someone and trying to "fix" themWhat people with depression say actually helped them surviveWhy "depression lies" became one of the community's most repeated remindersHow simple expressions of care can reduce feelings of isolationWhy distraction can sometimes be a healthy coping strategyThe importance of listening without judgmentWhy there is no "perfect" thing to say—only genuine compassion Whether you're living with depression yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical insight into the healing power of empathy, presence, and shared humanity. Sometimes the most meaningful words are simply: "I hear you. You're not alone. We've got you." Primary Topics Covered: What to say to someone with depressionSupporting a loved one with depressionValidation versus adviceLived experience and peer supportSuicide prevention through connectionDepression and isolationListening with empathyCommunity supportHope during depressionMental health communication Timestamps: 00:01:10 How this unique episode came together 00:02:14 Reading messages of support from the Giving Voice to Depression community 00:03:31 The Facebook post that inspired this episode 00:04:17 "Take it one minute at a time"—messages of encouragement 00:05:18 Why distraction can be a healthy coping strategy 00:06:06 The role of distraction during severe depression 00:06:52 "Depression lies" and other powerful reminders of hope 00:08:33 The metaphor of light during depression 00:09:24 Validation, listening, and simply sitting with someone 00:11:43 Why messages from people with lived experience feel different 00:15:08 What these messages don't say—and why that's important 00:16:16 Why validation doesn't make depression worse 00:18:00 How knowing someone's story deepens support 00:20:42 The healing power of helping one another 00:22:49 More examples of compassionate support 00:24:34 "We've got you": community as a protective factor 00:26:24 The remarkable empathy of people living with depression 00:28:03 There is no perfect thing to say—only genuine caring 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/

Ten years after losing her 24-year-old son Richard to suicide, Ann Marie Farino wants other suicide loss survivors to know something she once believed was impossible: grief and joy can exist together. When the meals stopped arriving, friends returned to their routines, and the world moved forward, Ann Marie was left asking a question familiar to many grieving families: "How do I live now?" In this deeply moving conversation, she shares the small, intentional steps that helped her rebuild a life she never expected to enjoy again—from working with a grief therapist and joining a suicide loss support group to setting tiny daily goals, finding purpose through service, and eventually giving herself permission to laugh without guilt. Ann Marie's story isn't about leaving grief behind. It's about learning to carry it differently. In this episode, you'll hear about:  Why grief and joy can exist in the same heart  The importance of specialized support after suicide loss  How small daily routines helped restore a sense of stability  Why grief groups can reduce isolation and shame  Finding purpose through helping others  Letting go of guilt when moments of happiness return  The healing power of friendship and community  Looking for "molecules of joy" even in life's darkest seasons Whether you've lost a child, partner, sibling, parent, or close friend to suicide, Ann Marie offers something many survivors long to hear: Healing doesn't mean forgetting. It means discovering that love, grief, purpose, and even joy can coexist. Primary Topics Covered: Suicide loss survivor healingGrief after suicideLosing a child to suicideGrief therapySuicide loss support groupsFinding purpose after lossGuilt after griefPost-traumatic growthFriendship during griefHope after devastating lossTimestamps: 00:01:13 Introducing Ann Marie's journey after losing her son 00:02:22 Why grief and joy can exist together 00:03:12 The importance of doing the work of grief 00:03:39 Finding support through therapy and community 00:04:55 Creating a daily grief schedule one small step at a time 00:05:35 The value of suicide loss support groups 00:06:28 Training for an AFSP overnight walk in her son's memory 00:07:35 Returning to work with the support of a close friend 00:09:25 Finding purpose by giving grief resources to others 00:11:02 Why this story focuses on living after suicide loss 00:11:53 The unstoppable power of love 00:12:32 Looking for "molecules of joy" 00:13:13 Why support groups help people feel less alone 00:14:45 Dancing again without guilt 00:15:07 Rebuilding life through tiny, manageable steps 00:16:29 The healing value of walking and community 00:17:45 Resources for suicide loss survivors Links and Mentioned Resources: Ann Marie Farino's website: https://annmariefarino.com/Link to purchase Ann Marie Farino's new book "Chronic Chaos: A Son's Addiction, a Mother's Love, and Her Quest to Find Joy"The Martha Hickman book titled "Healing After Loss" recommended by Ann Marie FarinoExplore 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/

What would you do if your best friend told you they were thinking about suicide—and begged you not to tell anyone? For many teenagers, this isn't a hypothetical question. In the final episode of our three-part Suicide Prevention Month series, suicide prevention expert Dr. Stacey Freedenthal explains why keeping suicidal thoughts secret can place an overwhelming burden on another young person—and why telling a trusted adult is an act of courage, not betrayal. She offers practical guidance for recognizing the difference between an immediate emergency and a situation that still requires adult support, while reminding listeners that no teenager should carry this responsibility alone. We also hear from Dr. Jennifer Shavina, a Wisconsin school psychologist and mental health coordinator, whose district has spent nearly two decades building a culture where students learn how to recognize warning signs, support one another, and confidently seek help from trusted adults. In this episode, you'll learn:  What to do if a friend tells you they're having suicidal thoughts  Why keeping suicidal thoughts secret can be dangerous  When to seek immediate help—and when to involve a trusted adult  How schools can teach students to recognize warning signs  Why social media posts can be important cries for help  How suicide prevention programs encourage students to speak up  Why parents and schools both play critical roles in prevention  The importance of helping young people feel connected instead of alone Whether you're a teenager, parent, educator, coach, or school counselor, this conversation offers practical, compassionate guidance on one of the most difficult situations a young person can face. One message comes through clearly: It's always better to risk losing a friendship than to lose a friend. Primary Topics Covered:  Teen suicide prevention  Helping a suicidal friend  Suicide warning signs  Trusted adults and crisis intervention  School mental health programs  Peer support  Social media warning signs  Youth depression  Suicide prevention education  Building emotionally safe school communities  Timestamps: 00:01:12 Why teens often tell friends instead of parents 00:02:41 "Better mad than dead": the difficult choice friends sometimes face 00:03:30 Why teens ask friends to keep suicidal thoughts secret 00:05:09 What to do if a friend is in immediate danger 00:06:21 Meet Dr. Jennifer Shavina and a school district's prevention efforts 00:07:02 How suicide prevention screening opens family conversations 00:07:54 Following up with students identified as at risk 00:08:12 Teaching students to recognize warning signs in friends 00:09:18 Creating a school culture where asking for help is normal 00:09:47 Warning signs aren't always direct statements about suicide 00:10:25 How parents have responded to the school's program 00:11:23 The long-term goals of mental health education 00:11:46 Overcoming barriers to school-based suicide prevention 00:12:49 Why collaboration between schools saves lives 00:13:25 If a parent isn't a safe option, find another trusted adult Additional Resources: Link to Menasha Wisconsin Joint School District Website 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/

When a teenager tells a parent they're thinking about suicide, it's one of the most frightening conversations a family can face. How do you respond without minimizing their pain—or overwhelming them with your own fear? In Part 2 of our conversation with suicide prevention expert Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, we explore five more reasons many teens hesitate to tell their parents they're having suicidal thoughts, along with practical ways adults can respond that build trust instead of shutting down communication. Dr. Freedenthal explains why both underreacting and overreacting can make it harder for a young person to ask for help again. She also introduces the concept of cognitive constriction—the intense mental narrowing that can occur during a suicidal crisis—and explains why listening with empathy is often the most powerful place to begin. In this episode, you'll learn:  What "cognitive constriction" means and why it matters  Why dismissing suicidal thoughts as "attention-seeking" can be harmful  How both minimizing and overreacting can discourage future conversations  Better ways to check in with a teen over time  Why overprotectiveness can unintentionally increase isolation  Signs that may indicate a teenager is struggling with depression  How to start a conversation if you're concerned about your child  Why helping a teen feel understood is often the first step toward hope Whether you're a parent, grandparent, educator, coach, or another trusted adult, this conversation offers compassionate, practical guidance for one of life's most difficult conversations. Sometimes the most powerful response isn't having the perfect words. It's helping a young person feel safe enough to keep talking. Primary Topics Covered:   Teen suicide prevention  Talking to a suicidal teenager  Cognitive constriction  Parent-child communication  Listening without judgment  Depression in adolescents  Suicide warning signs  Emotional validation  Supporting a struggling teen  Creating psychological safetyTimestamps: 00:01:12 Why these conversations matter during Suicide Prevention Month 00:02:11 Recap of the first five reasons teens don't tell their parents 00:03:12 Understanding cognitive constriction during a suicidal crisis 00:04:23 Why empathy and listening come before problem-solving 00:04:59 Evidence-based therapies that can help 00:05:26 Why minimizing a teen's crisis can be dangerous 00:06:03 The myth of "attention-seeking" 00:07:08 Why overreacting can discourage future disclosure 00:07:42 Why these conversations are so difficult for parents 00:08:33 Patience when suicidal thoughts don't disappear immediately 00:09:54 Better ways to check in with your teen 00:10:28 How overprotectiveness can unintentionally isolate teenagers 00:11:23 Starting the conversation before your child does 00:11:36 Recognizing signs your teen may be struggling 00:12:19 The most important thing parents can do: listen with compassion 00:13:17 "Help and hope are available" 00:14:12 If teens don't tell parents, who do they tell? Links Related to Dr. Freedenthal: Dr. Freedenthal's Article: https://speakingofsuicide.com/2013/05/29/parents-and-teens/comment-page-56/Dr. Freedenthal's Website: https://staceyfreedenthal.com/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/

One of the greatest fears many parents have is learning that their child was struggling—and never told them. Why do so many teenagers share suicidal thoughts with friends but keep them from the adults who love them most? In this important conversation, suicide prevention expert Dr. Stacey Freedenthal explores the reasons many teens stay silent and offers compassionate, practical guidance for parents who want to create safer, more supportive conversations. Drawing on both her professional expertise and her own lived experience, Dr. Freedenthal explains why teens often fear being misunderstood, dismissed, or overwhelming their parents. She also shares common responses that unintentionally shut down communication—and what to do instead. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why many teens fear telling their parents they're suicidal  How fear, anger, or reassurance can unintentionally end important conversations  Why listening is often more helpful than trying to immediately solve the problem  The difference between suicidal thoughts and immediate danger  Why suicidal thoughts are often symptoms of overwhelming emotional pain—not a genuine desire to die  How depression and distorted thinking affect decision-making  The importance of helping teens feel heard instead of judged  Why compassion and curiosity create safer conversations than panic or guilt Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, or trusted adult, this episode offers valuable insight into how to respond when a young person shares something frightening—and why that first response matters so much. Primary Topics Covered: Teen suicide prevention Suicidal thoughts in adolescents  Teen depression  Parent-child communication  Listening without judgment  Supporting a suicidal teenager  Depression and distorted thinking  Suicide risk and protective factors  Emotional validation  Mental health conversations with teensTimestamps 00:01:12 Rising rates of youth suicide and why this conversation matters 00:02:16 Why teens are more likely to tell friends than parents 00:03:26 The biggest reason teens hide suicidal thoughts 00:04:20 Why parents' fear is understandable—and how it affects conversations 00:05:12 Mistake #1: Offering reassurance before listening 00:06:03 When parents become overwhelmed and teens stop talking 00:06:47 Why depression convinces people they're a burden 00:07:39 Mistake #2: Responding with anger or blame 00:08:33 Viewing suicidal thoughts as symptoms, not choices 00:09:47 Depression, stress, and other causes of suicidal thinking 00:10:01 Mistake #3: Using guilt to stop suicidal thoughts 00:10:53 Why ambivalence can be a powerful protective factor 00:12:15 Mistake #4: Treating suicidal thoughts as a conscious decision 00:13:37 Dr. Freedenthal shares her own experience with suicidal thoughts 00:14:48 "How the irrational can seem rational" 00:15:34 Why listening may be the most important thing parents can do Links Related to Dr. Freedenthal: Dr. Freedenthal's Article: https://speakingofsuicide.com/2013/05/29/parents-and-teens/comment-page-56/Dr. Freedenthal's Website: https://staceyfreedenthal.com/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 are you?" Instead of giving the automatic answer—"Fine"—Nick paused. Then he said something most of us rarely admit: "Actually, I've been really struggling." That honest response became the beginning of this conversation. In this deeply personal episode, Nick shares how years of hiding his sexuality contributed to clinical depression, why coming out brought an unexpected sense of relief, and how learning to understand his own patterns has helped him navigate depression with greater awareness and self-compassion. Nick also opens up about surviving leukemia as a child, recognizing the early warning signs of depression, living through suicidal thoughts, and the phone call to his best friend that may have saved his life. Together, Terry and Carly explore the emotional cost of hiding parts of ourselves, the healing power of authenticity, and why saying "I'm not okay" can create deeper connection—not only in our closest relationships, but sometimes even in the workplace. Whether you're living with depression, supporting someone you love, or navigating questions about identity and authenticity, this conversation offers compassion, practical insight, and a powerful reminder that you don't have to struggle alone. Primary Topics Covered:  LGBTQ+ mental health  Depression and coming out  Clinical depression  Suicide prevention and reaching out  Early warning signs of depression  Authenticity and self-acceptance  Depression in the workplace  Friendship and emotional support  Depression recovery tools  Living openly with depressionTimestamps: 00:01:23 An honest workplace conversation becomes the beginning of Nick's story 00:02:27 Why Nick stopped answering "I'm fine" 00:03:53 The value of vulnerability and honest conversations 00:05:05 Common misconceptions about depression 00:05:39 Childhood leukemia, anxiety, and the beginning of mental health treatment 00:06:28 Realizing his sexuality and how suppression contributed to depression 00:07:28 LGBTQ+ mental health and higher rates of depression 00:08:11 Learning to recognize personal warning signs of depression 00:09:56 Why being around people helps during depressive episodes 00:10:42 What depression feels like from the inside 00:11:24 Coming out and the emotional relief of living authentically 00:13:59 The lowest point: suicidal thoughts and creating a safety plan 00:15:44 The phone call to a best friend that changed everything 00:17:18 "You are not alone": Nick's advice for anyone struggling 00:18:14 Carly and Terry reflect on self-awareness and learning your own depression 00:19:53 Self-acceptance, authenticity, and living with depression 00:21:18 The importance of safety and context when sharing your story 00:22:45 The emotional cost of hiding part of yourself 00:23:57 Why everyone deserves one person who truly "has your back" 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/

When depression affects your concentration, confidence, or energy, staying productive can feel like a constant battle with yourself. But working harder is not always the answer. In the second half of this practical conversation, Terry and Bridget continue speaking with writer Sarah Fielding, author of the Healthline article, “Nine Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work When You’re Struggling Mentally.” Sarah shares five additional strategies for navigating work while living with depression, anxiety, or burnout. Her advice is not about forcing yourself to perform at full capacity every day. It is about understanding what helps you function, recognizing your progress, and giving your mind opportunities to recover. The conversation explores why taking five minutes to reset is not wasted time, how acknowledging completed tasks can rebuild a sense of capability, and why pushing through without rest may ultimately make it harder to focus. Sarah also discusses creating a work playlist, paying attention to food and caffeine, and choosing clothing that helps you feel more confident and connected to yourself. Most importantly, this episode challenges the belief that productivity must be constant. There will be days when these strategies help and days when they do not. That does not mean you are lazy, weak, or incapable. It means you are human—and learning to work with your mental health may be more sustainable than continually fighting against it. Primary Topics Discussed:  Reviewing and celebrating your progress  Rebuilding confidence when depression affects work  Taking short breaks without guilt  Preventing burnout by working more sustainably  Using music to create a productive routine  How food and caffeine can affect focus and energy  Dressing in ways that support mood and confidence  Recognizing that difficult days do not make you incapable  Taking mental health days when possible  Replacing constant pressure with self-awareness Timestamps: 00:01:25 How depression affects focus, decision-making, and workplace performance  00:02:21 Revisiting Sarah Fielding’s article on working while struggling mentally  00:02:57 A recap of the first four motivation strategies  00:03:47 Tip five: review and acknowledge your progress  00:04:32 Why depression can make us question our capability  00:05:14 How recognizing past success can make difficult tasks feel possible  00:05:25 Tip six: take five minutes to reset  00:06:18 Why a short break is not wasted time  00:06:57 How rest can improve focus and productivity  00:07:00 Tip seven: create a motivating work playlist  00:07:21 Using music to train your brain to enter work mode  00:08:15 Tip eight: consider how food and caffeine affect your energy  00:09:27 Tip nine: wear something that helps you feel confident  00:10:17 How depression can make self-care feel pointless  00:10:52 Acknowledging the days when getting started is not possible  00:11:12 The pressure to appear productive all the time  00:11:55 Why taking five minutes can sometimes save hours  00:12:08 Final reflections and encouragement to share the episode Link to Sarah's Healthline article: https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-motivation-tips 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/

When depression steals your motivation, even the smallest task can feel impossible. Getting out of bed. Answering an email. Folding laundry. Starting a work project. From the outside, it may look like procrastination or laziness. From the inside, it can feel like trying to move through wet concrete. In this practical episode, Terry and Bridget welcome writer Sarah Fielding, whose article on staying motivated while struggling with mental health inspired a conversation full of realistic, compassionate strategies for navigating days when depression makes everything feel harder. Together they discuss simple tools that can make overwhelming days feel more manageable, including:  Why getting started is often the hardest part  Breaking large projects into small, achievable steps  Creating realistic to-do lists that build momentum  Planning your day around your natural energy levels  Giving yourself permission to adapt when depression or burnout hits  The difference between being busy and being productive  How changing your environment can improve focus  Why self-compassion often leads to greater productivity than self-criticism Whether you're working from home, returning to the office, managing a household, or simply trying to make it through the day, this episode offers practical ideas you can try the next time depression makes even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. Because sometimes the hardest part isn't finishing—it's taking the first step. Primary Topics Covered:  Depression and motivation  Depression and productivity  Executive dysfunction  Breaking tasks into smaller steps  Time blocking  To-do lists and momentum  Burnout and mental fatigue  Self-compassion  Managing work with depression  Practical depression coping strategiesTimestamps: 00:01:24 Why motivation can disappear during depression 00:02:23 Meet Sarah Fielding and the inspiration behind today's practical tips 00:02:58 Why getting started is often the hardest part 00:03:54 Planning your day to reduce overwhelm 00:04:16 Time-blocking, prioritizing, and choosing your "Big Three" 00:05:05 Why writing everything down reduces mental clutter 00:06:09 Breaking large projects into manageable steps 00:07:08 Working with your natural productivity patterns 00:07:47 How changing your environment can improve motivation 00:08:35 Checking in with yourself instead of pushing through burnout 00:09:50 Advice for employers supporting employees with depression 00:11:25 Why it's normal not to perform at 100% every day 00:12:23 Busy versus productive 00:13:11 Adapting your routine to match your mental state 00:13:54 The "big rocks" prioritization metaphor 00:14:43 Why small accomplishments create momentum 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/

Hundreds of thousands of people know Shannon for making them laugh. Her videos have gone viral. Her social media is full of humor, energy, and outrageous comedy. What most people didn't see was that behind the camera, she was learning one of the hardest lessons of her life: she couldn't heal from depression alone. In Part 2 of Shannon's story, she shares the biggest changes she's made since seeking treatment—and why asking for help became one of the most powerful tools in her recovery. She talks candidly about learning to accept help from friends and family, finding a community that noticed when she was struggling, becoming more honest with her husband, and discovering that vulnerability strengthened her relationships instead of weakening them. Shannon also describes her experience with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and the unexpected relief she felt after beginning to process a painful memory in a new way. In this episode, you'll hear about:  Why asking for help is often the hardest—and most important—step  Finding supportive friendships after years of feeling alone  How honesty transformed her marriage  Why depression convinces us we're a burden  What her first EMDR session was actually like  How therapy changed her relationship with a traumatic memory  Free mental health resources when therapy isn't financially possible  Why hearing other people's stories reminds us we're not alone Whether you're living with depression yourself or supporting someone who is, Shannon's story is a reminder that healing rarely happens in isolation. Sometimes the bravest words we can say are: "I need help." Primary Topics Covered: Asking for help with depression Depression support  Therapy for depression  EMDR therapy  Feeling alone with depression  Finding supportive friendships  Marriage and mental health  Vulnerability and healing  Mental health resources  Hope after depression Timestamps: 00:01:26 Continuing Shannon's story and the tools helping her manage depression 00:02:36 Going public about depression on social media 00:03:17 How honesty online became part of her healing 00:04:15 Why depression makes so many people feel alone 00:05:03 Breaking the stigma by talking openly 00:06:35 Learning to ask for—and accept—help 00:07:25 Why asking for help is worth the vulnerability 00:08:43 Finding supportive friendships after opening up 00:09:34 Becoming more honest with her husband about depression 00:10:46 Making therapy a regular part of recovery 00:11:16 What EMDR therapy is 00:11:53 Shannon's first EMDR session 00:13:08 Replacing self-criticism with self-compassion 00:13:53 How EMDR changed her relationship with a traumatic memory 00:15:22 Finding free mental health resources when therapy isn't affordable 00:16:15 Why changing our relationship to painful memories matters 00:17:07 Asking for help is an act of courage 00:17:52 What to do if your first attempt to get help isn't successful 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/

Nearly a decade ago, Davey shared one of the darkest depression stories we've ever featured on Giving Voice to Depression. He was living with relentless depression, frequent suicidal thoughts, and believed he simply couldn't do life anymore. Today, he comes back with a very different story. After years of searching for answers, one conversation with a physician led to a diagnosis of Complex PTSD (CPTSD)—a discovery that completely changed how he understood his depression, his childhood, and, ultimately, himself. In this powerful follow-up, Davey shares how understanding the root of his pain opened the door to self-compassion, healing, and something he once thought was impossible: waking up happy to be alive. In this episode you'll hear about:  How childhood trauma contributed to years of depression  Why understanding Complex PTSD changed everything  The connection between perfectionism and childhood abuse  Learning that your value isn't based on your productivity  Recovering from years of believing you weren't lovable  Finding hope after years of suicidal thoughts  Setting healthy boundaries with toxic people  Why healing is a journey—not a finish line  The importance of self-compassion in trauma recovery  A hopeful message for anyone who feels like they're beyond help Davey's story won't be everyone's story, but it offers something many people living with depression desperately need to hear: Things really can change. As he says during this conversation: "I'm through the tunnel. I'm in the sunshine." Primary Topics Covered:  Complex PTSD (CPTSD)  Childhood trauma  Depression recovery  Suicidal thoughts  Emotional neglect  Self-worth and self-compassion  Perfectionism and trauma  Trauma-informed healing  Healthy boundaries  Hope after depression Timestamps: 00:01:14 Understanding depression through the lens of Complex PTSD 00:01:34 Why Davey wanted to return after nearly ten years 00:02:55 A doctor's encouragement to share his recovery 00:03:16 Living with severe depression and suicidal thoughts 00:03:30 The life-changing Complex PTSD diagnosis 00:04:31 The book that transformed Davey's understanding of himself 00:05:13 Building resilience and beginning a healing journey 00:06:05 How childhood trauma shaped his depression 00:07:13 Realizing emotional neglect wasn't a normal childhood 00:08:29 Relief after finally understanding the "why" 00:09:40 Learning that self-worth isn't based on productivity 00:10:25 What daily life looks like after healing 00:11:50 What he'd tell the version of himself who wanted to give up 00:13:17 Why everyone deserves love simply for who they are 00:13:37 Letting go of toxic relationships 00:14:40 A message of hope for anyone living with depression today 00:15:42 Why he believes he won't return to his darkest place 00:16:49 The importance of receiving the right diagnosis 00:19:04 Understanding Complex PTSD beyond traditional PTSD 00:20:34 Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and reducing stigma 00:22:30 The meaning behind Davey's semicolon tattoo 00:23:21 Why creating safe spaces saves lives 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/

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/