Beyond Stigma: Finding Humanity in Mental Illness

Meg Kissinger, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of a powerful memoir, shares her family's unique and moving story about living with serious mental illness.She talks openly about losing two siblings to suicide, and how her experiences as both a sister and an investigative journalist shaped her understanding of the US mental health system. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes that having honest conversations about depression and mental illness can help create a world where no one feels alone. Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

This powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, features a brave guest named John who offers insights into about a seldom-discussed topic: forgiving yourself after a suicide attempt. John, a 54-year-old from Canada, shares his personal story of depression and a suicide attempt nearly four years ago. He candidly explains that while his young son immediately forgave him, he's struggled to extend that same grace to himself.The conversation explores the lingering feelings of unworthiness, guilt, and shame that remain long after the initial crisis has passed. Despite being in a healthier place and actively working on his recovery through therapy and self-compassion exercises, John feels a stubborn block to self-forgiveness. He describes the persistent negative self-talk as a constant battle and admits he's still searching for the "magic tool" that will finally help him let go.The episode is a raw and honest look at the messy reality of recovery, a path that isn't always linear. John's story is a testament to the fact that while progress can be made, some parts of the healing journey can take time.It's a critical discussion for anyone who has experienced similar struggles, offering a powerful message of hope: even when self-forgiveness feels out of reach, continuing to work toward recovery is a sign of strength and resilience.Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, hosts Terry and Carly speak with guest David Shamszad about his journey with a dual diagnosis—living with both Bipolar Disorder and a substance use disorder.David shares his personal story of how he used alcohol to self-medicate and cope with the extreme highs of mania and the devastating lows of depression before he was formally diagnosed. He describes how his manic episodes, though they felt fun and energized at the time, led to serious consequences, and his depressive episodes left him feeling paralyzed and hopeless.The turning point for David came after a frightening, "scared-straight" incident while intoxicated. He realized that his drinking was not just a coping mechanism, but was putting his own life and others' in danger. This moment of clarity prompted him to get sober, a decision he describes as removing "handcuffs" that had prevented him from truly addressing his mental health.The conversation highlights the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for men, and the importance of finding a safe space to be vulnerable. David emphasizes that recovery is not an overnight process but an accumulation of "steady drops of the right message"—from therapy, books, and supportive conversations. Carly and Terry further discuss this idea, comparing it to watering a dry plant, where small, consistent efforts are more effective than a sudden, overwhelming pour.Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of recovery, even from deeply ingrained dual diagnoses, and encourages listeners to seek support, embrace vulnerability, and understand that healing is a gradual, ongoing journey.Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Barbara Moser, a trained teacher in mindful self-compassion, shares three simple yet powerful practices you can use anytime to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. These tools are free, backed by credible research, and require no appointment, transportation, or side effects.From mindful breathing to the STOP method and a self-compassion break, these practices are designed to help you calm your nervous system, manage transitions, and respond to difficult moments with greater resilience. Whether you’re struggling with daily overwhelm or seeking preventive strategies, this episode offers practical techniques that can become part of your mental health toolkit.Primary Topics Covered:Introduction to no-cost, research-backed mental health toolsGuided three-minute mindful breathing exerciseSTOP practice for managing daily transitions and stressSelf-compassion break: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindnessHow mindfulness and self-compassion work together for healingTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and mission of Giving Voice to Depression 01:20 – Framing the episode: free, accessible mental health tools 02:06 – Dr. Barbara Moser introduces mindfulness practices 02:42 – Three-minute mindful breathing and calming exercise 09:21 – How breathwork engages the parasympathetic nervous system 10:14 – STOP practice: pause, breathe, observe, and proceed 14:22 – Using STOP for daily transitions and relationships 14:32 – Guided self-compassion break with three core elements 18:40 – Recognizing common humanity in moments of struggle 20:03 – Practicing self-kindness and supportive self-talk 22:32 – Closing reflections and invitation to community supportExplore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Kevin Lepine shares his deeply personal journey of growing up misunderstood, bullied, and isolated — experiences that fueled his depression long before he had words to describe it. He opens up about the pain of being unseen, living with undiagnosed ADD, and the crushing loneliness that often comes with both bullying and depression.Kevin also discusses the turning points that helped him: friends who refused to let him disappear, learning the language to describe his struggles, and finding mental health support that gave him tools to heal. He offers raw but practical advice about managing depression, breaking free from isolation, and building a supportive community.This conversation sheds light on the destructive overlap of bullying and depression while reminding us that connection, compassion, and even small shifts — like going for a walk — can make a life-saving difference.If you’ve ever struggled to explain depression to someone else, or if you’re supporting a loved one who feels stuck in darkness, Kevin’s story provides both validation and hope.Primary Topics Covered:How bullying and undiagnosed ADD fueled Kevin’s depressionThe impact of isolation on mental health and empathyFinding hope through community, friendship, and supportPractical tools for interrupting depression’s cyclesWhy disclosure and openness can reduce stigma and isolationThe power of small shifts, like walks and connection, in healingTimestamps:00:01:15 – Introduction to Kevin’s story: bullying, isolation, and depression 00:02:58 – Childhood signals of depression and the role of bullying 00:04:55 – The dangers of ignoring bullying and its isolating effects 00:06:25 – Building true friendships that interrupted depression’s cycle 00:08:02 – How Kevin’s depression manifested and became paralyzing 00:09:38 – Strategies to “trick” depression: filling the calendar, asking for support 00:10:35 – Why disclosure lessens depression’s hold and reduces isolation 00:11:19 – Addiction, self-medication, and the search for relief 00:13:11 – Tools from 12-Step programs and the role of community 00:14:36 – Hypnosis, depression, and the “parasite” metaphor 00:14:49 – Two life-or-death turning points in Kevin’s journey 00:16:31 – Why “It can be different” is more powerful than “Be happy” 00:20:17 – The role of small, simple shifts like walking and connection 00:23:21 – How bullying echoes depression’s lies and reinforces hopelessness 00:25:36 – Absolutist thinking: both a symptom and contributor to depression 00:26:24 – Closing reflections: compassion, language, and concrete supportExplore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we revisit the powerful story of author and advocate Rebecca Lombardo, who has openly shared her struggles with bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidality. Now 10 years removed from her last hospitalization and self-harm attempt, Rebecca reflects on her growth, resilience, and the coping strategies that have helped her heal.She discusses the importance of self-awareness, positive self-talk, and open communication with loved ones, as well as the role her husband and community have played in her journey. Rebecca also highlights the need to recognize progress—no matter how small—and the ongoing work of fighting stigma.This rerun is a reminder that while depression can distort our perspective, recovery and hope are possible.Primary Topics Covered:Why it’s often hard to recognize progress while living with depression or bipolar disorderRebecca’s reflections on 10 years without hospitalization or self-harmThe role of loved ones in supporting recoveryPositive self-talk, therapy, and self-awareness as essential coping strategiesHow writing, advocacy, and community helped Rebecca reduce shame and find purposeThe importance of self-care and redefining what “success” looks like in recoveryTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and the power of hope 01:25 – Guest introduction: Rebecca Lombardo’s return update 03:18 – Reflecting on a decade since her last hospitalization 04:25 – The ongoing challenge of living with bipolar disorder 05:29 – Why negative thoughts feel easier to believe than positive ones 07:05 – Celebrating 10 years of progress and accomplishments 08:01 – Feeling like a burden vs. recognizing depression’s lies 09:23 – Positive self-talk and open communication with loved ones 10:30 – The impact of her past suicide attempt on her husband 11:48 – Choosing to live for herself as well as others 12:29 – The work beyond medication: therapy, self-awareness, and learning 13:58 – Helping others through advocacy and writing 15:05 – Hopes for the next decade of life and advocacy 16:54 – Advice for listeners currently struggling 18:44 – Rebecca’s blog reflections and practical tools for healing 19:21 – Dr. Anita Sanz on the importance of therapy beyond medication 22:01 – Closing remarks and upcoming Suicide Prevention Awareness Month focusExplore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this intimate, unscripted conversation, Giving Voice to Depression hosts Terry McGuire and her daughter Carly McCollow open up about their personal experiences with depression across generations. They reflect on how genetics, trauma, and family silence shape mental health — and why speaking openly can break cycles of shame and stigma.Listeners will hear stories about childhood anxiety, gratitude rituals, reframing depression as a chronic condition, and the healing that comes when families normalize talking about mental health. This candid dialogue offers validation and encouragement for anyone navigating depression within the context of family history.Primary Topics Covered:Genetics, trauma, and their role in intergenerational depressionWhy families often avoid mental health conversationsEarly signs of anxiety and depression in childrenHow parenting with depression changes perspective and prioritiesChallenging stigma through openness and humorTrauma as both a family and cultural experienceThe power of naming and normalizing depression in loved onesTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to the episode and why it’s different 01:12 Stigma around depression in families 03:57 Childhood memories of anxiety and gratitude practices 08:36 Depression going unnamed and misunderstood in families 12:56 Parenting while living with depression 16:18 Mental health days and challenging the wellness binary 20:28 How trauma and silence carry forward across generations 24:52 Understanding trauma as individual, family, and cultural 27:31 Closing reflections on responsibility, acceptance, and loveExplore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this rerun episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz revisit The Spoon Theory, a popular metaphor created by Christine Miserandino to explain life with chronic illness. The conversation explores how the theory applies to depression and mental health, providing listeners with a way to explain their limited energy to others and make mindful daily choices. The hosts discuss real-world applications, including self-compassion, boundaries, communication, and pacing, and share tips for conserving energy and avoiding burnout.This episode is both validating and practical, offering language and strategies to help those living with depression—and those who support them—better understand the realities of limited energy.Primary Topics Covered:Explanation of The Spoon Theory and its originsHow Spoon Theory applies to depression and chronic illnessUsing spoons as a tool for energy management and self-careSetting boundaries and improving communication with loved onesPracticing self-compassion while coping with limited resourcesSmall, low-energy strategies for getting through depressive episodesTimestamps:00:04 – Introduction to the podcast and mission01:30 – Overview of Spoon Theory and its global impact02:24 – Dr. Anita explains how Spoon Theory helps with chronic illness and depression04:15 – How daily tasks consume “spoons” differently depending on health status06:25 – Christine Miserandino’s original blog and explanation07:54 – Real-life application: prioritizing energy and making choices10:28 – Using Spoon Theory as a communication tool in relationships11:43 – Practical low-energy self-care ideas for those with severe depression14:40 – Insights from Adam Weitz on Spoon Theory and depression15:43 – Key benefits: self-compassion, boundaries, assertiveness16:30 – Final reflections on using Spoon Theory to reframe depression17:31 – Closing remarks and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Eric shares his deeply personal journey of living under the crushing weight of depression and how he found a path toward healing. Instead of fighting against his pain, Eric discovered the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, which allowed him to engage with his depression in a new, compassionate way. Through personifying his struggle as a “boulder” and learning to soften toward the parts of himself he once rejected, Eric uncovered resilience, rootedness, and a renewed sense of hope.Listeners will hear how acceptance, rather than resistance, opened the door to healing and how reframing depression as a protective force instead of an enemy helped Eric move forward with faith and curiosity. This conversation is a reminder that healing from depression is not about eradicating symptoms but learning to live with compassion for all parts of ourselves.Primary Topics Covered:Eric’s experience of living with the “boulder” of depressionThe difference between intellectualizing depression and doing emotional “heartwork”How Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy works and its role in healingShifting from resistance to acceptance in managing depressionThe role of self-compassion and “softening” in recoveryFinding rootedness, faith, and curiosity when hope feels out of reachTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and mission of the podcast 01:13 – Eric describes the crushing weight of depression 02:22 – Signs of emerging from a prolonged depressive period 04:28 – The importance of allowing grief and honest feelings 05:37 – Eric’s metaphor of depression as a boulder 07:40 – The added burden of shame in depression 09:28 – Moving from intellectualizing depression to emotional “heartwork” 10:04 – Discovering Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy 12:47 – Personifying depression as “Atlas” holding the boulder 14:12 – Reframing depression through compassion and acceptance 15:38 – Eric finds faith, rootedness, and curiosity 18:19 – The power of grace and self-compassion in healing 20:10 – Letting go of expectations and embracing groundedness 23:45 – Reflections on diagnosis, stigma, and compassion for differences 25:32 – Understanding feelings as information and depression’s role in deepening care 27:04 – Closing thoughts on resilience, growth, and ongoing healingExplore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, J.J. Singleton shares his journey of living with terminal colorectal cancer and battling depression. After enduring over 170 rounds of chemotherapy, J.J. opens up about the toll cancer has taken not just on his body but on his mental health. He discusses the stigma men face in expressing vulnerability, his initial resistance to therapy, and the life-changing benefits of opening up and seeking professional support. J.J.’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and hope — a reminder that healing is both a physical and emotional process.He also highlights the importance of peer support, distraction, and advocacy, showing that even in the darkest times, connection and conversation can make a life-saving difference.Primary Topics Covered:J.J. Singleton’s journey with terminal colorectal cancerThe connection between cancer and depressionStigma around men’s mental health and vulnerabilityThe role of therapy in coping with suicidal thoughtsTools for resilience: peer support, therapy, and distractionAdvocating for mental health awareness in cancer careTimestamps:00:00 Intro to Giving Voice to Depression 02:26 Introducing guest J.J. Singleton and his cancer journey 03:34 The impact of cancer on men’s mental health 04:55 How cancer and treatment triggered depression and PTSD 06:36 Learning to shift mindset and seek support 07:22 Realizing the importance of therapy 08:13 How therapy helped J.J. cope with suicidal thoughts 09:48 Breaking stigma around talking about mental health 11:25 The unseen mental toll of cancer treatment 11:45 Using distraction and peer support as coping tools 13:01 Why J.J. advocates for mental health awareness in cancer care 13:55 How awareness could have helped earlier in his journey 14:22 J.J.’s motivation for sharing his story publicly 15:01 From darkest places to speaking out about healing 15:32 Reflections on mind-body connection in illness 16:22 The cost of silence and repression in mental health struggles 17:05 Closing thoughts and resources, including manuptocancer.comExplore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/