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

Award-winning journalist and author Meg Kissinger joins Giving Voice to Depression to share the extraordinary and heartbreaking story behind her memoir “While You Were Out.”In her conversation with Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow, Meg opens up about growing up in a large family marked by bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression—as well as two sibling deaths by suicide. She explores how decades of silence and stigma shaped her family’s story and how finally speaking out broke the cycle of shame and secrecy.Meg’s dual perspective—as a journalist who investigated the U.S. mental health system and as a sister who lived it firsthand—offers a rare, honest look at mental illness, discrimination, resilience, and recovery. Her story reminds us that talking openly about mental health saves lives—and that empathy and truth can heal generations.Primary Topics Covered:The power of storytelling in breaking mental health stigmaHow silence and secrecy isolate families living with mental illnessUnderstanding the difference between stigma and discriminationThe lasting effects of losing loved ones to suicideWhat it’s like to grow up with bipolar disorder and depression in the familyThe importance of honesty in family and community mental health conversationsHow to respond when someone shares suicidal thoughtsWhy it’s okay to ask for help—and how courage can begin with one conversationTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and welcome from Terry and Carly 01:24 – Introducing journalist and author Meg Kissinger 02:21 – Mental illness in Meg’s family: depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide 03:27 – Why stigma is actually discrimination — and how language shapes understanding 04:42 – Growing up in silence: how mental illness was hidden in the 1960s 06:25 – Balancing humor, love, and loss in a family marked by mental illness 07:29 – Losing her sister Nancy to suicide and the painful secrecy that followed 09:24 – Talking about her brother’s struggles and what she’d say differently now 10:55 – Learning to sit with discomfort and listen with compassion 11:50 – Writing While You Were Out and gaining her siblings’ trust to tell the truth 12:41 – The goal: showing her family’s full humanity and helping others feel less alone 13:36 – Why families must talk about their mental health history 14:48 – Advice for those who struggle to speak about mental illness or trauma 15:34 – Lessons from her brother Jake on living openly and unapologetically 16:21 – Asking for help: humility, courage, and connection 17:39 – Reflections from Terry and Carly on authenticity and generational healing 19:34 – Breaking silence one story—and one generation—at a time 22:26 – How to truly listen to someone in emotional pain (“Heard, Helped, or Hugged”) 25:56 – Final reflections: showing up with love, empathy, and presenceExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Award-winning journalist and author Meg Kissinger joins Giving Voice to Depression to share the extraordinary and heartbreaking story behind her memoir “While You Were Out.”In her conversation with Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow, Meg opens up about growing up in a large family marked by bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression—as well as two sibling deaths by suicide. She explores how decades of silence and stigma shaped her family’s story and how finally speaking out broke the cycle of shame and secrecy.Meg’s dual perspective—as a journalist who investigated the U.S. mental health system and as a sister who lived it firsthand—offers a rare, honest look at mental illness, discrimination, resilience, and recovery. Her story reminds us that talking openly about mental health saves lives—and that empathy and truth can heal generations.Primary Topics Covered:The power of storytelling in breaking mental health stigmaHow silence and secrecy isolate families living with mental illnessUnderstanding the difference between stigma and discriminationThe lasting effects of losing loved ones to suicideWhat it’s like to grow up with bipolar disorder and depression in the familyThe importance of honesty in family and community mental health conversationsHow to respond when someone shares suicidal thoughtsWhy it’s okay to ask for help—and how courage can begin with one conversationTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and welcome from Terry and Carly 01:24 – Introducing journalist and author Meg Kissinger 02:21 – Mental illness in Meg’s family: depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide 03:27 – Why stigma is actually discrimination — and how language shapes understanding 04:42 – Growing up in silence: how mental illness was hidden in the 1960s 06:25 – Balancing humor, love, and loss in a family marked by mental illness 07:29 – Losing her sister Nancy to suicide and the painful secrecy that followed 09:24 – Talking about her brother’s struggles and what she’d say differently now 10:55 – Learning to sit with discomfort and listen with compassion 11:50 – Writing While You Were Out and gaining her siblings’ trust to tell the truth 12:41 – The goal: showing her family’s full humanity and helping others feel less alone 13:36 – Why families must talk about their mental health history 14:48 – Advice for those who struggle to speak about mental illness or trauma 15:34 – Lessons from her brother Jake on living openly and unapologetically 16:21 – Asking for help: humility, courage, and connection 17:39 – Reflections from Terry and Carly on authenticity and generational healing 19:34 – Breaking silence one story—and one generation—at a time 22:26 – How to truly listen to someone in emotional pain (“Heard, Helped, or Hugged”) 25:56 – Final reflections: showing up with love, empathy, and presenceExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this deeply human episode of Giving Voice to Depression, John, a survivor of a suicide attempt, shares his ongoing struggle with self-forgiveness — and what healing looks like when you’re still learning to forgive yourself.While many conversations about suicide focus on grief or prevention, John opens up about what comes after survival: the guilt, shame, and lingering belief that he doesn’t deserve forgiveness. Despite being forgiven by his family, including his son, John continues to wrestle with self-compassion and self-worth.Through an honest and courageous conversation with hosts Terry McGuire and Bridget, John explores what it means to recover emotionally and spiritually — even when the process is slow, imperfect, and deeply personal.This episode sheds light on the emotional aftermath of suicide attempts and offers gentle encouragement to anyone navigating their own healing: you are not alone, and forgiveness is possible — even if it hasn’t happened yet.Primary Topics Covered:The emotional aftermath of surviving a suicide attemptWhy forgiving yourself can be harder than forgiving othersGuilt, shame, and self-loathing in recoveryHow family support can begin the healing processDeveloping self-compassion through therapy and meditationUnderstanding that recovery isn’t linear — and that “not yet” is still progressPractical insights on living with ongoing suicidal thoughtsThe importance of honest, stigma-free conversations about mental healthTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and hosts 02:13 – John’s story: surviving a suicide attempt and learning to forgive himself 03:06 – Why stories about self-forgiveness after a suicide attempt are rare 04:02 – Guilt, self-loathing, and loss of self-worth 05:14 – How John’s son forgave him — instantly and unconditionally 06:03 – Why self-forgiveness feels harder than accepting forgiveness from others 06:49 – Living with lingering feelings of unworthiness 07:36 – How therapy and psychiatry help manage suicidal thoughts 08:34 – Searching for the “magic tool” for self-compassion 09:13 – Meditation and its role in emotional healing 09:46 – Guilt, shame, and letting go — why all are connected 10:55 – Advice to other suicide attempt survivors: don’t let guilt derail recovery 12:43 – Accepting that forgiveness takes time — and that “not yet” is okay 13:25 – The power of reframing self-talk 14:00 – Learning by speaking: how sharing stories helps healing 15:19 – From self-loathing to self-acceptance: small language shifts that matter 16:28 – The chemistry of self-talk and why kindness changes your brain 17:39 – Closing reflections and resources for self-forgiveness and supportExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What happens when mental health and addiction collide? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, David Shamszad shares his raw and revealing story of living with bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction — a combination often referred to as a dual diagnosis.From self-medicating through college to hospitalization, reckless mania, and rock bottom, David opens up about how stigma, shame, and silence kept him from getting help for years. His turning point came after a dangerous blackout that could have ended in tragedy — and became the moment he chose recovery.Now 10 years sober, David reflects on the long road to understanding his bipolar disorder, the importance of therapy, and how sharing his story publicly has become a form of healing.If you or someone you love struggles with both mental illness and substance use, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope. Recovery is possible — and it often begins with honesty.Primary Topics Covered:What “dual diagnosis” means and why it’s often misunderstoodThe connection between bipolar disorder and addictionHow self-medicating can delay diagnosis and worsen symptomsThe impact of shame, stigma, and cultural norms on help-seekingDavid’s experience with mania, depression, and suicidal thoughtsThe moment of clarity that led to his recoveryWhy sobriety alone isn’t enough — therapy and connection matterPractical tools for managing co-occurring conditionsHow hope grows “drop by drop” through small acts of supportTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and dual diagnosis 01:15 - What it means to live with both a mental health condition and addiction 02:12 - David’s early signs of bipolar disorder in college 03:33 - How shame and masculinity silenced his depression 04:50 - Manic highs, risky behavior, and denial 06:08 - The crash after mania: waking up in fear and paralysis 07:25 - Hospitalization and first bipolar diagnosis 08:27 - The power of naming an illness — and the shame that still lingered 09:30 - Understanding Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II 10:31 - Alcohol as self-medication and the illusion of control 11:20 - The night that changed everything: waking up injured and afraid 12:20 - Realizing addiction could destroy more than just his own life 12:42 - The decision to get help and tell the truth 13:18 - Ten years sober and learning to rebuild 14:15 - Therapy, coping skills, and daily maintenance 15:15 - Message to those still struggling: recovery happens gradually 17:31 - The power of “small drops” of hope and connection 18:54 - Reflections on stigma, masculinity, and vulnerability 20:28 - Encouragement to speak up and seek support 24:23 - Where David is now: success, sobriety, and service 25:09 - Closing thoughts and resources for helpExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook 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 at recovery.comFacebook 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 at recovery.comFacebook 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 at recovery.comFacebook 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 at recovery.comFacebook 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 at recovery.comFacebook 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 at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/