Giving Voice to Depression

We begin Season 11 of this podcast, with two practical episodes on how to motivate ourselves to do work when we're struggling mentally. We speak with NYC-based writer Sarah Fielding about an article she recently wrote on the topic for healthline.com. These tips might not apply to times we aren't cooking or showering, but they're good reminders for times we're functional, but not at 100%.

Ten podcast episodes condensed and highlighted in 16 minutes. If you've ever wondered what this podcast is like, how hearing shared stories can make us feel less alone, and what we can learn from each other, this is a great opportunity

After doing a story on Giving Voice to Depression, a popular TV news anchor said he couldn't stand on the sidelines and call the people who share their stories to connect with others in darkness brave, and not tell his own story. (Link to Ted's report on the GVTD podcast) https://fox6now.com/2018/02/22/former-tv-news-anchor-helps-those-suffering-depression-with-podcast-i-can-give-voice/

Ten episodes summarized in 17 minutes.

30+ years after a suicide attempt that left her in a coma, Jeannine looks back on that day, and on what she would have missed if she had died that hopeless day. For Suicide Prevention Month, please listen to and share this episode. When you're "in it," you do not think you will ever get out. We need to know, believe and spread the message that the bottom is not the end.

For World Suicide Prevention Day, we wanted to introduce you to a suicide-attempt survivor, We wanted you to hear her talk about the good and bad of the life she never would have experienced had she not "failed" at her attempt. (We talk about that word!) Please honor our guest's honesty by sharing this episode. http://jeanninerivers.com/

Depression can cause pain, and pain can cause depression.(*) Living with either can be really difficult. Living with both challenges the strongest. Our guest Stacy, has fibromyalgia and active major depressive disorder. Yet she laughs, offers hope to others and works daily to better manage the realities of a life she's still making peace with. (*)Mayo Clinic

When sick with the flu or a fever we know we can call in to school or work and be honest. And excused. But when it's A Mental Illness, that is not the case. The state of Oregon recently passed a law to level the playing field, so that K-12 students can call in sick when depressed, anxious or some other "invisible illness." We speak with one of the students who helped pass the law, and a social worker who had mental health days as a child.

We learn by asking questions. Even if years later than we wish we had. In this episode, Elliot reflects on a relationship with a woman with depression, and realizes his lack of understanding was part of the problem. A therapists answers each question he wishes he'd asked years ago.

As individuals, we don't have control over world events. But when tragic news fills 24-hour news cycles, we have a responsibility to ourselves to tune in and make choices that limit the impact on our mental health. Our guest, Dr. Robert Duff (Duff the Psych,) talks about the line between being informed and being negatively impacted. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/violent-media-anxiety_n_6671732 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803729/ https://www.duffthepsych.com/

Grief and depression can look and feel similar. Yet they are distinctly-different experiences. Grief, although excruciating. can ultimately be healing. Depression, without diagnosis and treatment, can be life threatening. Jennifer Bartolotta is intimately familiar with both. She has experienced depression's weight. And she is currently grieving the recent death of her husband, Joe. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-new-grief/201203/when-does-grief-become-depression

Living with depression requires resilience, strength and sometimes-heroic efforts to find and fan hope's embers. Jennifer, currently on medical leave for her illness, struggles to find lasting relief in meds. In this 18-minute episode, she discusses self-harm, distraction techniques and how her lived-experience helps teens at the high school where she works.

Decades passed between the time a little boy screamed in pain into his pillow, and his adult self recognized that suffering as depression. This conversation is his first public exchange about the illness, and the shame and stigma that kept him from revealing this part of himself. (Remember that depression IS only one part of us. It can seem to negate all the others at times, but it is just one component of our whole selves!) Please honor Jon's journey by listening to and sharing his story. #YouAreNotAlone #StrongerTogether #NoShame Jon's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxlVwfFkjH7dE-uz3_Q5WmQ/featured and website: https://cleaningwarrior.com/

Depression is, to put it mildly, an unwanted guest in our minds and bodies. Yet, for those who experience it regularly, it can help to look for some value, some take-away, some "terrible gift" in the experience. Kristin "owns her shadow," and uses depression's voice to express herself in poetry. Hers is a gentle, allowing and unique perspective on an illness many of us simply despise. To learn more about Kristin and her poetry: KristinRoedell.wikidot.com

Mental health conditions do not discriminate. However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. For National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we talk with Phillip Roundtree, A mental-health professional discusses how cultural beliefs and stigma prevented him from getting help for his depression for years. He now takes his empowering message to schools and conferences because, like all mental health, Black mental health matters. http://quadefyllc.net/