In this episode, Giving Voice explores how mental health conversations—especially those aimed at men—need a major rebrand in order to be more effective and approachable. Their guest is Ethan Getchell, a former business student whose career path took a sharp turn after the loss of his brother to suicide. That moment of grief reshaped Ethan’s values and inspired him to pursue a career in mental health counseling, with a focus on reaching men who might otherwise avoid therapy.Ethan shares how cultural ideals like rugged individualism and emotional suppression have created a barrier between many men and the support they need. He discusses how the isolation of the pandemic further revealed the prevalence of covert depression—mental health struggles that often go unnoticed until distraction is stripped away. To help men engage, Ethan emphasizes the importance of rebranding therapy using language and tools that resonate. That includes practical strategies like starting with behavioral changes rather than emotional deep-dives, using habit-tracking apps, and drawing on simple, memorable check-ins like the four elements: earth (food), water (hydration), fire (movement), and air (breathing).The episode highlights the importance of meeting men where they are—whether that’s through humor, shared activities, or just listening without judgment. It also underscores how the way we frame mental health matters. Whether it’s through the creative campaigns of ManTherapy.com or Ethan’s own “Hey Man” newsletter, the message is clear: therapy isn’t about being broken, it’s about being human. Carly and Terry close the conversation with reflections on how everyday moments—like asking if someone has eaten or needs a hug—can become meaningful acts of care and connection.Ethan's Hey Man newsletter: https://ethangetchell.substack.com/Man Therapy: https://mantherapy.org/https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/
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Ep. 357 The Power of Yet: Reclaiming Hope (repost)
After nearly a decade of feeling “stuck halfway out of depression’s pit,” Lori bravely took a step she never thought would help: she tried one more treatment option. In this powerful follow-up conversation, Lori shares the subtle yet transformative shifts that began to open her mind, soften her shame, and let in small but meaningful glimmers of hope.Through heartfelt metaphors—like the difference between carrying life in a heavy backpack versus letting it flow through you like a screen door—Lori beautifully articulates the lived experience of persistent depression. Her journey reveals the impact of connection, the danger of contingent self-worth, and the power of believing you’re not broken—you’re just stuck.Whether you're in a dark place yourself or walking alongside someone who is, Lori’s story offers a gentle reminder: even the smallest shift in direction can lead to an entirely new destination.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/
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Ep. 356 Living at 60%: A Raw Look at Persistent Depression
Living at 60% : A Raw Look at Persistent DepressionIn this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz explore Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)—a lesser-known but profoundly impactful form of chronic depression. Unlike major depressive episodes that ebb and flow, PDD lingers, casting a long, gray shadow over daily life.You’ll meet Lori, a woman who has lived with chronic depression for nearly a decade. Through her brave and unflinchingly honest storytelling, Lori describes what it feels like to live in a world that’s always a little dimmer—functioning, showing up, even laughing at times, all while feeling emotionally flat. She uses striking metaphors—like being underwater while a favorite song plays—to help listeners feel what words often fail to convey.This isn’t a story with a tidy resolution or inspirational turnaround. It’s about endurance, reality, and compassion. Lori shares how even the simplest tasks can require monumental effort, and why phrases like “You look fine” or “Maybe you just need to…” miss the mark. Instead, she asks us to sit with the discomfort, to understand that for some people, “better” doesn’t come—but support, validation, and being seen can still make all the difference.If you or someone you love lives with depression that doesn't lift, this conversation may be the most real and affirming thing you hear all week. It's not about fixing—it’s about understanding.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/
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Ep. 355 The Difference Between Sadness and Depression
In the podcast episode, we explore the crucial distinction between feeling sad and experiencing clinical depression: Sadness is a common emotional state often triggered by specific events. Depression is a pervasive mental illness that significantly impacts daily life and can last for extended periods.The episode features insights from three experts: Dr. Robert Duff, who clarifies that clinical depression involves a consistent pattern of negative feelings that can feel overwhelming and cyclical, likening it to a parasite that drains energy and motivation. Dr. Margaret Rutherford adds that depression is often characterized by a lack of hope and enjoyment, emphasizing that it can present in various forms, including anger and lethargy, and is not simply a choice. Dr. Madhukar Trivedi underscores that depression is a real brain disease, marked by persistent negative thoughts that overshadow any positive experiences.The hosts also share symptoms of major depression, as outlined by WebMD, stressing the importance of seeking professional help if five or more symptoms persist for two weeks or more. The episode aims to provide listeners with a better understanding of depression and encourage compassion for those affected.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/
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NEW: Ep. 354 What if We Actually Talked About it
In this podcast episode, our guest, Jessie, shares her journey, revealing how growing up in a family open about mental illness, yet burdened by it, influenced her understanding of her own struggles. Through candid conversations with her parents about their battles, she learned early on that mental illness is not a secret or a fault but a condition to be managed.Our discussion spotlights the significant, generational impact of honest communication in families, contrasting it with experiences of silence and gaslighting. The conversation touches on the importance of seeking help, the development of coping mechanisms, and the role of support systems in navigating daily challenges.If you or someone you know is navigating the dark roads of depression, this episode is a must-listen, filled with insights, strategies, and a reminder that by being honest about your experience, you can make others' paths more clear.https://recovery.com/https://givingvoicetodepression.com/Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepressionTerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/
A podcast dedicated to reducing the isolation and stigma of depression, one story at a time. Listen to our latest episode or explore our archive of 400+ episodes.
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