Giving Voice to Depression

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. 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 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, please listen to and share this 24-minute episode. Jeannine's website: https://www.jeanninerivers.com/

For Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we want to introduce you to suicide-attempt survivor, Jeannine Rivers, We want you to hear her talk about the good and the bad of the life she never would have experienced had she not (barely) survived her attempt. Please take 17 minutes to honor our guest, Jeannine's honesty and vulnerability sharing about her life for to offer hope to others. Jeannine's website: https://www.jeanninerivers.com/

It can be so, so hard when you are in depression's darkness to believe anyone who says "it passes," "it will get better," or even "you are loved and needed." Mark Henick, a suicide-attempt survivor has the lived experience, perspective and empathy to reach out with his message of hope and recovery. He has been there. He knows. Please listen, share, reach out for whatever help and support are available and hold hope for better days. Mark's TEDx Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QoyTmeAYw

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We'll be interviewing attempt survivors to both explore the depths of their despair and hopelessness, AND their recoveries, which include connecting (or reconnecting) with their personal worth and the value of life. In this 26-minute episode guest Mark Henick and Licensed Psychologist Anita Sanz debunk the many misconceptions, myths and lies about the highly stigmatized topic of suicide. Mark's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QoyTmeAYw Mark's book: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/so-called-normal_mark-henick/28860899/#edition=32308913&idiq=53531887 The website Anita mentioned: https://seizetheawkward.org/

Mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make our every "failing" or "weakness" seem huge, pervasive and permanent. Negative self-talk is so familiar, that sometimes it's just easier to believe than the reality that we are making progress, accomplishing things and moving closer to the goal of being mentally stable or healthy. This 23-minute episode features Rebecca Lombardo who lives with bipolar disorder two. She recently turned 50 and was surprised to realize that in the past decade, she has made tremendous strides-- wins she had not taken pride in before that realization. Link to the free Kindle version of Rebecca's book: https://bit.ly/47A7FvO Rebecca's website: www.rebeccaalombardo.com

Rebecca Lombardo fights a battle inside her mind every single day. But she doesn't fight it alone. In this 19-minute episode you'll hear from both Becca and her husband Joe, as they share some of the lessons they've learned in their marriage; lessons about communication, boundaries, love, and Bipolar 2 Disorder. www.rebeccalombardo.com/

There is magic in the words "I've been there. I understand." Especially when speaking to someone who is in a bad place mentally, whether that's high anxiety, a depression, or a mental health crisis. To be the living example of an "other side" to a seemingly hopeless situation is both a privilege and a responsibility. This 19-minute episode is Jordan's story. But it's also a version of lots of people's stories, which is where the hope comes in. People who have been "right where you are" are in different, better, healthier places now, and you can be too.

"Who You Callin' Crazy" is a 25-minute podcast episode that features practical therapy tips for the "little ways" we can make big differences in changing the perceptions, misconceptions and stigma around mental illnesses. Our guest, National Board Certified Counselor and therapist Juliet Kuehnle believes that as the needle shifts on stigma (which Covid helped with,) "we need to learn to embrace the fact that mental health is an integral part of what makes us who we are." Juliet's website: https://suncounselingandwellness.com/juliet-kuehnle/

Fighting "the stigma of mental illness" is not an academic pursuit. It's both a social justice and public health issue. Welcome to the 3rd of our 4-part look at the stigma of mental illness. In this episode, we'll hear from several past guests about the actual real-world, real-life benefits of reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Those benefits include promoting mental wellness and reducing the risk of harm to individuals with diagnoses. We will discuss the positive impacts of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with mental illness and the broader benefits of destigmatizing mental health.

The phrase "stigma of mental illness" is at once overused and misunderstood. What does it really mean? Why does it matter? Why should I care? In the second of four episodes in our monthlong look at how negative associations with mood disorder diagnoses negatively impact those of us who live with them, we ask a number of past guests if stigma is evident to them, and if so, in what ways. www.mhanational.org/b4stage4-philosophy https://www.findthemind.org/articles/why-is-there-so-much-stigma-surrounding-mental-illness

Mental illness is a subject that is often stigmatized and misunderstood. The silence around it can make us feel like we're the only one experiencing it- that we are uniquely flawed. By sharing our stories, we can empower each other and break the stigma. In this podcast episode, we explore the power of personal stories in combating mental illness stigma. We will hear from Dr. Patrick Corrigan, one of the leading stigma researchers, about what does and doesn't work in the fight against stigma, and that stigma needs to be fought as a social justice vs. public health issue. Corrigan also stresses the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment to share stories. By understanding the power of our own stories, and those of others, we can create real and lasting change in our society's understanding of mental illness.

We buy all kinds of insurance to protect ourselves. A Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is "emotional insurance." It can help us recognize when/why we are in a Good Place, and warn us if/when we (or our minds) start to wander into Less-Good Places. A WRAP can also protect us and give us some control in a mental-health crisis. In this episode our cohosts, a licensed psychologist and certified peer specialist continue a step-by-step guide for making a personalized WRAP plan-- something we create when we're well, to speak to and for us when we are not. links: copelandcenter.com/ mentalhealthrecovery.com/info-center/ www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

We plan for all sorts of events and emergencies. We buy insurance. If we know we live in an area prone to tornadoes or hurricanes or floods, we have a plan for how to handle those potential crises. We can (and it's a very good idea) plan for potential mental health challenges and even crises too. Who do you want to help and support you? Who do you not want involved? What are your early warning signs that things are getting worse or nearing a crisis? What triggers or stressors negatively impact your mental health? How can you limit or avoid them? How do you best manage those you can't avoid? How will you (and others) know when you're in crisis? And how will you/they know when you no longer are? These are all great questions. And knowing our own personal answers and writing them down in an organized Wellness Recovery Action Plan (or WRAP) can help us maintain some control even in times that feel out of our control. A licensed psychologist will walk us through the steps of making a plan and give examples and advice to make it easier for you. Here's a link to the plan outline we're following: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

We are encouraged to "do the work" to manage our mental health. We're told to #beheretomorrow. And those are powerful messages! But how often do they include the reminder that we deserve to recover, heal and live for ourselves and not just for others? That distinction is discussed in this 24-minute episode with our guest, Ari Cohen. Families for Depression Awareness site: https://www.familyaware.org/

After losing his father to suicide as a child, an adult Sebastian Slovin embarks on a journey of recovery and discovery. What starts out as an investigation to understand his father's death, ends up providing a deeper understanding of how to live a truer life. This 23-minute remix is a powerful reminder of the fact our lives are intertwined and that even our worst and most-painful experiences may lead to connections and blessings in ways we can't imagine. Learn more about Sebastian and his father in the book "Ashes in the Ocean."

Stigma, shame and the fact depression is still (too) often seen as a weakness or failing, cause many people with the common illness to hide their struggles and pain behind a mask. While in moderation this can be a healthy coping mechanism, it can also be dangerous as it prevents us not only from living as authentic human beings, but also from getting the help and support we need to live healthy, connected lives. In this remixed episode, our guest Andrew Penner speaks eloquently about his mask, while therapist Dr. Anita Sanz takes a big-picture view of the coping strategy. https://thephoenixnarrative.blog/ https://themighty.com/u/andrew-penner/ https://twitter.com/andrewpenner78

Depression "is a persuasive and persuasive condition that completely dominates your thinking." And it lies. Consistently and convincingly. When we accept depressive thoughts as truths, there's no motivation to move forward. Understanding the "illogic of depression" can help us recognize and challenge those lies and to live healthier and fuller lives. Learn some ways to do that this 23-minute episode. https://www.barrywinbolt.com/

If you're a parent with a mental health condition (i.e. depression)you can't hide it from your children. They will notice when you pull away and isolate. They'll notice when you're sad. And when you're angry. And, without a clear, medical explanation, they will often blame themselves for your "mood." This 43-minute episode "Explaining Depression to Children" is an extended version of #255 "Sometimes Daddy Cries." Both are conversations with Todd Rennebohm, a father who lives with depression, anxiety, ADHD and addictions. He has written a children's book to help start much-needed (and avoided) conversations about mental health and mental illness. If you're a parent with depression or the partner, friend or parent of one, we encourage you to listen to this (or the edited version) interview. It could help you help a child. For more info on Todd's book: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.ca%2Fdp%2F0228834678%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1EK4YjfaO4xxgmLXtlCBC_WbnlHc68h0dE195i4Jo9uN_kcQM1Pu_3dWY&h=AT2fpHwX3bRb0p8WABStrWoDn2xCrUBq4BZImYYhSHvVGPz8wkoh5e1VbQybTXAcS3tmBjS4IJYVqYRZDd0gQu-G4yigasNpcoFQTBnvPu7xEHGP8nA_wujgEJNo-hopEG_oBA

Depression is hard to explain. To ourselves, to others, and especially to children. When we're sad or angry and we isolate or lash out, they are likely to be afraid and to think they've done something wrong-- that they caused, or at least contributed to our mood and behaviors. A father who lives with depression and ADHD and is in recovery for addictions wrote a book to help start those needed conversations. It's called "Sometimes Daddy Cries," and in this 19-min episode, we look at the very adult realities behind the children's story. For more information on Sometimes Daddy Cries: https://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-Daddy-Cries-Todd-Rennebohm/dp/0228834678

You may know Darin Olien from his bestselling book SuperLife or his Emmy-award winning Netflix series Down to Earth with Zac Efron. His passion is wellness. And in both his own life, and his parents, he recognizes the fact that mental health and physical health are inextricably intertwined. In this extended interview, Darin dives into the many ways we can manage and protect our overall (which, of course includes our mental) health. If you prefer an edited version, check out the 27-minute long episode 253, Wellness Expert Darin Olien on Mental Health. https://darinolien.com/

If you live with a mental health disorder, you know it has physical symptoms. If your focus, like guest/wellness expert Darin Olien is overall wellness, you know that includes mental health as well. The two cannot be divided. Darin, co-host of the Emmy Award Winning, #1 Netflix docu-series, Down to Earth with Zac Efron and author of the bestselling book SuperLife shares his unique perspectives in this 27-minute episode. He shares both his professional expertise and personal experiences with depression and trauma as we discuss biology and trauma as well as ways we can help manage our mental health. Link to Darin's website: https://darinolien.com/

As a teen, Michelle was told that getting professional help for her mental illnesses would be a stain on her "permanent record" that would prevent her from getting into a prestigious college or worse (in her parents' minds) from finding a husband. So, her bipolar disorder and anxiety went undiagnosed and untreated for decades. Michelle's story is one of stigma, unnecessary pain and ultimate recovery. And who better to advocate for mental health than someone who has had to fight so hard to have her own diagnosed and treated? Michelle's article: www.huffpost.com/entry/asian-amer…e4b02e7a705dae97 Michelle's Blog: www.livingwellhappily.com/

Michelle knew something was wrong. That she was "different." At times she could not distinguish reality from her troubled thoughts. She begged her parents to bring her to a professional to get help. But they were afraid a diagnosis of mental illness would prevent her from getting into a good college or from "finding a husband." So, because of stigma, ignorance and fear, Michelle suffered. Michelle Yang's story is a powerful and important one, and an important reminder that recovery does not happen in the shameful dark. Michelle's Blog: www.livingwellhappily.com/ Michelle's article we referenced: www.huffpost.com/entry/asian-amer…e4b02e7a705dae97

The idea of telling a stranger what we're thinking and feeling can be scary. Or liberating. When is it time to make an appointment? How do we "shop" for a good fit? (Did you know you can often get a free mini-session to ask questions and get a feel of the therapist?) How honest do we need to be (about both ourselves and our relationship with our therapist?) What is ok to say to a therapist? These are all questions we asked a therapist with more than 30 years in the mental health field. This 26-minute episode could save you a lot of time, money and stress.

When your depression is long-lasting it can be easy to believe that since nothing has helped much yet, nothing ever will. Then hope becomes a very difficult thing to hold onto. In the months between our first interview (episode 248- When You Feel Unfixable) and the conversation summarized in this episode, our guest Lori went to a 3-week treatment facility. She learned some new ways of thinking, found some new "tools" for mental health management, and met some people who, like her, live with chronic or persistent depression. She did not get "cured." But she did make and experience some shifts that let some light (albeit pinpricks) and hope return her darkness.

You hear it all the time: Hold on. Like storms, your depression will pass. But what if it doesn't. For millions who experience persistent depressive disorder (PDD,) formerly known as dysthymia, depression can last for months or years. Symptoms of PDD are similar to major depressive disorder (MDD,) but are milder and persistent (chronic.) People with this condition may also have bouts of major depression at times. This week's guest Lori lives with chronic depression. She has also had MDD, and the differences are clear to her. This 25-minute episode describes how being chronically depressed can erode hope, as well as aspects of life. More info: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dysthymia

One of the many things depression and other chronic or invisible illnesses steal from us, is our energy. In this 17-minute episode, we discuss Christine Miserandino's Spoon Theory as a way to both manage and explain our often-limited resources. The theory is a metaphor describing the amount of physical and/or mental energy that a person has available for daily activities and tasks, and how it can become limited. It offers a kind of shorthand for communicating why we need to make choices (i.e. cancelling plans, saying no to opportunities, etc.) The Spoon Theory can help with establishing boundaries and may even help you show yourself a bit more grace.

In his 16 seasons in the NFL (13 with the Philadelphia Eagles and three with the Denver Broncos) Brian Dawkins earned the nickname "Weapon X" and a reputation as one of the league's hardest hitters. Yet when depression was his opponent, Dawkins nearly lost the fight. He retired recently to become a mental-health advocate and philanthropist. He joined GVTD co-host Terry for a candid discussion about how continues to tackle depression. www.briandawkins.com/ betterman.gotothehub.com https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/psychology-of-sport-and-exercise https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mental-health-in-athletes/

In last week's episode we met singer/songwriter/guitarist Matt Weedon, whose honest description of his depression and anxiety was made music, and a hit song at that, by his band The Tors. We focused on the song's first verse and Matt's description of keeping his room dark to match his mood, and about how a dear friend supported him by phone so he knew he wasn't alone. Today, we focus on the second verse of the hit song "Anythng Can Happen" and the day Matt knew he was coming out of it when he not only opened his bedroom window to let in light, but even noticed and enjoyed the birds singing when he did. It's an experience people around the world relate to, and they made that clear by streaming this song in record numbers. The Tors website: tors.band/

What do you get when a singer/songwriter/guitarist decides to share openly and honestly about his struggles with depression and anxiety? In this case, you get a hit song. Matt Weedon of the Tors Band in the UK joins us for a 2-episode conversation about his mental health struggles and how putting them to music is helping not just him, but listeners across the world as well. The Tors website: http://tors.band/

A Philadelphia trauma surgeon whose depression required hospitalization learns what it's like to be a patient. He shares his story in the hopes that others will learn from his frightening experience and believe him when he says recovery is possible, no matter how deeply depressed you are. Article link: medschool.ucsd.edu/som/hear/resour…Perspective.pdf YouTube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qBobGOF0fs&t=5s

"Physician heal thyself." But what happens when depression convinces you you're not worthy of healing? Doctors and other healthcare professionals face uniquely-stressful situations during their education, training and careers. Sleep deprivation, myths and routinely witnessing human suffering can contribute to or trigger depression. In this episode, Dr. Michael Weinstein, a trauma surgeon, candidly and vulnerably discusses his depression, the "revolution" needed in medical training, and his long road to recovery. This remix is the first of a 2-part interview with the doctor. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1715418

A triggering trauma. A deep depression. A helpful therapist. A new hobby and mission. That's part of Kathleen's story and the genesis of The Little Heart Project. This episode is a 22-minute Valentine's Day reminder of the power of kindness.

"About a third of all people experiencing mental illnesses and about half of people living with severe mental illnesses also experience substance abuse. These statistics are mirrored in the substance abuse community, where about a third of all alcohol abusers and more than half of all drug abusers report experiencing a mental illness," according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. That statistic, like all statistics, is about real people. Not numbers. This episode's guest, Donald, is one of those people. And he shares his story of dual diagnosis- living with substance use disorder in addition to depression and anxiety. NAMI re: dual diagnosis: www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Me…l-Diagnosis-FS.pdf

Depression is an illness that convinces us it is not one and that we should keep our symptoms secret. This week's guest, Sandeep Saib, shares about her mental health journey that includes bullying, anger, isolation, eating disorders and OCD, all of which contributed to a suicide attempt. Since then, her family has committed to keeping the lines of communication open and has even devoted regularly scheduled Family Trust Circles. Here is a link to a documentary featuring Sandeep and her family if you would like to learn more about their mental health journey: https://youtu.be/_CQr45tIGC0 Sandeep's social media: link/tag to my socials - Sandeep Saib | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

We don't need to tell anyone listening to this podcast that it can be difficult to care for ourselves when we're mentally ill. Now add in the responsibilities and challenges of parenting. In this 16-minute episode, Michelle, the adult daughter of a mother with bipolar disorder, shares about the unpredictability and pains of that relationship. We've named this "When a Parent Struggles with Mental Illness, Kids Can Struggle Too" for a reason. Michelle, like many children in such situations, suffered. Co-host/therapist Dr. Anita Sanz offers some counsel to parents who want to do right by their children, even when they themselves are feeling "not right." We've linked to some resources below. Related resources: https://www.familyaware.org/ https://www.parents.com/health/mental/how-to-parent-while-depressed/ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/parenting-with-a-mental-health-problem/parenting-and-mental-health/ Michelle's website: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/

Depression is a thief. It takes away our ability to experience joy, leads us to isolate, robs us of opportunities of many kinds, and can take away our sense of value as a human being and even our will to live. This week's guest, Gina Capobianco wrote a memoir about her mental health journey. Just as the time to release and promote it finally arrived, so did debilitating depression. It came on so strong she not only had to cancel those events but go on sick leave from work as well. Gina did this interview from The Pit. She was deep in a depression and, with her care team's permission, decided to talk with us because she believes it's important for people to understand that being sick with depression is as real as being unable to work or otherwise function with any other illness. Gina's website: https://www.ginacapobianco.com/

This episode started with a social media post: "The snippets of happiness you begin to feel again after a dark period become more and more euphoric each time... the raw happiness that I feel after darkness reminds me why I hold on each and every time." We wanted to hear more. In an intimate and candid conversation, Cara McErlain shares some of her mental-health journey. She ends the episode with a realistic and hopeful message, that only someone who'd experienced depression's true darkness could offer.

In the second of two episodes, the Giving Voice to Depression podcast hosts (past and present) look back on 2022 and each selects an episode they learned from and want to bring back to attention. It's a new twist on a year-end review, and we hope you enjoy it. If you remember or were helped by a particular episode last year, we'd love to hear about it. We'll pass along your feedback to the episode's guest.

When we say we learn from our EVERY weekly guest, we mean that from the bottom of our hearts. From the 52 podcast episodes we posted this past year, each of the Giving Voice to Depression co-hosts chose one that stood out for us. In a first-ever triple-hosted episode (Bridget, our retired co-host joined us for the look back) we talk about what we learned from some of our favorite/most-impactful interviews. We invite you to go to givingvoicetodepression.com and record a message telling us if any podcast guest, episode, topic, etc. has stuck with and helped you. We'll pass your comment along to the guest and possibly use it in an upcoming episode. We wish you a gentle and peaceful new year.

You are not required to be "joyful" or "merry" because of the date on the calendar. This is a special Christmas edition of our podcast, written and produced especially for YOU, who are struggling right now. It's only 8-minutes long, and we believe it will resonate with and comfort you as it does us. You are not alone. You do matter. People DO care. It WILL pass. Come hang out on the GIving Voice to Depression Facebook community page today if you need support. John's article, if you'd like a copy or to read vs. hear it is linked here: johnpavlovitz.com/2017/12/24/to-th…-this-christmas/

This is a story of hope. But it's not a pretty story. (TW: selfharm and suicidal ideation) A 23-year-old woman stops during a magical holiday moment to share huge truths with her 14-year-old suicidal self: The fight IS worth it. Things can and do change. You will not always feel the (terrible)way you do right now. And you are NOT alone. It's a holiday message of hope and recovery that we hope you'll listen to, internalize and share. May 2023 bring you peace and mental health.

Whether it's the holidays stressing you out, or life in general, these three research-based, time-tested practices will help you manage yourself and your mental health. They are a gift of sorts, from Dr. Barbara Moser, a trained mindful self-compassion teacher. This episode features a 3-minute STOP exercise, which emphasizes the power of a pause, a 6-minue Calm Practice, and an 8-minute Mindful Self-Compassion Practice. You can download this episode and use any or all of the exercises whenever you need them.

End-of-year holidays can be a celebratory time. Or a stressful time. Or both. Whichever is true for you, it can be a good time to add or tune-up some of the tools in your mental-health toolkit. This episode focuses on mindfulness and self-compassion -- two readily accessible tools that can help us regulate and cope with difficult emotions. And when the holidays pass, these valuable gifts to ourselves will still be available in our self-care and depression-management arsenals. Link to more information, exercises and research: self-compassion.org/ Link to research on mindfulness American Mindfulness Research Association: goamra.org/resources/reviewsmeta-analysis/

The episode has been downloaded more than 7,000 times. Find out why, Dr. Margaret Rutherford recently had Giving Voice to Depression podcast co-host Terry on the SelfWork podcast to talk about the experience of interviewing people with depression for the past six years. Check out this and other episodes of SelfWork here: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/305-selfwork-giving-voice-to-depression-a-conversation-with-podcast-host-terry-mcguire/ Link to Dr. Margaret's website: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/

It's one of the best descriptions we've ever heard for depression: It is a parasite. Depression saps your energy, so you feel more lethargic, which makes you not do things, which makes you feel more guilty, which makes you feel more depressed. Rinse and repeat. Ad nauseam. Today's guest, Dr. Robert Duff uses that metaphor to begin today's episode. He, is a psychologist and author, whose specialty is taking complex psychological issues and breaking them down into plain language, offers some techniques to help manage depression. www.duffthepsych.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

Whether you love or loathe the holidays, they are demanding. At the very least, they demand energy and changes to our schedules. We're expected to engage socially. Or we may feel the weight of disengagement and loneliness. We are bombarded with a lot of "shoulds" from gift-buying to travel down to how we are supposed feel- happy, merry, and festive. And if the holidays come during depression or after a tough year that included it, they can be just. too. much. Today, licensed psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz offers some practical and fun tips for how to protect your mental health these next weeks. The Bingo Card idea offers a unique and amusing way to handle some of the season's challenging social situations. It's pure gold.

Depression convinces us we will always live in its darkness. For some, who experience depression chronically, that is a reality. Some days are better/lighter than others. But there's not a day when you wake and realize it was "an episode" and it has passed. This episode's guest, Didi Hairston, The Diva of Depression (on social media) lives in that dark place. She describes it as "hell." But she wants you to know you can function in hell, and that you are not alone there. This 20-min episode is a peek into Didi's hell. Didi's social media links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_b-kjYo7HjBTgcYS9NuW9Q FB: https://www.facebook.com/divawdepression/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/divawdep IG: https://www.instagram.com/divawdep/

The thoughts we have and the words we chose not only define depression, but predict it. In this episode, we speak with a researcher who anaylyzes online mental health forums and other writing samples. Using computers to analyze the words, he finds a direct connection between "absolutist" words and depression, anxiety and suicide. It's good to know the words so we can recognize them in ourselves and others. www.independent.co.uk/life-style/hea…-a8194731.html

There are people who, after having survived a difficult situation, will share their hard-earned knowledge with others in an effort to help. And there's JJ Singleton. He is still very much "in the thick of it," having just completed his 123rd round of chemo for "terminal, incurable" colorectal cancer. And from that place, he reached out to share a message of hope for other people with cancer and depression. He shares about his mental health journey, stigma (particularly for men,) the value of therapy and the power of distraction. It's an 18-minute episode that will remind you of the power of the human spirit.