The podcast episode "Recovery is Worth the Hard Work" from Giving Voice to Depression highlights Renee's personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma and depression through extensive emotional and psychological work.

Co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz introduce the episode by emphasizing the importance of sharing lived experiences to offer hope for those suffering from depression.

Renee, who was first featured on this podcast five years prior, reflects on her transformation over the past decade, focusing on group therapy, art therapy, and the hard emotional labor of facing past trauma. She explains how group therapy, where participants share similar experiences, provided validation and support. Art therapy also allowed her to express emotions for which words were insufficient.

Renee candidly discusses how depression, especially in her younger years, led to suicidal ideation and an attempt that resulted in hospitalization. Today, however, she emphasizes that while recovery is difficult, it is possible through hard work. Renee explains how her life and mindset have dramatically shifted, moving from a place of passivity and masking her emotions to becoming confident and proactive in her mental health.

She acknowledges that depression can make hope seem distant, but insists that change and healing are achievable if individuals commit to the necessary effort.

The episode stresses that recovery requires consistent work, whether through therapy, boundaries, or other forms of self-care. Renee uses the metaphor of cleaning out a messy closet—healing can be chaotic and painful, but the result is worth the effort. She also notes that her mental health improvements have positively impacted her physical health, highlighting the mind-body connection.

The hosts end by emphasizing that recovery isn't about simply overcoming depression but about actively working toward change. Through Renee’s story, they encourage listeners to recognize that while the journey is challenging, the reward is a better, healthier life.

Renee's earlier episode:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032100/13540497

If you wrote a song, in the depths of depression -- about your depression-- what would it sound like?

Singer/songwriter Demetra Prochaska wrote a hauntingly beautiful song called "i am not okay," that is both a call for help and a musical tribute to the depths of depression's darkness.

Demetra shares her experience with depression, which began in her early teens, coinciding with her parents' divorce. She talks about her struggles, including a ten-month stay in a residential treatment center and the challenges she faced during the pandemic in 2020.

The episode highlights Demetra's coping mechanisms, such as seeking help from trusted adults and learning to check in with herself daily. Her journey is also expressed through her music, particularly the song she shares here, capturing her raw emotions during a dark period.

Demetra's journey emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support, the power of feeling heard, and the therapeutic value of music. It concludes with a full play of "i am not okay," offering listeners a poignant reflection on the realities of living with depression.

To hear more of Demetra's music, check out her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijatOUHQY9g-hjS4_mBzqQ

This episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, titled "Dude, You're Depressed!" features Ted Perry, a television news anchor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sharing his personal experience with depression. Ted initially hesitated to listen to this podcast, fearing it would be depressing. However, after researching it for a story, he began to reflect on his own struggles and the value of sharing our stories.

Ted discusses his long battle with depression, which he believes began in his late teens. He shares how he resisted seeking help initially, despite encouragement from a friend, but eventually sought therapy after his father's death. Therapy and medication became crucial tools in his recovery, allowing him to manage his depression.

Ted emphasizes the importance of hope, protective factors like exercise, pets, and faith, and the need to build a personal toolbox of coping strategies. He also talks about the stigma surrounding depression and how it caused him to hide his struggles for years, leading to regrets about lost time and missed relationships.

Throughout the episode, Ted stresses that depression is not a character flaw, and he encourages others to seek help and maintain hope during their darkest times. The podcast aims to provide comfort, understanding, and hope to those affected by depression.