Education alone doesn’t end stigma—stories do.
In this powerful conversation, world-renowned stigma researcher Dr. Patrick Corrigan explains why sharing personal stories of lived experience is the most effective way to fight mental health stigma.
Instead of relying on lectures or statistics, Corrigan’s research shows that real-life “on the way down and on the way up” stories—of both struggle and recovery—help people see depression and other mental health conditions with compassion and hope.
Corrigan also shares his own story of living with mental illness, explains why authenticity reduces shame, and explores how stigma is best understood as a social justice issue led by people with lived experience—not just professionals.
This episode is both a call to action and a reassurance: your voice matters, and your story could change someone else’s life.
Primary Topics Covered:
Timestamps
00:11 Introduction and welcome
01:30 Mission of Giving Voice to Depression and this episode’s focus
02:24 Guest introduction: Dr. Patrick Corrigan, leading stigma researcher
03:16 Why education about “mental illness as brain disease” doesn’t reduce stigma
03:54 The power of face-to-face interactions and recovery stories
04:29 “On the way down” and “on the way up” stories for balance and hope
05:10 Corrigan shares his personal story of mental illness and recovery
06:29 Why authenticity reduces shame and creates “me too” moments
07:51 Comparisons with the LGBTQ+ movement and visibility
08:09 The risks and benefits of disclosing mental illness
09:13 Reframing the “dirty laundry” narrative—gifts that come with mental health struggles
10:06 Why stigma must be understood as a social justice issue
10:39 The importance of lived experience in leading anti-stigma efforts
11:49 Why disclosure must be a personal, well-considered choice
12:44 Honest, Open, Proud program: safe ways to share your story
13:59 Using podcasts and third-party stories to test safe disclosure
15:04 Dr. Anita on the energy drain of hiding vs. the freedom of authenticity
16:24 Recognizing the gifts of empathy, gratitude, and compassion from lived experience
17:15 The goal: not just resilience, but thriving and social change
18:09 Call to action: listener voices needed for future stigma episodes
18:45 Closing reminders: speak up if you’re struggling, listen if someone else is
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