In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jennifer shares her decades-long journey with severe depression, including the struggle to find effective medications, her coping tools for surviving dark times, and the importance of support and connection.
Jennifer describes how depression robs her of joyful experiences, yet she continues searching for treatments—from antidepressants to TMS and ECT—that provide relief. She also shares how knitting, pacing, and making small daily connections have helped her resist depression’s pull and even support high school students facing their own challenges.
This powerful conversation highlights the realities of living with depression, the resilience required to keep fighting, and the hope that emerges when we share our stories.
Primary Topics Covered:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression
01:28 – Why Jennifer decided to share her story
03:34 – Loneliness, medical leave, and finding comfort in voices
04:21 – First experiences of depression and early diagnosis
05:23 – Long and frustrating journey with medications
06:34 – Living with trial and error in depression treatment
07:32 – Strength in surviving when tomorrow feels unbearable
07:53 – How depression feels like being controlled by an outside force
08:59 – What depression has taken away: joy and experiences
09:54 – The role of her supportive partner
10:20 – Why being alone can give depression more power
11:08 – Coping strategies: knitting, pacing, and distraction
12:09 – Using lived experience to connect with students
13:24 – How she stopped self-harming and advice for others
13:51 – The importance of small connections in reducing stigma
15:05 – Reflection on what depression robs us of
16:25 – Jennifer’s update on TMS and ECT treatments
17:17 – The resilience required to keep searching for hope
18:31 – Closing thoughts and invitation to continue the conversation
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