
Giving Voice to Depression
Depression affects more than 375,000,000 worldwide. So, if you don't have it yourself, you know someone who does. Giving Voice to Depression was founded to start discussions that reduce stigma and promote understanding. We look at depression from many angles. Terry McGuire, a journalist with depression interviews a guest each week about their experience of depression. Some have episodes, others live with the mood disorder chronically. All share things that do and do not help their mental-health management. After the pre-produced/edited guest's story, Terry and cohost/licensed therapist Dr. Anita Sanz comment on the issues presented. The episodes are informative, hopeful and seldom depressing. It's time to shine some light on depression's darkness! Join us.
Giving Voice to Depression
343_It's Hard to Fix Something Broken With Something Broken (Remix)
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In this deeply-relatable episode, Davey shares his journey of living with and managing major depressive disorder and social anxiety. Having reached out after finding solace hearing about previous guests' journeys, Davey hopes his story resonates with listeners who feel isolated by their struggles.
Davey recounts the physical and emotional toll depression took on him, leading to a pivotal moment in 2017 when he sought help after being utterly exhausted and unable to continue. With the support of compassionate doctors and therapists, he began learning how to confront his "enemy"—a term he uses to describe depression—through research, reflection, and trial-and-error with coping mechanisms.
One of the most striking metaphors in the episode comes from Davey's hobby of restoring vintage chainsaws. He describes how clogged components in a chainsaw mirror the mental buildup caused by depression, a vivid image that underscores the importance of addressing internal issues to regain functionality.
Davey also emphasizes the importance of "tools for time"—strategies that help him manage his condition moment by moment. These include hobbies like playing the guitar and restoring chainsaws, which provide small yet meaningful dopamine boosts and distractions from the darkness.
Throughout the episode, Davey reflects on the unhelpful advice well-meaning people often give, comparing it to offering chicken soup to someone recovering from the flu—kind intentions that cannot be digested in the moment. He highlights the value of compassionate listening and understanding over unsolicited advice.
As the episode concludes, Davey shares a message of cautious hope: while depression might not completely disappear, it is possible to live with it, build coping strategies, and find purpose through resilience and connection.
This remix of Davey’s story serves as a reminder that even when life feels broken, there is strength in seeking help, learning, and sharing one's experiences.
https://recovery.com/
https://givingvoicetodepression.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/VoiceDepression
Dr. Anita Sanz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-sanz-746b8223/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/