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In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we explore the profound impact of generational trauma, particularly within Native American communities. Our guest Mark Powless discusses how historical trauma—stemming from events like land loss, and the forced assimilation through boarding schools—continues to affect Indigenous peoples today.

Mark reflects on his upbringing on the Oneida Reservation, where substance abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma were normalized. It wasn't until he left the reservation for college that he began to recognize these issues as a reflection of deeper historical wounds. These traumas, often passed down through generations, have altered how Native people view themselves, their communities, and their place in the world.

Mark delves into the specific trauma caused by boarding schools, which sought to erase Indigenous culture and replace it with Western norms, often through physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. He shares the personal story of his great-grandfather, who was a victim of this system but never spoke about his trauma, a silence that hindered healing for subsequent generations. Mark also describes how this unresolved pain manifested in behaviors like anger and substance abuse.

A key moment in the episode is when Mark recounts how a seemingly small event—his son being told to cut his hair for school—triggered a flood of painful memories and realizations about the ongoing effects of cultural erasure. In Native American culture, long hair holds deep cultural significance, and cutting it is a symbolic act of severing ties with one's identity and community.

Mark emphasizes that healing from such trauma is an ongoing process that requires both individual and collective effort. He shares his own journey of healing through Indigenous practices, such as sweat lodges, and how he works to model a healthier approach to mental wellness for his children. Ultimately, Mark stresses the importance of acknowledging and discussing trauma as part of the healing process, both for individuals and for entire communities.

The episode underscores the importance of understanding generational trauma in order to break cycles of pain and promote healing. It also highlights the need for compassionate listening and patience in addressing the mental health challenges that arise from such deep-rooted wounds.

Links to more information, provided by Mark:
Oneida Nation Website  https://oneida-nsn.gov/
Resources Mark recommends to learn more: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Woman-Lives-Roberta-Capasso/dp/1483443469
https://www.amazon.com/Boarding-School-Seasons-American-1900-1940/dp/0803264054
Healing the Soul Wound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKVTzJYyyRY

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In the podcast episode "How Can We Support Veterans," co-hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz focus on the mental health challenges faced by veterans and how society can better support them. Dr. Donald Sanz, a combat veteran and psychologist, shares insights from both his personal and professional experiences.

Key points discussed include:

1. Understanding Veterans' Experiences: Veterans come from diverse backgrounds and face unique challenges upon returning home. Many struggle with trauma and mental health issues, often feeling disconnected from society.
2. Support Strategies: The hosts emphasize three main ways to support veterans:
   • Listen: Be available to hear their stories when they're ready to share.
   • Observe: Pay attention to their behavior and mood to better understand their needs.
   • Encourage: Urge them to access available resources and services that can aid in their transition back to civilian life.
3. Community Involvement: Neighbors and coworkers can show support by welcoming veterans, expressing gratitude for their service, and making it clear that help is available.
4. Accessing Resources: Veterans often miss out on valuable resources during their transition. Families should familiarize themselves with local services to help veterans navigate medical, educational, and financial support.
5. Patience is Key: Reintegration takes time, and offering patience can be crucial as veterans adapt back to civilian life.

The episode aims to foster understanding and normalize conversations around veteran mental health, encouraging listeners to actively support those who have served.

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 In the podcast episode "Veterans Mental Health Overview," we explore the mental health challenges faced by veterans, emphasizing the need for societal support and understanding. Our guest, Dr. Donald Sanz, a psychologist specializing in trauma, shares his experiences as a veteran and his transition into mental health care. He highlights the readjustment issues veterans encounter upon returning home, such as social reintegration, job transitions, and the need for self-structure.

Dr. Sanz explains that while not all veterans develop mental health conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common issue, characterized by symptoms like intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, mood changes, and heightened arousal. 

The episode underscores the importance of recognizing when functioning is affected, often noted by feedback from friends and family. The discussion aims to foster understanding and support for veterans, with a promise of further exploration of the specific things we as a society can do to better support and respect veterans, in the next episode. 

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In this episode of "How Routines Can Support Your Mental Health," we explore the transformative power of routines in maintaining mental health, featuring guest Paul Marlow, a former athlete and mental health advocate. Paul shares his journey from a deep depression to recovery, emphasizing how structured morning and evening routines have been crucial for his mental well-being.

Paul discusses the importance of starting each day with small wins, such as making his bed, which builds confidence and sets a positive tone. He highlights the critical role of sleep, revealing how tracking his sleep patterns helped him understand and improve his rest, ultimately leading to better mental health.

The episode delves into Paul's specific routines, which include journaling, meditation, and mindful mornings without immediately reaching for his phone. Terry and Bridget echo the sentiment that even small accomplishments can have a significant impact on one’s mental state.

Additionally, Paul addresses the importance of therapy and self-care practices, like exercise and nutrition, framing them as essential components of a holistic approach to mental health. He encourages listeners to view therapy as a valuable tool for everyone, emphasizing that progress may include setbacks, but persistence is key.

Ultimately, the conversation underscores that everyone’s routines will differ, but finding what works for you—like Paul’s approach—can lead to improved mental health and a more fulfilling life.

https://weareneveralone.co/

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In this episode of the "Giving Voice to Depression" podcast, we introduce guest Paul Marlow, who shares his journey through depression and mental health challenges. Paul, an athletic and confident individual, experienced a significant decline in his mental health after a series of traumatic events starting in 2017. He describes grappling with PTSD, anxiety, and profound feelings of emptiness, detailing how these conditions often went unnoticed by those around him.

Paul's story highlights the stigma associated with mental illness, as he illustrates how his outward appearance contradicted his internal struggles. He candidly recounts moments of despair, such as crying in the shower and feeling a complete lack of joy for years. Despite these challenges, Paul emphasizes the importance of honesty, both with oneself and others, in the healing process.

Throughout the discussion, Paul reflects on the transformative nature of his experience, acknowledging that while it was difficult, it ultimately led to personal growth and a deeper understanding of himself. He credits his recovery to establishing a morning routine, focusing on nutrition, exercise, and therapy, which helped him regain confidence and manage his mental health more effectively.

The episode concludes with an acknowledgment of the importance of open conversations about mental health and an invitation for listeners to learn more about Paul's methods in a future episode. Overall, the discussion aims to normalize the experience of depression and encourage individuals to seek help and share their stories.

Learn more about Paul and the resources he's created: https://weareneveralone.co/

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In the podcast episode "The Importance of Baby Steps," Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz discuss the profound journey of Jenni, a guest who battled nearly a decade of persistent depression following a series of traumatic life events. The conversation highlights the overwhelming nature of depression, which can make even small steps seem daunting. Jenni recounts her struggles, including chronic pain, the loss of loved ones, and a deteriorating marriage, emphasizing how these factors compounded her depression.

The episode emphasizes the significance of taking "baby steps" towards recovery, which Jenni began to implement as she sought to reclaim her life. Despite the challenges, she focused on small, manageable actions—such as reading uplifting memoirs, attending social events, and engaging in creative pursuits—that gradually helped her regain hope and energy. Ultimately, Jenni shares how these incremental efforts led her to a breakthrough, symbolized by finding a new home she refers to as her "house of peace."

Throughout the discussion, Terry and Anita stress the importance of self-care and maintaining hope, particularly for those currently struggling with depression. They highlight that while recovery is a long and challenging process, it is possible through consistent, small actions. The episode concludes with a message of encouragement, underscoring that joy and peace can emerge even after prolonged periods of darkness, and that listeners should believe in their potential for healing.

Jenni's Facebook page- Barefoot, Brave and Bold:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565516246115

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"Living Every Day with the Monster of Depression" features a candid conversation with guest Didi Hairston, who shares about her lifelong struggle with depression. Didi refers to her depression as "The Monster," a metaphor she uses to illustrate the pervasive and often overwhelming nature of her illness. 

She discusses her early experiences with depression stemming from childhood trauma, her experience with postpartum depression after the births of her children, and her ongoing battle with severe major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression.

Didi emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexity of living with chronic depression, explaining that she often functions in this darkness while raising her children and managing her life and businesses. 

She advocates for open conversations about mental health, particularly within black and brown communities, stressing that it's okay to seek therapy and medication rather than relying solely on faith or prayer for healing.

Through her online platform as the "Diva with Depression," Didi aims to normalize  conversations about chronic mental illness as she offers support, and help others who may feel isolated in their struggles.

The episode highlights the duality of experiencing moments of joy while living with depression, the challenges of loneliness, and the need for collective responsibility in supporting those facing mental health challenges.

Ultimately, it conveys a message of hope and understanding, acknowledging that even in the depths of depression, one can find ways to cope and function.

Link to more information on Didi Hairston and her mental health advocacy: https://www.divawithdepression.com/my-story

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In the podcast episode titled "Recovering from the Trauma of a Natural Disaster," hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz welcome Tara Pyfrom, who shares her harrowing experience during Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which devastated her family’s home in the Bahamas.

Tara recounts the terrifying moments when she and her family (she, her wife, their 6-year-old daughter and 5 dogs) sought refuge in their attic as rising floodwaters threatened their lives.

Tara has faced significant challenges in dealing with PTSD and depression in the aftermath. She emphasizes the importance of finding ways to process trauma, including writing and therapy, which played a critical role in her recovery.

While still grappling with the impacts of her experience, Tara shares that she has found happiness again, illustrating that healing from trauma is a gradual journey that requires patience and continuous steps forward.

The episode encourages listeners to acknowledge their struggles, seek help, and embrace creative outlets as tools for healing.to follow.

A link to Tara's website with information about her book: https://tarapyfrom.com/about-me

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In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz revisit an interview with Bob, a suicide attempt survivor who shares his profound journey from despair to hope. The episode is particularly timely as it concludes Suicide Prevention Month.

Bob recounts his past struggles with depression and a suicide attempt. He describes how he felt like a burden to those around him and how his struggles seemed insurmountable. 

An impactful turning point came when he was unexpectedly touched by the compassion of a nurse who showed him genuine care and support during his recovery in the hospital. This experience made Bob reconsider his worth and helped lead him to a path of healing.

The episode highlights Bob’s commitment to recovery, including his intensive therapy regimen and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and the value of maintaining a routine and reaching out for support when needed.

Bob's story underscores that recovery is possible and that even after a suicide attempt, one can find fulfillment and happiness. The episode concludes with Terry and Anita reflecting on Bob's journey and the crucial messages of hope, support, and self-worth that it conveys.

The podcast serves as a reminder of the importance of discussing mental health openly and seeking help, reinforcing that recovery is possible and that each person deserves to live a fulfilling life despite their struggles.

Post-Hospitalization Risks episode referenced: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032100/13540572

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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

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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