In this deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Cara from Belfast, Northern Ireland, opens up about her journey through years of darkness — from living with untreated depression as a teen to finally finding validation, healing, and light through therapy.Cara describes depression not as constant sadness but as a suffocating grayness — a loss of color, motivation, and meaning. After multiple suicide attempts and years of feeling numb, she reached a breaking point in 2021 and took one small but life-saving step: emailing a local counselor.Therapy helped Cara recognize the impact of her childhood trauma and validate her pain for the first time. While progress wasn’t linear, she learned to celebrate small wins — sitting up in bed, taking a shower, or savoring a coffee — and to document her “happy days” as proof that joy returns.Co-hosts Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz unpack Cara’s insights about resilience, the importance of reframing thoughts, and the courage it takes to hold on when life feels unbearable.This episode is for anyone who feels like depression will never end — and a reminder that even the smallest flicker of light can guide you through the darkest night.Primary Topics Covered:The emotional reality of depression: numbness, sadness, and emptinessRecognizing depression as a legitimate illness, not a weaknessThe role of therapy in naming and healing traumaHow validation can transform self-perceptionReaching out for help during a suicidal crisisThe non-linear path of depression recoveryFinding gratitude and meaning after traumaThe power of peer support and shared understandingJournaling and photography as tools for emotional resilienceBuilding hope through small daily acts and self-compassionTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why real stories of depression matter01:25 – Meet Cara: Finding euphoria after surviving darkness02:36 – Describing depression as grayness, emptiness, and numbness04:30 – Understanding depression as an illness, not a character flaw05:06 – Early signs of depression during teenage years06:31 – The turning point: Recognizing trauma and seeking therapy07:18 – The healing mess: unpacking pain in therapy09:04 – Validating trauma and learning self-compassion09:37 – The night Cara reached out for help11:52 – Taking the first small step: emailing a therapist12:26 – How therapy revealed the ups and downs of recovery13:32 – Flashes of light: noticing small moments of peace14:21 – Finding happiness in small things — a hug, coffee, or sunshine15:14 – Journaling and documenting “happy days” as proof of hope16:17 – Holding on one day at a time18:19 – Insights on depression, patience, and perspective20:31 – How reframing thoughts helps shift hopelessness22:06 – Final reflections: You deserve to live and to be happyExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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