Breaking The Mask of Depression

"I have a terminal illness. Sentenced to life without parole." - DWD Approximately 3 million people have Major Depressive Disorder. Approximately 30% of them have Treatment Resistant Depression which is defined as failing to respond to at least two adequate antidepressant treatments. New episode: MENTAL DEATH SENTENCE https://pod.link/1572740143 #majordepressivedisorder #treatmentresistantdepression

If "Loneliness is A Sad Affair" resonated with you, listen to this throwback episode: Mentally Ill & Lonely.

In this episode of "Breaking the Mask of Depression," host "the diva with depression" returns after a hiatus to share her personal struggles with depression, grief, health issues, and profound loneliness experienced in 2025. She emphasizes that her podcast is based on lived experience, not medical advice. The episode explores the serious mental and physical health impacts of loneliness, drawing from both personal anecdotes and research, and offers practical suggestions for coping, such as joining groups, volunteering, and seeking therapy, while encouraging listeners to acknowledge and address their own feelings of isolation.

In this episode of "Breaking the Mask of Depression," host Diva with Depression welcomes back Akosua, who shares her powerful story about living with mental illness while being homeless. Akosua discusses caring for a mentally ill parent, who also happens to be a veteran, navigating inadequate support systems, and the realities of living without stable housing. The conversation challenges stereotypes about homelessness and mental health, highlights systemic barriers, and emphasizes resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of sharing honest stories to help others in similar situations. The episode also features practical advice for those facing homelessness and mental health challenges. Source: MENTAL ILLNESS AND THE HOMELESS CRISIS: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-heqjm-199c05d

Akusua Akoto: Spoken Word Performer, Graphic Artist, and Poet.

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Hey Maskers!! In this episode of "Breaking the Mask of Depression, The Diva with Depression explores the many forms of grief beyond physical loss, such as empty nest syndrome, divorce, chronic illness, job loss, and loss of identity. She emphasizes that all grief is valid and can deeply impact mental health, sometimes leading to depression. The Diva encourages listeners to acknowledge their feelings, seek support, and connect with resources like GriefShare. As always, she stresses the importance of open conversations about grief and reminds listeners they are not alone on their journey toward healing. Source: WHAT IS GRIEF: PART 2 https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-5dtmb-1979fe4 https://pod.link/1572740143 grief, depression, mental health, intangible losses, empty nest syndrome, divorce, chronic illness, fertility issues, disabled child, loss of a pet, loss of a first love, job loss, loss of faith, loss of identity, support groups, GriefShare, coping mechanisms, emotional support, personal experience, healing, self-esteem, community resources, mental health stigma, grief stages, mourning, personal stories, valid feelings, hope, resilience, mental well-being, coping strategies, life changes, emotional struggles, loss of connection, support systems, mental health discussions, breaking the silence, podcast, Diva with Depression, personal journey, encouragement, self-care, community support.

Hey Maskers!! In this episode of "Breaking the Mask of Depression, The Diva with Depression welcomes licensed clinical social worker Sherri’s McCullough. https://www.instagram.com/mentalwellnessccs?igsh=b3RtMWRteHFtaHNy They discuss the unique mental health challenges faced by Black women and Gen Z’s in the Black community, including identity, trauma, and the pressures of the "superwoman" role. Shirria shares her culturally sensitive, individualized approach to therapy, emphasizing self-discovery, boundary-setting, and empowerment. The conversation also touches on generational differences, the importance of representation in therapy, and practical self-care. Shirria offers resources and advice for those seeking healing and balance in their lives. Source: PERMISSION TO EXHALE W/SHIRRIA MCCULLOUGH: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-9ac95-196ee6d https://pod.link/1572740143 mental health, depression, anxiety, Black women, Gen Z, people of color, culturally sensitive therapy, multi-generational trauma, identity issues, motherhood, marriage, self-care, boundaries, toxic relationships, therapy, licensed clinical social worker, Sheria McCullough, millennial Black women, life transitions, adulthood, cultural challenges, Black therapists, superwoman syndrome, empowerment, healing, self-discovery, CBT, DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, family systems therapy, therapeutic relationship, COVID-19 pandemic, social awareness, emotional health, self-care workbook, ambitious Black mom, virtual therapy, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, mental wellness, self-identity, personal growth, trauma-informed care, setting boundaries, communication skills, mental load, health advocacy, cultural context, boundary-setting, emotional validation, self-empowerment, coping strategies, self-reflection, personal development, mental health stigma, therapeutic advice, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, self-acceptance, identity exploration, support systems.

In this episode of Breaking the Mask of Depression, The Diva with Depression shares a raw, personal exploration of grief after losing multiple loved ones. She distinguishes between grief and grieving, discusses the many forms loss can take, and highlights the emotional and physical impacts of mourning. Drawing from her own struggles with depression, she emphasizes that everyone grieves differently and urges listeners to seek support, reject judgment, and honor their unique process. The episode blends candid storytelling with practical advice, offering comfort and validation to anyone navigating the complexities of loss. Source: WHAT IS GRIEF: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-qbkip-194c706 https://pod.link/1572740143 grief, depression, mental health, loss, grieving process, emotional response, complicated grief, traumatic grief, cumulative grief, exaggerated grief, masked grief, abbreviated grief, delayed grief, disenfranchised grief, grief brain, emotional regulation, community support, coping mechanisms, personal stories, mental illness, self-care, vulnerability, empathy, support groups, grief support, podcast, Breaking the Mask of Depression, the diva with depression, Yvette, Grad School FM Touring, emotional journey, healing, compassion, coping strategies, grief symptoms, physical manifestations of grief, grief insights, grief narrative, grief experiences, mental health struggles, emotional pain, grief and loss, life changes, grief timeline, supportive relationships, navigating grief, connection, resilience, sharing experiences, understanding grief.

Broken Children Breaking the Mask of Depression: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Welcome to another episode of Breaking the Mask of Depression with your host, Diva with Depression. In this episode, I dig deep into the topic of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their long-lasting impact on mental health. I share personal experiences and discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing trauma from childhood. Key Topics Covered: The current state of the world and its impact on mental health The concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Different types of trauma and their sources: household, community, and environment The importance of acknowledging and validating personal trauma The ACE quiz and its significance The connection between mental and physical health The importance of trauma-informed care and therapy How to recognize signs of trauma in children and adults Practical steps to take if you or someone you know is struggling with trauma Resources Mentioned: ACE Quiz: [Link to ACE Quiz] Trauma-informed care and therapy options EMDR therapy for trauma and PTSD Call to Action: If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit from it. Let's spread awareness and support each other in our journeys towards healing. Don't forget to leave a review and let us know if there are any topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes. Connect with Us: Website: https://www.divawithdepression.com/ Instagram: @divawdep Thank you for listening and supporting Breaking the Mask of Depression. Stay peaceful, be kind, and remember that everyone is fighting their own battles. Take care! #MentalHealth #Trauma #ACEs #Depression

Breaking the Mask of Depression is digging deep into the challenges Black women face in corporate America with our special guest, @nicolespalmer From toxic bosses to systemic racism, we uncover it all. Don't miss this powerful conversation! Share this episode so YOU can start the conversation with your circle. Breaking the Mask of Depression: https://pod.link/1572740143 #BreakingTheMaskOfDepression #BlackWomenInCorporateAmerica

From bed-bound days to finding small victories, living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a rollercoaster. Join me on Breaking the Mask of Depression as I share my story and offer support to those going through similar struggles. Let's navigate this journey together. If you or someone you know is struggling with #chronicfatiguesyndrome please share this episode. https://pod.link/1572740143