In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Eric shares his deeply personal journey of living under the crushing weight of depression and how he found a path toward healing. Instead of fighting against his pain, Eric discovered the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, which allowed him to engage with his depression in a new, compassionate way. Through personifying his struggle as a “boulder” and learning to soften toward the parts of himself he once rejected, Eric uncovered resilience, rootedness, and a renewed sense of hope.
Listeners will hear how acceptance, rather than resistance, opened the door to healing and how reframing depression as a protective force instead of an enemy helped Eric move forward with faith and curiosity. This conversation is a reminder that healing from depression is not about eradicating symptoms but learning to live with compassion for all parts of ourselves.
Primary Topics Covered:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the episode and mission of the podcast
01:13 – Eric describes the crushing weight of depression
02:22 – Signs of emerging from a prolonged depressive period
04:28 – The importance of allowing grief and honest feelings
05:37 – Eric’s metaphor of depression as a boulder
07:40 – The added burden of shame in depression
09:28 – Moving from intellectualizing depression to emotional “heartwork”
10:04 – Discovering Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy
12:47 – Personifying depression as “Atlas” holding the boulder
14:12 – Reframing depression through compassion and acceptance
15:38 – Eric finds faith, rootedness, and curiosity
18:19 – The power of grace and self-compassion in healing
20:10 – Letting go of expectations and embracing groundedness
23:45 – Reflections on diagnosis, stigma, and compassion for differences
25:32 – Understanding feelings as information and depression’s role in deepening care
27:04 – Closing thoughts on resilience, growth, and ongoing healing
Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/
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