Depression Recovery Journey: Finding the Right Therapy After Childhood Trauma

What happens when traditional therapies don’t work? For many people living with depression, the path to healing isn’t straightforward. In this candid conversation, Renee shares her decades-long depression recovery journey shaped by childhood trauma, failed therapies, and the eventual discovery of support systems that finally helped her heal.

From surviving sexual abuse and risky behaviors to discovering the power of group therapy and art therapy, Renee’s story is a testament to persistence — and a reminder that recovery from depression is possible when you find what works for you.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, hopeless, or convinced that nothing will help, this episode offers hope, validation, and encouragement to keep searching.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence lifelong mental health
• Renee’s early experiences with depression and self-harm
• Why talk therapy and medication didn’t work for her at first
• The role of a judge in redirecting her toward help
• The impact of disclosing childhood sexual abuse
• Why depression was a symptom of unresolved trauma
• Discovering group therapy as a safe and validating space
• Art therapy as a tool for expression and healing
• Learning coping skills and identifying triggers
• Why no single therapy works for everyone
• Encouragement to persist in finding the right support

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction  
01:02 – Depression recovery is possible, even if it feels hopeless  
01:20 – Renee’s early trauma and family history of suicide  
03:23 – Childhood self-harm and first hospitalization  
03:57 – Failed attempts with talk therapy and medication  
04:38 – Risky behaviors and intervention from a judge  
05:37 – Disclosure of childhood sexual abuse during therapy  
06:37 – The long-lasting impact of trauma on mental health  
07:28 – Realizing depression was a symptom of unresolved trauma  
08:29 – Taking the scary first step into a survivor support group  
09:27 – Discovering art therapy as a healing practice  
10:32 – Learning coping skills and recognizing triggers  
11:57 – The value of peer support in group therapy  
13:12 – Why healing isn’t one-size-fits-all  
14:11 – Encouragement: your depression is not your fault  
15:44 – Why speaking up about your struggles matters  
16:34 – Survivor’s manifesto and closing reflections  

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
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Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/