In this episode, we talked about:
- Recognizing depression as a real and treatable illness
- The importance of support from friends, family, and understanding colleagues
- Counseling, therapy, and antidepressants as treatment options
- How depression can lead to self-awareness, purpose, and life direction
- Practical strategies for self-care, mindfulness, and living in the present
Listen to the full episode now:
“Depression is not who you are—it is an illness that is leaching off you, and it can be treated.”
Timestamp:
- 0:00 intro + tw: depression, sexual assault
- 3:51 how did I overcome depression and how you can do it
- 4:11 step 1: admitting and accept that you have a problem
- 6:04 step 2: the power of opening up + having a support system
- 11:40 step 3: therapies and medications are available
- 20:30 step 4: through trial and error, you CAN get better
- 20:59 step 5: through lots of self-discovery, and learning about life
- 22:15 how has depression changed my life
- 22:29 influenced the biggest decision i’ve made then
- 23:50 shaped my purpose and direction in life
- 24:51 learned to appreciate the little things in life
- 25:29 learned to love myself better
- 27:44 taught me to be a better friend
- 28:55 learned to live in the present
- 30:28 summary
- 31:19 outro
“When you are going through depression, it feels like the darkest place in the world—but it can also be the start of a new beginning for yourself.”
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- My Depression Story: https://youtu.be/7CgKaefPoyQ
- My SSRI Experience: https://youtu.be/DcFcTHIvCm0
- List of Malaysia Government and NGO Counselling Centres: https://www.lookp.com/blog/government-and-ngo-counselling-centres
- Find a Helpline near you: https://findahelpline.com/
Detailed Summary:
Introduction
Depression can feel like a life sentence, but it can also be a turning point toward self-discovery and growth. In this episode of Small Girl Big Talk, Wendy shares how her experience with depression transformed her life, giving her perspective, purpose, and a deeper connection with herself and others.
Overcoming Depression: Awareness, Support, and Treatment
Wendy emphasizes the importance of recognizing depression as a real illness, separate from one’s identity. Accepting the problem and reframing it as something treatable was the first step toward healing. She also highlights the value of opening up to trusted friends, family, and colleagues, which provided her with a crucial support system during dark times.
Treatment Options and the Journey to Neutral
Wendy breaks down the main approaches to managing depression: counseling, therapy, and antidepressants. She explains that while therapy and counseling help process emotions and develop coping strategies, antidepressants can regulate mood to a neutral state, providing a foundation from which recovery can grow. Recovery is gradual and often requires combining multiple approaches, along with self-reflection and lifestyle adjustments.
Life Lessons From the Other Side
Through her depression journey, Wendy shares how her life changed positively:
- Choosing to stay in Malaysia to have a meaningful impact in mental health awareness.
- Gaining clarity on her purpose and direction, guiding her career and life choices.
- Learning to appreciate simple daily moments with family and loved ones.
- Developing self-love, gentleness, and mindfulness about triggers.
- Becoming a more compassionate and patient friend and supporter for others.
- Embracing the present, letting go of past regrets, and reducing anxiety about the future.
Conclusion
This episode is a hopeful reminder that even in the darkest moments, recovery is possible. By seeking help, opening up to others, and taking steps toward self-care, you can rebuild your life, find purpose, and learn to live fully in the present. Depression doesn’t define you—it can become the catalyst for growth, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for life.
