Breaking The Mask of Depression

”My voice is your voice.”
The Diva with Depression platform gives insight into the day to day experiences of living with severe depression.
A compelling, look into life being mentally ill while black.
Unfiltered, dark and raw, I expose the stigma and fear associated with mental illness in the Black community.
Indulge in the powerful stories shared on The Breaking the Mask Podcast, where Didi takes the reins as the host, guiding you through an extraordinary maze of emotions. Brace yourself for honest and unfiltered conversations that challenge societal norms, sparking a long-overdue revolution in the way we address mental health.
”My voice is your voice.”
The Diva with Depression platform gives insight into the day to day experiences of living with severe depression.
A compelling, look into life being mentally ill while black.
Unfiltered, dark and raw, I expose the stigma and fear associated with mental illness in the Black community.
Indulge in the powerful stories shared on The Breaking the Mask Podcast, where Didi takes the reins as the host, guiding you through an extraordinary maze of emotions. Brace yourself for honest and unfiltered conversations that challenge societal norms, sparking a long-overdue revolution in the way we address mental health.
Episodes
Episodes



Jul 31, 2026
Gaming For Mental Wellness
Jul 31, 2026
Jul 31, 2026
40 min
In this episode of Breaking the Mask of Depression, host "the diva with depression" welcomes her cousin, professional Super Smash Brothers player Tyrell Coleman (known as "cat"), to explore the connection between gaming and mental health. The host shares her personal struggles with PTSD and depression, while Tyrell discusses his journey in competitive gaming and his experience with panic disorder. Together, they debunk negative stereotypes about gaming, highlight how games like Tetris can help manage PTSD triggers and anxiety, and address online bullying. Tyrell recommends beginner-friendly games for anxiety relief and emphasizes pursuing passion over fame.
Jul 31, 2026
40 min



Jul 17, 2026
We’s Tired
Jul 17, 2026
Jul 17, 2026
33 min
Listen to me talk about how really real Black Fatigue is!
Black Exhaustion - WE'S TIRED!
Jul 17, 2026
33 min



Jul 2, 2026
Guess Who’s Back
Jul 2, 2026
Jul 2, 2026
27 min
It’s been a tough year with surgeries, COVID, relocation, and grief—but I’m still here, still fighting. 💪❤️🩹 I open up about new treatments and the small victories that keep me going. Come listen and hear my story. You’re not alone.
GUESS WHO'S BACK!
Jul 2, 2026
27 min



Feb 1, 2026
Mental Death Sentence
Feb 1, 2026
Feb 1, 2026
52 min
"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
Feb 1, 2026
52 min



Jan 19, 2026
Mentally Ill and Lonely (Throwback Episode)
Jan 19, 2026
Jan 19, 2026
34 min
If "Loneliness is A Sad Affair" resonated with you, listen to this throwback episode: Mentally Ill & Lonely.
Jan 19, 2026
34 min



Jan 11, 2026
Loneliness Is a Sad Affair
Jan 11, 2026
Jan 11, 2026
44 min
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.
Jan 11, 2026
44 min



Nov 2, 2025
Nov 2, 2025
1 hr 4 min
Nov 2, 2025
1 hr 4 min



Oct 20, 2025
Mental Illness and the Homeless Crisis
Oct 20, 2025
Oct 20, 2025
1 hr 5 min
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
Oct 20, 2025
1 hr 5 min







