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



Oct 5, 2025



Sep 28, 2025
What is Grief 2
Sep 28, 2025
Sep 28, 2025
34 min
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.
Sep 28, 2025
34 min



Sep 21, 2025
Permission to Exhale w/Shirria McCullough
Sep 21, 2025
Sep 21, 2025
1 hr 2 min
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.
Sep 21, 2025
1 hr 2 min



Aug 29, 2025
What Is Grief?
Aug 29, 2025
Aug 29, 2025
57 min
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.
Aug 29, 2025
57 min



Jun 15, 2025



Jun 8, 2025
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Jun 8, 2025
Jun 8, 2025
38 min
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
Jun 8, 2025
38 min



Jun 1, 2025



May 25, 2025
Playing The Game While Black Womaning
May 25, 2025
May 25, 2025
55 min
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
May 25, 2025
55 min







