© 2026 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace St.
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6


Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Differing shades of blue wavering throughout the image
Give Now
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Be Better

Defining Depression

Published September 15, 2026 at 4:44 PM EDT
Ways To Subscribe
M.K.

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, and it affects a large percentage of the population. Carolyn Kirkwood of Kirkwood Therapy and Wayne Brown of Willow Grove Counseling help us understand how it shows up in our lives. If you or someone you know struggles with depression, Richard Tippett of Sanctuary Counseling wants you to know that you are just as stunning as a piece of art, no matter what it is you’re working through. Our mental health battles do not make us broken and can’t touch our value.

Be Better 2026
Latest Episodes
  • Defining Trauma
    On this episode of Be Better, we start exploring the complex world of trauma with the guidance of Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald. As the author of Unbroken: The Trauma Response Is Never Wrong, Dr. McDonald has the expertise we need to better understand our incredible biological trauma response.
  • Spending Time with Trauma: With Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald
    On this special segment of Be Better, I speak with the author of Unbroken: The Trauma Response is Never Wrong. In this full interview, Dr. McDonald touches on various topics from her book, such as PTSD, trauma, neurobiology, triggers, and more!
  • Caring For Yourself
    On this episode of Be Better, we explore the intentional act of self-care with the help of Licensed Master Social Worker Deja Middlebrook. It’s essential we make the time to love ourselves in order to best show up for ourselves and others.
  • Defining Anxiety
    In this episode of Be Better, we explore anxiety with clinical support from Licensed Clinical Social Worker Carolyn Kirkwood and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Wayne Brown. We all aim to come together in solidarity around our worries.
  • Clinician or Counselor?
    On this episode of "Be Better," we explore some mental health terminology with additional insight from Licensed Clinical Social Worker Carolyn Kirkwood. Better understanding the language can help you better understand the journey!
  • Better Understanding Shame
    On this episode of Be Better, we spend some time with the term “shame” with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Wayne Brown and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Richard Tippett. We all deal with it, so let’s understand it better!
  • I Am Ok As I Am
    On this episode of Be Better, we dive deeper into the idea of self-acceptance with the help of Licensed Mental Health Counselor Richard Tippett. We are more than what we are going to therapy for!
  • Find Your Fit
    On this episode of Be Better, we provide reassurance on your journey to finding a therapist, with the advice of Licensed Mental Health Counselor Richard Tippett. If at first you don’t succeed, try again!
  • Therapy is Okay!
    On this episode of Be Better, we advocate for therapy with the help of Licensed Mental Health Counselor Richard Tippett. Going to therapy does not mean you’re broken!
  • The Prequel
    On this episode of Be Better, we speak with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Krysta Mannion about celebrating Pride Month by accepting who you are!