Episode Details

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, Avik Chakraborty sits down with Bud Kraus, creator of the podcast Seriously Bud, for a real conversation about living with chronic depression, seasonal affective disorder and suicidal ideation. Bud shares what “silent suffering” looked like for him, why so many people mask pain with humor and what actually helped him move one day at a time. They talk about practical coping tools, getting support without shame, the role of counseling and medication and how purpose and family can shift your relationship with mental health over time. If you’re navigating depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or emotional burnout, this episode focuses on grounded support, honest language and why asking for help is a strength at any age.

Bud Kraus is a long-time educator and creator in the WordPress community and the host of Seriously Bud, a human-story podcast exploring life journeys, resilience and reinvention. He speaks openly about his experience with depression and suicidal ideation and how support systems, creativity and meaning helped him move forward.

• Depression can be chronic and still invisible. Bud describes how people often use a “happy face” while privately struggling with mental health.

• Seasonal shifts can amplify symptoms. He names winter and shorter days as a trigger pattern tied to seasonal affective disorder.

• Normalize asking direct questions. A pivotal moment came when someone finally asked Bud if he had suicidal thoughts, helping him realize those thoughts aren’t “normal” for most people.

• Progress is usually a small pivot, not a miracle moment. Bud points to finding a trusted professional and structured support as a turning point.

• Coping can be practical and personal. For Bud, playing guitar created short-term relief and mental transport when the day felt unmanageable.

• Medication and therapy can be part of a healthy toolkit. He frames both as support options, not moral judgments.

• Purpose can return later than you expect. Bud ties healing to relationships, family and future joy that felt impossible during darker seasons.

• If you feel at risk, pause and reach out. Contact a trusted person, a mental health professional or your local emergency number. In the US, you can call or text 988.

If you’re in immediate crisis, contact local emergency services or your regional suicide prevention helpline.

Here are reliable, widely used crisis lines by region:

United States  :  

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org (24/7). SAMHSA+1
• Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741 (24/7). Crisis Text Line
• LGBTQ+ (The Trevor Project, youth) — call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 (24/7). The Trevor Project+1
• Trans Lifeline — US (877) 565-8860 (hours vary; peer support). translifeline.org+1

Canada  :  

• 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline — call or text 9-8-8 (24/7). 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline+1
• Crisis Text Line (via Kids Help Phone) — text 686868 (24/7). Crisis Text Line
• Trans Lifeline — Canada (877) 330-6366 (hours vary). translifeline.org

United Kingdom & Ireland:    

• Samaritans (UK & ROI) — call 116 123 (free, 24/7).