Daily News Lesson

SHOW ALL

July 21, 2021, 10:09 a.m.

'On Our Minds' student podcast on depression and mental health

Summary

On this episode of “On Our Minds,” a podcast made by teenagers for teenagers on mental health, Noah and Zion discuss the body’s reaction to depression and the relationship between physical and mental illness.
  • Maddy, a high schooler with POTS, recounts her story from receiving her diagnosis of depression, OCD, and anxiety, and slowly getting better through therapy.
  • Dr. Aguilar, founding director and lead therapist at Hope Center for Wellness in Washington, D.C, discusses going through the loss of loved ones to suicide and dealing with suicidal thoughts, taking steps to recognize signs of depression and reaching out for help. Later in the podcast, they discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and seasonal changes on people’s mental health.

Five Facts

  • Who is susceptible to depression?
  • What is depression?
  • Why is talking about suicide actually more helpful to those who are struggling, than avoiding the subject?
  • When in the year is Zion happiest? What about Noah?
  • Where can those who need help, find help?

Focus Questions

Dr. Aguilar says that it’s important to have people we trust, whom we can go to with our thoughts without fear of judgement. What role does others’ perception play in mental health struggles? What are some ways to fight the stigma surrounding depression? Media literacy: This Daily News Lesson is about a podcast. How does it differ from a video lesson? What special experiences does a podcast offer that a video doesn’t? What about the other way around?

For More

Recent Daily News Lessons

alzheimer-1024x576

Daily News Lesson

How the Mayo Clinic is using improv and music to engage dementia patients

Explore the idea of "music as medicine" and the research behind it

Screenshot 2026-08-26 at 1.04.41 PM

Daily News Lesson

New study reveals widespread signs of brain trauma among former NFL players

"...this is absolutely not a rare disease in the NFL population." — Dr. Chris Nowinski

FILE PHOTO: Parton performs on the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm in Somerset, during the Glastonbury Festival

Daily News Lesson

Remembering Dolly Parton, whose artistry and generosity touched generations

Parton's seven-decade career brought her international acclaim and adoration from fans drawn to her music, charisma and trademark wit

outage

Daily News Lesson

Indiana residents frustrated by extended power outage

Discuss why residents of northwest Indiana are unable to re-establish power many days after being hit by a powerful storm

SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

PBS News Hour Classroom

Copyright © 2025 News Hour Production LLC. All Rights Reserved

Illustrations by Annamaria Ward