8 Must-See TED Talks If You Suffer From Or Want To Learn More About Mental Health | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

8 Must-See TED Talks If you Suffer From Or Want To Learn More About Mental Health

Joining the conversation can be as easy as listening to and sharing these mind-opening talks.

125
https://www.facebook.com/TED/photos/a.10151437454475652.821434.29092950651/10151437454495652/?type=3&theater
TED

Maybe it's my nerdiness coming out, but I love TED Talks. The speeches are thought-provoking, the people are inspiring and the ideas are "worth spreading." While the talks cover an almost infinite variety of topics, the ones that stick with me the most are those about mental health.

A friend of mine and I recently swapped a couple of our favorite talks centered on mental health and it reminded me just how powerful our ideas and words are. Shifting the way we think about and discuss our emotional well-being can change millions of lives, maybe even yours.

"I'm Fine - Learning To Live With Depression" by Jake Tyler.

Jake Tyler speaks about his experience with depression and suicidal thoughts. He found what works for him and continues to inspire others to get outside and find what works for them.

"How to Get Stuff Done When You're Depressed" by Jessica Gimeno.

A woman who faces multiple illnesses, including depression, Jessica Gimeno shares her story and her system for staying productive when you're depressed. If you've ever been in the grips of a depressive episode, you know how difficult it can be to force yourself to be functional. Her advice is simple, straightforward and doable.

"Living with High Functioning Anxiety" by Jordan Raskopoulos.

This hilarious talk spoke to the truth that anxiety doesn't look or act the same in every situation. Blanket statements and assumptions about how someone experiences mental illness doesn't account for the individuality that is so inherent in our human experiences.

"The Power of Vulnerability" by Brene Brown.

One of my favorite talks of all time, Brene Brown's research and speech have touched my life personally. Reframing the idea of vulnerability is incredibly important in our search to strengthen resilience and change the conversation about mental health.

"Depression, the Secret We Share" by Andrew Solomon.

Andrew Solomon gives an eloquent speech that humanizes depression and tries to make sense of this shared experience. His talk is full of deep thinking and truths arrived at through personal experiences. He gave another talk which focuses on making meaning out of our worst moments.

"A Tale of Mental Illness From the Inside" by Elyn Saks.

Elyn Saks talks about her raw experiences living with schizophrenia. Mental illness is rife with stigma and misunderstandings, and she helps to shed some light on what that looks like in the life of someone who has schizophrenia.

"How to Connect with Depressed Friends" by Bill Bernat.

Bill Bernat gives a surprisingly funny speech about what it takes to connect with someone struggling with depression. I particularly love the honest, open nature of his suggestions and the acknowledgement that connecting with someone is a choice, not an obligation.

"The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion" by Kristin Neff.

Another research-based talk that I have watched approximately a thousand times, Kristin Neff works to shift our inner voices to be one of our strongest allies.

These talks have opened the minds of many people and I encourage you to watch, listen and re-watch. Every time I watch these speeches, I catch something that I didn't remember from the last time I saw it and am so grateful that these amazing people are sharing their stories and ideas.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189353
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14381
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457455
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26405
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments