DISCLOSURE: I am not a mental health professional. If you need help finding a mental health care provider, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit Online Therapy to call, message, or video chat a certified therapist online. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also receive compensation from Online Therapy or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page. You can read my full disclaimer.
TED Talks for Mental Health
Some of these TED Talks for Mental Health talk about triggering topics, such as suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. Please proceed with caution.
I don’t know about you, but I love finding new ways to help myself and grow as a person.
Sometimes, the best way to grow who we are as people is hearing someone else’s life story and struggles.
TED Talks for mental health are the perfect opportunity to gain insight on issues we might be unfamiliar with.
I recommend these 10 TED Talks, because they are honest, eye-opening, and a must-watch.
10 Eye-Opening TED Talks for Mental Health
Keep in mind, the ones I listed here aren’t all positive and uplifting.
Let’s face it though, mental illness is hardly ever positive.
Mental illness is painful and exhausting, and it’s so easy to feel alone.
Luckily, these videos help break down the stigma of mental health and encourage others to start the conversation and seek help.
But first, have you downloaded your free anti-anxiety checklist yet? ↓
1. What They Don’t Tell You About Mental Illness | Elizabeth Medina
Elizabeth speaks volumes about her own experience battling mental illness.
She makes it known that mental illness is not a personal problem.
In fact, one in four of us actually lives with mental illness.
Elizabeth really emphasizes that the majority of people living with mental illness are high functioning.
This means they have a job, pay the bills, and most people would never even guess they were suffering.
2. “I’m Fine” – Learning To Live With Depression | Jake Tyler
Too often when people ask us how we’re doing, we reply with “Good” or “I’m fine”.
Jake shares his insights into living with depression and how connecting with others online affected his relationship with it.
He now uses going outside, exercising, and sharing his mental illness with others to cope with his depression.
3. Lessons from the Mental Hospital | Glennon Doyle Melton
Glennon believes that life is equal parts beautiful and brutal. In order to see the beautiful, you must endure the brutal.
For twenty years, she struggled with bulimia, alcoholism, and drugs.
She shares how motherhood, marriage, and faith helped her recover.
4. There’s No Shame in Taking Care of Your Mental Health | Sangu Delle
Sangu used to believe the horrible opinion that men should not take care of their mental health.
That it’s not manly to be emotional.
He shares how he learned to handle anxiety in a society that’s uncomfortable dealing with and talking about emotions.
One of the most powerful things he says is, “Being honest about how we feel doesn’t make us weak — it makes us human.”
5. I Am Not A Monster: Schizophrenia | Cecilia McGough
Cecilia talks about the details of her life living with schizophrenia and hallucinations.
She compares it to not being about to turn off her nightmares when she’s awake.
Listening to this TedTalk is such an eye-opener, and it brings major awareness to a less talked about mental illness.
6. Living With #OCD | Samantha Pena
As someone who lives with OCD, I can understand some of the frustrations and exhaustions Samantha lives with.
What I absolutely love is that she breaks down the misconception that OCD is an adjective and replaces it with the true meaning.
Someone liking an organized closed does not mean they’re “so OCD”.
More posts on OCD:
- 8 Offensive Phrases People with OCD are Sick of Hearing
- 4 Coping Mechanisms That Help Me Fight My Relationship OCD
7. Why we choose suicide | Mark Henick
Mark talks about the thoughts that went through his head when he was about to attempt suicide.
He talks about how distorted your thoughts and perceptions can be in the moment when you think that suicide is the only choice available.
He also talks about how important it is to change the dialogue and treatment plans for suicide.
8. After anorexia: Life’s too short to weigh your cornflakes | Catherine Pawley
Catherine reveals a deeply honest account of her road to recovery from anorexia.
I love how she says that an eating disorder is not a choice.
Instead, it’s a coping mechanism.
9. Conquering depression: how I became my own hero | Hunter Kent
Hunter spent much of her life living with depression and struggling with self-harm.
She courageously shares her heartfelt journey from hopelessness to peace.
She now uses her past suffering to connect and empathize with her fellow students in need of encouragement and hope.
10. Shattering the Silence: Youth Suicide Prevention | Sadie Penn
Sadie is a suicide survivor.
She’s passionate about educating others on the importance of suicide awareness and positive mental health.
She brings light to how people who attempt suicide feel like a burden.
The conversation needs to change.
TED Talks for Mental Health
Mental illnesses are highly stigmatized. But the more we talk about them, the less stigma there will be.
My hope is that these TED Talks bring you awareness and comfort.
More on mental health:
- 10 Life-Changing TED Talks for Self-Esteem and Compassion
- 13 TED Talks on Childhood Trauma (to Heal Your Inner Child)
- 14 Must-Read Mental Health and Personal Development Blogs
- 10 Mind-Altering Mental Health Podcasts to Subscribe to Now
- 7 YouTubers Who Talk Openly About Mental Health
Did You Know There’s Online Therapy?
In addition to spirituality, talking to a therapist might help you break through your anxiety.
Did you know that Online Therapy is a complete online therapy toolbox?
Your therapy toolbox includes:
- Live video, voice, or text chat session with your therapist
- 8 easy-to-follow sections, including 25 worksheets
- Activity plan, journal, and tests
- Yoga and meditation videos
What I love about Online Therapy is that there are several life-changing options and therapists available, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.
This means you never need to worry before getting help.
Get 20% off your first month with my exclusive link.
Wow, great having all these Ted Talks in one place 🙂
Thank you, Julia!