The Stigma of Mental Illness | Sam Cohen | TEDxYouth@SRDS

In this courageous talk, Sam Cohen - a high school sophomore - implores us to treat mental illnesses as the illnesses that they are, and to move forward as a culture in an accepting and nurturing way in treating these illnesses. In her talk, she explores what it means to be mentally ill in our society.

[iza]

Wow. One very strong lady you are. You can see the battle with anxiety just watching you talk and hearing your shaky voice bit you did it!!! You stood there and did the talk. Very brave indeed x

[queenjulianalovesherfatban]

Everybody's reaction when someone takes their own life:

omg why didn't they just reach out and open up about how low they were feeling.


Other people's reactions when you try to open up to them:
-You're just being overly sensitive
-Stop being so weak just pull yourself together and stop feeling sorry for yourself
-Other people have gone through much worse stuff than you, what do you actually have to feel sad about?

[michellewarren]

Thank you Sam, for standing up to the stigma of mental illness. I lost my son to suicide last year. I commend you for your bravery and strength...

[ItsHardBeingJade]

I have social anxiety and depression and listening to her, in a room by myself, was making an attack come on. that's how bad it can be. no one is here and just hearing her have an attack come on made me anxious. it's difficult and hardly anyone seems to understand. anytime someone hears the word mental, I'm sure their first thought is "crazy." great speech and amazing motivation to push through her anxiety on stage.

[beetlejamie]

Through judgment, we separate. Through understanding, we grow. I’m sending so much love and peace to anyone reading this who experiences mental health problems. You are strong, you are valid. ❤️

[lindachandler]

I recognise nervousness, not resentment. The stigma is still very real although great progress has being made. 40 years ago it was only discussed in hushed tones, if at all.

Well done for the courage you have shown and I hope you find peace

[aprilbanks]

Mental illness is very serious and hard for somebody that isn't mentally ill to understand how bad it hurts it's a constant battle in your brain you're fighting yourself all the time I suffer from depression anxiety PTSD bipolar borderline personality disorder trichotillomania OCD and intermittent explosive disorder I am 29 and have been in therapy for 26 years of my life and still to this day it hurts inside it hurts to be me I see everybody else and I want to be better and when you're the person standing in the way of what you want constantly it's just a never-ending battle

[lcfreiree]

Curious as she delves into personal stories and thoughts, her voice begins to show resentment or maybe pain, I don't know.

Good job with the talk, showed a lot of courage.

[AlcoholicAlbert]

For the stranger who sees this, I love you, and I understand the struggles you’re going through, it is a slow journey reaching out for help that cannot be rushed

[allcatz]

How brave! I am 61 and barely getting help with the anxiety that's been plaguing me my whole life. Was surprised to also get a Dx of depression due to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. I don't think I could stand in front of an audience to talk about anything much less my mental issues.

[BJ-eocf]

Courageous, heartfelt talk. Thanks for taking the risk .i have no doubt your talk will have a profound impact on the way many people think. Keep up the fight—we’re all in this together! 😊

[lunab]

I remember I went to guidance counselor and therapist a few times when I was in high school and college, but I always ran away. If I had felt safe enough to stick with it, I might have found myself sooner. Therapy (with a therapist who is good fit) can be life changing. It was for me.
-Lauren
(one of five identities in one mind)

[lifemusic]

She is so amazing. I can feel how hard it was for her to get up there and speak. I used to fail classes in high school because I couldn't physically get up and give oral reports. 😔

[ryu]

An act of kindness, or sacrifice as far as one goes can save the day of someone else

[digomar]

She just explained so well... I have bipolar disorder and I know very well how hard is to life with a mental condition..

[StarreRose]

We need more brave individuals such as these to break through the stigma

[LaurieSomma]

This is so important to say and the conversation needs to continue. I have written a book with 9 other incredible female entrepreneurs called Shattering The Stigma on this very subject. When more people share and talk about this, we can get rid if the stigma together. Thank you Sam Cohen for sharing your story and your voice.

[fransinclair]

People think it is a weakness and if u don’t get rid of the mental health in a certain time frame u are either seen as a whiny 😫 or seen as not trying hard enough to get better. I doubt if a person had another health issue people would treat them like this that is why stigma is the worst part of having depression

[InaGutowska]

So true! I wish people could understand it better

[MarioCastiello]

Sam, doing this talk, explaining mental health, and sharing your story shows your courage. I hope you and your loved ones are happy & healthy. Same goes to anyone reading this. <3