The Stigma of Mental Illness | Sam Cohen

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

Рет қаралды 156,039

7 жыл бұрын

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.
Sam Cohen is a high school sophomore finishing up her first year here at SRDS. She is an avid photographer, having graduated a four-week photography program at the New York Film Academy and hopes to one day use her photographs to make a difference in the world. More than anything else, she loves dogs. Here today at TEDxYouth@SRDS, Sam will discuss the stigma surrounding mental illness, and what each of us can do to change things for the better.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

Пікірлер: 160

@iza6062 6 жыл бұрын

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

@travismclaurin9419 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, She looks like she's going to break down and Weep.

@andrewn837 Жыл бұрын

As a person with an anxiety disorder and depression like her, I can attest that it's nothing to do with breaking down in front of an audience. It has to do with normal jitters of speaking in front of a mass audience , about a topic that is highly sensitive and stigmatized. Anyone in her position would be nervous and a little shaky. The fact she has an anxiety disorder only amplifies the point of how courageous and strong she is. She will inspire many more to speak out like her and no longer be silent. Thank you Sam 🙏 . Great job 👏

@PinkYellowGreen2023 7 ай бұрын

People can be really cruel and predatory toward people with mental illness...

@queenjulianalovesherfatban2064 3 жыл бұрын

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?

@maxngan9699 3 жыл бұрын

True true, mainly dudes though

@d.s_alan 3 жыл бұрын

These are true words

@gayathribhat6393 3 жыл бұрын

True ❤️

@lifemusic1980 3 жыл бұрын

100%

@Scrub_Lord-en7cq Жыл бұрын

@@maxngan9699I’m not standing up for someone who has a strong resentment to a child with special needs. That’s just you

@lindachandler2349 7 жыл бұрын

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

@ItsHardBeingJade 7 жыл бұрын

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.

@sangeetharv3332 6 жыл бұрын

AriSoConfused hope you would be motivating few people just like her someday!

@michellewarren3759 5 жыл бұрын

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...

@MirellaDerks 4 жыл бұрын

Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my brother to suïcide as well. I hope you do have support around you, even at this moment. As I have experienced that a loss like this is nothing like for example a loss through old age.

@davidsuper773 Жыл бұрын

When I told my family that I have been hearing voices and checking on my mental health. They never support me and ushers me to go back to work. I am just alone in this. I hate everything now.

@Righthandfrombehind 11 ай бұрын

@@davidsuper773 Really depends where you are at and how lucky as a start but there are skills that help and people who specialize in breaking those illusion of stigmata. Just find a way to put it to good use. Our job is to put up with any crazy you can come up with so feel free to.

@jesterjamie8065 2 жыл бұрын

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. ❤️

@di3gomar 2 жыл бұрын

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

@lcfreiree 7 жыл бұрын

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.

@d.s_alan 3 жыл бұрын

Yea I can see and hear her struggling. It's hard to talk about these things if you go through it

@aprilbanks754 4 жыл бұрын

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

@Scrub_Lord-en7cq Жыл бұрын

Yeah I also have BPD. Sometimes I’m very energetic and when I’m sad and hopelessness. But it’s not like I’m gonna commit murder and stuff. I just let that stuff go. I’m waiting for heaven

@allcatz 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@InaGutowska 6 жыл бұрын

So true! I wish people could understand it better

@lunab4788 3 жыл бұрын

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)

@BJ-eo2cf 6 жыл бұрын

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! 😊

@christopherkozak1332 6 жыл бұрын

Courageous talk indeed! Please, keep talking and sharing your story. We need as many people as possible to shine light for us. When we all recognize that a "mental illness" is another illness, nothing more, nothing less, we can stop the stigma that currently exists. Far too often we fail to realize (or maybe accept) that even those with a chronic mental illness were once children with hopes and dreams like everyone else. Then one day their mind betrayed them. However, the betrayal does not have to be a life sentence of shame and guilt. It should be a call to action. The action being to rise up and learn, with support of others, how to live with the illness. While it may challenge the dream, it does not have to end it. Please keep talking!

@lifemusic1980 3 жыл бұрын

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. 😔

@StarreRose Жыл бұрын

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

@LaurieSomma 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@ryu7408 2 жыл бұрын

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

@hannahmcgarr8461 7 жыл бұрын

SAMI I LOVE YOU! YOU'RE SO STRONG! LOVE YOU GIRL!!!

@manning18num1 4 жыл бұрын

Such Passion! This is the type of High School Student that can help to motivate the future to not only better themselves, but better EACH OTHER!

@jwhite984 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your courage and your message

@MarioCastiello 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@darlenegoodwin6467 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sam. We must be always aware of this in serious condition.

@margiemurphy3336 2 жыл бұрын

TY for sharing your illness! No one can ever experience what one goes through bc everyone has different Mental health issues. I am so very proud of you for getting on that stage And letting us know how this has affected you! You are so brave and made many ppl in the Mental health Community more aware! You did a Wonderful job. My Son has Schizophrenia and as his Mom I see How it has affected his daily life! No He didn’t ask for this disease but as a Mother I wish with all my heart I could take it away from him. Sam God bless you & your family

@MrH4N0 6 ай бұрын

A powerful introduction and very challenging for us as a viewer.

@trevatkin4869 2 жыл бұрын

Well done you. You did fabulously at sharing this with everyone.

@horizonblack Жыл бұрын

I have severe mental illness, and no one outside of my family knows. We are invisible, yes. For anyone reading this who may also be ill, do go to a hospital. It is an illness, and it can be treated. The best thing I ever did for myself was admit to a healthcare worker that I needed medical help. All you have to do is tell a health care worker "I feel I am a danger to myself or others" and it starts a sequence of events that leads to a better life. And Sam, if you read this - I love you for being bold and informative. We need you. Thank you.

@significantlysweet Жыл бұрын

I think you are an inspirational and courageous young woman, and you will succeed in overcoming this illness. XOXOXO. rooting for yah. This video helps teens and adults facing mental illnesses that are afraid to express themselves. I appreciate this video because my daughter and I have depression and anxiety and it is really hard when the majority of society doesn't care to see or understand how others feel except for their own feelings.

@tepsy1993 7 жыл бұрын

listening to this makes me nervous. Anxiety and depression is a way of your subconscious telling you to fix something. you have to write down what you are thinking and feeling when depressed. This helped me deal with my anxiety and depression.

@cix9420 3 жыл бұрын

Depression isn't just that theres many many reasons for it, clinical depression isn't that clinical depression can't be cured but can be helped. and some depression can be a lack of seratonin and other medical reasons

@oarabilemaiketso1586 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your courage ♥

@zx50 Жыл бұрын

She says that society is very judgemental towards the mentally ill...yep! I could very well imagine that. A lot of people will know very little about mental illnesses or brain conditions. Only people who know about different mental illnesses etc might not be judgemental, which is understandable. I think the stigma is the result of not knowing enough about the mental illnesses/conditions.

@BobbyTomMathew 3 жыл бұрын

These young folks have a lot to offer within the context of mental illness.

@Mad_S 5 жыл бұрын

This is not a reflection on my views of your speech, but I have actually witnessed someone accuse another of faking their cancer. People like that make removing the stigma that much harder.

@TheFostermom 6 ай бұрын

Sam, you are a hero to those with mental illness. You go girl!

@mark0nicholls 4 жыл бұрын

Well done Sam, great talk

@AlcoholicAlbert Жыл бұрын

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

@mandalynnplace 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your bravery. It's time for the stigma to end. With kindness, it will. Yes!!

@Phenomenalsanjeev16 3 жыл бұрын

Even I've been struggling from Depression for 3 months, but I don't know how can I come out it and make myself successful in my life 😔😔

@fransinclair3356 Жыл бұрын

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

@junevandermark9132 3 жыл бұрын

Years ago, I was informed by a woman that I needed mental "help." This same woman (who pointed fingers at me as being mentally ill,) later on ended up in and out of psychiatric hospitals. I relate to the following … and hope it will help other as it helped me ... “If you’re not confused, you’re not paying attention” … author … Tom Peters, Thriving on Chaos: Handbook for a Management Revolution.

@Spacedementia69 6 жыл бұрын

Inspirational! well done

@donaldkeith139 2 жыл бұрын

Good work. And thank you.

@MichaelJohnson-vx8bf 3 жыл бұрын

Going to use this at college

@Gypsymommarose347 2 жыл бұрын

God bless you! ❤️🙏🏼💜

@johncalhoun9335 7 ай бұрын

Preach

@ilikejapchae02 6 жыл бұрын

I've dealt with anxiety and panic attacks since I was a kid, recurrent depresive episodes since I was a teenager and finally some highs which is why I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, my sister also has it, it seems mental illness runs through my family.

@ellinjtv 3 жыл бұрын

She is so strong

@domesticdiva708 2 жыл бұрын

Very good use of words..real

@user-ik3mg9ud4r 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! 🙂

@fatimaausama4451 3 жыл бұрын

What a brave girl you are😍

@kalindaj 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@samanthamolefe9337 Жыл бұрын

wow. Very informative

@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe 3 ай бұрын

Its not my business for details from your Anxiety. You're already managing an illness I subordinated to Bipolar 1. Not too late to manage both. Please stay with this crusade in company with a long and happy life. You have already served yourself as well as the rest of us Exceedingly well. Be very well!

@markwolfe503 2 жыл бұрын

What a cutie.I think she was nervous on stage She's absolutely correct if we can't look under a microscope and find it ,it must be imaginary. It's so unfortunate that here are still so many people who have no clue what they are talking about and how damaging judgemental statements can be. People really have no clue how destructive and painful Depression and anxiety can be. It can immobilize the strongest of individuals and ruin one's life.

@davidmartinez7866 Жыл бұрын

Real talk right there

@PaulPickle 3 ай бұрын

The ones who judge and don't listen are the true crazy ones in my perspective

@braindynamicsranchi 3 жыл бұрын

As a Clinical Psychologist I observed - Due to the stigma attached to mental health issues many times people avoid professional help.

@b.j.banditt206 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 4 using the term "MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES" instead of "MENTAL ILLNESS" bc the latter term's SHAMEFUL & STIGMATIZING IN & OF ITSELF. Any1 who's classified as "MENTALLY ILL" or having a "MENTAL ILLNESS" in court/legal documents (including law enforcement records) r subjected 2 SHAME & STIGMA (believe it or not) bc such documents/records become PUBLIC DOMAIN (which contradicts HIPAA).If law enforcement officers access ur records via law enforcement databases & c that u r "MENTALLY ILL", some officers will (in a "roundabout" manner) BULLY, HARASS, MISTREAT, & PROVOKE U 2 ASSAULT 'EM & DENY RESPONSIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY 4 THEIR ACTIONS that result in criminal charges (e.g.: ASSAULT &/OR BATTERY) against those deemed "MENTALLY ILL". I have personal experiences RE: the a4mentioned (which I'm 4bidden from mentioning @ this current time)..

@ericbrown4868 6 жыл бұрын

bravo sam!

@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec 3 ай бұрын

I’m tired of depression and anxiety being conflated with bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, part of reason stigma exists . How much power privilege and wealth do you come from.

@montelo555 3 жыл бұрын

She's warrior.

@donniecatalano 4 жыл бұрын

I wish the main camera was set straight properly

@lauramacgregor3600 5 жыл бұрын

Don’t you think everyone has depression but some really need help. Some people can get along while others like me can’t. I have had brain surgery and I have never been the same because they had to work on the area where behaviors live.

@theshutter7229 2 жыл бұрын

Where can I find the summary of this article. Someone please help me out with this.

@juliansanchez4898 3 жыл бұрын

how was It I was instantly able to see she had anxiety and or depression

@yamicanada 5 жыл бұрын

♥️♥️

@ameliaflowers9836 6 жыл бұрын

After years of suffering alone with mental illnesses I no longer have any interest or compassion for family or friends with any physical illnesses.

@evacody1249 6 жыл бұрын

I suffer with anxiety and depression. Add to that dyslexia, ADD, and mild aspergers and yeah it's so much fun trying to explain to my family what I'm going through only to get this line thrown back at me: "Everyone goes through it." No one else in my family on either side has what I have. I have to push myself to do things. If not for music I would just be sitting at home all day. The other bad part is they all try to then one up me. Like well so and so has it worse. How that helps me with what I'm dealing with I will never know.

@humanbeing8531 5 жыл бұрын

First of all bosses in companies, Management/CEO/Principals/Managers in academic/non academic fields should be tested (normally like blood tests) and if they are mentally fit for the positions, then they should be selected to become leaders. This can be done like making identity card by Govt. This way society welfare will be taken care of and economy will improve along with protecting such professions in medical fields. Nice speech ma'am. Thank you👏👏👌

@kundaliniyogafan846 5 жыл бұрын

thank you for this video i understand english kinda little but myself i agree to get diagnosed + get the treatment.i currently take abilify 25mg seroquel 300xr valproic acid.i suffer from adhd asperger syndrome.i wish it didnt diagnosed under my 24th birthday.greetings louis

@ITSG2370 8 ай бұрын

How do you handle these high doses of medications?? I can't take half of quetiapine for sleep issues

@user-bi6fg9iy6o 6 жыл бұрын

Shapo to her !!!

@venkataramanaganti1909 4 жыл бұрын

U are brave girl

@borisivanov1774 4 жыл бұрын

All ppl are egoists, empowered them selfs by crushing some one else ego. As kids we were thought that we are the best, atleast the lucky once. The others with not such great parents were outcasts or worst mediocre.. Not knowing where you actualy stand in society. And this is the daughter of hate. Questining if you diserve what u have because u have been told soo, what u are good and bad at. Untill u fell so deep in your enigma and be reborn without the doubs of who you really are.

@steph2190 3 жыл бұрын

beautifully said :)

@thomashan4963 4 жыл бұрын

I tried to hide my mental health status, lately I harm myself so I decided to ask for help. It didn’t get better. It even get worse in some cases due to the stigmas. Now I just say “I’m getting better” but actually .. no.

@SarahAbramova 4 жыл бұрын

I hope things get better.

@thomashan4963 4 жыл бұрын

@@SarahAbramovaThanks for you kindness. I'm ok now. I know thing will never get better and I'm getting more comfortable in this situation.

@SarahAbramova 4 жыл бұрын

@@thomashan4963 things can get better. How was your day?

@anakinskywalker261 3 жыл бұрын

@@thomashan4963 I pray that your ok brother 🙏 ❤

@m4nny344 Жыл бұрын

I have to watch this for a school project and im going to kms

@ShutUpCleanYourMonitor 4 жыл бұрын

This is how i can get, if i have not had human contact in a while. when a cop told me i am crumbling at my doorstep, i guess it is cause i really don't know where to start. But I am trying to explain the obvious, and the past at the same time. not lying at all because proof on facebook. I started recording payday 2.

@fergaoneill5323 10 ай бұрын

I'm getting stigma 35 years

@themorningwaves9420 4 жыл бұрын

To those filipinos out there, I do vlogs also about mental health, and my mental health disorder journey. Its my advocacy in spreading mental health awareness. Lets support each other. 💕

@xSoporific1 3 жыл бұрын

Watching this for a senior health assignment

@DexterMcDonald98 2 ай бұрын

Same

@xSoporific1 2 ай бұрын

good luck@@DexterMcDonald98

@no.8326 Жыл бұрын

IGNORE YOUR PAIN

@RandomVidsforthought 8 ай бұрын

That doesn't work that way

@DexterMcDonald98 2 ай бұрын

Nu uh

@parthpatel0012 7 жыл бұрын

I have OCD

@kellyhuffman5082 11 ай бұрын

I was Dynast in middle school I am 46 years old and I had depression and and it's not easy. I tried to kill myself in middle school and I was trying to kill myself in high school and after my My grandmother passed away I graduated in May and 96. And my grandmother died in August of 96. And I love her and miss her. I'm on been having a mental institution for at 9 or 10 years now January.

@jesterjamie8065 5 ай бұрын

Hi Kelly. Thank you for sharing your experience. I am so sorry you have been through so much pain and loss, it means a lot that you have shared a bit of your story.

@Julian2Sounds 7 жыл бұрын

☺💜✌

@alexeadecarvalhoperelson6672 2 жыл бұрын

I wish you were my sister...so intelligent so beautiful and so nice .

@marybrown8432 3 жыл бұрын

My name is John Michael Brown, I studied psychology. Don't worry people. I'm going to find a cure for mental illness. My goal. I will promise I will get it done. I'm using my mother's cellphone

@anilposani7780 2 жыл бұрын

Actually there is one already "quantum healing" Follow BM hedge

@wertiadreams7949 3 жыл бұрын

only 70k views pretty sad

@erich84502a 2 жыл бұрын

But if you have a broken heart youre supposed to get over it. They cant see it feel it or touch it. They cant relate. It doesn't apply to them

@summerycast7936 10 ай бұрын

No, it's better to confront that broken heart than ignoring it. It's like a wound festering overtime. It won't get better if you ignore it. Of course, it's difficult for others to relate. I found councilors who help explore your own emotions and guide you as a compass towards that healing process, helpful in that regard.

@josuearellano1241 3 жыл бұрын

c mamut psdt: Hola Jhullian

@goodstory5890 3 жыл бұрын

NO amount of "positive thinking " or "positive affirmations" will take away the weight of one's depression and anxiety when they are going through it. When people treat what you believe is important and could care less about what you want than what they want and basically forces you to do things that breaks your heart or you feel hopeless and like you're a burden to society, it's difficult.

@capresti3537 9 ай бұрын

The stigma? The stigma begins with the psychiatrists themselves. They're the ones who do the stigmatizing.

@armani_jernigan 3 жыл бұрын

99% of the people in this comment section are teachers😂

@oooziet.j.6832 3 жыл бұрын

Cupertino Valley ducky

@sonamgupta5995 4 жыл бұрын

@GlitchPawz Жыл бұрын

4:33 that fact that she said the r slur is absolutely sickening. I was fine with her until she said that. That word was created to harm people with my disability, and I was very hurt and insulted when she said that. She is an awful person and I hope she changes her ways and stops being ableist.

@soyboy3997 2 жыл бұрын

I’m suicidal, can I still make the “I’m ganna kill myself jokes”? ONEDOWNODJWODNWO

@tobitomato9 3 жыл бұрын

c mamut

@kgatlisobantaotse7562 7 жыл бұрын

Why do you keep saying "It's who I am"? Anxiety and depression is an illness, not a definition of who you are.

@BJ-eo2cf 6 жыл бұрын

The speaker never implied that depression and/or anxiety define her. She described hesitation to reveal that ASPECT of herself for fear of stigma. And yes, mental illness is an aspect of one’s identity, just like physical disability, extraordinary physical capabilities, intellectual or creative genius, etc. Rewatch the last minute or so-pay close attention to the message she eloquently summarized: be nice and hold off on judging others.

@michaelobrien5891 6 жыл бұрын

I get her. She wants to be accepted as is, depression and all.

@kgatlisobantaotse7562 6 жыл бұрын

I'm not judging anyone, in actual fact, I'm trying to help. I suffer from mental illness myself, saying "it's who I am" comes across as accepting defeat and refusing to get out of this dark pit hole because I made it my home. Sorry but she's making herself a huge injustice by giving in. If she believes that's who she is, no amount of therapy or anti-depressants will help.

@michaelobrien5891 6 жыл бұрын

"Without anxiety and illness, I am a ship without a rudder ... My sufferings are part of myself and my art. They are indistinguishable from me, and their destruction would destroy my art." Edvard Munch

@evacody1249 6 жыл бұрын

that is not accepting defeat. It's understand its part of what shaped are lives. It's part of the reason why we like what we like and what we don't like.

@ShawnWeisgram-ft5kq 11 ай бұрын

I will give you one end all slavery period and make me a chip so you can start the process of measuring the suffering it’s all been so helpful in making my life now and then thank yourself because that will never work write my name down and I will be single and faithless my whole life 🎤

@BluntlyBlondie 6 жыл бұрын

Seems more like a P.S.A. announcement.

@lonniebaines1720 5 ай бұрын

The thing with Mental illness is understanding you have a problem and seek professional help.... But when grown males try to convince themselves that they are Female and don't Seek treatment. This becomes a problem. That's a example.