5 Mental Health Speakers Who Will Inspire You on R U OK? Day
Medical advancements and technology have certainly brought a new level of convenience to our daily lives, yet they have also brought a new set of challenges.
There is an alarming rise of mental health cases globally, and while many campaigns have been launched to raise awareness and combat the stigma, we can always use more inspiration. One such event that has garnered considerable attention in the past few years is R U OK? Day.
The R U OK? Day event is celebrated annually, with mental health speakers sharing their stories of struggle and survival, inspiring many to come forward and seek help.
In this post, we will cover five mental health speakers who have inspired and helped many individuals through their struggles. They have worked tirelessly to spread their message of hope and love.
1. Héctor GarcÃa
Héctor GarcÃa is a celebrated author known for his book, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. The book delves deep into the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, a term that denotes finding your purpose in life.
Héctor, after a series of misfortunes in his life, moved to Okinawa, Japan, where he was introduced to the concept of Ikigai. The philosophy, coupled with his own experience, inspired him to write his book.
Héctor has since gone on to become a highly sought-after mental health speaker, with many inviting him to share his wisdom on the topic of finding one’s purpose in life.
Through his talks, he encourages people to search within and rediscover their purpose, helping them lead a life full of meaning and inspiration.
2. John Green
John Green is a New York Times bestselling author known for his book, The Fault in Our Stars. The book chronicles the story of two teenagers with cancer who fall in love.
John is known for his raw and honest portrayal of emotions, which is reflected in his writing and his public speeches.
John’s struggles with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have been well documented, and he has been candid about his battles with the disease.
John’s story is an inspiration to many who struggle with mental health, and his talks often touch on the importance of seeking help, overcoming stigma, and finding support in your community.
3. Professor Brene Brown
Professor Brene Brown is a renowned research professor at the University of Houston. She is known for her extensive research on vulnerability, courage, and shame.
Her TED talks on vulnerability and shame have garnered millions of views, making her one of the most popular mental health speakers.
Professor Brown’s talks revolve around topics such as shame resilience, courage, and vulnerability, which are crucial in overcoming mental health challenges.
Through her research, she encourages people to embrace their vulnerabilities, and be open to asking for help from those around them.
4. Joshua Walters
Joshua Walters is a mental health speaker, writer, and performer. He has performed on various platforms, including TEDx and NPR.
Joshua has been candid about his struggles with bipolar disorder, which he used as inspiration for his one-man comedy show, The Joshua Walters Comedy Show.
Joshua’s performance is an excellent example of how humor can be a coping mechanism for mental health conditions.
In his talks, he encourages individuals to challenge the stigma around mental health and to find ways to use their conditions as strengths, rather than weaknesses.
5. Ruby Wax
Ruby Wax is a mental health advocate and performer. She is known for her outspokenness about mental health, having suffered from depression herself.
Ruby’s talks cover topics such as mindfulness and mental health, the importance of self-care, and the healing power of laughter.
Through her talks, she encourages individuals to prioritize their mental health and to take steps to seek help and support from loved ones.
FAQs
1. What is R U OK? Day?
R U OK? Day is a renowned mental health event celebrated annually. It aims to promote conversation around mental health and combat the stigma.
2. How can I become a mental health speaker?
To become a mental health speaker, you need to have a story to share and a platform to speak on. You can start by sharing your story with your community and working your way up through various events and conferences.
3. Are mental health speakers only for people with mental health issues?
No. Mental health speakers can inspire anyone who needs encouragement or guidance. Mental health affects everyone, and everyone can benefit from learning more about it.
4. Can mental health speakers help me overcome my mental health issues?
Mental health speakers can inspire and motivate individuals and provide guidance, but they are not a substitute for professional help. If you are struggling with mental health issues, you should seek help from a qualified therapist or counselor.
5. Is there a stigma around mental health?
Unfortunately, yes. Mental health issues are still stigmatized, and many individuals are reluctant to seek help due to the fear of being judged or misunderstood. Mental health speakers play a crucial role in combating the stigma and promoting open conversation around mental health.