Destigmatizing Mental Health | Kiran Damodaran | TEDxNewarkAcademy

Описание: Despite a recent growth in acceptance of mental illness, mental health issues remain somewhat of a taboo in society. Along with each illness, whether it is depression, anxiety, anorexia, or anything in between, there comes a set of assumptions and in these assumptions, often a negative stigma. Subconsciously, this stigma alters a person’s perceptions of someone with mental illness and often shapes the way their actions and attitudes are received. Why does this happen? Simply put, we don’t talk about mental illness enough. Even though mental health issues affect about 1 in 5 people, many of these people are afraid to be outspoken about these issues because they fear expected repercussions and judgment in both personal and professional life. It’s time that we dispel these assumptions through education and discussion; a person shouldn’t be defined by a mental illness, a person should be defined by who they are.

Kiran Damodaran is a senior at Newark Academy. During his free time, Kiran loves to play soccer and lacrosse, sports he participates in at the varsity level, and more than anything else, write. His work has been published in the Claremont Review, Black Fox Literary Magazine, the Writers' Slate, Canvas Literary Magazine and Live Poets Society of NJ. He received second place in the narration division of the Writing Conference's annual contest, a spot as a Topical Winner in American High School Poets' "Of Love and Dedication" issue, and a variety of Scholastic Writing Awards. When he doesn't have his head stuck in a book or a pencil between his fingers, Kiran can be found strumming his guitar or doing something animal-related, whether its with his own dog, Lucky, or the school’s Animal Welfare Club.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx