3 Top TED Talks On Science Behind Mental Health

Depression and anxiety is something that hits many of us in our lives, some more severe than others. 

For a large portion of us, it is perfectly manageable, with coping techniques to get us through it and overcome the thoughts and feelings we are worried about. For others it can lead to a dark place, often being accompanied by the likes of addiction where the only way out is to seek treatment at an addiction treatment center. 

Depression and addiction is a medical condition and it can be managed and maintained in a number of ways. And what's more, there is tons of advice online about how to do so. 

TED Talks are always useful to watch and there are some fantastic ones out there, discussing the science behind depression and ways in which to overcome and manage it. 

Here are 3 of the must-watch top TED Talks from the mental health experts… 

1. The Surprising Science Of Happiness - Dan Gilbert 

Dan Gilbert’s long been a popular figure on the subject and his TED Talk around happiness and the science behind it is a fantastic watch for those suffering with depression. 

It is based upon the idea that unhappiness comes from not getting what we want and how our “psychological immune system” can allow us to be happy even when that isn’t the case, but only if we can find it. 

2. What’s So Funny About Mental Illness - Ruby Wax 

Often the most useful TED Talks are those in which the speaker talks candidly about their own experiences. Legendary comedian Ruby Wax does just that, going into the finer details about her own mental health, while doing so in an energetic and deeply funny manner. 

It is all about ending the stigma of mental illness, including her diagnosis with clinical depression, and it goes a long way to doing that. Learn from her story and be able to laugh at things when you can.

3. Depression, The Secret We Share - Andrew Solomon 

Writer Andrew Solomon certainly takes you on a journey in this TED Talk and it really does take you to some dark corners, opening the eyes to what the feeling of depression is really like and how many of us are holding our own secrets about it. 

It is a talk that will help you speak up if you need to and will certainly action you into getting the help you need. It is a breathtaking and engaging watch that anyone suffering from depression really should view.

6 Top Tech Trailblazers To Follow For Inspiration

TED talks help make the tech sector more accessible than it has ever been before. Some tricky subjects have been opened up to the masses. People are clearly keen to learn about diverse subjects, and the viewing rates of top tech related TED talks prove an unrivaled enthusiasm. Together, let’s take a look at our very favorite motivational speakers in the tech industry. The video views continue to grow daily on these TED talks and TEDx speeches.

1. Rob Reid 
How synthetic biology could wipe out humanity — and how we can stop it 
1,727,822 views 

Any title that includes the words “wipe out humanity” is naturally going to grasp our attention, and this talk from Rob Reid holds us fixated throughout. The concept of doomsday bugs has so far stayed safely within the realms of dystopian fiction, but in this talk, Reid warns us that it is a very real threat. A terrifying thought, yet one we’re all keen to tune in to. 

2. Keith Kirkland 
Wearable tech that helps you navigate by touch 
1,513,859 views 

Haptic Designer, Keith Kirkland, is bringing the idea of wearable tech to life — and we’re not just talking about smart watches. In this talk, he discusses the development of “haptic language”, which he has created as part of his work to develop smart clothing that could double up as a navigational device for the blind and visually impaired. 

3. Erika Hamden 
What it takes to launch a telescope 
1,475,846 views 

Do you know what it takes to launch a telescope? No? Me neither. At least not until Astrophysicist Erika Hamdem talked us all through the decade-long journey. Her team are developing the FIREBall telescope, whose mission is to figure out how stars are created. TED talk viewers have been eagerly tuning in all year to learn about her mission. 

4. Andrew Marantz 
Inside the bizarre world of internet trolls and propagandists
1,434,980 views 

This story of how writer, Andrew Marantz, immersed himself in the world of internet trolls and propagandists gives us an unnerving insight into the most toxic areas of the internet. In the midst of a turbulent political landscape, this issue couldn’t be more topical, and thousands of viewers agree. 

5. Majd Mashharawi 
How I'm making bricks out of ashes and rubble in Gaza 
1,414,308 views 

This innovative TED talk revolves around creating something important even in the most despairing of circumstances. Engineer and Entrepreneur, Majd Mashharawi, came up with the idea of turning rubble into new building materials and designed bricks made from ashes to help rebuild destroyed areas of war-torn Gaza. This project has captivated the imagination of thousands of viewers. 

6. Tiana Epps-Johnson 
What's needed to bring the US voting system into the 21st century 
1,397,608 views 

Although this final talk leans more towards politics, Tiana Epps-Johnson (Civic Engagement Champion) discusses how we can use tech to bring the US electoral system into the 21st century. With so many viewers from around the world, and the transcript available in 14 languages, it is clear that you don’t have to be from the US to feel invested in this top TED Talk topic. 

TED Talk Tech Trailblazers

Thanks to the accessible style of these videos, and the iconic event signage that makes TED talks recognizable to just about anyone, viewers have been able to engage with some diverse and unusual subjects. Interestingly, many of the most watched talks contain a prominent human element. This shows that we don’t only want to keep up with new tech developments, but we also want to understand our role within this rapidly advancing world.