What's so funny about mental illness? | Ruby Wax

Summary

In this humorous yet poignant talk, the speaker, who identifies as part of the one in four people affected by mental illness, shares personal anecdotes and insights into the challenges faced by those struggling with mental health. They express gratitude to medications that have helped them and humorously recount their breakdown during their daughter's sports day. The speaker also addresses the stigma surrounding mental illness, questions why the brain is the only organ not given sympathy when it 'gets sick,' and highlights the evolutionary mismatch between our ancient brains and modern stressors. They call for an end to the stigma and encourage open dialogue about mental health to prevent a future where mental illness is the norm.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker humorously addresses the audience, suggesting that mental illness is common, affecting one in four people.
• 🤔 The speaker inherited mental illness from their mother, who exhibited unusual behaviors, like crawling on all fours with sponges attached to her body.
• 🙏 Gratitude is expressed to the makers of certain medications that have helped the speaker maintain their mental stability.
• 🏃‍♀️ The speaker's breakdown occurred during a mundane event, their daughter's sports day, contrary to their imagined dramatic revelation.
• 🏥 Upon waking in a hospital, the speaker found solace in the company of other patients, feeling a sense of belonging among their 'tribe'.
• 🤯 The speaker describes the overwhelming sense of shame that comes with mental illness, as it's often invisible and not easily understood by others.
• 🗣️ The internal dialogue of those with mental illness is depicted as a cacophony of abusive voices, emphasizing the internal struggle.
• 🧠 The speaker provides a simplified overview of the brain's structure and function, highlighting its complexity and our reliance on it.
• 🌐 The human brain is said to be unprepared for the demands of the 21st century, leading to a constant state of stress and potential mental health issues.
• 🐾 The speaker concludes by advocating for open discussion about mental health to reduce the stigma and improve societal well-being.

Q & A

What is the prevalence of mental illness according to the speaker?

The speaker states that one in four people suffer from some sort of mental illness.

How does the speaker describe their mother's behavior?

The speaker humorously describes their mother as crawling around the house on all fours with sponges in her hands and tied to her knees, implying a quirky and possibly mentally unstable behavior.

What medications does the speaker credit for their ability to function?

The speaker thanks the makers of Lamotrigine, Sertraline, and Reboxetine for their contribution to their mental stability.

Why did the speaker have a breakdown during their daughter's sports day?

The speaker had a breakdown because their daughter did not know she was supposed to run and just stood at the starting line waving, which triggered the speaker's mental health crisis.

What realization did the speaker have after waking up in an institution?

The speaker realized that they had found their people or tribe in the other inmates of the institution.

How does the speaker describe the societal response to mental illness compared to physical illness?

The speaker points out the lack of sympathy and understanding for mental illness, contrasting it with the empathy shown towards physical ailments.

What is the speaker's perspective on the brain's evolution in relation to modern life?

The speaker suggests that human brains are not equipped for the 21st century, as evolution did not prepare us for the constant state of alarm and stress that modern life brings.

What is the speaker's view on the role of language in exacerbating mental health issues?

The speaker believes that language has enabled us to verbalize our anxieties, creating a 'nagging loop tape' in our minds that can drive us insane.

Why does the speaker argue that pets are happier than humans?

The speaker argues that pets are happier because they do not have the complex thoughts and anxieties that humans do, which are a result of our evolved brains and language capabilities.

What is the speaker's call to action regarding mental health?

The speaker calls for an open conversation about mental health and learning how to deal with our lives to prevent the increase of mental illnesses, and also to stop the stigma associated with it.