Learning to Live with Clinical Depression | Angelica Galluzzo | TEDxWesternU

Summary

In a poignant reflection on her journey with clinical depression, the speaker, a mental health advocate, shares her struggles and strategies for coping. She describes the dark cloud of depression that loomed over her despite outward success, emphasizing the importance of acknowledgment, acceptance, and allowance in managing her mental health. By asking herself daily what she needs, she prioritizes her well-being and cultivates intentionality in her actions. Ultimately, she encourages others to own their mental illness, illustrating how small changes can lead to significant impacts, resonating with the event's theme of the butterfly effect.

Takeaways

• 😀 Acknowledgment of mental illness is a crucial first step in managing depression.
• 😀 Acceptance of clinical depression allows individuals to understand that some days will be harder than others.
• 😀 Allowing oneself to experience the presence of the 'black cloud' can lead to greater self-awareness and coping strategies.
• 😀 Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of external success or privilege.
• 😀 The stigma surrounding mental health can lead to feelings of shame and isolation.
• 😀 The journey with mental illness involves ongoing struggles, including suicidal thoughts and self-harm.
• 😀 Incorporating daily check-ins and self-reflection can help prioritize mental health needs.
• 😀 The three pillars for self-care—mind, body, and soul—are essential for holistic well-being.
• 😀 Intentionality in thoughts and actions can significantly impact mental health and overall quality of life.
• 😀 Embracing small changes can lead to significant positive effects, demonstrating the 'butterfly effect' in mental health.

Q & A

What is the speaker's primary experience with mental illness?

The speaker discusses her personal battle with clinical depression, highlighting that symptoms can occur even when everything seems to be going well in life.

How did the speaker first recognize her depression?

She first recognized her depression at the age of 14, despite appearing as a successful student and athlete on the outside.

What are the three steps the speaker developed for managing her mental health?

The three steps are acknowledgment, acceptance, and allowance.

What does acknowledgment entail in the context of mental illness?

Acknowledgment involves recognizing and naming the mental illness, allowing the individual to understand their experience more deeply.

How does acceptance play a role in coping with depression?

Acceptance means recognizing that some days will be harder due to the mental illness, which provides freedom to experience those feelings without shame.

What does the speaker mean by 'allowance'?

Allowance refers to permitting oneself to not feel okay and openly communicating this to others, which helps in managing symptoms.

How does the speaker suggest individuals check in with themselves daily?

She recommends asking, 'What do I need today?' and performing a body scan to assess their mental, physical, and spiritual needs.

What impact does the speaker say intentionality has on her mental health?

Intentionality allows her to be more aware of her thoughts and actions, improving her overall mental health and helping her prioritize self-care.

What is the significance of the 'butterfly effect' mentioned in the speech?

The 'butterfly effect' illustrates how small changes in behavior or mindset can lead to significant improvements in mental health and overall life.

What message does the speaker want to convey to others struggling with mental illness?

The speaker emphasizes that it's possible to own one's mental illness rather than letting it control them, and encourages sharing personal experiences to foster understanding.