Name: What's so funny about mental illness?
Uploaded: 2012-10-10T15:01:20Z
Duration: 8 min 27 s
Description: Diseases of the body garner sympathy, says comedian Ruby Wax -- except those of the brain. Why is that? With dazzling energy and humor, Wax, diagnosed a decade ago with clinical depression, urges us to put an end to the stigma of mental illness.

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

What's so funny about mental illness?

Diseases of the body garner sympathy, says comedian Ruby Wax -- except those of the brain. Why is that? With dazzling energy and humor, Wax, diagnosed a decade ago with clinical depression, urges us to put an end to the stigma of mental illness.

Mental health struggles affect one in four people, yet society often meets them with jokes or silence instead of empathy. Unlike a broken leg, depression rarely inspires cards or casseroles, only awkward calls to 'perk up.' The brain, with its billions of neurons and ancient stress responses, is not built for modern life. Without conversation and understanding, every person is at risk of suffering in isolation.

Mental Illness Carries Stigma, But Everyone Is At Risk

*Sane New World*

Why aren't we asking the big questions about mental health? 

activism

brain

comedy

culture

entertainment

evolution

humor

mental health

society

TED Stage Talk