Let's Talk About Trauma – A Wound That Never Fully Heals | Matilde Antunes | TEDxYouth@CAISL

Why do we cringe at the topic of trauma and mental illness? Most will hesitate or avoid entirely talking about these taboo subjects. Our lack of communication and negative perception of trauma and mental illness has caused so many to suffer alone and refuse to seek help because they feel ashamed. High school senior Matilde Antunes outlines the psychology and biology behind trauma and mental illness to illustrate its debilitating effects. She also shares her personal wounds from trauma and mental illness to stress the importance of talking openly and removing the social stigma attributed to trauma and mental illness. Matilde Antunes is an 18-year-old ambitious student and aspiring lawyer from the small but beautiful country, Portugal. She is an avid reader, writer, and public-speaker. She is driven to defend those she believes in, and ideas she is passionate about. She truly believes in the power of sharing personal wounds and experiences as a means to support and offer solace to those who are suffering and to encourage empathy in others. She hopes that through advocacy, awareness can be spread to minimize the stigma associated with mental illness. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx