Reframing the Myths of Mental Health | Suraya Yazid | TEDxUTAR

Dr. Sara's Personal Journey with ADHD

• Dr. Sara was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of six in 1989 and shares her personal experiences of living with the condition.
• She emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and embracing individuality.
• Despite the challenges, Dr. Sara found strength and resilience through her ADHD, which allowed her to think creatively and find innovative solutions.
• She criticizes the common practice of medicating children with ADHD, arguing that it can suppress their natural curiosity and creativity.

Embracing Individuality and Overcoming Challenges

• The speaker shares their personal experience with ADHD and how they managed their symptoms through various activities.
• They discuss the challenges of living with ADHD, including procrastination and difficulty completing tasks.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing individuality and not conforming to societal expectations.
• Writing helped them express their feelings and find their voice, leading to a positive transformation in their self-perception.

Mental Health in Academia and the Importance of Self-Care

• The speaker highlights the challenges of navigating university life with mental health issues and the pressure to excel academically and participate in extracurricular activities.
• They share their counselor's advice on defining success based on personal growth and well-being rather than societal standards.
• The speaker stresses the need for self-care, self-love, and breaking free from societal molds and expectations.

Overcoming Societal Stigmas and Pressures

• The speaker provides examples of clients who have overcome societal stigmas and pressures, such as a single mother who remarried despite societal disapproval and a man who overcame suicidal thoughts by prioritizing his well-being.
• They encourage individuals to be catalysts of change, create platforms for open discussion, and stop being judgmental towards others.

Mental Health as a Source of Empowerment

• The speaker concludes by emphasizing that mental health challenges do not define a person but can be a source of empowerment and personal growth.
• Breaking free from societal molds and barriers is a collective effort.