David Woods Bartley

David Woods Bartley is a US-based mental health speaker and educator who helps organisations address suicide prevention, connection and mental wellbeing through lived experience and training-informed insight.

  • US-based mental health speaker, educator and trainer.
  • Speaks from lived experience of severe depression and a suicide attempt.
  • Delivered two TEDx talks distributed on TED/TEDx platforms.
  • Named a Mental Health Champion by the Steinberg Institute.
  • Completed Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth), safeTALK and QPR training.

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Key speaking topics

  • Suicide prevention
  • Mental health awareness
  • Human connection and isolation
  • Lived experience of depression and recovery
  • Mental health education and training-informed practice
  • Psychological safety and supportive conversations

Ideal for

  • Corporate leadership and management teams
  • HR and people function leaders
  • Healthcare and community organisations
  • Education institutions

Audience outcomes

  • Clearer understanding of the role of connection in mental health.
  • Practical insight into recognising and responding to signs of distress.
  • Greater confidence in having supportive conversations.
  • Increased awareness of suicide prevention principles.

Why organisations work with David Woods Bartley

  • Combines lived experience with recognised mental health training.
  • Addresses suicide prevention and wellbeing in a direct, accessible way.
  • Supports organisations seeking to strengthen mental health awareness and connection.
  • Brings experience speaking to a range of organisational audiences.

Biography

David Woods Bartley is a US-based mental health speaker and educator specialising in suicide prevention, connection and mental wellbeing within organisations. He works with corporate, public sector and community audiences to address one of the most urgent challenges facing modern workplaces: how to recognise distress, respond appropriately and foster meaningful human connection.

His work is grounded in both lived experience and formal training. Having experienced severe depression and a suicide attempt, David brings a perspective that is direct, credible and focused on practical understanding rather than theory alone. He combines this personal insight with recognised training including Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth), safeTALK and QPR.

David has delivered two TEDx talks distributed on TED/TEDx platforms, extending his reach to global audiences and reinforcing his authority as a communicator on connection and suicide prevention. His contribution to mental health advocacy has also been recognised by the Steinberg Institute, where he was named a Mental Health Champion.

Organisations engage David to open constructive conversations around mental health, reduce stigma and strengthen awareness at every level of the workforce. His approach helps leaders, HR teams and frontline managers better understand the impact of isolation, the power of connection and the role each individual can play in creating safer, more supportive environments.

Talks

Sometimes What Hurts the Most Can’t Be Seen; But Sometimes What Helps the Most Is Easy to Do

An introductory talk on mental health that shares a lived experience with depression and explores what causes mental illness, what can be learned from it, and how individuals can support themselves and others.

Key takeaways:

  • Mental illness is typically caused by a combination of factors.
  • Mental illness is never the choice or fault of the individual.
  • Mental health is achievable, and connection is the foundation.

From Mental “Hellness” to Mental Wellness: A Journey of Understanding, Surrender and Acceptance

This talk outlines three signposts on the journey from mental illness to mental health, focusing on understanding, surrender and acceptance as critical stages in the process.

Key takeaways:

  • Understanding involves awareness, education and willingness.
  • There is a key difference between giving up and surrender.
  • Mental wellness requires accepting personal responsibility for the work involved and accepting help from others.

Remodeling a Life Divided into a Life United: Using Whole Person Care to Build and Sustain Mental Health

This talk examines the wide-ranging impact of mental illness on the body, mind and spirit, and presents an approach to rebuilding a life characterised by mental health.

Key takeaways:

  • Mental illness affects the whole person: body, mind and spirit.
  • Mental health requires intentional care across each of these areas and prioritising personal wellness.
  • Although mental illness can severely impact a person’s foundation, it is possible to remodel life into one defined by mental health.

Moving from Isolation to Inclusion Using the Power of Connection: Three Simple Ways to Unite with Others

This workshop focuses on practical methods for creating meaningful connection, reinforcing its role as the foundation of mental health.

Key takeaways:

  • A method for consistently remembering a person’s name.
  • The importance of asking questions and which kinds to ask.
  • The do’s, don’ts and impact of the handwritten note.

Putting Your Self-Care on a Pedestal: Three Steps to Creating a Wellness Plan

This workshop explores why self-care underpins mental health and guides participants through creating a personalised plan for holistic wellness.

Key takeaways:

  • Why self-care is critical to mental health.
  • How to define individual and personal needs.
  • How to create a personalised wellness plan for each area of need.

I Don’t Know What to Say: Learning the Language of Mental Health

This workshop examines the power of words in mental health conversations and teaches participants how to express concern and support effectively.

Key takeaways:

  • The types of statements that are most harmful to make.
  • How to create a safe space so a person can freely share.
  • The types of statements that are most beneficial.

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Testimonials

Speakers and listeners often refer to David as a ‘Ted Talk Speaker.’ He captivates his audiences with his storytelling and leaves a powerful impact every time. His beautiful caring heart shines throughas he is changes minds about mental illness one audience at a time.
Diane Mintz
President, Board of Directors, Nami Sacramento
By sharing a deeply personal story, David Bartley builds a pathway to dealing with mental health challenges and the threat of suicide. The grace with which he tells his own chilling brush with death connects to any audience. From that David builds a practical set of tools any one of which shines light on hope for a better way. Since listening to him I have practiced his teaching and I’ve seen the positive impact on my high school students. I am grateful for his courage in sharing and teaching.
Casey Nichols
Teacher, Rocklin High School
David Bartley is a dynamic, passionate public speaker who captivates audiences with his personal story. I have seen him present several times — in person and on video — and have personally witnessed how his rapt listeners are moved and inspired. Down-to-earth, humble, and pragmatic, David can weave personal anecdote into a larger narrative, never losing sight of the overall goal: to educate, to communicate, to motivate.
Anara Guard
Independent Suicide Prevention Adviser
David Bartley has brought his message to staff, advisory boards, coalitions and the board of supervisors in Placer County. He is an exceptional speaker who is able to share his personal experience so that the listener is both emotionally touched and intellectually challenged. His message always helps to reduce stigma and provide people with the hope of recovery.
Maureen F. Bauman, LCSW, MPA
Former Director, ASOC, Placer County
One of the best speakers I've EVER heard at chapel and, that goes 18 years back.
Fritz Moga
Christian Leadership Professional, William Jessup University
By far the MOST SIGNIFICANT talk on mental illness I have ever experienced! It changed my perspective and propelled me into action, all within a few moments.
Anita Ross, B.E., M.S.E.
Author, Speaker, Trainer
David speaks to adults and youth, large audiences and small gatherings, with the same thoughtful attention and relevance. He offers audiences an honest account of what it is like to live with a mental illness, the stigma attached to being open about it, and his journey to healing. David's use of humor and heart-warming stories has made him an audience favorite.
C.K. Rowland, MPH, LCSW
Health Educator
My organization frequently utilizes public speakers to share their personal stories and expertise they have developed from their life experience. David is a dependable and eager participant in these events and always earns rave reviews from attendees. If ever I were to organize a Ted Talk, David would be first on my list as he is quite capable to speak from the heart and mind to share his perspective with the audience.
David Bain
Executive Director, Nami Sacramento
David captivated our team by sharing his experiences of living with mental illness. His magnificent stories had an enormous emotional effect, often making us both laugh and cry. David’s bravery and compassion were so powerful that many of our staff members reported that he was one of the most insightful speakers that they had ever heard. His storytelling truly had a profound impact on each of us.
Employment Services Team, PRIDE Industries
Your willingness to become transparent so that your story may be used to uplift, encourage and transform others from their own darkness is incredible! Mental illness is so misunderstood, and your courage has placed a face on this important issue that will enable families, friends and others to better support their loved ones and give them hope.
Dr. Karen McCord
Solano Community College and American River College