David Woods Bartley
David Woods Bartley, a dynamic speaker, storyteller and writer who opens minds, touches hearts, and inspires others to action by sharing his journey from mental “hellness” to mental wellness.
David Woods Bartley's videos
What David Woods Bartley's clients say
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"One of the best speakers I've EVER heard at chapel and, that goes 18 years back."
"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."
"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."
"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 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."
"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."
Available for
Languages:
- English
David Woods Bartley's 2024 biography
Meet David Woods Bartley
Like most people, David Woods Bartley has seen his fair share of successes and setbacks; from directing a nationally recognized nonprofit to battling a life-threatening mental illness. But over the last seven years, David has successfully navigated from the isolation of mental “hellness” to the inclusive space of mental wellness.
Currently, David is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the International Association for Youth Mental Health, the National Storytelling Network’s Healing Story Alliance, and Active Minds. David holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Youth, SafeTALK (Suicide Awareness for Everyone), and is a national trainer for the groundbreaking suicide prevention technique known as QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer).
David has been invited to speak before a wide range of domestic and international audiences, giving keynote speeches and leading workshops on a variety of aspects of mental health, including suicide awareness and prevention, the power of connection to create hope, and the use of language as a tool for healing.
In addition to giving a TEDx talk in the fall of 2018, David has been invited to present to organizations such as the United States Food and Drug administration, the Army Corps of Engineers, Novartis, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Lyft, Sutter Health, Vision Service Plan, the University of Connecticut, the California Northstate School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento State, William Jessup University, along with various faith denominations, law enforcement agencies and community organizations at the local, state and national level.
David’s goal for each speech and workshop is the same: to shed light on the issue of mental illness, teach people how to leverage curiosity to overcome our fears and use connection to create hope.
David Woods Bartley's 2024 talks & topics
Sometimes what hurts the most can’t be seen; but, sometimes what helps the most is easy to do.
This talk serves as an excellent introductory talk about mental health by detailing my lived
experience with depression.
Questions Answered:
- What was the cause of my mental illness?
- What have I learned about mental illness and mental health?
- What can we do to help ourselves 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 highlights the three signposts found on a quest from mental illness to mental health.
Questions Answered
- What are the components of understanding?
- When is it time to surrender and how to do so?
- Why is acceptance so critical to mental health?
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding is about becoming aware, educated and willing.
- The key difference between giving up and surrender.
- The importance of accepting personal responsibility to do the work of wellness and accepting help from others.
Remodeling a life dived into a life united; using whole person care to build and sustain mental health
The talk highlights the impact of mental illness on the whole of a person, and then outlines a way in which a life can be rebuilt into one that is characterized by and decorated with mental health.
Questions Answered
- How much does mental illness impact us?
- What can we do to counter the wide ranging negative influence?
- Is it possible to experience true mental health?
Key Takeaways:
- Mental illness impacts our body, our mind and our spirit.
- Mental health can only happen if we take care of the same, and only if we make our personal wellness the top priority in our lives.
- Mental illness causes great harm to our life, severely impacting our foundation and structure. But, it is possible to remodel our life into one that is characterized by mental health.
Moving from isolation to inclusion using the power of connection; 3 simple ways to unite with others.
Connection is the foundation of mental health, and while important to our wellbeing, many feel they don’t know how to create it. The workshop teaches three methods that are easy to learn and highly effective at creating connection with others for mutual benefit.
Learning Objectives:
- By the end of the workshop, participants will learn:
- A method for consistently remembering a person’s name.
- The importance of questions and what kinds to ask.
- The do’s, don’ts and power of the handwritten note.
Putting your self-care on a pedestal; 3 steps to creating a wellness plan.
Self-care is the foundation of mental health, and the workshop teaches students the why, what, and how of creating a personalized plan for holistic wellness.
Learning Objectives
- By the end of the workshop, participants will learn:
- Why self-care is critical to mental health.
- How to define their individual and personal needs.
- Create a personalized wellness plan for each area of need.
I don’t know what to say; learning the language of mental health
Words have great power, and those in need stand to suffer when we say the wrong thing but can benefit when we chose to use the right words to express our concern and support.
Learning Objectives
- By the end of the workshop, participants will learn:
- 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.
David Woods Bartley's 2024 speaking fees
- United States
Specific fees fall within the ranges shown. These are presented as a guide only and are subject to change without notice.
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