The Secret That Nearly Killed Me
Leigh Hearl |
TEDxDerryLondonderryStudio
• April 2021
NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of suicidal ideation. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf
Leigh Hearl had a painful secret. Hiding it nearly destroyed her. Consumed by shame, self-doubt and despair, it was only when she broke her silence that her broken heart began to heal. She realised how many people lock their painful secrets deep down inside, soldiering on in silence and never able to move on from traumatic experiences. The simple act of sharing her story set her free, so she decided to help others, founding Meg Heart.
The team create a safe space for people to break their silence and share their secrets so they can heal. Leigh also believes real stories change the world, starting the conversations we must have. How can we help a mother confronting her daughter's suicide attempt; a husband struggling with depression; a young girl speaking up about sexual abuse during her childhood; a refugee revealing the emotional toll of seeking a new life?
In 2021 Meg Heart published the story of Rose in the book Carbon Under Pressure. An ordinary woman who faced extraordinary circumstances, the real events that happened to Rose could happen to anyone. Leigh advocates for people like Rose who want to break their silence, and for a world where the most painful secrets can be shared without fear.
"We can only heal as individuals and as a society when the silence is broken, and the truth can be shared without fear" Meg Heart