Ideas worth spreading

3,067,913 views | Ruby Wax • TEDGlobal 2012

What's so funny about mental illness?

Diseases of the body garner sympathy, says comedian Ruby Wax -- except those of the brain. Why is that? With dazzling energy and humor, Wax, diagnosed a decade ago with clinical depression, urges us to put an end to the stigma of mental illness.

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This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Join the Black Dog campaign and find out more about how you can help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Diseases of the body garner sympathy, says comedian Ruby Wax -- except those of the brain. Why is that? With dazzling energy and humor, Wax, diagnosed a decade ago with clinical depression, urges us to put an end to the stigma of mental illness.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Join the Black Dog campaign and find out more about how you can help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

About the speaker

Comedian and Mental Health Activist

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Ruby Wax is a loud, funny woman -- who spent much of her comedy career battling depression in silence. Now her work blends mental health advocacy and laughs.

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