8 Top Mental Health Speakers for World Mental Health Day

Self-Compassion Is Your Secret Superpower

How do you boost motivation, persevere longer, and become a better performer? The answer is simple, says Kristin Neff: be kind to yourself. The UT Austin professor, who pioneered the field of self-compassion, shares simple and actionable strategies from her bestselling books to help you harness this superpower. Her science-based guidance shows you how to bolster resilience and transform how you work and live.

Watch Kristin’s TEDx talk on self-esteem and self-compassion.

The Skill of “Deep Curiosity” Is Your Key to Connection and Creativity

“Deep curiosity” is our compass to navigating differences, sidestepping negative behaviors, and controlling anxiety, says Scott Shigeoka. Drawing from his research at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and his eagerly awaited book Seek, Scott shows us how to practice transformative curiosity and develop better workplace teams and personal relationships. When we harness the power of curiosity, we can bridge the disparities we encounter and foster a more inclusive world.

Watch Scott explain how “deep curiosity” differs from shallow curiosity.

Leading Others Starts with Leading—and Talking to—Yourself

The voice inside your head can be your worst critic—but it can also be your best coach, says Ethan Kross, bestselling author of Chatter and University of Michigan professor. In talks, the award-winning psychologist reveals practical steps to becoming your own coach, taking control of the conversations you have with yourself, boosting motivation, overcoming impostor syndrome, and gaining an edge.

Watch Ethan talk about how to stop your inner voice from being cruel.

**Anxiety Feels Bad, but It’s Actually Good for You**

Anxiety is uncomfortable. But it’s also a vital tool that helps us plan for a hopeful future, says psychologist Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, author of Future Tense. Through a new framework for anxiety, real-world examples, and groundbreaking research, Tracy helps us see anxiety (which is just a natural response to uncertainty!) as a tool we can leverage rather than be overwhelmed by—sparking boundless change.

Watch Tracy break down the three steps to using anxiety to your advantage.

The Four Pillars of Meaning Can Help You Find Purpose

Finding our purpose can be transformative, and Emily Esfahani Smith is on a mission to show us how. Drawing from her book The Power of Meaning, she reveals the “four pillars” that can help you develop motivation and grace. In her inspiring talks (like her popular TED Talk with over 5M views!), she offers actionable strategies that help you find meaning in your day-to-day and thrive at work and beyond.

Watch Emily’s viral TED Talk on the power of finding meaning.

In the Story of Your Life, Are You a Side Character—or the Hero?

Don’t let your story be told for you—take control of it, says Lori Gottlieb. The instant New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and renowned psychotherapist, Lori offers a unique perspective on how we navigate our mental health. If the story you’re telling about your life, your relationships, or your purpose is keeping you stuck—then it’s time for a change.

Watch Lori’s TED Talk on how changing your story can change your life.

Happiness, or Success? Good News: You Don’t Have to Choose

You don’t have to sacrifice your happiness when chasing success, says Dan Lerner. In fact, putting your well-being first helps you do better at work and in life. Dan is a positive psychologist and creator of NYU’s most popular elective, “The Science of Happiness.” His electric talks spark real change in how we see the world, proving that we must prioritize our well-being to unlock our full potential.

Watch Dan talk about how “harmonious passion” is the key to a happier life.

Music Isn’t Just Art. It’s a Tool for Hope and Healing

Music is medicine, says Vijay Gupta—it’s a powerful tool for human well-being. A MacArthur Genius and TED mainstager, Vijay is the founder of Street Symphony, an organization bringing music and art to America’s most disadvantaged communities. “A riveting speaker” (The New Yorker), Vijay shows us the creative ways to revitalize our sense of hope and belonging even in the face of inequality.

Watch Vijay’s TED Talk on how music can spark hope and change the world.

Self-Compassion Is Your Secret Superpower

How do you boost motivation, persevere longer, and become a better performer? The answer is simple, says Kristin Neff: be kind to yourself. The UT Austin professor, who pioneered the field of self-compassion, shares simple and actionable strategies from her bestselling books to help you harness this superpower. Her science-based guidance shows you how to bolster resilience and transform how you work and live. Watch Kristin's TEDx talk on self-esteem and self-compassion.

The Skill of "Deep Curiosity" Is Your Key to Connection and Creativity

"Deep curiosity" is our compass to navigating differences, sidestepping negative behaviors, and controlling anxiety, says Scott Shigeoka. Drawing from his research at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center and his eagerly awaited book Seek, Scott shows us how to practice transformative curiosity and develop better workplace teams and personal relationships. When we harness the power of curiosity, we can bridge the disparities we encounter and foster a more inclusive world. Watch Scott explain how "deep curiosity" differs from shallow curiosity.

Leading Others Starts with Leading—and Talking to—Yourself

**Anxiety Feels Bad, but It's Actually Good for You**

Anxiety is uncomfortable. But it’s also a vital tool that helps us plan for a hopeful future, says psychologist Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, author of Future Tense. Through a new framework for anxiety, real-world examples, and groundbreaking research, Tracy helps us see anxiety (which is just a natural response to uncertainty!) as a tool we can leverage rather than be overwhelmed by—sparking boundless change. Watch Tracy break down the three steps to using anxiety to your advantage.

The Four Pillars of Meaning Can Help You Find Purpose

Finding our purpose can be transformative, and Emily Esfahani Smith is on a mission to show us how. Drawing from her book The Power of Meaning, she reveals the "four pillars" that can help you develop motivation and grace. In her inspiring talks (like her popular TED Talk with over 5M views!), she offers actionable strategies that help you find meaning in your day-to-day and thrive at work and beyond. Watch Emily's viral TED Talk on the power of finding meaning.

In the Story of Your Life, Are You a Side Character—or the Hero?

Don’t let your story be told for you—take control of it, says Lori Gottlieb. The instant New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and renowned psychotherapist, Lori offers a unique perspective on how we navigate our mental health. If the story you're telling about your life, your relationships, or your purpose is keeping you stuck—then it's time for a change. Watch Lori's TED Talk on how changing your story can change your life.

Happiness, or Success? Good News: You Don't Have to Choose

You don’t have to sacrifice your happiness when chasing success, says Dan Lerner. In fact, putting your well-being first helps you do better at work and in life. Dan is a positive psychologist and creator of NYU's most popular elective, "The Science of Happiness." His electric talks spark real change in how we see the world, proving that we must prioritize our well-being to unlock our full potential. Watch Dan talk about how "harmonious passion" is the key to a happier life.

Music Isn't Just Art. It's a Tool for Hope and Healing

Music is medicine, says Vijay Gupta—it's a powerful tool for human well-being. A MacArthur Genius and TED mainstager, Vijay is the founder of Street Symphony, an organization bringing music and art to America's most disadvantaged communities. "A riveting speaker" (The New Yorker), Vijay shows us the creative ways to revitalize our sense of hope and belonging even in the face of inequality. Watch Vijay's TED Talk on how music can spark hope and change the world.