In this thought-provoking episode of the "Joyful Money" podcast, I sit down in an exclusive chat with 2-time TEDx Speaker David Woods Bartley for a deep dive into the essential but often overlooked connection between mental health and true wealth. We explore how unresolved trauma and mental health struggles can stand in the way of genuine happiness and fulfillment, even for those who appear to have it all.
RECAP & TAKEAWAYS:
- The Hidden Impact of Trauma: Understand how unresolved trauma can fracture your sense of well-being, preventing true happiness and fulfillment, despite financial success.
- Healing and Hope: Discover the power of professional counselling, support groups, and human connection as vital tools for processing trauma and finding hope.
- Living a Meaningful Life: Learn the importance of focusing on activities that bring genuine joy and fulfillment, contributing to a life of true wealth—mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
- Breaking the Silence on Mental Health: Explore the crucial need for men to speak up about mental health struggles and the life-saving impact of providing compassionate spaces for open conversations.
Topics Covered:
- Trauma’s Impact on Happiness: We discuss how trauma can create lasting effects that make it difficult to feel truly happy, regardless of financial success. The episode delves into the generational impact of unaddressed trauma and the necessity of healing to break the cycle.
- Healing from Trauma: We share stories and insights on the healing process, emphasizing the importance of professional counseling, support groups, and the power of human connection in creating hope and fostering recovery. A powerful story highlights an Army colonel’s act of making amends for his trauma by giving his Eagle Scout card to David.
- Finding Fulfillment: True wealth is more than just financial success. This episode encourages listeners to prioritize activities that bring them genuine joy and fulfillment, like the profound happiness Joy finds in spending time at the beach with her daughter.
- Speaking Up About Mental Health: We tackle the stigma surrounding men and mental health, discussing the importance of providing compassionate spaces where individuals can share their struggles without judgment. Support groups are highlighted as a crucial resource for mutual understanding and shared healing.
David Woods Bartley is a 2-time TEDx Speaker.
David has seen his fair share of successes and setbacks, from directing a nationally recognized nonprofit to battling the long-term effects of childhood sexual trauma and a life-threatening mental illness. The latter, a brutal knock-down, drag-out fight with clinical depression, led David to a suicide attempt.
Thanks to the support of many people and being shown the necessity of putting one’s self-care on a pedestal, David continues the essential yet challenging journey from the isolation of mental “hellness” to the inclusive space of mental wellness.
His life having been saved, David is committed to moving the conversation about suicide, male sexual trauma, and mental illness from the dark shadows where they now live to the forefront of public concern. In doing so, his mission is to shine a bright light on the crisis we now face and open doors to the possibility of mental health for everyone, everywhere.
In addition to giving two TED talks, being named a 2021 Mental Health Champion by the prestigious Steinberg Institute, and being recognized as a global thought leader, David has presented more than 800 times to audiences across the United States, Canada, Central America, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, and India, giving in-person and virtual presentations on the subjects of
suicide, resiliency, male sexual trauma, mental health, organizational culture, and servant leadership.
Connect with David:
