**Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health challenges, including depression, suicide, and sexual assault.**

In this episode, I’m joined by David Woods Bartley, a TED Talk speaker and mental health advocate. David shares his incredible journey from battling mental illness to achieving mental wellness. As we close out Men's Mental Health Month, David's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out and seeking help. Meghan and David discuss the silent struggles many face, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the transformative power of sharing one's story.

The episode delves into David's experiences growing up in Maryland, moving to California, and facing unimaginable challenges, including the tragic loss of his father and battling severe depression. David recounts his vulnerability in sharing his story of surviving abuse in the Boy Scouts, shedding light on the long-lasting impact of such traumas and the resilience required to confront them.

Despite these dark times, David's life is also a testament to the power of compassion and the healing bond between humans and animals. He co-founded an incredible animal sanctuary called "A Chance for Bliss," providing a loving home for senior and special-needs animals. This sanctuary became a place of hope, not only for the animals but also for those who heard the stories of these extraordinary creatures.

Through his storytelling, David emphasizes the importance of curiosity and empathy in understanding mental illness and preventing suicide. He shares insights from renowned figures like Brené Brown and Drew Ramsey, emphasizing the importance of hope and connection in overcoming life's greatest challenges. David also discusses the transformative power of therapy, including his experiences with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which brought significant improvement to his mental health.

You can reach David through his site http://davidwoodsbartley.com his Email david@davidwoodsbartley.com or through phone (916) 247-6389

**Resources:**

- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #support #vulnerability #therapy #InspiringStories #EndTheStigma #PersonalGrowth #animalshelter #suicide #resillience #therapy #davidwoodsbartley #mensmentalhealth

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