Recovery from depression, eating disorder and sexual assault as a male | Kevin Snyder | TEDxCapeMay

NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of sexual violence, which may be distressing to some viewers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...
When Kevin Snyder was diagnosed with depression and an eating disorder at just 12 years old, he never would have imagined speaking out or writing about it. Kevin will share his personal experience of being an adolescent boy with anorexia nervosa, being sexually assaulted, his turning point to recovery, and how he found meaning and direction that changed his life through it. After recovering from his depression and eating disorder, Kevin pursued a career in Higher Education to help other youth battling mental health not feel so alone and find hope. He is the Founder of EmpowerYOUth, which provides motivational and leadership presentations for youth and college students across the country. Since launching EmpowerYOUth, Kevin has also presented for over 1,000 professional organizations in all 50 states and several countries. Over 1,000,000 people ranging from students to CEOs have been in his audience. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@StanPhelps]

I was honored to see this talk by Dr. Kevin Snyder in-person at TEDxCapeMay back in October. I love the amazing reverse poem at the end that challenges us all to THINK DIFFERENTLY. Here is my favorite quote from the talk, "We cannot forget and move on from our past; we can only move forward with it; by using our experiences to help others." Please watch and share with someone you love. I'm sharing this with my two teenage boys...

[@MICHAELBCLEGG]

This talk should have over 1M views. Amazing. One of the best TEDx I’ve ever watched.

[@thepapertigerlady]

Thank you for sharing your heartbreaking -- but encouraging -- story in a world of so many hurting and lonely people. May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family.

[@XxCherylMichelleXx]

Finally! Someone I really do GENUINELY feel i can harmonise and can resonate with, bawling my eyes out here. Bulimarexia, insomnia, bipolar, epilepsy and GOD there's SO much more. Done my time in psych places, lost my brother, daughter and dad within 4 years. It's UNREAL the emotions that just ran through me listening to you, just absolutely inexplicable. These days, hand on my heart, I'm lucky if I manage to wash 2 cups and maybe get 1 load of washing in the washing machine once a month. My once gorgeous long pink hair became matted so badly they could only save a bob cut. I will try and use this to get out of this, however, I digress, I am not hopeful, just numb...

[@MICHAELBCLEGG]

I hope things are looking up for you!

[@newtuber4freedom43]

When I shared my trauma, i did not get support like this man. I am so glad for him, but still battling the demons that others created for me. Cynically, you are either resilient or not. He is. I wonder why I am not equipped with this tool, resiliency. My quest to attain it has been fruitless.

[@reifuller4513]

Kevin was so courageous to share his deep personal life. Hope other young people can follow what he has done.

[@DrewBecker]

Heart-warming, heart-wrenching, pure authentic talk which can benefit many people! Thank you.

[@luciavelazquez116]

The poem at the end!! Thank you for sharing it

[@Ebakyza]

College was the time for me too to realize that no person fits into the definition of normal. I remember lying on my dorm bed and coming to this conclusion.

[@djoronzio]

Kevin, I was impressed by you from the first time I met you at Wake Tech. You were promoting your first book then. As I look back, I realize that I did not have the foresight at the time to understand and embrace the stories and philosophies you wanted to share. I remember the times - over and again - that you took your shot at receiving the state Toastmasters award. Although our business relationship was not extremely close, it was evident to me what a winner you are. Now, to hear you reveal yet another level within yourself - vulnerability - it is a wonderful sight to see. To think that you delivered this talk in a place I know and love well - Cape May, NJ - is icing on the cake. Thank you for your bravery and vulnerability as a human being.

[@NextStageDrumming]

Wow, Kevin! That was awesome and so very brave! The poem at the end really got me! Thanks for encouraging me to continue to tell my story, way back when we met at Toastmasters. You never know who you can impact. My guess is that many others will resonate with this speech and know that they're not alone. There is always hope. Always.

[@Master-Connector]

Really, really powerful message Kevin. Thank you for your vulnarabilty and authenticity.

[@rekliscoachingandconsultin724]

Wow! Powerful message that all of us need to hear, but especially people who've experienced these types of trauma. Thank you for sharing your story. It has already changed people and with this Ted Talk can change many more. I'm glad you pursued you calling to speak...Keep Speaking!

[@elizabethlawson8945]

That was awesome Kevin. I saw you in person at a Wake Forest University event a few years ago. Your spirit and delivery is very uplifting. You were expecting your first child back then... so glad to see you have added to the family. Wishing you continued success. You are making an impact!!!

[@vlwarner6030]

Powerful. When we bring our fears and weaknesses out in the open, they lose their power. Thank you for sharing, Kevin.

[@serowi2337]

Thank you, I'm 15 and have similar experiences to those you mentioned. Thank you for helping spread awareness and sharing your story

[@hannahjayne23]

I am currently in tears after hearing your story, you are truly inspirational! Thank you for being the person we all need to be.

[@d58tm]

You make such a Heart connection by sharing your vulnerabilities and your triumphs, that makes it easy for folks to be introspective and real about their own struggles, a turning point ...

[@carynlee6261]

Amazing Kevin! I've often said recently that mental issues among teens and young adults is an epidemic. With social media being a huge culprit. And then COVID added on... Thank you for your inspiration. I will definitely share with my children and other families facing these challenges.

[@chakrachand1410]

Powerful and thoughtful speech. I also liked the humor.

[@parameshwarhazra2725]

I can feel this man....my gosh his trembling voice.....

[@lindacastanza2249]

Kevin, YOU are brilliant and so amazing!!!! I am so proud to know such an awe-inspiring human being. Thank you for so bravely sharing your story and so much of yourself. This was such a beautiful transformative account of positivity. I am so excited to see your incredible success. You’ve touched the hearts of so many, including mine and the hearts of our law firm.

[@auroracrowell4651]

This is one of the best TEDx Talks I have seen! The poem was absolutely beautiful!!

[@Serialescapist]

Thank you for sharing this story you have inspired everyone to think unbiased and that mental health doesn't discriminate.

[@sherrimcmanus1913]

Wonderful message and much needed in today's world. Thank you for sharing your time, talent and treasure to the world.

[@MuxiangP]

Amazing speech! Thank you Dr. Snyder, for sharing your vulnerability and experience to give others strength to walk out their painful past.

[@chrisfitzpatrickspeaks]

Remarkably powerful address. Takes immense courage and vulnerability to share this, Kevin, I have such respect for you for this.

[@bergwood]

Cheers to you brother! Much love to you and all you are doing for so many others.

[@scottrussell1064]

We are unique and that is a great thing…thanks!

[@CB_frommtns2sea]

Uplifting, frank, motivating and important. I can't thank you enough for showing me your raw and true self. Makes me wonder what I can do if I use my past for the betterment of others. Thank you, very much.

[@thefool2007]

This was brilliant. I just watched it for my Psychology class and it was moving and riveting. I learned a lot and from this and am grateful- thank you. The poem at the end is absolutely priceless. Amazing story.

[@chingmic3]

Thank you for shining a light into this epidemic. Your vulnerability paves the way for others to share their stories. God bless you.

[@bravelace]

Loved the whole thing! Wow! Incredible story! Thank you for naming the two things that supported you as a young man: Family and Professional Counseling. Ending the taboo of mental health help. I especially LOVED the poem! Brilliant! I've never seen that before with such powerful words. Thank you!

[@HavenECarter]

Dear Kevin, AMAZING! Thank you for sharing your story. I just want to give you a BIG HUG!!! You and your craft are evolving to this amazing level that will inspire, help, and heal many, many people. You are brave and brilliant. Mwah!

[@iamrobertkelley9191]

Kevin great talk and job resonating your vulnerability and authentically connecting with the audience, especially connecting with others with their own personal situation.

[@raymondmurdock8603]

what you're doing is important you're spreading a good message and helping people i'm just bitter and jealous because i wish i got positive reactions and help when i spoke out instead of everything just getting worse so much worse but i guess if these conversations fix society then maybe other people won't go through what i went through

[@robertozamorabritojr.8512]

Amazing talk

[@kavitaladykavitagupta9780]

Thank you for sharing! There is a better future… it’s a struggle, but move forward. Find the help! Decide! Take a step! Keep moving forward! It’s a daily process!❤🙏🌏🌎🌍🙏🙏🏾🙏🏼🙏🏿🙏🏽

[@JonBell-ln1lf]

Thanks, Brother, I needed that. But I think you already knew that.

[@shreetapdiya5412]

Can anyone tell me how to get into depression?

[@kea5763]

What 12 year old kids "dates?" 12 yr olds are in the 6th grade, I don't recall school dances in elementary school. I guess play dates might count.Perhaps he was on the cusp of 12 going on 13 and was in 7th grade? oh well, not that important just threw me off timeline wise. Glad you're doing well these days.