NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of suicidal ideation and descriptions of warfare. This talk represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of mental health and the military. 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...
Hiding invisible wounds, whether psychological or physiological, is often due to social stigma and perceived weakness. It takes courage to be honest and vulnerable, but this takes radical acceptance of our limitations. We can learn much from what a service dog teaches about living authentically. With a background as an instructor pilot and offshore fishing captain, Morgan Watt shares his journey through invisible wounds from his time in the U.S. Air Force and as a civilian pilot. His struggles with PTSD, triggered by chronic pain and stress, led him to study mental health counseling at Springfield College at 42. Now, alongside his service dog Donzi, Morgan speaks about finding purpose beyond his career, emphasizing the freedom in living authentically. He credits a strong support network, self-questioning, and unconditional love, especially from Donzi, his soulmate Amber, and their two boys, in his movement towards authenticity. 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