Since 1949, the month of May has been observed as Mental Health Month in the United States to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to stop the stigma associated with mental health disorders. These keynote speakers have made it their goal to use their platforms to discuss the importance of mental health, and to ensure that all those who struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental health illnesses never feel alone, but rather are empowered to seek help and treatment.

Brené Brown

Brené is a nationally renowned speaker and has won numerous teaching awards for her research on vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. Her groundbreaking work has been featured on PBS, NPR, CNN, and has appeared in The Washington Post, Psychology Today, and many other national media outlets. In her keynote, Brené explains that although vulnerability is often considered a sign of weakness, it is also the birthplace of creativity and innovation, authenticity, adaptability to change and accountability – the key elements that every business needs to survive and thrive. She also encourages her audience to embrace who they are and stresses the importance of cultivating acceptance.

Kevin Hines

Kevin Hines is a global speaker, best-selling author and mental health advocate who reaches audiences with his story of an unlikely survival and his strong will to live. Two years after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder (at 19 years of age), he attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He is one of only thirty-four (less than 1%) to survive the fall and he is the only Golden Gate Bridge jump survivor who is actively spreading the message of living mentally healthy around the globe. Kevin’s recent documentary “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” tells his personal story of survival and how he is using his second chance at life to spread hope and save lives around the world.

Ben Nemtin

In college, Ben was hit with a crippling depression that forced him to drop out of school and retreat into his parent’s house. He felt buried by school, by work, and his own mind. In an attempt to feel more alive he made a list of ‘100 things to do before you die’ with his three friends. They decided that for every bucket item they accomplished, they would help a complete stranger accomplish something on their list. That two-week road trip started a movement that fueled Ben and his friends to continue to check things off their bucket list and help others for the next decade. From playing basketball with President Obama to singing the National Anthem at a major stadium; from raising over $400,000 for charity to placing a record-breaking $250,000 bet on roulette—Ben Nemtin has learned that by doing what you love, you inspire others to do what they love. Ben is committed to spreading the message of radical possibility and leaving people not only inspired but also equipped to tackle the seemingly insurmountable.

Herschel Walker

After an illustrious career in the NFL, Herschel Walker retired as one of the league’s top running backs, gaining more yards than anyone in professional football history at the time. Prior to his football career, however, Herschel was diagnosed with dissociation identity disorder (DID). In his memoir, Breaking Free, Herschel shares the inspiring story of his life and diagnosis with DID — from the joys and hardships of childhood, to his explosive impact on college football, to his remarkable professional career. He gives voice and hope to those suffering from DID, and shows how this disorder played an integral role in his accomplishments, and how he has learned to live with it today. His compelling account testifies to the strength of the human spirit and its ability to overcome any challenge.

For more information on these inspirational keynote speakers and more, visit our website or call Executive Speakers Bureau at (901) 754-9404.