David Woods Bartley is a globally recognized mental health advocate, TEDx speaker, and mental wellness expert. He empowers individuals and organizations to confront the challenges of mental health, trauma, and resilience, offering transformative strategies for healing and growth
David Woods Bartley is a globally recognized mental health advocate, two-time TEDx speaker, and Mental Health Champion whose life story and message of resilience, recovery, and hope resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. Having battled the long-term effects of childhood sexual trauma and clinical depression, David is on a mission to bring conversations about mental health, suicide, and trauma out of the shadows and into the forefront of public concern. His experience, which includes over 800 presentations across four continents, has made him a trusted voice in the field, helping individuals and organizations approach mental health with compassion, understanding, and actionable strategies.
A Leader Who Inspires Transformation
David’s journey from the depths of depression and trauma to mental wellness is a powerful testament to the importance of self-care, resilience, and breaking down societal taboos around mental health. As someone who has faced the darkest moments of life and emerged stronger, David speaks with authenticity and passion, offering valuable insights on how to navigate mental health challenges and create supportive environments for healing. His mission is to not only raise awareness about mental health but also to provide tangible, life-changing strategies for improving mental wellness across all areas of life.
A Speaker Who Delivers Real Impact
David’s speaking engagements are transformative and thought-provoking. His compelling storytelling, combined with his deep understanding of mental health, creates a powerful experience for audiences. Through his talks, David helps organizations and individuals:Open up conversations about mental health, suicide, and traumaCreate inclusive, supportive environments for mental wellnessDevelop practical strategies for resiliency and self-careAddress the impact of male sexual trauma and mental illnessFoster organizational cultures that prioritize mental health and well-being
A Trusted Expert for Mental Health Awareness
David has worked with a wide range of organizations across the globe, including the Army, Air Force, NASA, the Veterans Administration, Sutter Health, and top universities such as Boston College and the University of Connecticut. His extensive experience in delivering keynotes and workshops to diverse audiences, including military personnel, healthcare professionals, and students, has made him a trusted expert in mental health, suicide prevention, and organizational culture.
Why David?
David Woods Bartley is more than a speaker - he is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. His personal journey, combined with his expertise in mental health and leadership, makes him the ideal choice for any organization looking to foster a culture of wellness, resilience, and inclusion.Book David Woods Bartley today to bring a transformative, inspiring message to your next event and help shift the conversation on mental health to one of healing and empowerment.
David’s presentations to our Agency’s workforcewere timely, and the 100% positive feedback frommore than 300 attendees was phenomenal. Theperspective that David has is unlike many otherprofessional speakers, as his experiences, thoughtprocesses, and resiliency are personal and first-hand.His ability to take an extremely sensitive anduncomfortable topic, frame it in a way that speaksto others who may be feeling the same, and turn theconversation into one of hope and optimism isremarkable. I would personally recommend him as aspeaker to any organization with a workforce thatwould benefit from a frank and meaningful discussionabout the importance of mental/emotional healthand suicide awareness/prevention
Janine Scoville, Program Manager, Employee Wellnessand Occupational Health
David Bartley offers his story of mental illness with vulnerability, creativity, and real hope! As anxiety and depression become more relevant experiences for college students, they need to hear honest testimonies of both the struggles of mental illness and the support that can help. David offers all of this, with a voice of wisdom and compassion. Faculty, staff, and students were encouraged in their journey towards mental health and have requested David be a regular speaker on our campus.
David’s passion for inspiring leaders to connect was first-class. He has the ability to take very intense life situations and translate those concepts to leadership skills. The executive leadership team found our workshop very moving and encouraging. They have also started implementing some of the lessons learned. We look forward to having David back again with other leaders in our organization.
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