You matter! | Jessica Barrett | TEDxAttica

NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains discussion of suicide. Some viewers may find elements of this talk to be distressing or objectionable. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com...
In this painful and gripping talk, Jessica Barrett reveals the nightmare her family lived through after her brother committed suicide. She implores that anyone contemplating suicide remember that they matter to someone and they should reach out for help. The oldest of three children, I experienced the true blessing of being raised by devoted and loving parents who instilled in us three critical attributes. The first being absolute reverence for our Polish heritage. Second, the often underappreciated ability to connect with others on an emotional and intra-personal level ,as well as the life lesson that if you are good to people, they will be good to you. During a parochial, public, and now correctional teaching career that has spanned 20 years, I have worked to hone these attributes not only to celebrate my Polish heritage, but also to try to brighten the future of others. The winding road that I have traveled has been filled with incredible highs and soul crushing lows, yet it is these experiences that have helped me realize how critical suicide awareness has become and how a once taboo subject has shaped my life and the person I have become. 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

[@dionysios4714]

I can only imagine how difficult this was to tell your story, I admire your courage you're an amazing woman. I lost my younger brother too, but not in the same way.

[@walterwojcik5090]

it is true ... no matter how alone you think you are, no matter if you are the most miserable person on this planet, you still have someone else who does care

[@itouchtheskyilovetrentino]

I am so sorry for your brother. Thank you so much for sharing the personal story of your family.

[@itouchtheskyilovetrentino]

A huge hugs.

[@lemacado1111]

"the millisecond he his hands left the railing, he regretted it.." I too have shared that feeling.
i don't think she knew, but my school's wellness therapist was my reason to live

[@yuqinggong6807]

i am so sorry for your brother.and you are an amazing woman

[@fredyoung4008]

Jessica, firstly, so sorry for the loss of your brother Jacob!!! I start my talks, to students, with a story of the 3am phone call, at age12, informing us that my favorite Uncle had taken his life. The trauma from that incident would be the catalyst for me working in retirement to prevent teen suicide. All we can do is put purpose to the pain so we can let others know that they matter! Your courage was inspirational and will change the world for the better. Take care!!!!!! WorldChangersNeeded

[@fredyoung4008]

@Jessica Barrett I would love to explore the possibility; how should we connect?

[@contecrayononpaper]

The local (U.S.) homeless shelter and U.S. population in general overwhelming tell me that I and other homeless people do not matter.

[@deliacohen]

thank you, jessica, for sharing your deeply personal and heartbreaking story in order to help others.

[@deliacohen]

@Jessica Barrett so proud of you!!

[@ColRusSer]

So very sorry about the tragic loss of your brother.

[@joyzheng6204]

I am so sorry for your loss

[@hanesol9354]

Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️!

[@aidenhopwood7333]

Hey Jessica it’s Your son lees friend Aiden I’m sorry for your brother🙏🏼

[@hollydowns2279]

I have ways been on the fence about it but I was sure, I could some how, really live . Finally, at 57 ! I am diagnosed ADHD and they do have a magic pill for that ! I am going to possibly look into some DBT as further support and am considering getting a tutor in an effort to really master arithmetic! Algebra, geometry ,fractions, calculus ! This medication has been a miracle so far . I do really have a charmed life. Soon I will be able to really live in the moment . When I am able to organize my mind better I will be able to be extremely helpful to all of humanity in some way. I believe I can ! I am a very good baker and that is in fact practical magic or science

[@angrytedtalks]

Yes. Nice story. I agree completely that your life is not yours to take. It belongs to everyone, you are part of the human soul. We are each the product of incredible struggle and triumph; the very essence of humanity.

[@actionheat]

But what if people don't want to listen!??!

[@jessicaboczkowski7892]

You can only do so much to help. Believe me.

[@selmabahri4643]

Im on tears 💔

[@ayberkozkan5209]

27 milyon abone 512 görüntüleme

[@sexyfynelover]

Ok but how is it ok for you to let your son tell a 13 year old girl who is struggling with depression, has suicidal thoughts, cuts herself, has taken pills, and been to a mental hospital to kill herself and your ok with it and do nothing about it, but yet you say all this please practice what you preach

[@sexyfynelover]

Funny how my comment isn’t go through