NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for mental health advice. Psychedelic assisted therapies remain an ongoing field of study with important safety and ethical considerations. Experiments discussed in this talk should not be performed outside of accredited research settings. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfWorldwide, about one-third of people with mental health disorders do not respond to available treatments. Even successful psychotherapy takes time, and medications often come with side effects.Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) introduces a new paradigm for interventions, facilitating rapid changes that can be sustained through psychotherapy. This approach may reduce or even eliminate the need for lifelong daily medication in treating common mental health disorders. MAT also offers hope to those who have not responded to standard treatments. In specialized clinical settings, both natural and synthetic psychedelic drugs can be combined with psychotherapy. Studies suggest that these therapies enhance brain flexibility, promote nerve cell growth, and deepen connectedness to oneself and others.The wisdom of indigenous healers has guided the discovery of these medicines and should continue to inform safe and respectful practices for their use. Dr. Sanjay Rao is an accomplished psychiatrist and Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa in Canada. He is also an Additional Professor of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NovaScotia. Dr. Rao has an extensive background in psychiatry, having worked and trained in India, the UK, and Canada. In 2011, Dr Rao earned his MBA from Durham University.His specialization is in cognitive behavioural therapies and treating mood and anxiety disorders. In 2007, he received an honour at the UK Prime Minister's reception, and in 2018, he was awarded a fellowship by the Canadian Association of Cognitive Behavioural Therapies.Dr. Rao is also the Director of a multidisciplinary clinic, CMAP Health, and the Unified CBT Academy. He has a research team specialising in publishing systematic reviews of evidence in mental health care. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Adham Moussa, founder of Diet and Cheat, steps out from behind the “Captain Asser” persona to share a deeply personal story one that challenges a generation to rethink the value of formal education versus following passion. Growing up as the youngest in his family, Adham once set his sights on the military to prove his strength. Life, however, led him to study computer science. Though it wasn't his first choice, he embraced it and excelled. His journey into fitness began as a personal challenge building discipline, confidence, and growth. What started in the gym became a full transformation and later, a business. Yet despite his success, he returned to university, not out of necessity, but to truly understand the field behind his work. This talk isn’t just about motivation ,it’s about questioning your path, making bold pivots, and embracing lifelong learning. Adham's story proves that success isn’t always a straight line. Adham Moussa founded and licensed his business in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates after leaving the military. Today, it is a global enterprise and a market leader in the fitness sector, helping people all over the world reach their objectives and improve their quality of life. Building self-discipline and resilience, as well as transforming your passion into a business opportunity, are the main topics of his discussion. Additionally, he argues that business and education complement one another. He talks about his educational journey and how it has benefited him in his life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Marina Ziblis gives insights on how to overcome the unexpected challenges of life and career. What can you do when things do not go as planned? You can build resilience, and this TEDxFS-Talk tells you how! Marina Ziblis is a Change Manager at PwC Germany and an expert in Employee Experience and organizational transformation. As a LinkedIn Top Voice and keynote speaker, she is passionate about reshaping the world of work through culture-driven change and new work practices. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

NOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfWhat happens when kids are given the tools to tell their own stories, and the trust that their stories matter? In this powerful talk, Oliver Steinglass, Program Director of Design FC, shares how creativity can become a lifeline. Design FC gives underserved youth the chance to design their own soccer jerseys — but what they’re really designing is identity, belonging, and belief in their own voice. Through a fusion of design, storytelling, and sport, Oliver reveals how a simple creative exercise can unlock confidence, emotional growth, and a sense of purpose in young people who are too often overlooked. These aren’t just jerseys, they’re declarations of resilience, pride, and possibility. Rooted in lived experiences and real-world impact, this talk is a call to reimagine what empowerment looks like: not telling kids who to become, but asking them who they already are, and handing them the tools to show the world. Originally from Washington DC, Oliver graduated from Swarthmore College in 2020 where he studied Studio Art and Psychology as well as working at the College’s Makerspace for 3 years. At Design FC Oliver is involved in operations at every level of the program, from classroom sessions and jersey creation to fundraising and strategic planning. He also provides design support to our older students.Fascinated by the many intersections of soccer, art, and design, Oliver has spent the last two years working in the nonprofit world and helping bring students’ designs and stories to life through Design FC. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of behavior, the nervous system, and the brain. Several claims in this talk lack sufficient scientific support. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfHenry Hildebrandt introduces the duality of the two systems battling in your brain. His personal success has taught him how to improve consistency in your thinking and decision-making. Learn how to improve focusing on the things you want to focus on in this TEDxFS-Talk. Henry Hildebrandt is Germany’s leading neuroscience content creator, with over 500,000 followers. A former medical student, he developed a brain-based learning system that helps students unlock their potential. Henry is also the co-founder of Study University, an educational platform based in Berlin. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of suicidal ideation and a suicide attempt that some viewers may find upsetting. Please seek professional help if you are struggling and do not look to this talk as a substitute for mental health advice. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfEvery day, millions of men silently struggle under the weight of depression, shame, and societal pressure to “man up.” In this powerful and deeply personal talk, entrepreneur Rob Goddard shares his journey from the top 1% of UK earners to the brink of suicide—13 seconds from ending his life. What stopped him? A locked fire exit. And what saved him? One friend who showed up. With raw honesty and emotional courage, Rob invites us to rethink what it means to be strong—and why speaking up could save a life. Rob is a men's mental health advocate. He is a successful entrepreneur who’s passionate about helping other men fight the scourge of depression and anxiety. Suicide is the biggest killer of males under fifty. It’s time for men to talk, share with and listen to each other – to learn how to manage depression while creating strong careers and personal lives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx