Gus Tells TED23 its Time for Action
Photo courtesy of TED
19,000 people take their lives every day worldwide. Nearly 40,000 attempt suicide.
It’s a massive, global problem.
And it’s why Gotcha4Life founder Gus Worland took to the biggest global stage of all - TED23 in Vancouver, Canada - to share our vision for ending suicide with the world.
Gus’s TED talk didn’t just shine a light on the problem. He highlighted a solution we can all be a part of. Taking action to build mental fitness.
It’s a big issue, and the way to tackle it is by starting small. As individuals. In our own village. By keeping it simple. Staying connected. And looking after each other.
Checking in with others in your village. Making that phone call. Telling someone you love them. Sending that text asking, ‘How are you?’. And really listening to the answer.
Seemingly tiny gestures by one person can be life-changing - and life-saving - to others.
Simple as that.
That’s what Gus told the 2,500 people gathered for TED23 in the Vancouver Convention Centre - and countless more watching live around the world.
“Too many people talk about stuff. They don't action it. They don’t actually put it on their priority list,” Gus said.
“The key is to take action to build emotional muscle and be the best you can be. And if you can’t be your best, if you’re struggling, be vulnerable enough to say so. Don’t be afraid to be real, don’t be afraid to be human with the people you love, and who love you too.”
The TED crowd took Gus’s message to show vulnerability on board. By the end of the talk, everyone was crying. The audience. The sound mixers. The make up person. The other speakers.
The next speaker, inventor and neurotechnologist Conor Russomanno, took to the stage and said, “I want to thank Gus for making me have to go get my make up done again!”
The reaction of the international audience that day - and the global statistics - show the work started by Gotcha4Life in Australia is relevant on a worldwide scale.
Taking action to build mental fitness and end suicide is something we as a world can do.
The message transcends borders, countries and continents. And the best place to start is in our own backyard.
Taking action through little steps leads to big change. Even global change.
Photo courtesy of TED
“I’m hoping my TED talk gets people from all around the world understanding the work we’re doing, and taking action to build mental fitness to be part of a global solution, because this truly is a global problem.”
You will be able to watch Gus’s TED23 talk soon too. We’ll let you know as soon as it’s available
Stay tuned - and tune in!
