Is OCD just keeping things in a certain order or being careful about washing your hands? In this ted talk, we talk about how we perceive mental illness, and how we struggle with it.Aryana is a sophomore at Churchill High School. She’s passionate about mental illness and anxiety awareness, and has been diagnosed with OCD and trichotillomania. When she’s not in school, she can be found doing her calculus homework, playing the violin, or reading. 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

What is mental health stigma and why does it affect thousands of people across the US? This talk dives into the pervasive nature of mental health stigma and how it affects America’s most vulnerable group- teenagers.Leah Kisin is a junior at Winston Churchill High School. She loves psychology and aspires to help teens struggling with their mental health. Her talk explores the stigma surrounding mental health and how she thinks addressing this stigma could help her peers. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking and hanging out with friends. She hopes that her talk inspires to help destigmatize mental health and start conversations about mental health. 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

In our everyday lives, we’ve been told to implement daily habit’s in our life all in favor of helping the planet- turn off lights, wear sweaters in the winter. We’re constantly fed images of severe natural disasters, less available water, hazardous temperatures, and destroyed wildlife: all stemming from climate change. Yet due to changing technology, some of the ways we’ve been told to help reduce climate change aren’t even as helpful anymore.A junior at Winston Churchill High School, Julianne Elam is an avid advocate of sustainability and environmental protection. She is an 11 year member of Girl Scouts, and a member of multiple local student-led advocacy organizations. Her first experience lobbying occurred last February in Annapolis at the State Capitol for a bill to lower the voting age for local elections. In her free time, Julianne enjoys reading, writing, and gardening along with researching ways that she and others can live a greener, healthier lifestyle. 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

Think of a person you know that carries themself with humility and leads an “honest” lifestyle. They could also be a predator. 16 years old and a graduating high school senior. Likes to workout and cook. This topic was inspired by personal events from her father’s 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

In this emotional and deeply personal talk, I share my journey of living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and shed light on the often invisible nature of chronic pain. Through my story, I highlight the challenges in diagnosing and managing CRPS, the need for increased awareness, and the importance of compassion. My talk will inspire viewers to become advocates for those living with chronic pain while emphasizing the power of hope and community in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.I am the PR Director of CRPS Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and raising awareness about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). I was diagnosed with CRPS at the age of 10, and my personal journey through chronic pain has inspired me to advocate for better understanding and support for those living with invisible illnesses. As a passionate speaker, I’ve shared my story with medical professionals, students, and patients, raising awareness about the challenges of living with CRPS while promoting resilience, hope, and compassion. 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

What is important in a teenager’s life of work? Grades & Extracurriculars are a good bet, but what about yoga? In addition to the positions, yoga has the power to increase self-awareness and strengthen communities throughout the world!Ebenezer Zeleke is a senior at Winston Churchill High School (WCHS). He enjoys participating in a wide range of activities, from performing enthralling music repertoire with MCYO (Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras) Philharmonic and YAA (Young Artists of America) to swimming and coaching for JFD (Joe Flaherty’s Dolphins). As a mental health advocate and Co-president of the Mental Illness Matters Club (MIMC), Ebenezer loves to educate fellow peers on mental health coping skills while spreading wellbeing throughout his school and outside communities. Throughout the past several years, he has developed a deep passion for yoga and has recently become a certified teacher, having completed his training at one of the world’s best yoga ashrams: Rishikesh Yogpeeth. Throughout senior year and beyond, Ebenezer is committed to sharing his love for yoga and wellbeing with those around him. 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