Diana Rodríguez (1014-1087)

TED TALK: Sangu Delle.

Answer the following questions providing complete answers.

1. What message does Sangu Delle want the audience to know?

Sangu Delle wants the audience to know how the African culture thinks about mental
health/illness. In a study done in Africa, more than a third believe that mental illnesses
come from drug misuse and about 15% of the people believe that mental illness comes
from the wrath of God. This gives us an idea of how people in Africa think about mental
health and what they know.
2. What background knowledge do you have that relates to the topic of this Ted Talk?
I have always been interested in the psychological field, as I found interesting how the
mind works. I know that mental illness can come from genetics and traumas. Also, I
know that mental health is just as important (if not more) as our physical health.
3. When the speaker mentioned the results of a survey conducted about the causes of
mental illness, which ones are similar to some Dominican beliefs?
Some people in the Dominican Republic believe that mental illnesses come primarily
from drug misuse, not knowing that these illnesses can come from genetics,
socioeconomic status, etc… In the DR, there is a stigma upon mental health, as many
people still don’t take this matter seriously enough.
4. According to Delle’s experience, why mental illness has become a personal issue to
him?
Mental illness became a personal issue for Delle because his best friend was diagnosed
with schizophrenia. Delle stood by his friend’s side even when the community around
them isolated him for having this illness.
5. What is a generalization you can make about Sangu Delle’s personality?
A generalization that can be made about Delle’s personality is that he is empathetic and
passionate. He started a mental health foundation that helps many undergraduates with
their mental health challenges.
6. What does the speaker suggest in order to overcome the stigma surrounding the topic
mental illness?
Talk to our friends, loved ones, and health professionals, be vulnerable, and speak up
when we struggle.
7. If you had a chance to ask the speaker (Mr. Delle) a question, what would it be?
If you know someone suffers from mental illness like anxiety, but they don’t want to
seek for professional help neither talk about it, what should we do to help them?
8. What part of this TED Talk was the most powerful? Why?
When Delle explains that he felt like a madman if he reached out for help to fight his
anxiety. This is a common mental illness that people fear to talk about if they
experience it. Here in the Dominican Republic, many people don’t feel safe talking
about one’s own mental illness. People who suffer from this illness may feel identified
with Delle and hopefully could learn from this TED talk.
9. If a psychologist/ psychiatrist were to look at the actions of Sangu Delle, what do you
think the psychologist / psychiatrist would say about him? Describe specific
statements or actions that you think a mental health professional would draw from
those statetements or actions.
A psychologist would say that Delle is fighting against his own traumas by helping
other people overcome their own traumas. By starting the foundation that helps students
with mental health issues, Delle can help prevent others from suffering in silence like
he did. Delle is a leader and a savior for many students who struggle with mental
illnesses.
10. What comment is the speaker (Sangu Delle) trying to make about his culture in this
TED Talk?
Delle is trying to show the audience how difficult it is for the African culture to
understand the importance of mental health. There is shame in taking care of one’s
mental health in Africa because people who suffer from mental illnesses are seen as
madmen. In West Africa, there is 1 psychiatrist per 1 million people. 200 psychiatrists
for 200 million people. A lot of Africans suffer in silence and Delle is trying to explain
this to the world.