"When I was 16 years old I tried to kill myself because I felt weird and I felt different and I felt like I did not belong. And now I’m standing here and so I would like this moment to be for that kid out there who feels like she’s weird or she’s different or she doesn’t fit anywhere. Yes you do. I promise you do. Stay weird. Stay different. And then when it’s your turn and you are standing on this stage please pass the same message to the next person who comes along."
See Video Clip
That speech got an emotional, standing ovation and garnered much praise in the media. I felt Moore’s message would make a positive difference for people suffering with depression right now around the world. His speech also inspired me find post Oscar interviews about his depression and insights that may be helpful to you or someone you know in the workplace. Here are key excerpts…
"I’m not gay, but I’ve never talked publicly about depression before or any of that and that was so much of what the movie was about, and it was one of the things that drew me to Alan Turing so much."
Variety.com
"I grappled with very severe depression when I was young, but I would also say this is something that has not gone away," Moore said. "This is something I've had to deal with every single day of my life. It's something that a lot of people deal with but not a lot of people talk about publicly."
"One of the things that's important about depression is it exists entirely independent of the external," Moore said. "It's not like winning a trophy makes depression go away, and I think that's one of the hardest things for people dealing with it. There's no external validation that makes it disappear. You have to deal with it internally."
Chicago Tribune.com
"A stranger came up to me and said, 'I've dealt with depression and with these issues for my whole life. I've never talked about it publicly before. Thank you for doing that. I feel now I can talk to my family about it and talk to the people around me about it,' " Moore says. "I got very teary and we gave each other a hug. Hearing that from strangers was just so meaningful to me."
People.com
These quotes from Moore could go a long way to better understanding mental health and depression. And hopefully he also inspires people to see The Imitation Game that also highlights a movie hero who felt different all his life and experienced both highs and lows.
The Imitation Game (2014)
The historical thriller film, The Imitation Game, is about British cryptanalyst Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) who helped solve the Enigma code during World War II. It is also the story about a gay man feeling different all his life and trying to fit in with society at the time. The film highlights Turing’s brilliance, successes, social awkwardness and final tragedy while showing the excitement of solving a problem that ended up saving countless lives. See: movie trailer
I highly recommend seeing this film for many motivational reasons such as resilience, teamwork, courage and for a movie hero who persevered as best as he could despite feeling different. Moore was inspired by Turing’s story growing up and it was his goal to bring awareness to this important man in history. Moore, in turn, brought more awareness to suicide and depression with his heartfelt Oscar speech.
If you or someone you know is dealing with depression and mental health at work or in your life please pass on this blog post. Inspiring movies and emotional speeches can be powerful Resilience Resources. They remind all of us to never give up, keep motivated and move forward no matter what.
Related Tips on Resilience:
Tip#804: Resilience Resources, Part 1 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - The Theory of Everything
Tip#805: Resilience Resources, Part 2 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Tip#810: Resilience Resources, Part 3 – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - A League of Their Own
Tip#811: Resilience Resources, Part 4 – Top 15 Movies for Dealing with Depression & Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Tip#812: Resilience Resources, Part 5 – Mental Health - Mumford
Tip#813: Resilience Resources, Part 6 - 50 First Dates
Tip#819: Resilience Resources, Part 7 - Wild
Tip#822: Resilience Resources, Part 8 - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Tip#823: Resilience Resources, Part 9 – Super Bowl -Invincible
Tip#825: Resilience Resources, Part 10 – Mental Health & Healthcare - Big Hero 6
Tip#829: Resilience Resources, Part 11 – The Tartigrade – Mr. Deeds Goes To Town
Tip#830: Resilience Resources, Part 12 – Depression & Graham Moore - The Imitation Game
Tip#833: Resilience Resources, Part 13 – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Tip#834: Resilience Resources, Part 14 - Top 10 Movies for Inspiring Resilience in the Workplace
Tip#857: Resilience Resources, Part 15 - Instagram - Pitch Perfect 2
Tip#873: Resilience Resources, Part 16 - Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
Tip#881: Resilience Resources, Part 17 - Love & Mercy
Tip#892: Resilience Resources, Part 18 – Problem Solving - The Martian
Tip#896: Resilience Resources, Part 19 - Depression – J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Tip#910: Resilience Resources, Part 20 – Depression – A Christmas Carol – It’s a Wonderful Life
NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
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Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2015
