David Woods Bartley: A Journey of Resilience and Empathy in Mental Wellness

Empowering Change through Awareness, Education & Hope

David Woods Bartley, a dynamic speaker, trainer, and master storyteller, captivates audiences with his heartfelt anecdotes. His presentations provide a unique lens on mental health, offering fresh insights and empathy. David's approach transforms understanding, encouraging wellness for individuals, families, and communities.

From Adversity to Advocacy

David's personal journey is marked by profound challenges and victories. Overcoming the loss of a parent, childhood sexual abuse, grappling with depression and PTSD, and triumphing over life's darkest moments, he now navigates the path from mental “hellness” to wellness with grace and strength.

Whole Person Care: The Essence of David’s Philosophy

Central to David's teachings is Whole Person Care (WPC), a holistic approach addressing the full spectrum of an individual's needs. This method, born from David's experiences and self-care practices, is a cornerstone of his advocacy and education.

Inspiring Change and Connection

David believes in the transformative journey from isolation to inclusion. His mission extends beyond individual healing, encompassing community-wide impact. He seeks to lighten the burden of mental health challenges, advocating for connection and hope.

A Distinguished Mental Health Advocate

David's contributions to mental health are extensive. A member of multiple mental health organizations and holding vital certifications, he has delivered over 800 presentations nationwide and 2 TEDx talks, influencing a wide range of audiences. David's commitment to changing the culture of mental health is unwavering, as he continues to share his story and lived experience.

Inspiring Change, One Story at a Time

“Mr. Bartley,

I heard you speak at Bassett Army Hospital last Thursday afternoon. I was one of the nurses you briefly spoke with afterwards. You made the comment about our side of the room being much more engaged than the left side. I know you met so many people, so I don't expect you to remember me, but I just want you to know how much of an impact you made on me. I've battled depression off and on since college, but after having my daughter five years ago I was completely consumed by postpartum depression.

The first year of her life was the hardest one of mine. I will never forget the invasive thoughts I experienced or the feeling of being alone with those thoughts and no defenses to fight them off. At more than one point, I had lost hope. Fortunately for me, I am in a much better place today. I say all this because - no one has ever verbalized depression in such a relatable way. Your stories, while incredibly heartbreaking, can make an impact on so many lives. I admire your courage to be vulnerable and share your experiences with us - thank you for that. Please keep doing what you are doing - your talk is one I will never forget.”

— Gina White, RN

Transforming Workplaces Through Understanding & Empathy

David Woods Bartley is renowned for his dynamic speaking, storytelling, and training skills. With a blend of real-life anecdotes that resonate deeply, David enlightens and engages his audience. He specializes in providing fresh perspectives on mental health, fostering an environment of wellness in workplaces, and supporting employees through their unique challenges.

David’s personal journey from intense struggles to remarkable achievements offers invaluable insights into mental health's complexities. He has triumphed over immense personal challenges, including depression and PTSD, translating these experiences into powerful lessons for others. His approach to mental wellness, grounded in Whole Person Care, advocates for a comprehensive view of well-being, encompassing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. This approach is particularly impactful in a workplace setting, where employee well-being is key to overall organizational health.

Customized Workshops and Training for Your Team

Through keynotes, interactive workshops, and specialized training, David unravels myths about mental illness, replacing misconceptions with truth and actionable knowledge. His programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of your organization, helping employees and management alike to understand mental health better and create a more supportive and productive work environment.

David’s goal in each session is to shine a light on mental health issues, inspiring hope and opening the door to healthier, more inclusive workplace cultures.