CRAZYWISE: A Traditional Approach to Mental Illness | Phil Borges | TEDxSanJuanIsland

When a young person experiences a frightening break from reality, Western experts usually label it a "first-episode psychosis", while many psychologists and cultures define it as a “spiritual awakening.
Through beautiful imagery and storytelling, Phil Borges explores what indigenous, survivor-led approaches can teach us about treating mental illness.
For over 25 years Phil Borges has been visiting and documenting indigenous and tribal cultures around the world. His award-winning books have been published in four languages. In 2003 Phil was honored with the Lucie Humanitarian Award at the Annual International Photography Awards in Los Angeles as well as the Purpose Prize in 2007.
Phil teaches and lectures internationally and is co-founder of Blue Earth Alliance, a non-profit organization that sponsors photographic projects focusing on endangered cultures and threatened environments.
Phil’s recent project, CRAZYWISE, explores cultural differences with respect to consciousness, mental health and the relevance of Shamanic traditional practices and beliefs to those of us living in the modern world.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx