You've been downvoted because it sounds like you're rejecting Wil Wheaton's core point, which is to bring into the open a topic that is still pretty taboo in Am

You've been downvoted because it sounds like you're rejecting Wil Wheaton's core point, which is to bring into the open a topic that is still pretty taboo in American society. He's doing this to raise awareness, and help other people who are suffering alone get help. To address your points: - This is planned and calculated only to the extent that it's a speech meant to get a point across. It is revealing personal vulnerability in order to help others who might be suffering from similar conditions, or those who have friends or family suffering from them, recognize the symptoms and take action. 1. The term "trigger warning" is sadly overloaded these days, but it is still useful for those suffering from the anxiety and depression he's talking about. Those are the people targeted by that paragraph, not you. Note that this speech was addressing NAMI, "National Association on Mental Illness", so it's likely some of those people were in the audience. 2. The word "objective" is the last sentence is key here. He is contrasting how other perceive the quality of his life vs how he's actually living it. 3. He's apologizing to his mother because she is likely going to hear or read this speech which reveals some pretty personal information, and she will likely blame herself. More generally, it's a message to people who have lost loved ones: don't blame yourselves. 4. Yes, he's trying to raise awareness and push for social change. Activism is part of doing that, and of course publishing this speech is as well.