Let’s Keep The Conversation Going

I wanted to take my time with this post. As most of you know, mental health and the issues that arise with it are important to me. Having experienced the ugly side of mental health myself, I know first hand how isolated and alone it can make you feel. I am often helping spreading awareness and helping normalise talking about mental health on my social media sites.

This post was influenced by the recent videos released by Southampton trio THE LOUNGE KITTENS. In the lead up to their latest cover, they each released a video describing their different experiences with mental health. Particularly the ugly side of mental health and how debilitating it can be, particularly when working in the music industry. The one I personally related to the most was Zan Lawther’s video (Pink Kitten).

Like Zan, I have been receiving therapy for anxiety related issues for a good few years now. I still use the techniques that I have been taught to try and keep my head above water. It’s only been the past year I have come to accept that these demons won’t fully go away. It doesn’t matter though as I am prepared for when they arise.

Their latest video their cover of AVICII songs is refreshing. If you wanted a visual of the saying “sometimes, it’s OK not to be OK” then you can see it clearly in this video. Raw, genuine emotion is seen here. A side you don’t often see yet one we all experience all to often. It shows that mental illness does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone and catch even the most seemingly happy person off guard.

What I also like about this video is that it shows how important it is to have that support network. Particularly when it comes to recovery in mental illness. Amongst the raw emotion, we see the Kittens giving each other support when they are at their most vulnerable. There is warmth in the video from their genuine friendship.

The video gets the balance of rawness and warmth spot on. I even shed a little tear after watching it.

I hadn’t personally heard the name AVICII before watching this video. During the video, I did recognise some of the songs and doing some research afterwards more became familiar. For those who don’t know, he sadly died by suicide nearly a year ago.

I always look forward to hearing the latest covers THE LOUNGE KITTENS do ever since they released their cover of LIMP BIZKIT’s Rollin four years ago. Their cover of a medley of AVICII’s songs is the most poignant release to date and to say they did him justice would be an understatement.

Let’s keep the conversations about mental health going. Don’t suffer in silence.

Below is a list of websites with information and support.

Helplines & Websites

MIND The Mental Health Charity

MIND Helpline: 0300 123 3393