My Story For Mental Health Awareness Week
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- I hope this video is a comfort to anyone who has been and is going through what I have been through.
You are not alone and I am always around if you ever need to talk.
Don't suffer in silence. Its not something to be ashamed of. :)
Dear Dave, I've mentioned in other comments that I'm easily old enough to be your dad (maybe your grandfather) but I have developed a great deal of respect for you since I stumbled on your UA-cam channel (was looking for vids about 1964 strats). After watching this video I have a great deal more. I worked in the field of mental health for close to 32 years, working as a therapeutic programmer on the wards of psychiatric hospitals. I've also experienced depression. You are an extremely admirable young man (to say nothing of extremely talented) to share your story with such honesty and caring for the plight of others who may be suffering the same emotional turmoil that you did. Even though you recognize it as simply a symptom of depression, please never doubt your worth. You are an incredible individual and an astounding musician. One of the most enjoyable aspects of watching your videos is seeing the actual joy that you experience while playing guitar. It's visible on your face. It's visible in your entire presence. It is always a pleasure when I get a notification that you've posted another video. Please don't stop. I'm sure there are a great many people world wide that you don't know who love you. Best of luck and bless you.
John
jltrem i
Thank you very much indeed. :)
jltrem well said John. 👍
Thank you, Simon.
Hey jltrem; took the words right out of my mouth. Reading your response to Dave, sounded a lot like what i would want to tell him, and everyone else here who has been afraid of their "minds" sometimes. Nobody knows what it is really like, unless they have been there. Nice to see a lot of people here who can identify with what he went through. High school can be a curse for a lot of kids. I sincerely hope all of you reading this will find the courage to respect yourself and work on becoming everything you can be. And it is work. One step, one day at a time. As for you Dave, you bring a lot of good effort and intentions to your videos. Give yourself the credit you deserve. I have told you this before, i wish i could play guitar like you. But i mostly appreciate your honesty with your past, and i not only feel for you, i have been there too. You are, we are not alone. Thanks for being real and thank you for sharing something that many of us fear, and feel we should not be feeling. Best regards from the west coast of Canada.
And then you went on to change The World in a positive manner, in so many ways.
I do my best. :) Thank you very much indeed. :)
School is a horrific environment for a lot of people. Hated it personally and couldn't wait to leave.
Yes, a mandatory indoctrination facility and animal farm. Public education institutions are completely unnatural.
Funny how things change isn't. All those years ago nobody seemed to care and now, 18,000+ people from all across the world, think you're awesome and love you for who you are. Touching and upsetting story Dave. Very brave of you to put yourself out there to help others. You sir, are an inspiration.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
I can't understand how people would be so nasty to you, you are a great person. Yet again I'm inspired by your videos. Thank you.
Yeah though I have the feeling a lot of those who did such things had an unfriendly visit from karma. Myself I'd rather hang out with Dave.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Thank you. :)
It seems these people were nasty because they were also bullied by parents or friends and it was their nasty way to not feel their anxiety. Maybe some of them were so disturbed, so they're dead now, like in my case. There was one person who bullied me couple of times in school, and afterwards he had very miserable life and died from a mental disease. So his violent moments were like the last attempts to help himself, the last sparks before hopelessness.
Thank you for sharing, Dave, you are very nice person.
Guitar is clearly not the only thing you're good at, you're clearly a good empathiser, one of the hardest and most important things to become good at in anyone's life. You needn't feel worthless about anything, I think you've cracked what's important in life from the sounds of it and I think you should be able to draw endless confidence from owning your experiences, plus you've taught me so much awesome guitar! 👍
Thank you very very much indeed. :)
Dave, for what is worth, we are all your friends here... Now, in here, you are safe. Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷
Thank you very much indeed. That means the world to me. :)
Amen brother!!!! Dios bendiga Argentina! - craig
It's kind of funny how some of the kids in school that people think are weird or bully turn out to be some most creative and interesting of the whole bunch.
Nice to get another video, Dave. You really need to get some shirts made. I would definitely rock a Dave Simpson shirt. Maybe you'll use that money generated from it to finally release the "Untitled" songs. Hope you're well, sir.
Thank you very much indeed and i have been thinking about it. Its all down to money though. Fingers crossed soon. :)
I've been battling bipolar depression and anxiety since middle school, I was always made fun of for Being fat and weird. Even up threw high school I was called ugly kid. No one would ever talking to me, and I was to afraid of speaking to others. Most days I would just tuck my headphones under my hair and escape with my music. the only thing that kept me going was music. I have been playing drums for about 12-14 years and well that help me make friends finally. I found other people just like me and it was the first I felt happiness. And after 9 years those 5 friends are still my best friends today and we are still making music.
That brilliant and thank you so much for sharing your story. :)
This is the first time I've seen this video. It is absolutely disgraceful that the adults, who had a duty of care to the children at that school, treated you that way.
Take it from me, you are not worthless and you do matter, to thousands of people, including me.
So I'm gonna say as a ten year older guy from the states. You were listening to offspring and I was listening to the first wave of american hard-core. It saved my life full on. The bullying was very violent and sadistic. Even after all these years the effects are still with me everyday. It was a godsend to have a street level underground movement to find other outcasts and be heard. Almost all the founders of this music I've known in one way or another and we ALL suffered through this, brother. You've got guts and my respect. Bring forth the rock.
Wow dave that was both inspirational and extremely gutsy to talk about your own experiences so openly. I'm sure that there are people out there in a bad place, who will take great comfort from your story and your insight. If i wore a hat, I'd take it off to you my friend.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
An extremely honest and candid account of your early life. School life can be brutal for so many and you're not alone. You've forged your own path in life and have a global following in the hundreds of thousands. What have these bullies achieved in that time? You are the better man, and NEVER forget that.
I went through all of that bullying crap during the entirety of my time in public school. It sucked. Looking back on it all, the thing that always stuck out with me was this: I always tried to be nice to people when I was a little kid. But, people saw that as a weakness and I was always picked on as a result. It made me very cynical and more than a little hateful as that era went on. One of the happiest days of my life was when I graduated high school and I knew that I would never see these people again. Music (particularly Thrash and Death Metal) was the only thing that kept me from absolutely losing it. It took me a long time after my teens where I could actually talk to people.
I know exactly what you mean. I was so happy the day i finished school as well. Thank you very very much for sharing. :)
Takes guts to come out with that part of your life.. Your an inspiration to loads of people now.. There is good guitarists and there is gifted guitarists... Those that have something else... And dave has this in abundance...just has so much flare and understanding of the guitar.... Its great to watch... And you inspire loads of people... Keep going dave
Speaking to my heart. I was a geek at best made to “man up” and play football while at the same time being taught classical piano. Overweight and bullied but was told to be a man. It had to be my fault. Music was my refuge, but I had to get a real job. Now in my 60s and have MS I can get back into music and you have been a great inspiration. You know and can fill in the blanks. Thank you. For being honest.
you're actually a really funny person, unintentionally even, your mannerisms and quick sayings have had me laughing numerous times. You're a good person and your videos are so real, they've opened my eyes to a few things. I'm glad I found this channel, haha I'm glad you're here in this world dave.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Agreed
We all need to talk about depression and anxiety more, it was very brave of you to bare your soul, Dave.
We do indeed. It helps so much to talk about it and not hide it. :) Thank you very much indeed. :)
Dave man you are such a humble fella. I got bullied in school and my escape was to play my guitar. Still to this day, playing guitar is my escape from life and it’s problems.
Hope you’re well!
You're a great man, Dave. Glad to be a long time subscriber.
Thank you very much indeed and thanks you for being a subscriber. :)
Dave you are a trooper, thanks for sharing your life experience i can empathise with all you have said, it rings many bells for me listening to your anguish, Thank you so much for sharing, there are many of us silent wounded in the world. Take care and stay safe. Cheers. Andy. Scotland.
Dave,I have struggled with these issues for 35 yrs on and off.I wouldnt say Im cured,I just learned to value my unique nature and deal with it. I escaped into my music and get agitated when seperated from my instruments for any length of time.Thank you for your story,and highlighting awareness week.
Thank you very much indeed and thank you for sharing. :)
You're a good man, an honest person and a truly brave human being. Also, you are a great musician and communicator. I bet not many of the small-minded bastards you went to school with has touched one person's life in a positive way, let alone the sixty thousand you have. I suffered from anxiety issues at school, but I was lucky that I found the guitar earlier than you did and had the support of a couple of people who are still my good friends to this day (forty years later). If I'd had to go through what you went through as isolated as you were, I doubt very much if I'd have come out the other side. There are an awful lot of people who are very thankful that you did, Dave. My daughter is having some issues at school, and this wonderful video will help me to get a handle on what she might be going through. Your UA-cam chanel is unique: yesterday you taught me how to play like Kossoff, today you're teaching me something even more important. Thank you.
I also never knew what Anxiety was. I thought I was going to die or go crazy every single day from age 16 to 27. Alcoholism nearly killed me. When I was diagnosed with Anxiety, PTSD and OCD it all made sense. All the symptoms of death and insanity were instantly less dangerous and more manageable.
Thank you for sharing. :)
My wife suffers from anxiety and she often goes down the black hole into depression and i try my best to help her through when this happens, the trouble is we as partners/parents/siblings are not trained to deal with mental health issues and will often say the wrong things, or miss the signs, we will often get angry, although we do not mean to, simply because we don't , and never will, understand what that other person is feeling or going through and get frustrated by our own inadequacies in dealing with the situations that arise from living with a sufferer. My wife's anxiety and depression improved ten-fold when she decided to seek the help of a professional but the counselling wasn't just for her , i was asked to attend a couple of sessions also so as i could learn to recognise the early signs of an attack (if that's the right word) and deal with it much better than i was and i believe this has benefited both of us. I know your video is looking at depression from a sufferers side of things but think its also important to say that there is also help out there for those living with someone who suffers from anxiety and depression.
I was never the person who got bullied in school cause I was bigger then everyone else, so I cant imagine what you went through but I do remember alot times I stood up for people getting bullied and that made me get in trouble but I just didn't care, alot of teachers thought I was the idiot. I wish you had someone in school who stood up for you dave!
I'm glad you are feeling better today though those scars will propably never heal but it's good that you are talking about it and letting us in! us, your followers, we will always have your back cause we love you, you are bringing us so much joy with your videos!
Dave. My heart goes out to you, and others. I was bullied terribly too. I'm well aware, of the damage it can do. It ruined my life. It made me very ill, and depressed,. So much I locked myself in my bedroom, for four years. Bullied at school, and bullied when I got home..I was a sensitive and lonely child. Every day was hell and an endless nightmare. I was blamed for everything. You are well-loved by so many of your followers. I think it took a lot of guts to tell us this. However, the memories and pain may be. You have done so well for yourself. Probably more than you think. Sadly bullying, still goes on, in school and work too. You turned into a beautiful caring person. Who gives so much pleasure to so many of us. And that's probably the reason. We can't help who we are. Why should wsoe change? I felt rubbish and worthless. So glad you found the guitar as I did. I had no one. However, After many many years. I found something that helped me, get rid of my memories, called NLP, and it works. It has erased so much dirt from my past. I have wasted my life, and that is something that is hard to deal with.
ith. I'm now a published author and poet. Poetry has helped me, as well as the guitar, express my feelings. I now have seven books out there. and a world-renowned poet. And damn proud of myself, like you should be. It's been my way, of getting them back in a way. I wonder what my bullies are doing now?. N LP will help. Neuro-linguistic programming. Hope you can find a Good therapist near you. My best wishes, to you and your lovely family. Take care mate.
This was both brave and honest. You should be very proud of what you have achieved and who you have become.
you are inspiring.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Unselfish, Strong & Courageous message that has helped thousands, I'm sure. You are a man among men, Dave.
You are an inspiration, Dave.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Great vid, it takes a lot of balls to put this out there. Keep well my friend. Btw, your steering wheel is the wrong side of your car.😜
Thank you very much indeed and it is indeed. :)
Cheers, Dave - thanks for sharing so openly :)
Thank you very much indeed. :)
You turned out to be a very big reference for me. I have mentally ill parents (mom is antisocial and dad is bipolar) and i feel like i will one day be ill too. Thanks for this video, always nice to see that you can turn out like a good person and do great stuff even if you have a mental health issue.
Thank you very much indeed for watching and my best to you and your Mum 7 Dad. :)
Ive dealt with bullying, depression and anxiety too. Consequently I turned to guitar as well. I'm with you, I dont understand why people do this to each other.
Me neither but thank you very much for sharing. :)
Bullying is a terrible start to life - I suffered it as well. Every day, relentless bullying by the school hard-nuts. I was a nervous wreck. I actually met one of my bully's a few years ago, and I had grown a lot bigger and stronger than him. He just ignored me! They are just cowards really, they just pick on the weakest kids. I wish I knew then, what I know now.
I stumbled onto your videos today and felt an immediate connection. I'm 60 years old and I still have some of the insecurities that came from being bullied in school. 3rd grade to 12th. I loved music at age three. I never got into football or other sports like we were expected to do in the USA in the '60's. I was the nerdy kid with glasses who only liked guitars.I was always told starting around the age of six, that rock'n'roll would never pay the bills. I was scared to death to even think about trying to make a living at it. But the guitar kept me sane. when people found out I could play, they accepted me more. Some of the bullies even took to me when they found out I was "in the band". All my problems were, as you said, "my fault for letting it happen". But I hold no grudges or animosity for those who didn't see what was actually happening, even though four of those people were my family who I lived with every day. It was easier for them to ignore it and "know" that it would all pass in time. Most of it did pass, some of it lingers today. Life went on and I have a wife of 35 years, a beautiful daughter, a wonderful business and lots of guitars. Life is good. Parents: don't let your children grow up to be jackasses. Teach good music, love and tolerance.
Thank you for sharing and thank you for watching. :)
You're a gem Dave. The great thing about being a rocker is we're all one big family. Never forget that. You're a brave and brilliant man, be proud!
Thank you very much indeed. :)
I can certainly empathize. I've suffered from a form of agoraphobia for many years that's triggered mostly by crowds (a problem for a music lover like myself who would dearly love to attend concerts without having panic attacks) and things like being on busy motorways. The resulting anxiety that comes with it can be crushing and sometimes humiliating. I've been in situations where, for example, I'll be driving home from the market less than ten miles away and have to frequently pull over several times just to catch my breath and gather myself a little. It gets so bad at times that I have to get my wife on speakerphone to talk me through it while I drive or else I'd never make it home. So I know firsthand how terribly difficult this can make your life when it comes to your job, relationship, etc. when you're convinced that something awful is going to happen every time you're outside interacting with the world and how hard it is to find people who can relate or even just sympathize.
This video is clear evidence that you're a much stronger person than you think you are, and I thank you for it. You're an inspiration. Love ya, Dave.
Thank you very much indeed and thank you for sharing. :)
My god, that must have been horrendous to go through at school. I never suffered from bullying other than the occasional usual petty playground stuff, although I was provoked into a fight by one kid over some nonsense or other, which was brought to a halt by the train pulling into the station! Later on the way home he tried again, surrounded by his grinning and leering mates. I agreed to meet him, alone, that evening at a cricket pitch in his village. When I got there I found dozens of kids in a huge circle all there to cheer him on. I resigned myself to a hammering and just got on with it, even though I was absolutely bricking it inside. To my surprise, he turned out to be pretty feeble (we were both skinny kids of 14) and I easily get the better of him. I had him in a headlock when his older brother intervened and broke it up and sent us on our separate ways. I'm not brave and I'm not a fighter, but he left me alone after that. I always used to use humour and piss-taking against the bullies, which seemed to work most of the time (not always, I was given a thumping in the street by a drunken squaddie once for being a bit too lippy. I was only a kid and his girlfriend dragged him off, luckily). Another time I saw a bullied kid at school turn on his tormentor after weeks of hassle and punch him in the face, three times, really fast, bang bang bang. Again he was left alone afterwards with no comeback. I'm not condoning violence, but that was such a lesson. Bullies are weak. Anyhow, I'm glad you came through your ordeal, and your guitar skill and 81k subscribers are testament to your character. You've also escaped from Brexitania just in time I see, you lucky man! I'd not heard of you before the Andertons vid but you've gained another admirer. Best wishes. PS: If you ever need a place to rest up on the way between France and Blighty, we're on a farm not far from Folkestone. Drop us a line. Kit
Great Video Dave, i had the same things at school that you went thru. i was 14 when i lost most of my hair so you can imagine the looks and stuff the kids in my school would say to me at school. but even before the hair fell out i was already being picked on when i turned 13. my first name is Greg and my last name is Judy so you can imagine how the other kids would run with that one. i stopped going to school for 2 weeks after it got so bad and when i couldn't stay at home forever it was back to the same thing all over. the only thing that saved me was music and my family, when i was 16 i got my first Guitar and i didn't know how to play at all but in time through a friend i'd met he showed me a few things he knew and off i went all be a slow growth in my playing and i'm 53 now and it's what i live for even more since my mom passed away on May 8th this year.. i do have to still take something for my racing Heart at night to help me sleep but good for you that you are not taking anything for it. everyone is different but i feel the same as you about who you trust and who you want to be with. Peter Green is one of my Favorite players and after reading about his mental state that he went through i felt a connection with him. his playing was always sweet to the ears.. really enjoyed this and other things you have done on your channel. keep up the good work and keep rocking!! take care Greg.
Thank you very much indeed for sharing your story and thank you so very much for watching. You take care to. :)
"Suffer Loudly"- looks like you've found an album title. I'm glad you've come so far and are able to do what you love for a living.
Thank you very much. :)
I too have suffered from mental illness (depression) since I was 19 (22 years)now and I know there is a stigma surrounding it, especially in men. Thankyou for highlighting it, very brave video to make. Music helped me with it, a lot of artists in many fields famous and not famous suffer from the same. I think those that are creative often suffer more. This is what feeds their creativity.
Thank you very much indeed for watching. :)
Dave, we are here for you. I'm sure others will agree, you are one Heck of a guy. Your videos and fantastic music, give so much pleasure, to countless people around the world. We need more Dave Simpsons in the world, then the world would be a much better place.
You're the man Dave. I'm so lucky to have you as one of my best friends and can't wait to see you next week. I know how hard it must have been to film this let alone upload it and share with the world. I can literally imagine you in your kitchen talking through whether you should upload it or not with Jo and the turmoil in your head! I hope the good and wonderful people of the tube know you're just as quirky and awesome in person as you are in your videos. Absolute genius musician and amazing person to be around. The positive steps you've made in your life since I've known you and the situations I've seen you have to deal with show me how strong you are and that eventually you will get past it. I've said it lots of times but I'm so glad we met. You're the best!
Thank you very much indeed. That means a lot to me Mr John Joe. I'm happy we met and are playing music together. :)
It takes a strong man to share what you did. My heart goes out to victims of bullying. Tried finding you on Facebook with no luck.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
I'm lucky that even though I was the only asian kid in my school for many years, I never suffered from bullying (though I faced much racism). This video does bring to light that we need to stand up against bullies. It's the crazy cycle of kids not being loved (or not knowing how to love/respect; a lack of respect for life)... so they mistreat an easy target. You on the other hand have grown to be an inspiration and broke that crazy cycle. Bravo. I'm a fan of your work, on and off the guitar.
i would love to see a video about when you got into RHCP and John Frusciante and how it made you feel and how it changed ur life. cheers
I'll see what i can do. :)
I relate to this completely in every way.I was in the same situation as a young teenager.Unfortunately both the school and parents did nothing.Infact the teachers were responsible for a lot if the humiliation i suffered.Until bass guitar came into my life at 14/15 there was nothing and things did get very dark.People seem to miss the fact that bullying etc ruins lives.Some of us will have the effects from it for ever.All because i was an introverted child who just wanted to keep myself to myself.I'm the same in not wanting to medicate for anxiety.You can get past it and take control of it because i did.Thanks for sharing Dave.❤❤❤❤
sorry all that bad shit happened to you in the past Dave.
But for what it's worth you don't get 18k subs by luck, you get them by being a kick ass guitar player and being a decent cool dude and all of here can see that in you. You don't to hang on to all that negative shit anymore dude, you came out the other side and are a stronger better person. much love man :)
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Thank you for sharing, Dave. Bullying sucks and I am so sorry those idiots acted that way towards you. Thank God for your family, friends and that you found guitar and your music! I am also very thankful I found your channel and get to experience your gifts, your talents and your soul. I get lost in your playing. It literally takes me to a place of solitude, comfort and inspiration. I suffer from anxiety and depression mostly due to my daughter’s health. She has CF. I hate to see her suffer and I want to take the pain from her so badly but I can’t. When I am really down and suffering mentally, I now grab a guitar and/or pull up one of your videos. Please know you have made a difference in my life as well as many others and I thank you for that! Please keep making those instruments sing and don’t change, my friend. You are awesome! Thank you and I love you, my brother!
Thank you very very much indeed and that means so much to me to know that. Thank you :)
I'm having the same problems at school sometimes on a smaller scale, I'm called a freak as people know that I wish I was dead and I just hate everything about school. Thanks for sharing your story it's nice to know people can overcome it.
I went through similar stuff, but School doesn't last for ever, and the big world outside is generally a much more forgiving place. The world needs us 'freaks', we keep it interesting, Look for the hints of sunshine in all that dark, and grab hold of it and chase it, you'll get there, I did. All best wishes, Robbo.
The best thing about looking back at my life now, after all the hell other people put me through, is knowing I succeeded in being myself, and I haven't got a prouder achievement. There are so many of us that go through the likes of this, and with a voice we are no longer the few. Push hard for what is right and you can always take pride in yourself :)
Thanks to all of you, it's nice to hear others story's and to know that there are a lot of genuinely nice people that have been through the same thing :)
no one with the SRV number one strat as an avatar is a freak!
You can indeed overcome it. It takes time to figure it but its worth sticking around and fighting it and as for the people who call you a freak. Forget them. Let them think what they want. Be happy with who you are and who you want to be. Kurt Cobain once said
"I'd rather be hated for who i am than loved for who i'm not".
This is so true. Be yourself and forget anyone who doesn't like that.
Thank you for watching and if you ever need to talk let me know. :)
Thank you for telling your story. I'm sure it is a big support for all the people who are suffering from mental problems and/or are traumatized. I work for 20 years now in the mental health sector and am still astonished about what people are capable of doing to one another. On the other hand I see people with an amazing resilience, fighting, struggling to overcome their demons. I wish for you the future will be brighter than the past. You're an inspiration to many of us.
Thank you for acknowledging the fact that so many peoples lives are wrecked because of other people thinking they're having "banter" but sometimes it can really hurt. You're a strong dude Dave!
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Hey Dave, this is the first time I've watched this video, and I can relate so much to so many of the things you talked about here. We're the same age too FWIW. A lot of what you said was like you were speaking straight out of my own mind. I know many of those feelings you've dealt with before, and those same ones you feel now, including just the simple things like anxiety from going to the store across the street.
Aside from the constant but manageable lows, I've been in the deepest holes two times in my life, and thankfully each time I've found a way to dig back out. At this point I almost feel like I'm just an observer to what I think and feel, and that's made it easier to manage. I've tried lots of different solutions, including therapy, anti-depressant meds, meditation, vigorous exercise, and have an entire shelf of books about mental health, depression, anxiety, etc.
*If it helps anyone else, here's what I've found to be most effective.* Different people may have different results, but based on talking to others I think these things are fairly universal in their ability to help:
*(1)* Vigorous exercise and a healthy diet. Compared to anti-depressant meds, working out vigorously several times a week is every bit as effective in my experience, but also does not lose its effectiveness over time. It makes the magnitude of anxiety less, literally without doing anything else. It also has the added benefits of making you feel better about yourself because you're doing something healthy for yourself, and the physical strength and stamina you gain boosts your confidence and self-esteem in a subtle way that carries with you all day long. It makes you feel like you can accomplish other difficult things because you already overcame the torture of exhausting exercise, and even though working out makes you exhausted in the moment, you sleep better at night and have more energy throughout the day for everything else. I've found that it also greatly heightens my ability to experience pleasure in general, like a little electric sizzle that goes through your body. I know that sounds ridiculous but it's the honest truth, for me. Also, diet is important! Certain vitamin deficiencies can bring about symptoms of depression all on their own, and a healthy diet will also increase your daily energy.
*(2) This is going to sound so simple that it'll sound stupid, but I can't stress enough how much this basic thing helped, when I thought I'd read and tried everything.* When I was in one of the worst mental holes of my life, I saw a therapist who forced me to do this one simple task every night:
Take a piece of paper. Divide it into three columns. In the first column, you write down a list of each thought/idea that troubled you during the day. Don't hold back, be 100% honest here even if it seems dumb by the evening. In the second column, rank each one 1-10 on how bothersome it was.
That's the easy part. Now, the hard part: in the third column, for every negative/troubling thought you wrote in the first column, you HAVE TO write down one positive thing about yourself. If you're like me, you will find this excruciatingly difficult at first. If the idea of writing something positive about yourself is just as uncomfortable as the stuff you wrote in the first column, *that's exactly why you need to do this.* It can be anything, however simple, but it has to be genuine, not sarcastic. For example, 'I got myself out of bed today and faced the world even though I wanted to hide'. Or, 'I make delicious pasta!' Think of *any* genuinely positive thing you can admit to yourself.
After about 3-4 weeks of doing that every single night, something clicked in my head, and it got easier and easier to write those positive things about myself. I actually got angry at the negative thoughts column for the hold they'd had on me. It started to feel like a huge weight was being lifted, and stupid as it may sound, *it's all about having to re-teach the brain how to have positive thoughts about itself.* Depression is a monster that turns you into a negative-thought, self-hatred Olympian powerlifter, and the part of your mental processes where self-esteem is supposed to live shrivels down to an atrophied wilted husk. This simple exercise is like a workout for the long-lost positive side of your mind. *Even if you're sure there's no way this could help because you haven't had a positive thought in 20 years, please please give this a try.* Once you get good at countering each negative item with a positive, change it up: now you have to list 2 positive things for each negative. Then, 3 positive things. Keep doing this and keep going! Out of more than 15 years of trying all sorts of things for multiple diagnoses of major depression, this is easily in my top 3 of 'most effective'.
*(3)* Seeing a therapist and using anti-depressant meds for a few months: when you can't get out of it on your own, this can save your life. Unfortunately it can be really tough to find a good therapist; some of them truly suck. But when you find one who is smart and can identify all the broken patterns in your thought processes, and also knows what to make you do to stop them, it can be life-changing. Anti-depressant meds can help make the most of this, because if you find the right one, it can lift your mind to a place you forgot existed in just a few weeks. BUT, there is a catch. For me, the anti-depressants don't keep feeling that way forever. Once your brain re-adapts to having the feel-good chemicals it was lacking, you can fall slowly back to where you were. So I recommend using them to get the mental boost they provide, and do everything you can to make the most of it for the time it remains: see a therapist, start exercising, learn to eat healthy, do the three-column exercise I explained above! If you work to build good habits in that time, you won't need the meds anymore, and you can sustain the well-being. It's like a jump start to get yourself back into a place you probably didn't believe you could ever find again.
*One last thing, to anyone who read this far:* If you're in such a hole that you really, truly don't want to be in this world anymore, and need a reason to live, here's mine. If you've ever been close to someone who took their own life, you've seen what suicide does. *It doesn't take away the pain. It multiplies it, and puts it on the shoulders of everyone who ever cared about and loved you in this world.* It can be absolutely, gut-wrenchingly difficult to keep going in the lowest lows of depression, but you are giving away that pain you feel to multiple other people if you choose to end it all. That singular reason has guaranteed that I would never seriously consider ending things, no matter how intensely I've craved the relief. Also, the future is an unknown potential for opportunity. None of us know what it holds, but it's entirely possible that things could get better for you! If you end it all, you'll never find out. Stay strong, keep going... and please try those 3 things I wrote above :)
Thank you very very much indeed. This means a lot to me. : )
@@thedavesimpson No, thank you for all the music, lessons, guitar talk, and being a good-hearted person who has the guts to speak up about the difficult topics too :) The world needs more people like you Mr. Dave!
Great video, Dave. You are without a doubt someone that puts a smile on my face weekly. I truly hope you're happy now. All the best, Dave.
He puts a smile on my face too
Thank you very much indeed. That means so much to me to hear that. :)
Abba
Awesome Dave!! This needs to be talked about more than it is, it is out in the open now but still not understood well by the average person. I have had mental health issues my whole entire life, I am 49yo as of 2023, and you can work to make them better and not as crippling or disruptive to your life. A good term is 'Mental Hygine', where you take care of your mental health so you don't get sick. Take care Dave! PS you are right, verbal abuse is just as bad as physical abuse. I suffered both as a child, and I much rather have the physical abuse than verbal, any day of the week.
My sister deals with anxiety and depression and she's been through some VERY rough years but has been doing much better recently. She had some of the same thoughts as you of being a burden and not caring about living. :(
I can't imagine how hard it is to cope with mental health issues. Thank you for being so brave and telling your story.
Thank you so very much indeed for watching and I'm very happy to hear your sister is doing much better. Thats great to hear. :)
Theres a lot of us out here going through it and we all need to help each other and share our experiences so its taken more seriously. :)
Thank you very much again. :)
It's remarkable how similar my story is to yours
Guitar certainly saved me - and your guitar playing continues to inspire me. Thank you Dave
Not surprised high school was hellish, many go through that. I keep hoping at sometime those problems get solved so only anxiety would be changing strings on a locking trem system.
I suffered in my high school years and was bullied a fair bit about my ears being too big & my nose being too big or being too skinny etc and that’s when my anxiety and panic attacks started but luckily I learnt to play guitar and started getting into punk rock in grade 9 back in the mid-late 90’s from age 14 and still suffering bad to this day at 37 and although I’ve put the guitar down at times for a few years I’ve always cane back to it and I think guitar and music is and has been the best therapy and been the only reason I’ve kept going. I play through my emotions if my anxiety is high I play fast punk rock and try use up my anxious energy or if I’m super depressed I play more downer music at times and try ride the emotions. Thanks for your video man! I literally only found your channel a few weeks ago when I was searching for boss ds2 reviews and glad I’ve found it, keep up the good work mate & happy playing 🎸🤘
Hey man, I first found your videos on accident. From the first video I knew I liked you. Your guitar playing and upbeat attitude grabbed me and made me continue to search for more. After this video I respect you even more, for your honesty and bravery and strength. You nailed it man. How it feels to suffer from the type of depression and anxiety that I suffer from. The statement suffer loudly really made me smile my man. It's no joke the type of feelings you are talking about. I have been a guitar player for many years and it is a great outlet for my anxiety. You have inspired me as a player and as a person suffering with anxieties and depression and questions of self worth. To know someone else literally feels or has felt the way I feel truly helps. Thank you man, for all you do.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Good on you Dave. It's kinda like if you had a heart attack and the person finding you walks up and shouts weakling and kicks you. As a species we're not as empathetic as we would like to believe. I guess it's better than being a lion as they just would eat you.
Glad you have it in perspective and can share with us. You have 26 thousand people who like sharing your life with you so that's a message that better represents your importance... I've had similar health issues and although it's still something we have to deal with... not being ashamed of your self is a very big deal. Funny but driving in a car helps me think and relax. Look forward to seeing your next video... I just now noticed that this is close to a year old. The anxiety will not go away but the more you deal with it the more it will get better. Just don't run from it....continue to face it and it will continue to get better and better... never cured but increasingly better. that's my experience....Thanks.
Thank you very much indeed. : )
Also I would like to say that after all the grief I got at school things did get better. I'm now married and happy and play the guitar, badly , but I love it..
This is a remarkable post. Thank goodness you made it here and to get to this point where your playing brings so much joy. A hundred thousand followers cheering you on. All power to you Dave. (I particularly enjoy your Andertons films with Cici-here's to many many more).
This is very close to my heart Dave, as I'm currently in Year 10 I can really relate to what you're saying. Thank you Dave.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Loved this Dave. Now the issues are recognised and ACKNOWLEDGED. Maybe in years gone by ordinary folk didn't know what it's all about.
So impressed that you are using your charisma and guitar talent to assist people who need help with mental health issues. It goes to show how you finding your vocation, interest and talent for all things guitars gave you comfort and contributed to achieving your huge. ❤potential.
You're the best guitar teacher in youtube in my opinion. I relate to your story so much and it spoke to me. Your Hendrix and Frusicante lessons are really helping me get closer to sounding how I want to sound on guitar and I can't thank you enough. I can't wait for the next one (: keep shredding my friend
Thank you very much indeed and i'm so happy my videos help you. :)
I understand. I'm sorry you went through that. Your the best guitar player Dave, man. Thank you for sharing. I am so happy you shared this and I hope that everyday is a great one.
Time for me to say: thank you very much!!! It's hard for me to write english, espesciially about something beside everyday things. There are a lot of People with a similar history then your's all over the world, and it's wonderfull to have music and art as a healer. Thank you, Dave. Thank you for your music, your words, your videos ... your living! If you came to Austria one day, you will have a place to be! Maybe England will left the eu, but you allways will be a member of the international union of feeling musicians" :)))
Thank you very much indeed. That means the world to me. :)
Dave, I stumbled upon your videos a couple of weeks ago when researching Vintage V6 guitars and immediately became hooked as you combine a simple and accessible approach to describing things with a bright manner that many of the more straight faced could learn from. Your videos I can watch to the end and not get bored with. If that was not enough you have finally unlocked the mysteries of how to play like Peter Green for me - at the age of 63 I was losing hope :-) . You are a top man and always will be - your passion for great music (and your ability to play it) says it all. Play on brother.
Thank you very very much indeed. :)
I hope one day you can make it to the States. I would love to see you gig in Cali. You continue to be an inspiration to me. I have stopped crying about the gear i don't have and have focused on making what I have sound the best. I learned that from you. nobody else can take a piece of crap guitar and make it sing like you. "The Wonderful People of the Tube" love you. keep rocking.
Thank you very much indeed and i hope to make it over to you one day. :)
Thank you SO much for making and sharing this video with us Dave. I'm a relatively new subscriber to your channel and it was already a favourite of mine being a guitar worshipper on a budget, but now my respect for you has reached a whole new level. Listening to your story was like listening to a replay of my comprehensive school years and consequent anxiety/OCD/depression riddled struggle ever since (I'm now 40). You expressed those feelings so eloquently I just cried all the way through whilst almost chanting "yes, yes". At the moment I'm in one of my 'holes' - I get flare up's where leaving the house feels like I'm going to die and bleakness engulfs me - but this video has given me renewed resolve and I've watched it several times over the last few days and I can feel myself starting to climb again. I've been told over the years by people that have clearly never felt the pain that crying isn't 'manly', but hell I've got a wife and daughter who tell me I've got more steel in my heart than most to cope with such feelings and this is what I try and remember when all reason flies out of the window. So with that in mind I'm sending you much love for being such an inspiration and kind generous bloke, Andy.
Thank you very much indeed and thank you for sharing your experiences. :)
Hey Dave, very inspiring and emotionally video. I have not experienced bullying like that so I cannot speak for it, but I have experienced the "left-out" feeling if that makes sense. The feeling of not fitting in anywhere. I have been struggling with depression for over 5 years, the problem is I do not know why. I am currently in a queue to see a "shrink". But due to the massive immigration in Sweden and all the stuff that's happened to the immigrants in the war I have been told that I have to wait in queue for 6-10 months before I can even get a meeting.
Some days are alright, some days I have this feeling putting me down and I cannot concentrate on anything at all whole day, some days I cannot even go to the grocery store to buy food because I am in a state where I cannot meet people. I do not know at all what's wrong with me and my mental state but I hoping to find out soon. I have music though, so my plan is to fight this all with music as long as I need to and I can find out what is wrong. Very inspirational video Dave, thank you for talking about this subject so openly.
EDIT: I am not in any way trying to blame anything on the immigration in Sweden, I am just simply explaining the situation.
Thank you very much indeed and thank you for sharing. I know you'll find out what it is and things will get better. :)
Hey Dave, I stumbled on your channel a few years ago and you are an inspiration for so many. Your talent and musicianship is superb. My experience with bullies, most are p*ssy, you fight fire with fire and crush them. Discipline comes from many forms, learning to defend yourself, boxing, or mma or lifting weights, music, you should look at training your body, as well to deal with your anxiety. Training your body is far reaching benefit with dealing with daily anxiety which comes in many forms, stress, financial issues, relationships, bullying. Thank you for sharing your experience and your beautiful music!
Dave, this was a very important and great video. You deserve a lot of respect for having done that. I had problems in my youth too. And I was lucky and happy to get a good wife, who saved my over that. I know that playing guitar can have healing power. Well my guitar playing is not so good as yours, but I know it can take me to other places. Rock on and stay as you are, you are a good person. Dont let idiots make you feel bad.
Thank you very much indeed and i'm sure your a great player :)
Thanks for making this, Dave. i'm in a similar situation but i'm 20 years old now... I've barely left my house in 3 years and i'm just terrified of people and the way i feel about myself when i'm around them. i can't think of any traumatizing events that happened to make me this way. it just developed over time soon after i finished college. i live with my mum who has tried time and time again to help me but everything she does makes me worse. she doesn't understand at all. Now she makes me feel bad for being the way i am like i have a choice and guilty for being such a burden. i hate being around her but i depend on her too much to leave. i went to a help group a few months back and everyone was really understanding, but never went back. i don't want to carry on like this. i don't intend to kill myself. i'm too scared. not scared of death, but scared of the pain i'd go through in the process.. and the strangest thing is, i'm scared of getting better. when all this started i had no idea who i was. i felt detached like i was watching my life through some kind of simulation. i'm scared that if i get better the same thing will happen again. i don't know what i'm hoping to get from writing this, but it feels relevant.
Come to think of it, my dad was really depressed up until i was about 9 and all my teachers treated me like scum because i never put the effort in. telling me that i'd never amount to anything and so on. i never put in the effort because it would hurt a lot more if i did put the effort in and it still wasn't good enough. while i was at college i used to go to music in the city where one night i got mugged at knife-point. i was 17 at the time and it scared the shit out of me. i guess it's no surprise i am the way i am.
Sometimes it appears to be no reason for you feeling the way you do but if you dig deep you usually find the reason. And the things you have mentioned are enough. It really doesn't take much. Never e afraid of getting better. It'll never go away but you can learn to live with it. You juts have to dig really deep and pull yourself up and not let it beat you. You can do it and everyone can. Its not easy but it can be done. Don;t be afraid of what ifs. What matter is the here and now. Not the after or before. You'll be fine and everything will work out for you. Keep going and don;t let it win. keep pushing. Let me know if you ever want to talk:)
Seeing that you are anxious about getting better, and also seeing how you rely on your mum are useful signs. Anxiety is a survival instinct. Depending on circumstances, it could save your life. In other circumstances, it can result in missed opportunities. One gambit that I have found useful is, when the feelings come, consciously indulge in them for a set time, like a half hour. Go deep and see how the feelings of alienation are somehow a haven. Don't be mean to your mum. Allowing the feeling to wash over you, and watching it without judgement can be a useful way to appreciate how anxiety and depression can be part of the adventure of learning and survival -- but not the entire story. Good luck. Eat a Peach.
Thanks Dave, you are truly awesome. Thank you for sharing this personal journey because it truly matters to those who are suffering from fear and depression. You are fucking awesome.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Huge respect for doing this video. Glad i found your channel, you inspire me.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
That's very emotional. It feels like you are a good soul, I hope you know that now that you are amazing and very inspiring. God bless you brother
I've heard so many stories and had my own experiences in public school that I've decided to home school my kids. My school experiences weren't much different than yours. I would fake being sick to stay home all the time. Once I started driving, Id go, check in for attendance and get the hell out. The place and people there were complete nightmares. My old man probably saved my life by yelling at me one time. He noticed what I was going through, but he worked midnights so he wasn't around much. One time he woke up around lunch when my mother discovered I skipped class again, and found me. He started screaming at me. WTF why are you letting these people bother you, they aren't any better than you, why do you deal with their bullshit when they don't care about you. then he said something that made it click. He said 99.% of the people your in school with are trash who are going to die from drugs, spend their whole lives flipping burgers or pumping gas, don't let them drag you down. Suck it up butter cup, lol, was how the speech ended. Well, it worked for me personally. I wouldn't suggest that everyone do this but it worked for me. The next day I waited outside in the parking lot and after school I jumped the 3 or 4 guys who were the main bullies and beat the living hell out of them with a baseball bat. I was picked on so hard that when the principal dragged us all into the office, he yelled at them for 15 minutes telling them that they deserved every bit of it and so on. He suspended them a week for fighting at school and all he said to me was "its about fucking time." After that, I had people wanting to be friends and girls started talking to me. How fucked up is that. This was the early 90s before political correctness bomb dropped on everyone and people still acted like people lol. I wouldn't suggest that any kid reading this should do what I did. Its a different world, but to any kids reading this, if your going through what Dave and I went through in school, here's my advice. Stand up for yourself. Fight back. ITs the only thing that really works. Dave I feel for you brother and can completely relate to your story. I hope you keep on dealing it with as well as you do. Your good people and don't forget it. Peace bro.
Thank you very much indeed and thanks for sharing your story. :)
hope you better bro
Thanks for talking about this subject Dave.
great video, top bloke.
Thank you very much indeed. : )
Well said Dave, this perspective helps 'everyone' understand the issues at hand, something that sadly many of us only come to appreciate later in life. Best wishes.
I have AD/HD and playing guitar is one of the only things I can dedicate all of my focus to without my meds. Love the vids and thanks for the inspiration
Thank you very much indeed and thank for sharing. :)
You are very brave, thank you for speaking up about what happened to you. Anxiety issues from severe bullying is life ruining.
(Sadly I've gone through the same as you, it's something I fight every single day...) Especially the anxiety and social phobias I've developed.
You are brave, thank you.
the two people that disliked this video have to be his bullies or something? come on....
I just came across this after seeing your excellent guitar videos. Well done for making this and thanks for sharing your experiences in such a brave, insightful and articulate way. Just one thing - music is not the only thing you are good at - you are a natural coach and communicator - and this video proves it. Anyone who sees this will get great value from it. Thanks again Dave
so ballsy Dave... thank you!
Thank you. : )
Hello Dave. Well, notwithstanding the fact that your peers disliked you so much when you were growing up all I can say is that I love your channel, videos and gear reviews. Despite the fact that I'm about 20 years older than you I feel that in a way you represent and still manifest the good humour so typical of youth that I now feel (at age 50) is escaping me. So I just want to say thanks for the great videos you make. Cheers. Mike.
Thank you very very much indeed. :)
trust me dave , there is a cure for anxiety , i know what its like and i got over it. start meditating and be aware of what you think.
I agree, a turning point for me (recently) has been simply acknowledging thoughts as involuntary and inconsequential and then dismissing them. Difficult as that sounds- I believe it takes practice and meditation is really helpful
Watching one video here on youtube about "Meditation for Anxiety" changed my life. TRY IT! It takes 5 minutes, what do you have to lose?
Thank you very much indeed. :)
NvAmmers wtf
Dave, very moving and courageous. Thank you so much! Sending you respect and love.
I found you through your Peter Green videos! I love your playing and now I know why it feels so real, there's no time or space for BS at all.
relate to this a lot, music is my escape from everything. good on you dude
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Dave this even happens to us as adults. Thanks so very much.
Dave, you're a legend. Muchos respect for you. I'd be honoured to bring my recording rig over to yours and capture your untitleds.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Both my daughter and myself have dealt with anxiety and panic disorder. I've got it under control and she largely does as well as a young adult. We both feel that it's a gift, in a twisted way. Not only are we able to talk to others about things that helped us, thereby helping them, but I believe that it gives you a stronger character. Everyone I know that has anxiety, and has it mostly under control, is a more interesting and compassionate person...more entertaining to be around, more creative, more quirky in a good way.. I see it time and time again. You're a perfect example, Dave. This video is excellent.
Thank you very much and I wish you and your daughter continued control. : )
very brave of you to tell this story dave, even though i dont know you personally, you are one of the greatest and nicest people i have ever met (well not met but u get what i mean haha) i really find you and your story very inspiring, and just remember that if u hadn't gone through this all, you probably wouldnt have been the guitar god u are at this moment haha:)) thank u so much for being so open about everything
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Dave Simpson! 😎I commend you, sir! 🙌✌️❤️. You are an awesome human being, and I can relate. I'm 63 yrs old and lived with those crazy feelings. I am now learning guitar, although it's slow going, it takes me to another place where I can forget about everything. Thank you for being you, my friend 🧡.
Brian Hoffmaster, from Pennsylvania. ✌️❤️
I'm working on Peter Greens Owell now. Thank you ,I'm getting close to having the first part down.😎👍
Good video.. I've been there myself.. Cheers Dave.
Thank you very much. : )
Dave I understand allot of what youre experiencing with anxiety and depression. Thank you for sharing...i can hear the pain in your voice. Im glad youre here and making music. Your videos have inspired me to practice guitar more. You are very gifted. Cheers and thank you.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
"MUSIC IS THE BEST!"
-- Frank Zappa
ps
Peace and love from Bristol, England