Depression and anxiety

[Peevemor]

This looks like it should be interesting - I know one of the guys and he's really sound.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.c...w-film-3091401

Scottish musicians reveal mental health struggles for powerful new film
Leading Scottish musicians are to go public with their mental health struggles in a powerful new film being launched this week.


Pipers, fiddlers, singers and composers recall how their lives and careers have been blighted by anxiety, depression, alcoholism, anorexia and suicide attempts.


The hour-long BBC Alba film, which is broadcast at 9pm on Tuesday, features some of the best-known performers at Glasgow's Celtic Connections festival, which launches a series of online concerts on Friday.


The musicians are interviewed by Mischa Macpherson, one of Scotland’s leading Gaelic singers, who discusses her own difficulties in the documentary, which examines why so many musicians suffer problems.


The film, Ceol is Cradh, explores the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of performers, who have no idea when they will be able to play for audiences.


It unites a group of musicians for the first time since the events industry was forced to shut down.


Speaking in the documentary, Lewis-born Macpherson, a former Gaelic singer of the year in Scotland, says: “From a young age, I’ve struggled with perfectionism.


"Even when my parents or teachers were happy with what I’d done, I wasn’t. I put an incredible amount of pressure on myself and often I’d become distressed thinking that neither I, nor what I was doing, were good enough.


"To the present day this is still a massive part of my life and I know that it’s holding me back. I’ve never made an album because of the fear and anxiety that it wouldn’t be good enough.”


Perthshire piper Ross Ainslie, who performs with Dougie MacLean, Salsa Celtic and Treacherous Orchestra, recalls giving up alcohol seven years ago after drinking heavily to try to deal with depression.


He says: “When you have depressive thoughts, you can hide it with substances or whatever, but then you’ve got to deal with the aftermath. That can be quite dangerous.


"Very quickly, years can go past and you’re on a slow kind of decline. When you get to the point where you’re so low or too deep, that’s when you’re in trouble. The shame or embarrassment is too much to get yourself out of it. There are loads of periods of my life when I don’t have a clue about what happened.”


Laura Wilkie, who plays with award-winning band Kinnaris Quintet, took a year out of studying in Glasgow and sought specialist help for anorexia.


She said: “It was difficult and scary. I knew I was going to have to do things I didn’t want to do, like eating food on a regular basis, not being allowed to exercise, being monitored all the time, having to talk about my feelings in front of peers and in group therapy. It really did help.


"The whole experience did actually make me better and I feel really lucky that I was able to do that.”


Highland fiddler Chloe Bryce, a recent graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, suffered regularly from anxiety.
She said: “It’s about expecting too much from myself. During the most difficult time I’ve experienced so far, I wasn’t able to sleep at all and I was still trying to continue with uni and attend rehearsals and gigs.


"I stopped drinking for six months because I felt I couldn’t control my thought processes.”

[Scorrie]

Thanks for posting this. It looks really helpful. As someone who suffers a lot with anxiety ( particularly about expecting too much from myself and the fear of failure), there’s messages here that resonate. Also reducing / stopping alcohol as well has been essential. Will defo watch this

[Peevemor]

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This looks like it should be interesting - I know one of the guys and he's really sound.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.c...w-film-3091401

Scottish musicians reveal mental health struggles for powerful new film
Leading Scottish musicians are to go public with their mental health struggles in a powerful new film being launched this week.


Pipers, fiddlers, singers and composers recall how their lives and careers have been blighted by anxiety, depression, alcoholism, anorexia and suicide attempts.


The hour-long BBC Alba film, which is broadcast at 9pm on Tuesday, features some of the best-known performers at Glasgow's Celtic Connections festival, which launches a series of online concerts on Friday.


The musicians are interviewed by Mischa Macpherson, one of Scotland’s leading Gaelic singers, who discusses her own difficulties in the documentary, which examines why so many musicians suffer problems.


The film, Ceol is Cradh, explores the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of performers, who have no idea when they will be able to play for audiences.


It unites a group of musicians for the first time since the events industry was forced to shut down.


Speaking in the documentary, Lewis-born Macpherson, a former Gaelic singer of the year in Scotland, says: “From a young age, I’ve struggled with perfectionism.


"Even when my parents or teachers were happy with what I’d done, I wasn’t. I put an incredible amount of pressure on myself and often I’d become distressed thinking that neither I, nor what I was doing, were good enough.


"To the present day this is still a massive part of my life and I know that it’s holding me back. I’ve never made an album because of the fear and anxiety that it wouldn’t be good enough.”


Perthshire piper Ross Ainslie, who performs with Dougie MacLean, Salsa Celtic and Treacherous Orchestra, recalls giving up alcohol seven years ago after drinking heavily to try to deal with depression.


He says: “When you have depressive thoughts, you can hide it with substances or whatever, but then you’ve got to deal with the aftermath. That can be quite dangerous.


"Very quickly, years can go past and you’re on a slow kind of decline. When you get to the point where you’re so low or too deep, that’s when you’re in trouble. The shame or embarrassment is too much to get yourself out of it. There are loads of periods of my life when I don’t have a clue about what happened.”


Laura Wilkie, who plays with award-winning band Kinnaris Quintet, took a year out of studying in Glasgow and sought specialist help for anorexia.


She said: “It was difficult and scary. I knew I was going to have to do things I didn’t want to do, like eating food on a regular basis, not being allowed to exercise, being monitored all the time, having to talk about my feelings in front of peers and in group therapy. It really did help.


"The whole experience did actually make me better and I feel really lucky that I was able to do that.”


Highland fiddler Chloe Bryce, a recent graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, suffered regularly from anxiety.
She said: “It’s about expecting too much from myself. During the most difficult time I’ve experienced so far, I wasn’t able to sleep at all and I was still trying to continue with uni and attend rehearsals and gigs.


"I stopped drinking for six months because I felt I couldn’t control my thought processes.”

Bump

[PaulSmith]

I know it’s a small thing when taken in context but what a lift you get when Hibs win.

[Scorrie]

Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

[stoneyburn hibs]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

Sorry for your loss mate.
RIP WPJ

[Sylar]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

Aw, Scorrie, I'm so sorry to read that - I never met him but engaged with him a lot on here and always enjoyed reading his posts and insights. We PM'd a few times last year and I was glad to see he seemed to be in a bit of a better place there for a while.

Deepest condolences to you and your family, and he'll be sorely missed on here.

[McD]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

heartbroken for you mate, my condolences to you and your family

[Peevemor]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

That's terrible news. For what it's worth I enjoyed his posts on here.

RIP WPJ with thoughts for his family & friends.

[stu in nottingham]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

I am just shocked and saddened at your news Scorrie and my heart aches to hear it.

I am so very sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. If you ever need a chat or a wee bit of support you know where I am. God bless your brother and your family.

[Hiber-nation]

So sorry to hear about WPJ.

[Pretty Boy]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

Truly saddened to read this, so sorry for your loss.

RIP WPJ.

[bigwheel]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

Really enjoyed wpj’s posts and views over many years....

He obviously was fighting a really challenging health battle in recent times . Hope he is at peace now...#respect #RIP


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[EskbankHibby]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

Really sorry to read this, sincere condolences to you and your family.

RIP WPJ

[One Day Soon]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

That’s hard news. So sorry to hear it.

[Jones28]

Very sad to hear, RIP WPJ

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

Sorry to hear that mate. Keep your chin up, these are tough times.

[Scouse Hibee]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

Sorry for your loss mate.

[Scorrie]

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and wishes. Very much appreciated by me and the family

[JimBHibees]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

Sorry for your tragic loss. Your brother was an excellent contributor to this site. RIP WPJ.

[CMurdoch]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

Sorry for your loss Scorrie.
Folk on here do care about each other and your brothers passing is sobering and sad news.
RIP WPJ, your health issues are now behind you.

[matty_f]

Scorrie, I can only echo the posts above - deepest condolences to you and your family.

[Hibernia&Alba]

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Many of you saw posts from my wee brother,WPJ, on this thread. Sadly he passed away on Saturday after being ill in hospital over Christmas. I know that he found this thread really helpful in dealing with mental health issues he had and there were a number of posters who reached out to him via PMs to helps, Stu in Nottingham being one amongst many. He wouldn’t want me to blether on but he would want me to thank those who used this thread as he found it so helpful

Only just caught up with this thread after quite a while and would like to add my condolences. I remember his posts well and didn't know he had passed. I hope you and the family are doing well.

[lord bunberry]

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Only just caught up with this thread after quite a while and would like to add my condolences. I remember his posts well and didn't know he had passed. I hope you and the family are doing well.

Me as well. Really sorry to hear that, and I echo the sentiments of other posters. RIP. I feel quite selfish that I have only been looking at this thread when in need of support. Fwiw that will change.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

See Tam McManus has tweeted to reach out to a Well fan that sounds like he’s in a tough spot. Lots of people contacting him hope it turns out Ok but the words looked quite final even left his phone passcode :/ it’s tough but there’s always someone that will be there to listen even in surprising places...

Update: happily Tam retweeted news that the Police had managed to locate and were supporting the young fella. Hopefully a good long term outcome for him.

[Hibernia&Alba]

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Sad stuff. I like his banter with Ty in that clip.

Good advice from yourself HA.
Don't suffer in silence folks.

Thankfully, big Robbie on AFTV has said the rumours were wrong and Claude died of a massive heart attack. The fact it was natural causes that took him is at least a small comfort.

[LustForLeith]

It’s been a bit weird recently. Proper felt it last week and the worst thing is when you have no idea what causes it you can’t do anything about it. Proper struggled to see the point in anything. Feeling better yesterday and today but really mindful of r fact it crept up on me without warning.

Stick in there folks

[CMurdoch]

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Thankfully, big Robbie on AFTV has said the rumours were wrong and Claude died of a massive heart attack. The fact it was natural causes that took him is at least a small comfort.

It will at least stop his friends from soul searching about what they might have done.

A couple of months ago a kid I didn't know took his own life in a park close to my house. A steady stream of adults and young people passed my house for weeks to lay floral tributes and stand in quiet contemplation.
It made a big impression on me and I think about the kid and his parents a lot. It brings me to tears that something so terrible happened so close to me and I was oblivious to it.

[stu in nottingham]

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It will at least stop his friends from soul searching about what they might have done.

A couple of months ago a kid I didn't know took his own life in a park close to my house. A steady stream of adults and young people passed my house for weeks to lay floral tributes and stand in quiet contemplation.
It made a big impression on me and I think about the kid and his parents a lot. It brings me to tears that something so terrible happened so close to me and I was oblivious to it.

All life lost in this way is sad but when it's a young life like that, particularly so. There seems so much living left to do doesn't there.

I think being close and 'connected' to it as you were CM by the proximity of it brings home how many other lives it affects That figure is more than we imagine. Research on it is comparitively sparse (and not always considered helpful) but in the 1970s it was thought that a figure of six people on average were affected in some way by a completed suicide.

Come up to date and that figure has been uprated to 135 people approximately, affected in some way by every loss of life to suicide.

The true expenditures of suicide are of course human and also intangible costs. Even in non-emotional financial terms though, the average cost to a country's economy are staggering. A US study a few years ago maintained that the average suicide costs $1.33m.

We must all stay vigilant - especially in these times of great hardship, illness and bereavement for so many. Keep loving and caring. I feel happy that those struggling have been able to show their courage in coming forward to ask for support on this wonderful thread. It's existence is truly is the best thing that ever happened on Hibs.net.

[CMurdoch]

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All life lost in this way is sad but when it's a young life like that, particularly so. There seems so much living left to do doesn't there.

I think being close and 'connected' to it as you were CM by the proximity of it brings home how many other lives it affects That figure is more than we imagine. Research on it is comparitively sparse (and not always considered helpful) but in the 1970s it was thought that a figure of six people on average were affected in some way by a completed suicide.

Come up to date and that figure has been uprated to 135 people approximately, affected in some way by every loss of life to suicide.

The true expenditures of suicide are of course human and also intangible costs. Even in non-emotional financial terms though, the average cost to a country's economy are staggering. A US study a few years ago maintained that the average suicide costs $1.33m.

We must all stay vigilant - especially in these times of great hardship, illness and bereavement for so many. Keep loving and caring. I feel happy that those struggling have been able to show their courage in coming forward to ask for support on this wonderful thread and ask. It's existence is truly is the best thing that ever happened on Hibs.net.

As you say Stu, we need to always be open and vigilant.
You do great work on this thread which is a real credit to the site.
Sadly suicide is something that can't be put right so we all need to raise our awareness and sensitivity to the mental health of those around us.

On a happier note, I clicked on your blog and saw your tribute to Gregory Isaac. I have had a copy of his "Night Nurse" album for more than 35 years. A keeper!