" and the dumb kid you know who listens to rock bands from the 70's and is kinda chubby and socially awkward I guess." Andy just described me perfectly. And just thank you for this
This is why Andy is such a good role model to have. Yeah he admits that he’s made mistakes. But he’s such an advocate for mental health. Which turns his music into a safe space of sorts for me. Idk how to explain it.
Oh my gosh I didn't know he has OCD too! It can be so tough to have, knowing Andy can conquer it gives me hope. I relate 100% to everything to he says, he describes compulsions perfectly. If anyone else struggles with this, stay strong!
3 things... 1) for someone who didn't do well in school he is extremely intelligent, 2) his honesty about his life experience helps me feel good today, and 3) the advice towards the end was just what I needed. ❤
I'm not a huge BVB fan at all but i do love Andy as a person. As someone with OCD i totally relate to this. Its tough but you have to put the work in. It never really goes away, but you can work on it and constantly try to be better like Andy says, and you control it instead of letting it control you. What an inspiration to us all he is. On another note what a beautiful person he has turned out to be.
We are so glad BVB and Andy have been able to help you! Know that whatever you are going through, our community is here to love and support you. Hold fast, we believe in you!
Same with me. They are the reason I “stoped being depressed” and by that I don’t mean I’m just happy all the time, but because of them I want to live and I’m going to try everything in my power to not let depression win. And I have them to thank for this. I hope you stay strong and keep fighting. 🖤🖤
The background noice. All the sounds, the air, the music, his voice, it gives my mind no room to wander and it’s super nice. I can pay attention to his words and they really do help.
I have nothing but respect for Andy Biersack. I was one of those chubby underachiever kids who listened to metal, too. I still struggle with anxiety because of the outcast status that I had back then. The funny thing now is that I don't give much thought to my social status at all. I just try to be a decent person each day.
This just shows that if people let others develop in their own time, they grow. I'm a lot like Andy and have been struggling a lot, i never really had friends growing up and still dont now at 29 because i just dont connect with people like others and its hard because you do isolate then but i know i am also smart in ways that i just cant show to others or is even seen. Andy has done amazing breaking through them barriers and I'm going to try and do the same. I wish i listened to the band more as a teen cause i think i wouldnt have struggled for this long.
From Becca_E: @emmyzima5972 "I know I am smart in ways that others don't easily see" is SUCH a beautiful statement! You are, absolutely. What a gift you are to the world. People WILL see you and your brilliance. Thank you for being patient with us!
From OmarM: @emmyzima5972 It's amazing that you're able to understand that growth happens out our own pace. It's also great that you can see yourself in Andy. When it feels like you don't connect with others the same way others are able, feeling isolated can definitely be hard but this doesn't mean that you are not smart or capable, quite the opposite. Just like Andy overcame those hardships, you can too, it's never too late to start breaking through those barriers and realizing that can be a huge turning point. It's also understandable to feel like things might have been different if you had started to connect to things like music earlier on but what's important is that you're finding those connections now. You have the awareness and the determination to make a change in your life friend, you've made such a huge step forward.
From Micro: @emmyzima5972 Kuddos to you for your willingness to try! Putting ourselves out there can definitely be scary. It's a risk to take - as there's a possibility of being misunderstood, unseen, maybe even rejected. There's something completely unknown when it comes down to building new relationships. So many questions, doubts and fears can arise when you're in this process. Given how challenging and intimidating it can be, you can be proud of yourself for trying! The very first step is to set an intention and give ourselves chances to take risks, to see what life holds for us beyon our own comfort zone. To dare going out there, seizing or even creating opportunities that we've longed for. Like you, I have a hard time building and keeping friendships as an adult. Ahh, the good old times when we were young and friendships seemed to happen just naturally, right? I have a partner and a few online friends, then also family members who live really far away. At times, it's very isolating. My mental health/personal story has put me in what feels like a pit of isolation sometimes. As you've said, there are factors in our life that can make it difficult to build relationships in general. It creates obstacles that seem to keep on getting in the way of keeping these relationships in the long run. I've burned so many bridges but I've started to go out more often and have random interactions with people. Even if it's not long-term or deep relationships, it's still a step forward, and I hope you can start experiencing this too! Sometimes the very first obstacle to overcome is to acknowledge where we are the fact that it's not where we want to be. I deeply believe that there is something profoundly strong and humbling in this awareness, and in the recognition of what we deeply desire. If connection with others is part of it, then it's something to follow and stand up for again, little by little. At the end of the day, it's worth it, because it's about our well-being and what we want to have out of this life. Really proud of you, friend! You got this. One step at a time. -Marie-Anne Heartsupport Staff
From gravitykills24: @emmyzima5972 Andy is a legend. I love Black Veil Brides and their music has helped me so much in my own life journey. And maybe there is a slight man crush going on also : Haha, joking aside - you should check out his autobiography - They Don't Need to Understand. He is so well-spoken and its a deep-dive into his life and the history of the band. So glad you posted and are finding ways to connect through music - have you seen BVB in concert yet? If not, I guarantee if you are able to see them you will meet a whole army of fans who feel just like you and are longing to connect to someone else or something bigger...
This is a great attitude from Andy that he worked through things and tries to better himself, it is healing. I feel the same thing in terms of that i am still trying to find the real me inbetween my trauma, illness or the things i fake somehow for unknown reasons. I'm glad someone else understands this, maybe it is part of trauma and healing for me.
From lu2910: @lauraelliot5716 This is absolutely healing. The first step in finding and bettering yourself is to see yourself and accept who you are at the current moment. Trauma has a way of having such a hold on ourselves and our identity that it can be so overwhelming to try and process it all while also having a firm sense of self in the midst. Many things that we fake we often will use as coping mechanisms, ways to find control or peace in the midst of our hurting. Things that bring you joy, the beauty you put into the world, your passions, all of these things are the real you that trauma cannot take away. I am so glad that you are able to feel at peace and give yourself the grace and time to fully process previously repressed emotions. I am so happy for you my friend, know that you always are able to reach out again for any sort of help, I am on your side :)
From FurnaceFest_Fans: @lauraelliot5716 For the better part of the last years I've often felt this very same thing. I had gone through a rough breakup with a partner of close to 13 years. After all that happened and realized I had poured my whole identity into another person and people I was left having to figure out who I was at the end. And that was a scary thing. Everything I thought I liked came with an asterisk. What I can say what helped me was being intentional about the small things and affirming as I did them that it was what I wanted, not anyone else. It always starts small but something small can grow exponentially if you let it. I truly hope that whoever wrote this is able to start that wonderful wave of change for the better.
As a current middle schooler that is struggling with anxiety, depression, and trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder which is believed to be OCD related or an impulse-control disorder, this really helps as Andy shared advice that I needed to hear; at 5:45, he said that you have to make a conscious decision to get better some times, and that you need to feel the need to get better in some cases. I haven't been able to stop pulling out my eyebrows and eyelashes, but hopefully with Andy's advice, I can stop. I sincerely apologize if I shared too much or anything, and I know that nobody is really going to read this, but I needed to express my gratitude. Yet again, I apologize.
Why are you apologizing? It took some kind of guts to post what you did. I hope you are overcoming your issues. It isn't easy. I've had my own issues since a teen, and still do at 58....you learn to work with what you have, and try for better every day. Bright Blessings on you! ✌💖😺
I'm kinda the same. I'm a middle schooler that's depressed, has suicidal thoughts, I pull my eyebrows and eyelashes nonstop, and have a nail biting problem. I'm also overstressed all the time and I already had to grow up. My best friend is depressed as well and I'm the type of person that will take care of other people and help them even with my own problems, so I end up pushing them to the back of my head when she has breakdowns. I also live next to a military base, so I have trouble making friends because they always PCS while my mom retired here and we won't move again. I started listening to their music recently, but it really is helping along with videos like this. They are very inspirational, and I'm really glad I found them
Don't apologize for sharing. The greater part of social media and platforms is that you can express how you're feeling and people that are similar can comment or people that have been in your position and have overcome. I am now 27 years going on 28 but I too was an anxious and depressed middle schooler that was constantly bullied. My middle school years were hell and I still deal with depression and anxiety but I've overcome a lot and I agree with what Andy said. It is a lot of times a conscious decision to either get better or stay sitting in the darkness. It does get better but it takes time and work. You have to change the way your brain thinks about yourself and really focus on becoming a better person. And never think you don't deserve something. You deserve everything and more. I hope you are doing better, I know this post was from 2 years ago but I really hope you are in a better place then where you were.
This is amazing. Not going to list the things wrong with me, but Black Veil Brides, among other really cool inspiring bands, is helping me through life, day by day, song by song, message by message. Music is literally the thing that keeps me alive. I hope that it helps everyone going through the same or similar things as me. Stay strong, even if I can't.
Thank you for sharing that with us. We are so glad music has been able to help you through life. Life can be hard (very hard), but know that we are here for you and we love you. If you ever need anything go to our support wall, there is always someone to talk to.
Thanks Andy for just being u this helped me I’m kinda a loner and all I want to do is either eat and sleep or listen to music and sleep. I wasn’t popular in high school either everyone pretty much made fun of me because all I did was listen to music and didn’t want to do anything plus I have add/adhd and aspburgers syndrome and depression so it’s hard for me to get motivated to want to do anything. I used to cut but I’ve finally kicked the habit.
Kendra, we are so glad that Andy has been able to help you. If you want some motivation or someone to talk to you should check out our support wall on our website! We are here for you and love you!
I can relate so much to you man being in special needs classes and being bullied and anxiety with social skill problems face it everyday but you are awesome and a true inspiration too me and everything you said is exactly me in ways thanks man for letting me know im not the only one man keep rocking andy
Yea I too was placed in special needs classes too I couldn't make Any friends even the people I had classes with fit in well but I realized that having friends is overrated 👍
Andy you are one of my biggest inspirations and have got to be one of the strongest people i know, thank you so much for being yourself through that is which i learned to accept myself for just the way i am and i will love you forever
I have OCD, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, depression, and BIID. Ironically enough, one of my OCD things is that I have to list them in that specific order whenever I say them. I was tested for autism when I was little because I was always a “problem child”. I would freak out if I didn’t have my routine, and before I learned how to channel it, I would get violent. I can’t have the curtains open and the light on at the same time. People get mad at me when I tell them not to do it. I can’t have the lights too bright. I have to do the exact same complicated regiment before bed: shower, fill my water bottle, take my meds, close the windows, turn on the lamp, brush my teeth, kiss my dog, tell her goodnight, give her a treat, use the bathroom (and wash my hands obviously), go to my room, do the same regiment with my pet rats, read for EXACTLY 20 minutes, starting and ending at a multiple of 5, double check that my alarm is on, turn off the lamp, turn it on again and off again. If even one thing is off, I’m up all night stressing. For whatever reason, it annoys my family a TON. They act like it’s not a big deal, and that I’m faking it. When I was little, my tantrums would be videoed and posted on Facebook to show how ungrateful and bratty of a child I was. I would then be forced to watch them back and be shamed for it. They would sometimes take my door off its hinges as a punishment. I also get yelled at for having panic attacks when I’m around a lot of people talking at once, and they act like it’s the end of the world when I don’t want to be touched/hugged. My parents ended up finding out that I’m severely suicidal because I kept having panic attacks in gym class, and it felt like I had something around my neck that I couldn’t get rid of. I would claw at it trying to get it off. My gym teacher, who used to be a social worker, would find me behind a wall hyperventilating during class. He ended up bringing me to the counselor, and I ended up spilling everything. My parents then searched my room for any weapons or pills or anything and found the note that I’d already written. I didn’t want them seeing it, so I grabbed it and locked myself in the bathroom (we aren’t allowed to have locks on our bedroom doors). My mother pinned me to the ground and pried at my hands until it felt like they were breaking (that might’ve just been adrenaline too though). This is the same woman who saw me doing special effects makeup for Halloween and threw a pizza cutter at me, screaming “Well you like sharp things, don’t you?” And “I DO NOT WANT TO SEE MY CHILD LIKE THAT.” My school legally required that I see a therapist to avoid being admitted to a psychiatric hospital against my will, and she prescribed me a pill that I’m still on. It’s still bad, but not as bad as it used to be.
I feel the same way I feel like growing up I was always a problem child to. I mean I was always the one to get trouble for stupid things. I always had a hard time following the rules I spend most of my high school years and middle years in detention. every day of the week. And have the time it was really for no reason. I had people give up on me and I couldn’t understand stand why?
I've been having a really rough time mentally lately and he's one of the people I can just, listen to talk about whatever, including huge mental problems I can relate to and it's super comforting
I never knew that Andy Beirsack was going through ocd and that he in put in special education I was also bullied in school 🏫 and it wasn’t fun I never knew he was bullied either so I know what he went through with bullying I went through it
Andy is a huge inspiration/idol for me. He inspired me to make music to help other people and to give people someone they can understand on a soul/personal level, like Andy is I can relate to on a personal level. I’m working to become a singer when I finish school and Andy is one of my biggest motivators to accomplish that dream and to create the life I want, and improve myself at the same time. I love him so much, not just as an artist, but a person too. 💗
Wowww. Just goes to show that the Cincinnati, Ohio education system is completely screwed up. I myself had a similar experience with the education system in Cincy. I went to a private school. And If I'm not mistaken, Andy also went to a private school. The public schools are just as horrible tho. I also know of other people who had the same experience with the cincy education system. Andy, you are a very articulate individual. That is actually what caught my attention most about you. I would have never guessed you were treated that way. Just wow.
So damn relatable! A lot of ppl have walked the path he is on, not to say hes not forging his own, just that he isnt the first to take on the mission of being such a positive force in the world, and i almost have an anxiety attack every time i think about it. Because i believe so much in what hes doing, and im just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting for him to give up. Abandon everyone, like others who have been on that path. I hope so much that it never happens. I hope he knows how much his messages mean to ppl. That he never feels like hes not reaching enough ppl, or not impacting them deep enough. Or if he does, that it just makes him try harder, and not loose hope. Because the day that he gives up, is the day a lot of other ppl do too. Its a huge cross to bear, but he chose it, and i hope he knows the responsibility he took on with it. We love you Andy. Dont break our hearts brother.
Bullying sucks. The only person who can make it positive is whoever reads this, and takes that step. I dealt with bullying and learning disabilities my whole school career. Things need changed. It starts with every person stepping up. Now.
It's not abnormal to feel the same way Andy does because the way society is they want everyone to think the same,know the same things, and function the same that's why when you try to break out of that cycle you might get labeled crazy and what I mean by that is it's like your not supposed to have a choice your supposed to do what your told and that's that and if you don't people are like what the hell then label you like oh they're just nuts which is why artists that do their own thing (make their music and don't conform with the way society is) are so inspiring!!! Its good to know I'm not the only one who feels that way😍❤ Love you Andy #BVBArmy 🤘 (If you actually read this long ass paragraph random person thx)
Andy and bvb have helped me through alot of rough shit in my life music has always been my escape from the horrible things that have happened in my life and still are I want to thank all the members of bvb for helping me through the dark times I get made fun of all the time because I'm 40 years old and am a huge fan of bvb and AA and BMTH and I get told you are to old to listen to that music and all I can think is since when do you have to be a certain age to like certain bands or music I like the music I like that's just who I am anyways point is I've been self harming since I was 13 and then tried to end my life 6 months ago and got hospitalized they put me on meds that I didn't like the way I felt when I took them and they didn't really help but music is the one thing that has helped me and been there for me in good times and bad everything Andy said in this video is so true I can relate to most of it I also suffer from manic depression anxiety bipolar disorder so it's hard for me to even get out of bed most days but thanks to bands like bvb and AA I listen to their music and I feel alive and it puts a smile on my face and joy to my heart also if you haven't seen American Satan if your a fan of Andy's or Ben Bruce of AA you should watch it it's a must see in my opinion I loved it anyways I hope u all have a great day or night wherever you are
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Don't listen to the people criticizing what music you listen to, if that music is what helps you and makes you happy then that is all that matters. Know that we love you and are here for you. You can reach out to us at anytime if you need anything or just want to talk!
Wow this is amazing! I’ve had OCD for years and it definitely affects my everyday life. I wash my hands obsessively. It also affects me in academic ways! This video gives me more hope that I can eventually get past it, or at least some of it. Thank you, Andy!
He was meant to be a great man of God. With great wisdom and understanding. Alot of things are unseen. Only God can guide us threw a world that we only see parts of.
existential dread There is codes in our d.n.a. so we are designed by a intelligent being. An the codes say the name of our God even bro! The spirit is named Yahweh. Which is the God in the Holy Bible. An Jesus' blood was found, on the cloth they laid over him when he died, it only had 1 genome and that means that Jesus 100% was on this Earth and was born by just 1 parent! So our sins are washed by the blood of Jesus when we receive the free gift of Salvation! U get God's spirit as yr gift and heaven and eternal life in peace and estacy. Look up Scientific proof on God and how Christianity is actually the only fully correct Doctrine. God is for you and not against you, so please don't hate god because yr not believing he's for u and justs wants to make u a slave. The devil makes us a slave. Pride, lust, greed, fear, etc. Evil spirits have different traits. Like the spirit of pride is stuck up, self centered focused, driven by what it can receive, it's heartless sense pure love denies itself to love. Love just only loves to love! It's its Nature. Any questions bro?
@@jesusisking4209 What Bullshit, believe in god all you want, I am not bothered by it, but don't drag science into this, what you have written there, is the dumbest shit I have ever heard, do you even know how dna works? and just because humans understand it best as a code, does not mean it was created by anything but evolution. and dna does not spell anything, do you think you have tiny letters in your dna, humans gave it letters to make it better understandable. there is no scientific proof of god, your believe is just believe
👍 ❤️ yep still fighting many disorders,anxieties,depression,PTSD,death calling ,etc.TAKE CARE ALL.RESPECT ALL COZ YA NEVER KNOW WHAT OTHERS ARE GOING THRU.
Stay true and stay you Andy I believe in u. You made me feel like there’s something in the world that will understand me and I have u to thank for getting more confident and self assured
I relate to you far more than I ever realized when I first found your music. Odd that those of us in this position seem to often be artists. You with music and drawings, me with writing and drawings. Both part of a far strung tribe.
thank you SO much for speaking out about this. me and countless others are thankful for this video. also "the dumb kid you know who listens to rock bands from the 70's and is kinda chubby and socially awkward I guess.", you just described me perfectly andy. thank you.
I had suffered a lot through some of the things he listed and I got sent to a putsch ward a month later after the first one I was tortured and my parents somehow found out I was getting tortured and contorted so they moved me to a different one that was a little better there was no torturing in the second one but u had to share a room with people who were a lot worse than u the last thing I remember was in the second one I was at some guy got killed in the same room I was in and I remember seeing all of it it happened right in front of me and now I can't eat certain foods without remembering that happening and now Im out of a putsch ward for 4 years I was ten when I was in the first and second one and now Im finally out
I'm mentally disabled but I can walk and run. I've been teased for almost the rest of my entire life. I feel like that using my coping skills and trying to do more coping skills so if anybody want to help me with that that would b e a great help. :)
From itmenanners: @Insane_Rebecca Coping skills are like tools in a tool box. There isn't going to be any one coping skill that will fit in every situation, so your best bet is to find many different coping skills, so that you have a full tool box to turn to whenever you find yourself in a situation where you need to cope. There are many different ways to cope. Some of my favourites are mantras: little simple sentences you repeat to yourself over and over again to bring yourself peace and comfort in difficult times. My favourite mantras are: "I am good enough," "I am doing the best I can with the resources I have, and that's the best anyone can ask of me, even myself." No matter what anyone else says to me or about me, when I repeat these mantras to myself, I find that it doesn't bother me so much anymore. Other people are going to have their opinions about me, and there's not much I can do about that. But as long as I know in my own mind that "I am good enough," it doesn't matter what they think. Other coping skills can be doing art, writing in a journal, listening to your favourite music, taking a nice bath or a long walk, reconnecting with someone you miss, and so many more! There's a whole world of tools out there to put in your tool box, and I'm glad that you want to find as many as you can! Those are my suggestions for now, but make sure to keep asking. Everyone's tool box is unique, and you never know when someone will have a tool that you've never seen before. Good luck friend!
From gravitykills24: @Insane_Rebecca Good morning friend, I am so glad you reached out to us at HeartSupport. I loved that you mentioned you can walk and run since running is one of my favorite activities for my own mental, emotional, and physical health. I am not sure if you enjoy running, I know it can be an “acquired taste” to really enjoy it - but I know the more I do, the better I feel. Even daily walks and time alone to either listen to music. Podcasts, or sometimes just enjoy the sounds of nature really help me unwind, think, and process challenging days. I also wanted to mention your comment about being made fun of and disrespected by people - that is sad, unfortunate, and a commentary on how rude and ignorant human beings can be to one another. You don’t deserve any of it and I hope you have supportive people around you to step in and say that’s not OK - and if you feel comfortable - you have every right to say it yourself. You deserve better and I know it is hard to not internalize the negativity - but it just shows how lots of people just fear what they don’t understand and lash out or make fun of differences that make them uncomfortable - well that is their issue and problem to deal with and hopefully fix. So keep your head high and try to be like a duck and let that garbage roll off your back. You are strong, you are capable, you are worthy, and you deserve so much better. I love that you commented on the interview with Andy from Black Veil Brides - I absolutely love BVB and Andy’s solo music. Many of his songs have helped me through tough times myself. I especially like Goodby Agony, I am Bulletproof, and When They Call My Name. Hopefully you find some encouragement and spirit to overcome obstacles when you listen to these songs as much as I do. Maybe you can find a lyric that inspires you to use as a mantra - I know I adore the ending of Lost It All when Andy keeps saying “I believe that we all fall down sometimes” because of course life is going to knock us down - but when we have good coping skills and learn how to use them effectively, we will never be knocked out. Peace be your journey - we are always here to listen, encourage, and support!
From r0ytw: @Insane_Rebecca Hello and thank you for reaching out to share your story. I'm always amazed by people that can acknowledge their issues and have a want/need to deal with them. You're on the right track and I am positive that you're going to come away from this for the better. As far as coping mechanisms I have several that I use and have no problem sharing them. However I am not a professional so please take that into consideration. If you can speak to one I suggest that as they can offer a properly trained and objective view. That said here's what works for me. First off, exercise. You mentioned the walking and running which is extremely beneficial not only for physical reasons but mental as well. When you exercise you produce endorphins which helps the body relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve mood. It doesn't have to be anything intense or overwhelming either. The walking and running you do is perfect which means that you're already on the right track. Secondly I use a journal to track my mental health. It allows me to have a record of my triggers, allows me to see what improves my mental health, and helps me remember things that I may forget due to my own mental issues. On top of that if a professional is an option then it can better help them tailor your treatment to your needs. Third I create. I draw, I write poetry/lyrics, I write music, I do voice work, etc. Art allows us to express the parts of ourselves that conversation can't. What's great is that it doesn't have to measure up to any standard. It just has to be. One last suggestion, and it coincides with the purpose of this group, is helping others. So often when we're at our lowest we feel useless and empty. I've found that helping others ultimately helps myself as well. Because it reminds me that I have worth and that I bring value to the world. What's great is that it can be something as simple as picking up trash at the local park. I hope that this helps you find what you're looking for. Thanks again for reaching out. We're rooting for you.
" and the dumb kid you know who listens to rock bands from the 70's and is kinda chubby and socially awkward I guess." Andy just described me perfectly. And just thank you for this
LMFAO SAME, but like instead of rock bands from the seventies its death metal/ black metal from the 80's and 90's
Same 😂
Same bro except I listen to 90s
@@patman567 same
Same, except I'm not dumb, I'm actually pretty smart just don't show it often cuz idc
He had trouble keeping up with other kids in school, but he always sounds so smart every time he talks. And everything he says is true and logical
This is why Andy is such a good role model to have. Yeah he admits that he’s made mistakes. But he’s such an advocate for mental health. Which turns his music into a safe space of sorts for me. Idk how to explain it.
Admitting your mistakes takes a lot more courage than keeping them a secret. Andy is truly a good role model and I appreciate that
I love him soooo much he has helped sooo much.
Oh my gosh I didn't know he has OCD too! It can be so tough to have, knowing Andy can conquer it gives me hope. I relate 100% to everything to he says, he describes compulsions perfectly. If anyone else struggles with this, stay strong!
I have schizophrenia, and sometimes i have OCD, it was very hard for me In the begining, but I'm getting better
Also, i can relate to Andy, i also sufferd bullying when i was young i think that had consequences
Love that he is a real down to earth guy! 🤘💞
3 things... 1) for someone who didn't do well in school he is extremely intelligent, 2) his honesty about his life experience helps me feel good today, and 3) the advice towards the end was just what I needed. ❤
I'm not a huge BVB fan at all but i do love Andy as a person. As someone with OCD i totally relate to this. Its tough but you have to put the work in. It never really goes away, but you can work on it and constantly try to be better like Andy says, and you control it instead of letting it control you. What an inspiration to us all he is.
On another note what a beautiful person he has turned out to be.
This is so great. I have alot of Mental issues and Andy is such an inspiration. him and BVB are apart if the reason I keep going today
We are so glad BVB and Andy have been able to help you! Know that whatever you are going through, our community is here to love and support you. Hold fast, we believe in you!
Same with me. They are the reason I “stoped being depressed” and by that I don’t mean I’m just happy all the time, but because of them I want to live and I’m going to try everything in my power to not let depression win. And I have them to thank for this. I hope you stay strong and keep fighting. 🖤🖤
How the hell are they inspirational?
@@jacindapeters2303By having related issues and they got through it from making the right decisions
The background noice. All the sounds, the air, the music, his voice, it gives my mind no room to wander and it’s super nice. I can pay attention to his words and they really do help.
Weirdly enough it's making me have a quarter life crisis 🤣
Sad yet remarkable story, stay strong Andy!
I have nothing but respect for Andy Biersack. I was one of those chubby underachiever kids who listened to metal, too. I still struggle with anxiety because of the outcast status that I had back then. The funny thing now is that I don't give much thought to my social status at all. I just try to be a decent person each day.
This just shows that if people let others develop in their own time, they grow. I'm a lot like Andy and have been struggling a lot, i never really had friends growing up and still dont now at 29 because i just dont connect with people like others and its hard because you do isolate then but i know i am also smart in ways that i just cant show to others or is even seen. Andy has done amazing breaking through them barriers and I'm going to try and do the same. I wish i listened to the band more as a teen cause i think i wouldnt have struggled for this long.
From Becca_E: @emmyzima5972 "I know I am smart in ways that others don't easily see" is SUCH a beautiful statement! You are, absolutely. What a gift you are to the world. People WILL see you and your brilliance. Thank you for being patient with us!
From OmarM: @emmyzima5972 It's amazing that you're able to understand that growth happens out our own pace. It's also great that you can see yourself in Andy. When it feels like you don't connect with others the same way others are able, feeling isolated can definitely be hard but this doesn't mean that you are not smart or capable, quite the opposite. Just like Andy overcame those hardships, you can too, it's never too late to start breaking through those barriers and realizing that can be a huge turning point. It's also understandable to feel like things might have been different if you had started to connect to things like music earlier on but what's important is that you're finding those connections now. You have the awareness and the determination to make a change in your life friend, you've made such a huge step forward.
From Micro: @emmyzima5972 Kuddos to you for your willingness to try! Putting ourselves out there can definitely be scary. It's a risk to take - as there's a possibility of being misunderstood, unseen, maybe even rejected. There's something completely unknown when it comes down to building new relationships. So many questions, doubts and fears can arise when you're in this process.
Given how challenging and intimidating it can be, you can be proud of yourself for trying! The very first step is to set an intention and give ourselves chances to take risks, to see what life holds for us beyon our own comfort zone. To dare going out there, seizing or even creating opportunities that we've longed for.
Like you, I have a hard time building and keeping friendships as an adult. Ahh, the good old times when we were young and friendships seemed to happen just naturally, right? I have a partner and a few online friends, then also family members who live really far away. At times, it's very isolating. My mental health/personal story has put me in what feels like a pit of isolation sometimes. As you've said, there are factors in our life that can make it difficult to build relationships in general. It creates obstacles that seem to keep on getting in the way of keeping these relationships in the long run.
I've burned so many bridges but I've started to go out more often and have random interactions with people. Even if it's not long-term or deep relationships, it's still a step forward, and I hope you can start experiencing this too! Sometimes the very first obstacle to overcome is to acknowledge where we are the fact that it's not where we want to be. I deeply believe that there is something profoundly strong and humbling in this awareness, and in the recognition of what we deeply desire. If connection with others is part of it, then it's something to follow and stand up for again, little by little.
At the end of the day, it's worth it, because it's about our well-being and what we want to have out of this life.
Really proud of you, friend! You got this. One step at a time.
-Marie-Anne
Heartsupport Staff
From gravitykills24: @emmyzima5972 Andy is a legend. I love Black Veil Brides and their music has helped me so much in my own life journey. And maybe there is a slight man crush going on also : Haha, joking aside - you should check out his autobiography - They Don't Need to Understand. He is so well-spoken and its a deep-dive into his life and the history of the band. So glad you posted and are finding ways to connect through music - have you seen BVB in concert yet? If not, I guarantee if you are able to see them you will meet a whole army of fans who feel just like you and are longing to connect to someone else or something bigger...
This is a great attitude from Andy that he worked through things and tries to better himself, it is healing.
I feel the same thing in terms of that i am still trying to find the real me inbetween my trauma, illness or the things i fake somehow for unknown reasons.
I'm glad someone else understands this, maybe it is part of trauma and healing for me.
From lu2910: @lauraelliot5716 This is absolutely healing. The first step in finding and bettering yourself is to see yourself and accept who you are at the current moment. Trauma has a way of having such a hold on ourselves and our identity that it can be so overwhelming to try and process it all while also having a firm sense of self in the midst. Many things that we fake we often will use as coping mechanisms, ways to find control or peace in the midst of our hurting. Things that bring you joy, the beauty you put into the world, your passions, all of these things are the real you that trauma cannot take away. I am so glad that you are able to feel at peace and give yourself the grace and time to fully process previously repressed emotions.
I am so happy for you my friend, know that you always are able to reach out again for any sort of help, I am on your side :)
From FurnaceFest_Fans: @lauraelliot5716 For the better part of the last years I've often felt this very same thing. I had gone through a rough breakup with a partner of close to 13 years. After all that happened and realized I had poured my whole identity into another person and people I was left having to figure out who I was at the end. And that was a scary thing. Everything I thought I liked came with an asterisk. What I can say what helped me was being intentional about the small things and affirming as I did them that it was what I wanted, not anyone else. It always starts small but something small can grow exponentially if you let it. I truly hope that whoever wrote this is able to start that wonderful wave of change for the better.
Wow. I just. Wow. Next time someone asks me why I like BVB/Andy Black, I'm showing them this is saying "other than the music, this. Just listen."
Anyone asked yet?
As a current middle schooler that is struggling with anxiety, depression, and trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder which is believed to be OCD related or an impulse-control disorder, this really helps as Andy shared advice that I needed to hear; at 5:45, he said that you have to make a conscious decision to get better some times, and that you need to feel the need to get better in some cases. I haven't been able to stop pulling out my eyebrows and eyelashes, but hopefully with Andy's advice, I can stop. I sincerely apologize if I shared too much or anything, and I know that nobody is really going to read this, but I needed to express my gratitude. Yet again, I apologize.
Emma DeLuca I believe you can do it! All you have to do is try!
Why are you apologizing? It took some kind of guts to post what you did. I hope you are overcoming your issues. It isn't easy. I've had my own issues since a teen, and still do at 58....you learn to work with what you have, and try for better every day. Bright Blessings on you! ✌💖😺
I'm kinda the same. I'm a middle schooler that's depressed, has suicidal thoughts, I pull my eyebrows and eyelashes nonstop, and have a nail biting problem. I'm also overstressed all the time and I already had to grow up. My best friend is depressed as well and I'm the type of person that will take care of other people and help them even with my own problems, so I end up pushing them to the back of my head when she has breakdowns. I also live next to a military base, so I have trouble making friends because they always PCS while my mom retired here and we won't move again. I started listening to their music recently, but it really is helping along with videos like this. They are very inspirational, and I'm really glad I found them
Don't apologize for sharing. The greater part of social media and platforms is that you can express how you're feeling and people that are similar can comment or people that have been in your position and have overcome. I am now 27 years going on 28 but I too was an anxious and depressed middle schooler that was constantly bullied. My middle school years were hell and I still deal with depression and anxiety but I've overcome a lot and I agree with what Andy said. It is a lot of times a conscious decision to either get better or stay sitting in the darkness. It does get better but it takes time and work. You have to change the way your brain thinks about yourself and really focus on becoming a better person. And never think you don't deserve something. You deserve everything and more. I hope you are doing better, I know this post was from 2 years ago but I really hope you are in a better place then where you were.
You are awesome in every way! You got this!
Andy is SO HANDSOME! 😃
Liana Soares he really is.
This is amazing. Not going to list the things wrong with me, but Black Veil Brides, among other really cool inspiring bands, is helping me through life, day by day, song by song, message by message. Music is literally the thing that keeps me alive. I hope that it helps everyone going through the same or similar things as me. Stay strong, even if I can't.
Thank you for sharing that with us. We are so glad music has been able to help you through life. Life can be hard (very hard), but know that we are here for you and we love you. If you ever need anything go to our support wall, there is always someone to talk to.
Thanks Andy for just being u this helped me I’m kinda a loner and all I want to do is either eat and sleep or listen to music and sleep. I wasn’t popular in high school either everyone pretty much made fun of me because all I did was listen to music and didn’t want to do anything plus I have add/adhd and aspburgers syndrome and depression so it’s hard for me to get motivated to want to do anything. I used to cut but I’ve finally kicked the habit.
Kendra, we are so glad that Andy has been able to help you. If you want some motivation or someone to talk to you should check out our support wall on our website! We are here for you and love you!
Stay strong!!! Andy is such an inspiration to me too
I can relate. My teen years were also rough. I made it out through music. It gets better
I'm falling in love again! Thank you Andy.
It feels like he's telling my life story.
I can relate so much to you man being in special needs classes and being bullied and anxiety with social skill problems face it everyday but you are awesome and a true inspiration too me and everything you said is exactly me in ways thanks man for letting me know im not the only one man keep rocking andy
Yea I too was placed in special needs classes too I couldn't make Any friends even the people I had classes with fit in well but I realized that having friends is overrated 👍
I can relate a lot to this. I love Andy, he is intelligent, articulate, creative, kind, and has the eyes of an angel.
HIS EYES ARE FREAKING BEAUTIFUL
Andy you are one of my biggest inspirations and have got to be one of the strongest people i know, thank you so much for being yourself through that is which i learned to accept myself for just the way i am and i will love you forever
We are so glad that you accept yourself the way you are, because we think you are beautiful! Our community is always here for you!
Jesus that is a beautiful man
I love how open he is about what he's had to deal with in life... I hope it helps people in similar situations
I have OCD, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, depression, and BIID. Ironically enough, one of my OCD things is that I have to list them in that specific order whenever I say them. I was tested for autism when I was little because I was always a “problem child”. I would freak out if I didn’t have my routine, and before I learned how to channel it, I would get violent. I can’t have the curtains open and the light on at the same time. People get mad at me when I tell them not to do it. I can’t have the lights too bright. I have to do the exact same complicated regiment before bed: shower, fill my water bottle, take my meds, close the windows, turn on the lamp, brush my teeth, kiss my dog, tell her goodnight, give her a treat, use the bathroom (and wash my hands obviously), go to my room, do the same regiment with my pet rats, read for EXACTLY 20 minutes, starting and ending at a multiple of 5, double check that my alarm is on, turn off the lamp, turn it on again and off again. If even one thing is off, I’m up all night stressing. For whatever reason, it annoys my family a TON. They act like it’s not a big deal, and that I’m faking it. When I was little, my tantrums would be videoed and posted on Facebook to show how ungrateful and bratty of a child I was. I would then be forced to watch them back and be shamed for it. They would sometimes take my door off its hinges as a punishment. I also get yelled at for having panic attacks when I’m around a lot of people talking at once, and they act like it’s the end of the world when I don’t want to be touched/hugged. My parents ended up finding out that I’m severely suicidal because I kept having panic attacks in gym class, and it felt like I had something around my neck that I couldn’t get rid of. I would claw at it trying to get it off. My gym teacher, who used to be a social worker, would find me behind a wall hyperventilating during class. He ended up bringing me to the counselor, and I ended up spilling everything. My parents then searched my room for any weapons or pills or anything and found the note that I’d already written. I didn’t want them seeing it, so I grabbed it and locked myself in the bathroom (we aren’t allowed to have locks on our bedroom doors). My mother pinned me to the ground and pried at my hands until it felt like they were breaking (that might’ve just been adrenaline too though). This is the same woman who saw me doing special effects makeup for Halloween and threw a pizza cutter at me, screaming “Well you like sharp things, don’t you?” And “I DO NOT WANT TO SEE MY CHILD LIKE THAT.” My school legally required that I see a therapist to avoid being admitted to a psychiatric hospital against my will, and she prescribed me a pill that I’m still on. It’s still bad, but not as bad as it used to be.
I feel the same way I feel like growing up I was always a problem child to. I mean I was always the one to get trouble for stupid things. I always had a hard time following the rules I spend most of my high school years and middle years in detention. every day of the week. And have the time it was really for no reason. I had people give up on me and I couldn’t understand stand why?
Ocd is one of the hardest things to deal with. But thank you Andy for talking about it.❤️❤️
I've been having a really rough time mentally lately and he's one of the people I can just, listen to talk about whatever, including huge mental problems I can relate to and it's super comforting
I'm 25 and this is helping me
I related to this on so many levels, what an amazing human being
❤❤❤❤❤😊andy is absolutely 💯 %amazing creative talented inspiring musician 😊😊😊😊😊❤❤❤
Oh wow, is he cute! I've seen pictures of him, but his voice, wow, just wow.
I am so proud to have this man as my idol. For real. He is an amazing human being and the BVB Army is so proud of him as a whole, I'm sure.
I never knew that Andy Beirsack was going through ocd and that he in put in special education I was also bullied in school 🏫 and it wasn’t fun I never knew he was bullied either so I know what he went through with bullying I went through it
Andy thank you for teaching me how to be strong, have self love, and just be happy.
Every time I think that I couldn’t possibly love him more, I find yet another reason to love him. 😭
THIS IS WHY HE IS MY IDOL I LOVE YOU BABE❤️❤️❤️❤️
Andy is a huge inspiration/idol for me. He inspired me to make music to help other people and to give people someone they can understand on a soul/personal level, like Andy is I can relate to on a personal level. I’m working to become a singer when I finish school and Andy is one of my biggest motivators to accomplish that dream and to create the life I want, and improve myself at the same time. I love him so much, not just as an artist, but a person too. 💗
This made me actually check out there tunes honestly people talk to much shit they're not bad
This video helped me feel like I was an "outkast"
Actually I meant it made me feel like I was not an outkast
Outcast*
Wowww. Just goes to show that the Cincinnati, Ohio education system is completely screwed up. I myself had a similar experience with the education system in Cincy. I went to a private school. And If I'm not mistaken, Andy also went to a private school. The public schools are just as horrible tho. I also know of other people who had the same experience with the cincy education system. Andy, you are a very articulate individual. That is actually what caught my attention most about you. I would have never guessed you were treated that way. Just wow.
So damn relatable! A lot of ppl have walked the path he is on, not to say hes not forging his own, just that he isnt the first to take on the mission of being such a positive force in the world, and i almost have an anxiety attack every time i think about it. Because i believe so much in what hes doing, and im just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting for him to give up. Abandon everyone, like others who have been on that path. I hope so much that it never happens. I hope he knows how much his messages mean to ppl. That he never feels like hes not reaching enough ppl, or not impacting them deep enough. Or if he does, that it just makes him try harder, and not loose hope. Because the day that he gives up, is the day a lot of other ppl do too. Its a huge cross to bear, but he chose it, and i hope he knows the responsibility he took on with it. We love you Andy. Dont break our hearts brother.
i'm so thankful for this video, really.
Bullying sucks. The only person who can make it positive is whoever reads this, and takes that step. I dealt with bullying and learning disabilities my whole school career. Things need changed. It starts with every person stepping up. Now.
I understand this all too well. Its very hard to navigate in the beginning but it gets better. Love ya andy.
It's not abnormal to feel the same way Andy does because the way society is they want everyone to think the same,know the same things, and function the same that's why when you try to break out of that cycle you might get labeled crazy and what I mean by that is it's like your not supposed to have a choice your supposed to do what your told and that's that and if you don't people are like what the hell then label you like oh they're just nuts which is why artists that do their own thing (make their music and don't conform with the way society is) are so inspiring!!! Its good to know I'm not the only one who feels that way😍❤ Love you Andy #BVBArmy 🤘
(If you actually read this long ass paragraph random person thx)
can't deny that he is a very smart individual...
He has such a pretty face and a voice to match
Okay, two things
1. This man is so frigging inspiring to me (and so many others)
2. On a funny note- 2:38 who was that whooping in the background?
honestly, that whooping had caught me off guard.😆
I love how he smiled whennone of his mates went whoop
I feel like that was CC. He seems like the kind of guy to just randomly whoop.
@@brittanyflowerday Agreed, that was his voice too 🤣
Andy and bvb have helped me through alot of rough shit in my life music has always been my escape from the horrible things that have happened in my life and still are I want to thank all the members of bvb for helping me through the dark times I get made fun of all the time because I'm 40 years old and am a huge fan of bvb and AA and BMTH and I get told you are to old to listen to that music and all I can think is since when do you have to be a certain age to like certain bands or music I like the music I like that's just who I am anyways point is I've been self harming since I was 13 and then tried to end my life 6 months ago and got hospitalized they put me on meds that I didn't like the way I felt when I took them and they didn't really help but music is the one thing that has helped me and been there for me in good times and bad everything Andy said in this video is so true I can relate to most of it I also suffer from manic depression anxiety bipolar disorder so it's hard for me to even get out of bed most days but thanks to bands like bvb and AA I listen to their music and I feel alive and it puts a smile on my face and joy to my heart also if you haven't seen American Satan if your a fan of Andy's or Ben Bruce of AA you should watch it it's a must see in my opinion I loved it anyways I hope u all have a great day or night wherever you are
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Don't listen to the people criticizing what music you listen to, if that music is what helps you and makes you happy then that is all that matters. Know that we love you and are here for you. You can reach out to us at anytime if you need anything or just want to talk!
HeartSupport thank you so much I appreciate that I'm going through alot right now and music helps alot
We are always here
5:06 I love how his voice just changes the tone 😆💗
Andy is incredible person 😊❤
Not to be totally random or to discredit what he’s saying, but why are they just now releasing this in 2018 when they filmed this in 2015?
Interesting. I thought he looked different. It was because he was younger.
And I'm about to be that one kid. I'm sorry...
It was released on the 5th year of MCR's (hopefully not permanent) breakup...
Emma DeLuca they’re back
@@toxichope7793 they're back
...such an extraordinary man
very intelligent and such a great dude!
Wow this is amazing! I’ve had OCD for years and it definitely affects my everyday life. I wash my hands obsessively. It also affects me in academic ways! This video gives me more hope that I can eventually get past it, or at least some of it. Thank you, Andy!
He’s so articulate and well spoken, it blows my mind that anyone could think he was dumb. I also can’t picture him chubby.
He was meant to be a great man of God. With great wisdom and understanding. Alot of things are unseen. Only God can guide us threw a world that we only see parts of.
existential dread There is codes in our d.n.a. so we are designed by a intelligent being. An the codes say the name of our God even bro! The spirit is named Yahweh. Which is the God in the Holy Bible. An Jesus' blood was found, on the cloth they laid over him when he died, it only had 1 genome and that means that Jesus 100% was on this Earth and was born by just 1 parent! So our sins are washed by the blood of Jesus when we receive the free gift of Salvation! U get God's spirit as yr gift and heaven and eternal life in peace and estacy. Look up Scientific proof on God and how Christianity is actually the only fully correct Doctrine. God is for you and not against you, so please don't hate god because yr not believing he's for u and justs wants to make u a slave. The devil makes us a slave. Pride, lust, greed, fear, etc. Evil spirits have different traits. Like the spirit of pride is stuck up, self centered focused, driven by what it can receive, it's heartless sense pure love denies itself to love. Love just only loves to love! It's its Nature. Any questions bro?
jesus is King What about Islam?
@@jesusisking4209 Are you just going to ignore the fact that Yahweh was originally a Canaanite war god?
@@jesusisking4209 What Bullshit, believe in god all you want, I am not bothered by it, but don't drag science into this, what you have written there, is the dumbest shit I have ever heard, do you even know how dna works? and just because humans understand it best as a code, does not mean it was created by anything but evolution. and dna does not spell anything, do you think you have tiny letters in your dna, humans gave it letters to make it better understandable. there is no scientific proof of god, your believe is just believe
Well spoken and nailed it right on the head! We should all be on the side of positively impacting society and bettering ourselves. :)
I just love how articulate he is.
👍 ❤️ yep still fighting many disorders,anxieties,depression,PTSD,death calling ,etc.TAKE CARE ALL.RESPECT ALL COZ YA NEVER KNOW WHAT OTHERS ARE GOING THRU.
Hope you see these comments Andy. Your words helps past limits. Thank you.
You are a real inspiration Andy. Also, you are so cute😙, greetings from Panama
I ❤u more Andy this video helped me out so much you're music is my therapy and meditation!
Andy Biersack is so cute 💞💓💕🎶
Stay true and stay you Andy I believe in u. You made me feel like there’s something in the world that will understand me and I have u to thank for getting more confident and self assured
I relate to you far more than I ever realized when I first found your music. Odd that those of us in this position seem to often be artists. You with music and drawings, me with writing and drawings. Both part of a far strung tribe.
Wow Andy that was amazing thank you!🖤🖤🖤
He speaks for me 🌹
Oml I love Andy's hair in this video, I wanna pet himm~
Wow that kinda sounds a bit wrong
Did he quit smoking? His voice is higher by like an octave
@heyitsme natalie he vapes now instead
His voice sounds higher on video and mic but when I met him a few days ago it was so deep
yes
What a sweet little lamb 🥺🖤
ur a true inspired artist dont ever forget that ur great fuck the haters !!
thank you SO much for speaking out about this.
me and countless others are thankful for this video.
also "the dumb kid you know who listens to rock bands from the 70's and is kinda chubby and socially awkward I guess.", you just described me perfectly andy.
thank you.
i cried so hard watching this
Lexi, we hope those were tears of happiness knowing you are not alone and you are loved. We are here for you
Well said Andy!💙💛
♡♡♡♡♡ wow, glad u over came your hardships!! ♡♡♡♡
OCD is tough. I have it, and on some days it is really bad.... I relate to Andy on so many levels... :) Love you, Andy!
Andy 💕💕💕
It's slidding baby!
Props to you. Awesome!!
I love you andy
his eyes 😍😍😍
how the fuck is he so gorgeous😩😩😍
His eyes are so fucking beautiful. Just so fucking blue.
I love you andy your amazing ♥♥
*this was published on March 22nd* aside from Andy's story this is just sad
This is great
Yes
I had suffered a lot through some of the things he listed and I got sent to a putsch ward a month later after the first one I was tortured and my parents somehow found out I was getting tortured and contorted so they moved me to a different one that was a little better there was no torturing in the second one but u had to share a room with people who were a lot worse than u the last thing I remember was in the second one I was at some guy got killed in the same room I was in and I remember seeing all of it it happened right in front of me and now I can't eat certain foods without remembering that happening and now Im out of a putsch ward for 4 years I was ten when I was in the first and second one and now Im finally out
fantastic
DAMN HIS EYES 😍👁👁
💋Andy Biersack
Hope to see you in springfield mo soon maby
He is G. D. Beautiful 😍
💜💜💜
A very talented and very evolved being. Such a tremendous intelligent man..and extremely sexy
I'm mentally disabled but I can walk and run.
I've been teased for almost the rest of my entire life.
I feel like that using my coping skills and trying to do more coping skills so if anybody want to help me with that that would b e a great help. :)
From itmenanners: @Insane_Rebecca Coping skills are like tools in a tool box. There isn't going to be any one coping skill that will fit in every situation, so your best bet is to find many different coping skills, so that you have a full tool box to turn to whenever you find yourself in a situation where you need to cope.
There are many different ways to cope. Some of my favourites are mantras: little simple sentences you repeat to yourself over and over again to bring yourself peace and comfort in difficult times. My favourite mantras are:
"I am good enough,"
"I am doing the best I can with the resources I have, and that's the best anyone can ask of me, even myself."
No matter what anyone else says to me or about me, when I repeat these mantras to myself, I find that it doesn't bother me so much anymore. Other people are going to have their opinions about me, and there's not much I can do about that. But as long as I know in my own mind that "I am good enough," it doesn't matter what they think.
Other coping skills can be doing art, writing in a journal, listening to your favourite music, taking a nice bath or a long walk, reconnecting with someone you miss, and so many more! There's a whole world of tools out there to put in your tool box, and I'm glad that you want to find as many as you can! Those are my suggestions for now, but make sure to keep asking. Everyone's tool box is unique, and you never know when someone will have a tool that you've never seen before.
Good luck friend!
From gravitykills24: @Insane_Rebecca Good morning friend, I am so glad you reached out to us at HeartSupport. I loved that you mentioned you can walk and run since running is one of my favorite activities for my own mental, emotional, and physical health. I am not sure if you enjoy running, I know it can be an “acquired taste” to really enjoy it - but I know the more I do, the better I feel. Even daily walks and time alone to either listen to music. Podcasts, or sometimes just enjoy the sounds of nature really help me unwind, think, and process challenging days.
I also wanted to mention your comment about being made fun of and disrespected by people - that is sad, unfortunate, and a commentary on how rude and ignorant human beings can be to one another. You don’t deserve any of it and I hope you have supportive people around you to step in and say that’s not OK - and if you feel comfortable - you have every right to say it yourself. You deserve better and I know it is hard to not internalize the negativity - but it just shows how lots of people just fear what they don’t understand and lash out or make fun of differences that make them uncomfortable - well that is their issue and problem to deal with and hopefully fix. So keep your head high and try to be like a duck and let that garbage roll off your back. You are strong, you are capable, you are worthy, and you deserve so much better.
I love that you commented on the interview with Andy from Black Veil Brides - I absolutely love BVB and Andy’s solo music. Many of his songs have helped me through tough times myself. I especially like Goodby Agony, I am Bulletproof, and When They Call My Name. Hopefully you find some encouragement and spirit to overcome obstacles when you listen to these songs as much as I do. Maybe you can find a lyric that inspires you to use as a mantra - I know I adore the ending of Lost It All when Andy keeps saying “I believe that we all fall down sometimes” because of course life is going to knock us down - but when we have good coping skills and learn how to use them effectively, we will never be knocked out. Peace be your journey - we are always here to listen, encourage, and support!
From r0ytw: @Insane_Rebecca Hello and thank you for reaching out to share your story. I'm always amazed by people that can acknowledge their issues and have a want/need to deal with them. You're on the right track and I am positive that you're going to come away from this for the better.
As far as coping mechanisms I have several that I use and have no problem sharing them. However I am not a professional so please take that into consideration. If you can speak to one I suggest that as they can offer a properly trained and objective view. That said here's what works for me.
First off, exercise. You mentioned the walking and running which is extremely beneficial not only for physical reasons but mental as well. When you exercise you produce endorphins which helps the body relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve mood. It doesn't have to be anything intense or overwhelming either. The walking and running you do is perfect which means that you're already on the right track.
Secondly I use a journal to track my mental health. It allows me to have a record of my triggers, allows me to see what improves my mental health, and helps me remember things that I may forget due to my own mental issues. On top of that if a professional is an option then it can better help them tailor your treatment to your needs.
Third I create. I draw, I write poetry/lyrics, I write music, I do voice work, etc. Art allows us to express the parts of ourselves that conversation can't. What's great is that it doesn't have to measure up to any standard. It just has to be.
One last suggestion, and it coincides with the purpose of this group, is helping others. So often when we're at our lowest we feel useless and empty. I've found that helping others ultimately helps myself as well. Because it reminds me that I have worth and that I bring value to the world. What's great is that it can be something as simple as picking up trash at the local park.
I hope that this helps you find what you're looking for. Thanks again for reaching out. We're rooting for you.
*hearts*