Maybe this message will make you cry. UK rock band Casey have shared incredible story to us. Read full letter from Tom below;
18 months ago we ran a short anonymous submission campaign to coincide with the music video for our song, Fade. The campaign asked participants to anonymously submit a quality about themselves that they disliked. While at the time we were a band in our infancy, and the campaign only ran for 72 hours, we received over 300 submissions from people from all walks of life; and although it’s not true of all the statements we received, the vast majority of entries we received dealt with mental health issues.
All the entries we received were hand drawn onto a banner that both featured in the Fade music video, and also accompanied us on our first ever tour. The purpose of the campaign was to highlight the idea that despite the broad spectrum of problems people were facing, there were no completely unique submissions. Within our fan base, every individual that confided in us would be able to find a counterpart with whom they could relate.
Mental illness is something I’ve struggled with profoundly for the last 10 years. I’ve been cycled through the health system on almost every level, and whilst I am incredibly grateful for their efforts and support, I found little to no resolve in the solutions they were able to provide. It wasn’t until I found my feet with writing, and more specifically with lyricism and music, that I truly felt comfortable discussing my problems. I was provided with a positive, supportive environment in which I could vocalise my illness and its effect on my life, without fear of undue criticism or ridicule.
However, many people aren’t fortunate enough to receive the opportunity and support that I have. Many people suffer in silence, just as I did for so many years, without a medium through which to express themselves, or without a network of support to turn to in times of need. Compassion and empathy can be difficult to exercise at the best of times, and it can be incredibly difficult to interpret someone’s mental state if they don’t feel comfortable discussing it. No one can be there for a loved one at all times, and no one will have the right words to say on every occasion; it’s just not realistic to expect that. However, this #WorldMentalHealthDay I would just ask you to be mindful. Consider the impact of your words and actions, your presence in the world, and your attitude toward issues with which you may not have a wealth of personal experience. Be there for one another, if you feel as though someone may be suffering, reach out to them, your concern and thoughtfulness could make the difference that saves a life.
Perhaps most importantly of all, please take care of yourself. If you feel the need to take a break from the world, don’t be afraid to step back for a while, no one worth your time will blame you for concentrating on your own wellbeing. If you feel the need to talk, don’t be afraid to reach out, whether to a loved one, a medical professional, a friend, a colleague, or even us. It’s a lesson that took me far too long to learn, but a burden shared is truly a burden halved. I will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude I owe to music, and to the community within which we perform and socialise; but I will try at every opportunity to support individuals in the way that I have been supported.
All my love,
Tom
Casey
Casey is a band whose music is not defined by their image, or where they come from; how they met, or where they’ve been before now.
Casey is a means of self-expression created with no underlying motive, only the wish to experience and relate.
“Music is our labour of love.” Casey
