#punktalks

[spark1edog]

if you recognize this aromantic flag you qualify for a veterans discount

[starfruitslush]

got this really frighteningly good pic today of a fire ant guarding/eating the sweet secretions of some aphids! what a cool sight

[dentalrecordsmusic]

DRM Unplugged: Exploring Musicians & Mental Health with Mike Bogs of Babe Patrol

In this guest blog series, Dental Records Music invites any and all alternative musicians to share their experiences with mental illness in order to shed light on the issues and hurdles they must face in order to create and perform. If you would like to read more and follow our series, check out this link. You can also check out PunkTalks.org for information on getting help and support if you are a musician who is struggling.

The following is a guest post by Mike Bogs, the guitarist for Babe Patrol. This is his story.

Most people will observe the “rockstar” lifestyle as being thrill-driven, so that any form of personal suffering is subsequently a direct consequence of living their life “on the edge.” However, in dispelling this warped delusion, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Sometimes the actual truth is difficult to face, and mental health, especially, is not discussed honestly enough. Unfortunately, we exist in a reality in which we have lost many of our beloved musicians and artists to absolute measures of self-harm, such as substance abuse and suicide.

Creatives continuously suffer excess anxiety over the scrutiny from those who are verbally critical of their craft. Even more debilitating though, is the potential of self-doubt and how it takes a toll on these talented individuals’ personal worth. It is difficult to understand how something so negative can come from someone with such a positive impact on others. For a lot of people, unless you are actively engaging in creative activity as your main passion on a daily basis, it’s confusing to figure out how these self-endangering behaviors can fester within an individual. 

In working creatively there is a struggle of intense ambivalent emotions that occur. An artist can not create things that do not come from an emotional place without also feeling vulnerable. When you are emotionally invested in your work, it can leave you defenseless to a variety of mental strife that is created both from outside influences and internal doubt. During a thriving creative process, you enter a flow state, and enter into a manic-like state. Ideas can come from anything, creation can start with nothing at all, and this phenomenon can be extremely euphoric. This sets up a scenario, where the extremely low feelings will become an inevitability. As a musician and guitarist, I identify with this in enduring  my own struggles with bouts of depression resulting from the intensity of these emotions.   

Fortunately, my musical abilities have been invaluable to me in building confidence and have created a platform for me to form incredible relationships with other musicians and admirers alike. However, as is the nature with any passion driven project, these skills can also develop into a curse of sorts if you do not keep your mental health in check. For me personally, after my more immature years the fantasy of becoming a glorified rockstar seemingly became a delusion. At a certain point, a realization begins about the amount of sacrifice and effort one has to endure just to become a self-sustaining musician in today’s world. Most all artists will deal with countless instances of playing disappointing shows, releasing records that go undetected, and most debilitating of all, spending money without any prospect for a guaranteed financial return. After years of playing in many defunct and unsuccessful bands, I had moved away entirely from performing music for a brief period of my life.

It had driven me to stop participating in bands for a period of time to become a solo “bedroom musician”. In doing so, my new musical venture and goal was to pursue my passion for music by writing songs on my own. I worked vigorously in recording music on my computer while simultaneously educating myself about audio production and mixing in the hopes of releasing my own music. However, my biggest strife eventually became weighing the value of my work, as self-fulfilling projects can start to feel insignificant. One can really start to question if there is any point whatsoever in writing and releasing anything you’ve done before making it available to the masses. I soon developed a habit of denouncing my own songwriting by destroying more material than I was creating. It had gotten to the point where I was taking entire albums length of songs that I had recorded and permanently deleted those files from my desktop. Within them, I had everything mapped out precisely where I envisioned it and spent countless hours and sleepless nights figuring out how everything should be, all for a self-defeating act of eliminating it from existence entirely. By committing myself to an action that extreme and literally proceeding to destroy what I intended as my own personal “masterpiece”, so to speak, can be a tremendous blow to endure. Inevitably, actions like this have plagued me for years with ceaseless anxiety about my own self-worth and fallen into periodical depressive states from my inability to have something “show something for myself” in the form the music. 

The manners in which I’ve learned to cope with these disappointments spawned from further struggles when I had gotten back into playing in bands. Although I am a perfectionist to a certain degree, I play every show as if it was my last and thus free my mind from all outside concerns. I put great anticipation into putting on a great performance for everyone who will attend and hopefully try to give them a meaningful memory, or a brief moment of enjoyment at the very least by showing my energy when the power of music takes over. However. after every single set I play through, I suffer the post-show blues. After rehearsing for hours and then playing a show, I reach a feeling of elation on stage to the point of having quasi out of body experiences. This would be immediately concluded with self-defeating thoughts and feelings, I developed an aversion to accepting any praise from others. I used to deal with this either by drinking heavily or abandoning my mental participation to the fullest extent by dissociating myself from the event entirely. This ended up being an outright rude way to behave around people and at times became reckless and potentially self-endangering. 

It took me a while to realize that there was a clinical understanding of this phenomenon called Post-Performance Depression, PPD. After becoming more aware that this affliction is shared among all performers I developed a concern for others. So I started dealing with my own issues by supporting others with theirs and learned that having meaningful conversations was my saving grace. 

I proceeded to make it my mission at shows to try my best to get to know the other musicians there. Too often people put up the mantle of competition between their co-artists in a bout for the most attention, or appreciative claim. Conversely, for me, it became an opportunity to get to know the like-minded individuals who are fueled by their own suppressed passions. Coincidentally, I soon discovered from these talented individuals that they go through just about the same charades when dealing with their own personal material. Similarly to myself, they are uncertain, self-deprecating; especially to the songs that they internally hold so precious to themselves. After identifying and empathizing with others I would be comforted in knowing that I was not alone in the ways I felt. It was difficult for me to understand at times how someone else so talented can feel this way about themselves and hide their creations. So in realizing my own personal struggles I became most rewarded in working to inspire those around me and convince them that they needed to share their art with the world. 

I also think it’s important to realize that there are really only a few people out there that seemingly have the power to bring you down. It could be the internet trolls, who hide behind their illuminated veils with the sole intention of devaluing an artist’s work. Although, I think it is important not to fear criticism or suppress how you truly feel about something in a critique, the magnitude of malicious intent is what separates the predatory cyberbullies from the actively participating music critics. It may also be your peers, the ones that know you well and also don’t. Every artist implants a fantasy in their mind about what the big show might be like, the gratitude you possibly could receive from others if they share their enjoyment in your performance. Or the big release date, the day you finally reveal to everyone what you have been laboring on during your free time. It’s unavoidable to over analyze how your work may be interpreted. But it's so important to mature yourself in taming these fears and persisting to continue working and sharing what you love. 

Just as suppressing the severity of your mental state by not talking about what's affecting you to other people, I truly believe that concealing your musical talents and songwriting creations will have the same impact on your mental state. It’s contributed much to my own suffering but I have learned, that although coping with these fears can be unavoidable sometimes, it is important to speak honestly with people you trust and who will not judge you for how you are feeling. By concealing my music out of paranoia, I’ve done not only a disservice to myself, but more importantly and the hardest to realize, I’ve let down my supportive peers in the music community by not sharing. There is always someone out there awaiting something, new and original and they will find value you never realized that is within your own work. This prospect has become so important to me now in continuing on with my own artistic development. It has given me the determination to support those in the community that are not alone in this journey of discovering their self-worth. I truly encourage everyone to become more aware and help those that are suffering. Even the smallest actions can make all the difference in the world.

_______________________________________________________________________

Mike Bogs is the guitarist for punk band Babe Patrol. You can follow him and check out Babe Patrol’s music on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music. Be sure to follow the band on Facebook and Instagram as well to keep up on their travels. 

If you or someone you know is a musician and struggling with mental illness, check out PunkTalks.org.

Follow DRM on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

[rodney-die-laughing-records]

Die Laughing Records @dielaughingrecords A radio show full of punk and punk talk which is played on RadioVegas.rocks @radiovegasrocks #punk #punkisgoodforyou #robtrisler #davedalton #dielaughingrecords #punkrock #punkchat #punktalks #punkfunk4life #westcoast #vegaspunk #wherevegasgoestorock #bestoftheday @rockingcomedy https://www.instagram.com/lordprosser/p/BwFyv2VgW9v/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=160wjau0ixgaq

[hankwizard]

getting in the habit of using tumblr again bare with me

[greedymanmusic]

Die Laughing Records Podcast replay on fridays #punk #punktalk #podcast #radio @dielaughingrecords @radiovegasrocks https://www.instagram.com/lordprosser/p/BudVdUKgfKe/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1oowxxd5yfauv

[ahleebaba]

@punktalk

           “ w-what is it ? if you’re going to brag about your charm with girls i’d rather not. we both know you lack it. ” CURIOSITY is piqued when she she’s something in hand, a SHINY plastic video game. topics that interest futaba are usually better at ROUSING a conversation in her. “ is that ― ? the new naruto shippuden game ? ” futaba has a preference but all video games deserve love from her, she draws closer to ryuji, a moth being entranced by flames. “ can we play ? ” 

[punktalk]

PERRRSSSSSSSOOOOOOOONNAAAAAA!

independent /  mutually private  ryuji sakamoto of persona 5, persona 5 royal. previously punktalk, revamped 04/03/2020. awakened by kappa.please read rules before interacting.

credit.

[spark1edog]

3am guilt trip messages from bae <3

[dancingallnightremade-blog]

these urls are uft!! i prefer persona urls but ill take anything thats on this list. italics is harder to get bolded is extremely tent

canon

catherinefullbody (catherine)

dancingallnight (persona)

fusepersona (persona)

personacompendium (persona)

finalpalace (persona)

shadowmorgana (persona)

punktalk (persona)

sexytechnique (persona)

velvetroomassistant (persona)

gumieng (vocaloid)

askrankingdom (fire emblem)

fenmote (fire emblem (new mystery of the emblem))

valentianfalchion (fire emblem)

plural

zoraarmors (loz)

giganticotns (vocaloid)

devilmancrybabys (devilman)

shindevilmans (devilman)

dancingstarnights (persona)

personafives (persona)

gorosakechis (persona)

golddynamos (splatoon)

other

fireemblemmutual

comfortcharacterr

hoardedurl

fictionalbfs

healthupgrade

hiddenending

dlcoutfit

negatives

im only trading dancingallnight for canon mainline/spinoff persona urls

[jaredisnothere]

So myself, @browntrowsers of Jetsam-Flotsam Records and @sherrrridan of @punktalks are working on a few things (special shout out to @sannydamet for some clutch assists, as well). This is part of it. Please check out @ourtinyrebellions and what we're up to: If I’ve already spoken to you about this and we’ve figured out the details - thank you. We’ve actually already received our first tracks (Thanks @thisisalexbrown and No Getter and @mollycomalley and her new project)! At this time, we can say that we have commitment from bands such as Dikembe, Max Bemis of Say Anything, Take One Car, sports., Broken Field Runner, Typesetter, Bagger, The Apology Tour and Worship This! We have a great, GREAT variety of local and regional bands and musicians like Tooth Lures a Fang, WolfCryer, Rideout and Laura K. Balke. And that’s just half of what we have in the works (a great many details are still being worked out). Bands and musicians, what we hope will be the first volume of several will release April 15, 2017 - Tax Day - which if we understand correctly, will be another day of massive protest across the country. So we’re asking for all submissions for this first volume by no later than April 1, 2017. All proceeds from any and all volumes will go to ACLU, Planned Parenthood and other organizations fighting the good fight. If you’re interested and we haven’t talked about it, please respond by Saturday, Feb. 18, especially if you want to be a part of this volume (tentatively titled No Walls Vol. 1). If you’re on the fence or just not interested, a quick “Hey man, thanks but no thanks,” would be awesome, just so I know whether or not to keep sending messages or if I need to send messages out to other bands and musicians. Thanks to everyone involved so far - it’s already shaping up to be a really special comp with a diverse array of artists from around the country. Talk soon, friends. And thank you again. And thank you to @lowercase_james for this rad artwork. Proud to use and share it. INFORMATION on how writers, photographers, artists and activists can get involved will be coming soon. #ourtinyrebellions #letsdothis #positivity #begood #dogood #nowalls

[rodney-die-laughing-records]

Any self respecting punk needs a dose of the good stuff and here be the doctor with the medecine you need. A very great DJ with taste, guts and a point of view - check him out, it won’t leave you unfazed #punk #radio #punkshow #punkrock #punkusa #ukpunk #punktalk @da_punk_dj @kaoticradio https://www.instagram.com/p/ByVsBmPiYAq/?igshid=1w9x4rdar3b8w

[ao3feed-p5-boyslove]

Love for Love by Love of Love

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2SbkExN

by punktalk

Love was such a common mistake, and yet... It was definitely love.

Words: 1151, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Persona 5

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Major Character Death, No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Persona 5 Protagonist, Amamiya Ren, Kurusu Akira, Takamaki Ann

Relationships: Persona 5 Protagonist/Sakamoto Ryuji, Amamiya Ren/Sakamoto Ryuji, Kurusu Akira/Sakamoto Ryuji

Additional Tags: Unrequited Crush, Internalized Homophobia, Implied/Referenced Suicide

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2SbkExN

[circlesandsoundwaves]

NEW: Perspective Ep. 009: Sheridan Allen

Episode 9 of our podcast, Perspective, is out now, and you can listen to it here. On Episode 9, I talk to Sheridan Allen, founder of Punk Talks, a volunteer-run organization that provides mental health services and therapy to musicians and those working in the industry. We talk about the pressures that musicians and those in the industry face, as well as where they come from; some bands that we love (like Free Throw); and how Punk Talks connects those in need with help. 

Follow Perspective on Twitter: @perspective_pod Follow Molly on Twitter: @mhudelson Follow Logan on Twitter: @aniafc Punk Talks: punktalks.org Follow Punk Talks on Twitter: @punktalks Song: "Last Call Casualty"- Bowling For Soup (A Hangover You Don't Deserve, Jive Records, 2004)

[psychologythoughts6-blog]

Mental Health and the Artistic Process

It is often a misnomer that artistic expression and creativity come from a place of mental illness or a reliance on substances, such as drugs or alcohol. This idea that mental illness and artistic creativity are linked goes as far back as the early writings of Aristotle, (Ludwig, 1995). Today, the media often highlight the struggles and missteps of artists and performers. There is sadly no shortage of news stories that cover celebrity suicides, overdoses and admittance into rehabilitations programs. The recent and tragic suicides of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington and Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, highlight this further. And more recently in Chicago, the music venue, The Hideout, hosted a night that remembered the life and music of singer-song writer Jason Molina, who died due to alcohol abuse-related organ failure. The stories of creative artists and their personal battles can be found near and far.

Being a tortured artist does not mean one will find great artistic achievement. Unfortunately, social norms have perpetuated this myth that one must suffer to find inner creativity. Therefore, if society believes that great art is created by those who are emotionally unstable or powerless over an addiction, then there in an unconscious expectation for artists to live up to this myth. But what if the expectation was that art was created by artists who addressed their mental health and lived a sober lifestyle?

One such study looked into this very question. The study followed a number of artists who were actively involved in addressing their mental health, which included involvement in psychotherapy, 12-step programs and receiving psychiatric help. The study was not meant to generalize for the general public but to shed more light on how creative artists have improved their artistic careers through addressing their mental health concerns, (Daniels, 2016).

As the research delved into the lives of these artists, it found that creative people experience a juxtaposition between wanting to be unique and special, yet yearning for connection. As part of their recovery journey, the artists discussed how positive, supportive relationships were key in their healing process. By working with a therapist or with a sponsor, they were able to find self-acceptance and a more healthy and wholesome life. In addition, all participants reported that their creative process was overall more productive, more fulfilling and of higher quality when they were in recovery and sought therapeutic counseling. For some it meant tapping even deeper into a creative mindset, which in turned helped them to heal from their mental health wounds, (Daniels, 2016).

Finding that inner peace within themselves helped the artists to move forward in their creative pursuits. Progress was not a simple path and some artists discussed their desire to still use along the way, (Daniels, 2016). However, the connections and support network that they built over time was key to their healing process.

Artists who are looking for support can find resources through local counselors and leveraging national resources, such as the non-profit group, PunkTalks, which provides free mental health assistance to bands and industry professionals. In addition, the National suicide prevention lifeline (1-800-273-8255) is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information about the study that followed the artists in recovery, click here.

It is the hope of this author that one day artists and society as a whole will normalize the stigma around mental health and for those that are in need, including our artistic peers, that they will find a hopeful and healing path in treatment and recovery.

References

Ludwig, M. (1995). The price of greatness. New York, NY: Guilford.

Daniels, H. (2016). The sober artist and the creative process (Order No. 10096858).

[punktalk]

captaenkidd > punktalk