Express Yourself: Gamers x Mental Health

Express Yourself, Season 3, Episode 6 Vira1ity is a variety streamer from Australia. He has a university education and is working professionally in the field of Public Health. Vira1ity talks to me about how high expectations at an early age created pressures leading to generalised anxiety and major depressive disorder, peaking during university years. We also discuss all the good practices he has learnt which have helped to calm his mental health disorder. It was a really great conversation and I hope you all enjoy it. You can catch us both hanging out in the ERFMODE Discord Or live on Twitch; twitch.tv/Vira1ity twitch.tv/erfmode_dan You can also catch up on all previous episode on Facebook Or on your favourite podcast platform

Express Yourself, Season 3, Episode 5 Tommcat234 is a 17 yo from Texas with a big heart and a love for Apex Legends. Tommcat finds himself struggling to feel and understand emotions describing the sense of being very monotone most of the time. This is something that has developed over time after childhood experiences have led him to ‘not expect too much’ and to ‘not care’ about an outcome. We talk a lot about how instability during childhood may have caused this trait and how a contrast with his girlfriend helps to create a healthy balance in their life. You can catch us both hanging out in the ERFMODE Discord Or live on Twitch; twitch.tv/tommcat234 twitch.tv/erfmode_dan You can also catch up on all previous episode on Facebook

Express Yourself, Season 3, Episode 4 Etrom_Laires is a competitive Brawlhalla gamer, hobby singer and all round loving person. Etrom is self diagnosed with Alexithymia, an inability to identify and describe emotions. He has also struggled with depression and self harm. We talk a lot about how instability during childhood has caused many of these issues and how his brother moving away meant losing an important support figure in life. Today Etrom loves to play video games, watch anime and create art, among other things. He loves spending time with his girlfriend, and talks about how being there for one another has helped them both on their mental health journey. You can catch us both hanging out in the ERFMODE Discord http://discord.gg/7mc9Drh Or live on Twitch; twitch.tv/etrom_laires twitch.tv/erfmode_dan

Express Yourself, Season 3, Episode 3 Andy aka AC3Gaming85 is a father of two, wrestling and football fanatic, and Twitch streamer. Andy suffers from Generalised Anxiety and at a young age found it difficult to deal with, especially during high school. We talk a lot about how this mental illness caused Andy to spiral in adulthood leading to bad habits and depression. Today Twitch streaming and weekly check ins with Mind are a couple of the things that have helped Andy on his mental health journey. You can catch us both hanging out in the ERFMODE Discord  Or live on Twitch; twitch.tv/ac3gaming85 twitch.tv/erfmode_dan You can also catch up on all previous episode on Facebook Or on your favorite podcast platform

Express Yourself, Season 3, Episode 2 Loot is a mum of 7, a published author, podcaster and Twitch streamer with a focus on Mental Health and Make Up. Loot is diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and talks openly with me about what it means to live with this severe mental health condition. We talk about educating kids on the topic, the importance of a strong support network and how channeling energy into creative projects can be a huge outlet. You can catch us both hanging out in the ERFMODE Discord Or live on Twitch; MentalHeatlhAndMakeup erfmode_dan You can also catch up on all previous episode on Facebook.

Express Yourself, Season 3, Episode 1 elFarqo is a musician, gamer and Twitch streamer from Australia. But more than anything a really great guy who strives to help people. I spoke with elFarqo in Season 2 in which we discuss what it means to play a support role in the life of someone with a diagnosed mental health condition. In this episode we go deeper. We explore the conditions (OCD, PTSD, Servere Anxiety), the cause and effect. We also chat about how new challenges have been negatively impacting their mental health but also what new experiences help to live in the moment, rather than fearing for the future. You can catch us both hanging out in the ERFMODE Discord Or live on Twitch; /elfarqo /erfmode_dan

SamtheBard is a performance poet, long time gamer and Twitch streamer from the UK. We discuss how a breakdown whilst at work unlocked a condition of PTSD. How therapy revealed a forgotten trauma, and the daily habits that help on the way to recovery. We cover a very sensitive topic during the podcast so be prepared for a serious conversation, as well as a few laughs along the way. You can catch us both hanging out in the ERFMODE Discord http://discord.gg/7mc9Drh Or live on Twitch; /samthebard /erfmode_dan

Owlz is a gamer and Valorant streamer from Australia, who works hard to make everyone feel welcome. We talk about what it means to be a streamer, the good and the bad moments. We talk about how overthinking can be bad for our mental health, and how learning from a tragic experience can help others when in need. You can catch us both hanging out in the ERFMODE Discord http://discord.gg/7mc9Drh Or live on Twitch; /owlz /erfmode_dan

elFarqo is a musician, gamer and Twitch streamer from Australia. But more than anything a really great guy who is warm and welcoming to all. In this episode we have a very honest conversation about what it means to play a support role in the life of someone with a diagnosed mental health condition. We discuss the positive role gaming and streaming has played in his life, and how music and song writing can be an outlet for stress and anxiety. You can catch us both hanging out in the ERFMODE Discord http://discord.gg/7mc9Drh Or live on Twitch; /elfarqo /erfmode_dan

RichieTwoTeas is one of my absolute favorite streamers on Twitch. An OG gamer who loves to engage with viewers, but what sets him apart is the level of creativity and entertainment he brings to his content. Through skits, characters and tongue in cheek video segments. Richie joins me to talk about his personal mental health story. We discuss struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. We talk about adapting to a new routine during COVID. The importance of a support network and using creativity to express yourself. You can catch us both hanging out in the ERFMODE Discord http://discord.gg/7mc9Drh Or live on Twitch; /richietwoteas /erfmode_dan