DEPRESSION, ME, AND AQUASCAPING | GENUINE AND FROM THE HEART

#depression #mental health #hobbies #aquariumhobby
This was a difficult video to do but also very important to me.
I haven't done this for attention, subs, likes, etc. I just felt it was a video I needed to do.
I was inspired by a video I watched on KZbin a few years ago. It was an interview with Linkin Park vocalist Chester Benington , who sadly took his own life in 2017. The video hit me really hard but also helped me at the same time.
He was very open about his struggle with his mental health, and in turn, that made me be more open, seek help, and above all, talk about my personal struggle with depression. One of the many tools, coping strategies, distractions, or whichever way you want to put it is aquascaping, fishkeeping, planted aquariums.
If this video helps at least one person then it's done it's job. I genuinely mean that.
DON'T BOTTLE THINGS UP, TALK
GS

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

A VIDEO I'VE AVOIDED DOING BUT REALLY WANTED TO. IF THIS VIDEO HELPS AT LEAST ONE PERSON, THEN IT'S SERVED IT'S PURPOSE. PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE IN COMMENTS, I GENUINELY DID THIS FOR ME AND HOPEFULLY HELP OTHERS. NOT FOR ATTENTION, LIKES OR SUBS. THANKS GUYS MARK GEORDIE SCAPER

[@Johan-mp2ur]

Stay strong Geordie, as a divorced man, struggling with depression and loneliness, i can say your video's help me , it gives me hope and inspiration , and something to help me make plans for when i get out of the hospital were i a currently am to get treated for my depression. Love your video's ❤ thankx alot man

[@bm3aquatic]

Mark, I hope you realize how your honesty helps others. You are such a wonderful human that is real and others see that in you. Take in how far you have come, you deserve it. Continue to reach out when you are struggling. Love what you do, who you are.

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

As one of my first subscribers, followers, friends. Your kind words always help me. You are one considerate and lovely human being yourself. Thank you for your continued support. Mark💚💚

[@nathangispan1573]

Speaking about this topic is always hard! Been through these dark times and still have a few dark days here and there! I just want you to know you never have to feel alone, we are always here for you brother! Proud of you for doing this video I’m sure it is helping people all over the world right now! 🤜🏽💥🤛🏽… From Cichlids Australia!

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

What a kind and thoughtful message bud. Hope you are managing and coping with your own personal demons. Being fellow Seachem fam members, hope we get to meet one day, cheers Nathan👍👍

[@johnlasco894]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey to address your health issues. I have limiting physical problems and my aquariums are a source of escape, peace, and happiness for me too. 👍

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

My pleasure. I totally relate. Physical or mental health issues it really does help having that meaningful and comforting distraction to help manage and cope on those difficult days. Thank you for taking the time to comment💚💚

[@ozzyheather9242]

Fins, feathers and fur,I’d be lost with out my tribe too! I understand how much our aquascaping means to you, so peaceful watching our tanks, great way to have a mental siesta. So pleased you are having your well deserved recognition in the hobby!

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Ah that's very kind of you. Really appreciate the kind words👍👍💚💚

[@juliea6791]

Thank you for the courage and honesty to speak out about mental health ,never forget how many people you have inspired 💚🌿💚❤

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Really appreciate it, Julie. Truly grateful for your support😊💚💚

[@paulmiller6069]

Thank you brother. Your courage and honesty is an inspiration.

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Very kind words. Thank you so much Paul🙂👍

[@johnstarkey4959]

Credit to you for sharing, it’s a tough illness to deal with, Aquascaping does help the healing process, take care 🤝🤝

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Thank you so much John, means alot mate🙂👍

[@mattriggs.aquaria]

G! This was so great! Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the reality of the struggle along side the quality of the artist. Thanks!

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Very kind words, thank you Matt🙂👍

[@AHGAQUATICS]

There’s definitely something in the process and maintenance of aquascaping keep doing what your doing you’ve inspired me to make content which I never in a million yrs thought I’d do

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Thanks bud. Best of luck and don't give up on your youtube journey👍👍

[@aquahobby1982]

Everytime u pop a pill think about getting a new tank mate .... 🎉 🎉 aquascaping is blessing in disguise

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

I'd have a public aquarium if that was the case🤣The prescribed pills aswell as other interventions are all helping in someway aswell as this hobby I love. Cheers mate👍👍

[@sonjahughes9312]

Mark I'm a keen aqua scraper from Northumberland- not too far away from you- always really interested In What you've to show and say. Only today I've realised we have a similar connection between mental health and the therapy of aquascaping . Well done for making this professional and accessible to everyone.

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Very kind of you, thank you, Sonja. It's amazing how many people out there use aquascaping and their pets to help manage their mental health conditions. Some lovely areas in Northumberland I love to visit💚

[@noway742]

Geordie, you have a friend in every subscriber of your channel ♥️ That's almost 10k my friend.

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Thank you. I appreciate each and everyone of you, I really do🙂🙂

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Thank you for this…I believe it’s important to share this to show others things can get better but the journey will require patience. Been dealing with depression since I was a small child. I believe I was genetically predisposed & and very painful childhood triggered it. I also have TMJ…had to give up teaching…I know I’ve clenched my teeth since very young. I’m now 73. Between finally finding a really good therapist and when Venlafaxine came out (I’d tried others…either bad side effects or didn’t work) it’s mostly under control. I’m hoping my physical health issues will let me set up a planted aquarium in April. I think having that next to my bed will give me more peace.

[@mydogsdanglybits]

Just like your tanks, thanks for being honest and open. Together we can get through anything. Best wishes Geordie 👍🏻

[@CamsAquatics]

I have also been living with clinical depression and anxiety majority of my life, I'm now 41 years old. My aquariums and plants have been the best thing I have ever done to help me deal with my mental state. Thank you for sharing your experience I understand it would have been difficult for you.

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Really means a lot. Thank you so much. I wish you all the best in managing your mental health. Onwards and upwards, and thank you for sharing your experiences. Stay strong👊

[@SJH_Aquatics]

Aquascaping helped me when I was going through a low patch last year after a relationship ended, around the same time I did a career change too and I'm now a support worker. All the best Mark

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Thank you so much. Nice to read a positive message like this. So glad you managed to get through what must of been a real tough time and now a support worker. Hats off to you🙂

[@SJH_Aquatics]

@@GEORDIESCAPER Last year was just a low patch, around 8 years ago I felt depressed and went on medication for a couple of years and managed to pull through. I hadn't discovered Aquascaping then but did other creative hobbies. You got this Mark and have reasons to live for, keep doing well 😁

[@richaxe3099]

Jesus man, that video was from the heart and you don’t realise how much that helps. Your work is a credit to you, you’re a credit to your family and to your extended aquatic family. Howay mate and thank you.

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Means a lot Rich, thank you so so much. Gan canny mate🖤🤍🖤🤍

[@leannegraham5240]

Great video!! Thank you for sharing as so many of us are going through similar things ❤

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Thank you so much, Leanne. There are indeed. There's so many cliche things to say to people but the main thing is if you think you need help, seek that help. There's lots out there👊

[@87David87]

Thank you for sharing your story. I have struggled with anxiety for most of my adult life so I appreciate how difficult it is to be as open as you have been about it. Aquascaping and plants in general have been a big source of peace for me and I am glad that aquascaping has a similar affect on you too

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Hey David...Thankyou so much, means alot. It does really help and I hope you're managing your anxiety OK. Stay strong👊

[@theoschut1051]

Hi mark .thanks for sharing mate ,you are an amazing person. I think you help a lot of people that struggle also .i whis you al the strenght you need to fhight this battle 👍👌🤛😉

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Hey Theo, you've always been a great supporter and take the time to comment. I really do appreciate it thank you so much👍🙂

[@thehelpfulhobbyist5355]

Morning mate. I've battled anxiety and depression for a long time and it's been a rough ride living a life of isolation. I found comfort in aquarium keeping and in fact, i've returned to the hobby after a 20 year break! The hobby keeps me occupied and helps me find solace. Keep on shining like a star brother ❤

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Really thoughtful message mate. Thank you so much. Hope you're managing OK? And yep you're right, we must keep on shining😊👍

[@thehelpfulhobbyist5355]

@@GEORDIESCAPER I've learned to embrace the darkness and lead a solo path in life. And I just take each day as it comes.

[@anilmakwana5783]

Honest, frank and from the heart. Keep the faith and keep going GS.

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Means alot thank you🙏

[@charkatslife]

❤

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

👍🙂

[@brianhaig1971]

Great video I know that must have taken alot to do and alot out of you , God only know where I'd be right now if I hadent met my lass 10 year ago , we've had some rough times but stuck by me and my swings and roundabout head . But fish keeping is such a relaxing hobby most of the time tv can be on and I'm watching the fish tank

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Thanks Brian. Great to hear you have the support of a great lass. That's one thing I really do miss but I know what will be will be and I'm sure I'll meet 'the one' one day. Maybe when I'm 80 and it's in a care home🤣🤣 Seriously though thanks for taking the time to message and you spoil that lass of yours🙂👍

[@jlr1182]

Respect … it’s not easy to talk out about mental health. Glad to see the stigma of it dissolving away and people actually speaking out when they struggle. It’s okay not to be be okay and if you don’t seek help and support nothing changes if nothing changes. Anyone who struggles just go get the support you need don’t let it get to bad were you do something silly. We need you on this planet despite what you think you have a purpose and a plan in GODS eyes.

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. This was a tough one to do and I was a bit apprehensive at first to do something like this. I'm so glad I did as the response has been phenomenal. Thanks again Mark😊👍

[@stephenevans7884]

Amazing. Therapeutic. Inspirational.

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Thanks Stephen😊👍

[@taracarey9175]

loved your video & I could understand as ive been there myself, I still have days & times but I lean on my pets

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Thank you so much. We will stay strong along with our pets help👊💪

[@gameromally4266]

Great video. Could I ask for the brand of gloves you're wearing at 3:43. I'm looking for a good pair to scape with.

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Thank you so much They were provided to me when I visited Dallas, I use these at home which aren't too bad.... Farla Medical MediHands Nitrile Gloves - Disposable Black Gloves - Powder Free & Latex Free Nitrile Gloves Large - Multi-Purpose, Single Use - Box of 100 amzn.eu/d/9tVyQNI