SICK BOI music video | Dr Syl's Analysis

In this video, Dr Syl analyses Sick Boi by the artist Ren. Incredible song and many themes explored: the challenges of mental illness diagnosis, capitalism and nihilism, challenges in treating depression/ anxiety, and using art as an outlet.
I hope you enjoy this reflection. Link below in the pinned comment.
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** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional. If anything in this video was distressing please consider calling LifeLine 131114 **
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction

[@vanburger]

The point about Ren his Lyme disease went undiagnosed for years. He was fed anti psychotic drugs as he was diagnosed with a bi-polar type illness instead. His current treatment is trying to reverse the damage.

[@Ichiban74]

Agree. What I'm picking up on is his comparison of the system to a pig..eating at the trough.

[@tanjasfreetime984]

Acctually the lyme disease of Ren was diagnosed 7 years after he has been treated for all these other possible illnesses. So in combination with all the side effects of wrong medications the virus just continued to do so much more actual physical damage to his body and mind.

[@klown83]

A bit of a backstory on Ren is that he was being treated for all these mental issues when it turned out to be an undiagnosed and untreated tick bite for years.

[@6inthestix]

He actually has ME also called chronic fatigue syndrome. During the investigation/diagnosis process it was going that he also has antibodies to Lyme disease 😊

[@icyravens]

​​@@6inthestixThe original comment is correct--Ren's ME symptoms were byproducts of/triggered by the undiagnosed Lyme disease inflammation (to be very simple about it, as a layperson.) He was also diagnosed and medicated for mental disorders that were likely ultimately symptoms of Lyme as well (he did have psychotic breaks) and the first verse of Sick Boi seems to be about all of the misdiagnoses and treatments that made the problem worse before the root cause (Lyme) was found.

[@NixyRose72]

And as a result of being misdiagnosed for nearly a decade, he has brain damage, Mast cell activation disorder and ptsd from the traumatic experiences he had over the years with the doctors, wrong medications, psychosis and the health care system in general.

[@amberblair8379]

​@3babies1arm M.E and Chronic fatigue are 2 separate monsters. M.E is a multisystemic disease, chronic fatigue being just one in a myriad of strange symptoms (my latest hospitalization was due to my heart deciding to beat VERY slowly for no apparent reason) Cfs is a syndrome and is generally a conglomerate of lazy diagnosis and missing other things such as thyroid issues. Dr Byron Hyde is the person to read up on regarding M.E. He's the only person who didn't say it was psychosomatic after the Lake Tahoe outbreak in the 80s. M.E has been known of for a very long time as a distinct disease, was linked to polio outbreaks and the nurses that cared for patients. It is also thought that Florence Nightingale had M.E also.

[@QueenBabylonnia]

⁠@@6inthestixHe had undiagnosed Lymes disease. In the UK Lymes disease is not a disease that is very readily diagnosed. Because the ticks here are known not to carry it, (albeit in very, very, very rare occasions), doctors do not see it. Therefore it can get passed over, even obvious signs of the disease the bulls eye rash can be ignored in preference of the 5 tests, to confirm. If one of these tests don’t show it,its ignored, and often overlooked, even though the disease does not stay in the blood, but prefers to hide in tissue. Left untreated it causes immense damage, hence at first they said it was ME, etc.

[@CD-qr7ec]

Saw ren in an interview and he said the Lyme disease wasn't diagnosed for many years. In the meantime he was researching and suggesting things and he found the doctors wouldn't listen to him and we're really patronising, saying things like the NHS had already spent so much money doing tests, nothing was showing up, to get off google etc. Maybe a way to improve reviews would be to not patronise people and to genuinely listen to them as well. Not assume the professional always knows more than the patient/client. It's something I had to learn in teaching as well. There is a pervasive attitude that the teachers will know more than a child's parent as they have professional training etc. However, no matter how important that training and research basis is, and it is important, that is only ever one perspective. In the majority of instances the parent knows their child better than a text book. So we need to find a way to genuinely partner together to find solutions and not patronise or assume one party is superior in having the answers.

[@singingsam40]

Beautifully said. I've had experiences with this and it makes you lose faith in the medical profession. Thankfully, as I've got older, attitudes have slowly shifted and there is a growing understanding of how complex (and very real) the interplay between psychological pain and physical health is. But, learning to understand my own mind and body and knowing that I have every right to advocate for myself has made a huge difference in outcomes and expectations.

[@aprila8762]

@CD-qr7ec Well put. I contracted Dengue Fever in PNG while doing field work and after the acute phase I developed post-infectious fatigue syndrome. It went undiagnosed and instead I was given erroneous diagnoses of major depression and GAD. I was ignored, patronised, and condescended to by most doctors and psychiatrists. Worst time of my life. It makes me hopeful to see post-viral syndromes being taken more seriously in light of Long Covid. But it shouldn’t take an historic pandemic to get doctors to listen to their patients in earnest…

[@sharonthomas8807]

20 years ago I developed chronic fatigue syndrome for 2 years, just after visiting the dentist. 4 different doctors condemned me and tried to give me antidepressants but i knew i wasn't depressed. In i end i researched my own symptoms and paid for a mercury test which showed i had 800 x the safe level in my body. I paid privately and went through a nasty process to get it out and recovered completely in 3 months. If I'd listened to the doctors i would have lost even more years of my life.

[@Little_Alien_Lost]

I'm an older woman and a huge fan of Ren. I just wanted to tell all my fellow Renegades that I love all of you for seeking out the mental health professionals on KZbin and forcing them to watch Ren's videos by bombarding them with requests. You are the real MVPs. Getting these professionals to understand how we see them and why we no longer trust them. They can be polite and dance around the ugly truths on camera all they want. When that camera goes off, they watch it again and start re-evaluating the way that they treat their patients. Showing Ren's music to healthcare professionals is a wonderful way to try to initiate change from within the system. Keep spreading these messages. Keep seeking out the mental health professionals on KZbin and turning them on to Ren. It makes a difference. Reminding them to be human.

[@tesskennedy4959]

Little alien lost, now you are found! I found your comment and think it’s brilliantly put and a spot on observation/insight. I think I get where that lost alien part is from but perhaps there are opportunities for alien part that is not lost. You seem sound to me ❤️‍🩹🕊️❤️‍🩹

[@Silkytoaster]

You raised a great point there - its true - its the Renagades who have pushed the YT reactors who are mental health specialists to watch his work . The potential for a ripple effect is then possible .

[@Little_Alien_Lost]

@@Silkytoaster ~ Nothing makes me happier than seeing a mental health worker/reactor watch a Ren video and then say, "Oh shit. Is that me? Is that what I sound like to a patient?" They need to be made aware of how they come across. I don't think any of them wants to be a horrible person. They just get sucked into the machine and forget to be human because of their own pressures in life. We can bring them back to the human side. Ren's work is a beautiful tool for any patient to use to help communicate their fears and feelings. Ren gave us the tools. We have to use them. ❤️

[@Yanhippypirate]

Very well said, thank you very much. Rens Art needs to be shared far and wide. 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿😊

[@iceTime999]

I mean, yes, it's always good to bring as many people as possible to the table. But it's not the people, the doctors and psychiatrists, that are to blame and that lose trust. It's a problem of the system. It won't change much to give a psychiatrist this video, because they are deep in the system, it's old news to them. They suffer from this bad system in their job as well (of course, as in every other job, there are also black sheep, but well). In the end, politicians would need to see the video and have to be motivated to make a change. edit: So PLEASE stop demonising the people that try to help. Yes, they make mistakes, and in the system they can come across as bitter, but they are also the only ones who can help people with mental illnesses. They chose a job, in which they have A LOT of work and a shitty system to endure just to help people (of course again, black sheep exist). It's not that a person is horrible or less human, when they choose this career. On the contrary.

[@ranahooke1907]

I think the last part of the song also speaks to the impact that existential dread due to the state of the world can have on mental health as well. When you’re reasonably intelligent, an expert overthinker, and keep well informed of things going on in the world.. it’s freaking depressing!

[@claudiarovers9787]

Hi Dr. Syl. I found your channel by chance. (Lot of clicking after watching something) I am a teacher at the University of applied sciences Nursing studies in the Netherlands and I am an Expert by lived Experience (mental and physical health). The coursework I teach is co-created by EbE's and psychiatric nurses. Actually funded by the EU and Australia. You are the first one that mentioned the distortion in the beginning. And Ren does everything in his productions with purpose. For me and many with me, it does sound like that in the beginning weeks of treatment. What is being said barely sifts through the thoughts and what does get through isn't always language you know. The use of jargon happens a lot, understandable but confusing. (I have a whole 1 hour lecture on the subject 😂, won't bore you further on that) I also am happy you acknowledge that "psychosomatic" pain is "real" pain. And the autoimmune part and the effects of that, like with Lyme disease and Lupus. Ren explains it very well with medication. So much to reply to.. I am loving your reactions. You even picked up the No I don't understand! Thank you so much ❤❤ Keep them coming and would it be alright if I use your reaction as online educational material?

[@tesskennedy4959]

I hadn’t y bought of how this doctor could help his own patients using Ren that really is fire, dope. Cool really 🤣

[@mr.halloween3371]

Any place you have your lecture posted anywhere, because I'd love read or hear it?

[@EminayDrackoness]

12:16 If others arent picking up on it, notice that even When Ren threw the table and the chair, it was never in the direction of the Doc, and even When Ren got in her face, they never laid a hand on her or took a swing. This is important to me because those of us who grew up in enviornments that prevented or maybe even sabatoge mental health care, medical care or other treatments that prevents learning emotional regulation, that prevents learning at a younger age the important lessons on how to manage anxiety during the critical period of brain development so the lessons that DO end up locking into the brain during development are maladaptive traits like showing frustration by vioence but never desireing to HURT any one. I have been in the psych ward a few times my self and there were some patients who had been asking to check in with their medication team for weeks and not being told a clear answer when they can check in, or even having any one listen to what they are concerned about their meds, ended up throwing a chair in the third week and then being sedated and suddenly then being able to have their meds evaled and then not evaled correctly when things like Violent tendancies are then slapped on the chart.

[@amberkluga8949]

Ren is a phenomenon. Every song I listen too grabs me in some way. The rawness, the authenticity, the struggle, the frustration, the primal, the rage, the beauty, the playfulness. Sometimes the emotions triggered by his song is followed with a flash of anger. I mean wtf dude! Stop that. Then I laugh and think about the Roberta Flack song Killing me Softly with His Song.

[@toniyoung5131]

I thought of that song too! Also, I agree with every word you said. Ren has such warmth in his music. I'm sure that's what trips the dopamine in my brain when I listen to his music.

[@suevick637]

Yes, you are right about Ren's music. Also, it crosses all genres and age barriers. I am 65 years old. Never been a fan of rap, but Ren's music is just so different and thought provoking.

[@NakitaKita777]

LMAO

[@LisaD-1969]

I love that you talked about the guttural sounds Ren makes in his songs. I love that aspect of his music and I’ve not seen anyone mention it. It adds a primal effect that I’ve not seen any other artists do. He seems so confident in making that choice, if you are going to continue down the Ren rabbit hole you’ll find he does it in several of his songs.

[@ranahooke1907]

Loving your reactions. I’m from Brissie, and was told for a long time that my illness was in my head. Tried every kind of med under the sun, had TMS, ECT, Ketamine therapy. Turns out I had ME/CFS and Ehlers-Danlos. I do also have complex ptsd from trauma.. but I started getting sick at 13 after catching Ross River Fever.. and I was finally correctly diagnosed at 35. Being told your illness is all in your head is so freaking damaging. A Ren song I’d love to see you look at is ‘Crutch’ ft. Bibi. It was filmed a long time ago, when he was in the depths of his physical illness and psychosis. It’s about being in a relationship when you are so very broken.. and having to rely so heavily on their support in every aspect of your life. And the fears that come along with being in that situation. Big love. ❤

[@annfarmer9704]

Ren, his music hit me all over the place. emotionally, physiologically (which had never happened to me before) it even took my words for a bit. then it woke up part of my brain that had been STARVING for intelligent music. his authenticity and ability to convey feelings....and EVOKE those feelings within me I had a hard time calling it music. somehow the term didn't quite cut it for what Ren created. I started calling it an experience and that wasn't quite enough either. I found my adjectives lacking. Ren is captivating. wether musically or just speaking he holds your focus the entire time, I think it's because your brain knows it's going to get something worthy of digesting. I will be a fan of his till my last breath. his integrity is off the charts!

[@elizabethgregory7998]

You sum it up very well. Ren is superlative

[@Melly01]

Yeah, I never thought that "Hi Ren" would be driving music for me, but I've watched so many reactions to it (I'm fascinated to see the impact on people) that I can visualize what's happening at any given time. So I do actually listen to Ren's music - all of it - when I'm driving. Now ... some of it is not anything I'd put on in the background at a party (some of it absolutely is), but I listen to Ren every day. Not just his music, but he, himself, makes me think more deeply.

[@jenneper]

I myself have lupus and Lyme and have had neuropsychiatric issues that come along with both (including psychosis). I am now a psychology student. It's interesting how we go from managing our own inner anxieties to learning how to manage others outward anxiety. This was a great reaction! Thank you!

[@jimblonduk]

When you were talking about the sound levels when the psychic nurse was talking, you didn't mention that sometimes, professionals can ramble on about technical subjects which can totally cause the patient to zone out. Always a great reaction and analysis from you though :)

[@KatJ3st]

Bingo

[@jane2145]

I had somthing similar... I was misdiagnosed for like 8 months when i had H pilory, it ended up damaging my stomech lining. Combined with a medication I was giving for somthing eals that made me realy sick, yet the drs were telling me it was in my head till I had an upper endoscopy done. They found stomach lining damaged and intestinal inflammation. I had reason to be in pain but was ignored because I already had anxiety disorders.

[@ekinok87]

Yessss! I'm so happy you did this one. Such a great reaction. Would be curious to hear your take on Diazepam (by Ren) and Chalk Outlines (by Ren & Chincilla).

[@serendipitish]

Seconded! A patient's experience of problems with medication, without demonizing it out of hand.

[@CD-qr7ec]

When you know the full story you realize, ren didn't 'understand' because actually the doctors were wrong and we're the ones that didn't understand his situation and he knew it, but when he tried telling them that they were patronising and condescending, assuming their opinion was superior, so the only possible way to interact with know it all patronising doctors is to play dumb. I didn't read it as a 'I don't understand what you're saying' more like 'sure, whatever, not sure I agree but I have to agree as I don't have any choice' Improving communication isn't just about making sure you say things in a way that the patient understands. It's also about not making assumptions, listening deeply to the patient and taking on board their understanding of themselves. Making sure you as the doc actually understand this person as a complex individual. Not calling every fucking thing under the sun 'anxiety' just because you haven't figured out what's actually going on. I actually think it's disrespectful to people with actual anxiety disorder that prob end up feeling misunderstood and unseen as to their reality when every damn thing is being called that as soon as docs can't find a cause. Yes, everyone knows by know that anxiety causes physical symptoms that show up as physical illness. The reverse is also true.

[@leneh.c7782]

I am sure lot of ppl in here, who have english as first language are explaining what Ren has been through much better than I can. But he HAS been through so much pain, that he told his mother that he wouldn’t be able to do it one more year. … and the years went by.’poor sick boi. Lots of love from Denmark. Lene62/🇩🇰

[@yonahgrossman7319]

Really insightful reaction! Ren has a lot of happy songs (Ren has a lot of EVERYTHING) but as you're mainly concerned with mental health: CHALK OUTLINES (LIVE), HOW TO BE ME (LIVE), DOMINOES (LYRIC VIDEO), SUIC!DE, DEPRESSION, DIAZEPAM, INSOMNIA, CRUTCH, HERETIC, EVERYBODY DROPS and DO YOU BELIEVE all deserve your in-depth analysis. (Ren's clearly had some problems, and remarkably tackled them by metamorphosing them into art that heals others.) I'd also be fascinated by your take on Ren's recent ONE MILLION SUBSCRIBERS - DEFINING SUCCESS and DUMB KING COME (KING DOTTA DISS) neither of which is what one would expect. Then again, the only thing you can ever really expect from Ren is that he will utterly defy expectations.

[@christelsegbars1630]

Hi dr. Syl, stumbeled on your chanel by chance, thank you for your info/reaction. As I am strugling with the loss of my Godchild these songs of Ren speak so much to me... she took her life while in a mental facility. Your comment, we're doing our best resonate so much. This week I wrote a poem to the nurse who have found her on christmas morning. I wrote this for my own mental health. The departement of communication will screen this, so I don't say anything upsetting. They asked me if they could use this for other nurses. If it helps anyone, you are not Gods, u are helpers thank you for that... love from Holland

[@JulieLesterlives]

Thank you for these insights! I think you would be interested in Chalk Outlines and the live version of How to be me, by Ren and Chinchilla - also Ren’s track Diazepam 😊

[@jymbeau3633]

The butcher-pig is a recurring image in Ren’s more recent work. He’s never explained it in any detail. My interpretation is that Ren’s common themes are auto-immune Disease, his internal struggle with mental illness, his experiences with medication and how the cure can feel worse than the disease; as well as the evils of consumer capitalism in terms of its spiritual impact on us as humans and its impact on the environment that sustains us. These themes are explored in many of his songs but especially in Sick Boi (where the pig features most prominently) other works include as well suicide as another theme- his own ideations of it and his experience of his childhood friend’s death. All these themes are manifestations or aspects of ‘self destruction’: and what could be more self destructive than a pig which is its own butcher?

[@uknighte]

Went to the ER in December with either a hernia, huge anxiety attack or a heart attack. They focussed on my sugar which was high but luckily I got a thorough Cardiologist. Since I had some co-morbidities he decided to do an angio. Needed to have a quad bypass and I am 45 so I am very glad to hear you still do all the physical checks, Would have checked out by now if this doctor wasn't concerned.

[@Purple79Angel]

Hi Dr. Syl. I'm Portuguese and I'm loving your channel. The way you seem to care about people is refreshing. May you, please, make a video about adult ADHD, I think many of your colleagues have trouble responding to adult concerns about themselves. Thank you.

[@lesfibresfantastiques7265]

I tought the same recently. I need a video on adhd

[@RicusNortje]

I have literally watched dozens of reactions to Ren's videos and this was the most specific explination of mis misdiagnosis of lime disease. Thank you

[@patriciahughes7516]

I enjoyed your comments, your education definitely adds something to your breakdowns and the knowledge you spread is very useful to all of us, if only to remember to be compassionate with those going through some kind of mental health treatment. I think Ren definitely is expressing his frustrations in his misdiagnosis. You can imagine all the normal frustration a person would feel in finding proper treatment for something known can be tasking enough, but then finding out after years of being at wit's end that you were misdiagnosed and all of this time and pain was in totally a different direction, probably be overwhelming. Then tying it together with the illness of society and even the music industry, very provoking. Wonderful video, sir.

[@paukahdus]

Thanks Dr! Could you talk about the insights Ren gives in his 1 million subscribers vid? The best speech I've heard. I think you could really add up to it with your insights!

[@TRPLD]

It is absolutely on purpose that you have difficulty understanding the therapist in the beginning! Spot on analysis!

[@the.hinderwomann]

If you're diggin Ren, there's another video that is quite a bit more upbeat featuring Chinchilla about mental health, but moreso about overcoming or at least pursuing normalcy (as much as we can?). "Chalk Outlines". Also another one take, live vocal videos. If not for a video, just a wonderful listen.

[@matildafishes9931]

Chronic anxiety caused me to feel as though i was having a heart attack. I was shocked eventually to find out that I did have a heart attack, but it had resolved so that anxiety medications helped. I was going through a divorce at the time. I've always been amazed at how my body reacts to stress. Minimizing the stressors, and learning new skills on how to deal with them helped me greatly.

[@sicmuvva11]

I just wanted to add I think he is saying we are putting profit before people.

[@Bandlover2564]

I was going to say the same thing. In America medical help is run by greed. All meds are only sold if it can make money for the people making it and then add all the ads we have for new meds. Doctors are sometimes pushed to give the new meds over ones they know well.

[@payntpot7623]

Great point re the foreground v's background music. I have been trying to introduce people to the idea of Ren, and often hit a brick wall, "...I haven't got time to listen to angst music, I have too much to do this week..." type response. The number of people who watch and hear without seeing and listening has amazed me. I think you are right. They want music to entertain them, not to educate them. More fool them!

[@vorpled]

It's great that you are covering these issues and you do a great job. That said, I think you 100% need to study Ren's actual backstory, you are misinterpreting some important things here.

[@xsystem1771]

His music is definitely art and something that demands attention and respect for what it is.

[@leneh.c7782]

I feel excatly the same. I actually don’t listen to Rens music on Spotify because it demands my attention, that I can’t concentrate on anything else. I need to be focused, listening to Ren.. no matter how many times I have listened to his music. There is so much music in the Ren catlogue, but for a psychiatrist It must also be interesting in other ways.. but please dig that rabbit hole… the tales of Jenny and Screetch (full), sui@ide, diazepam, chalk outline, how to be me…. And many, many more. Lene/🇩🇰

[@Tommy-he7dx]

Ren is part of the Third category, where it was a Misdiagnosis that lead to Mistreatment (over 6 six years), that left him with PTSD on top of the 6 years of damage done by the Borrelia Bacteria.....not a pretty situation at all. A lot of his anger is at the "I Know Best" attitude where the reality is "I Hope I Know What's Best"....but hoping requires humility not arrogance. His view is the consequence of his position that was somewhat forced upon him with the continual misdiagnosis. He's in treatment for the physical damage done, and the results seem to be positive. as for the mental side....I'd say that is what his music is for.....and the way he presents it seems to be connecting with a lot of people

[@SlippedGear]

Nathan Feuerstein more famously known by his initials, NF. A good place to start is his song Mansion.

[@cameronrobinson3933]

I'm 45 years old and I have dealt with mental illness my whole life. I have been diagnosed bipolar and I truly feel like I am. It's been weeks to months at a time and a place that I called the dark place. It's these periods of time where I cannot get over how much I hate everything myself. Then I snapped out of it and I'm kind of okay for a while. Even though I don't think Ren is bipolar but I can't help but love any creative artists who discusses mental illness. From Nirvana to Korn to Nine Inch Nails to Eminem to Ren my favorite artists have always been people who deal with depression and suicidal thoughts and mental illness. Ren it's in the category with all those other artists because of how skillfully is his words how skillfully is with rap and singing and music in general and his word play. Eminem in particular inspired a whole generation of young people to Master wordplay and what can be called multi-syllable rhyming. Which is basically rhyming things that aren't intuitive two rhyming but when you say it in a rap that all sounds great

[@Bludreamgirl]

Loved the reaction again! To me the only way to describe ren (other than literal genius) is a musical and lyrical poet. I hope he sees these ♡

[@streekee]

💯 Ren is definitely a artist who draws attention and provokes contemplation and conversation. He’s inspiring, diverse and great fun. So make sure to relax with his band The Big Push as well as checking out his more thought provoking tracks. There’s so much material for you to dive into. I definitely back the suggestions you’ve already been giving, all his tracks are🔥🔥, but I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on Insomnia, Crutch and Depression. Really enjoying your reactions. Keep them coming 💜🤘

[@paukahdus]

These and Chalk outlines and How to be me!

[@gonsfx1792]

Now that you're into Ren, you should also have a look at his two duets with chinchilla called "how to be me" and "chalk outlines"

[@shtooph]

Hi Dr. Syl, I really enjoyed your commentary. I'm a medical student, and I found it interesting how you mentioned the lack of time for patient education. While that certainly is a massive problem, I think healthcare professionals need to also remember that the patient can also do a lot of educaTING. While doctors may have accumulated years of knowledge about medical conditions, patients are the ones who have accumulated years of experience living those conditions. Healthcare professionals have a duty to learn the patient's perspective too - and this is one thing I love about Ren's music, it's that he gives his own unique patient perspective voice, and a beautiful, creative, provocative voice at that. We need to be humble and learn from patients, who are the experts of their own experiences.

[@mute7116]

Yes...sit, absorb, contemplate and appreciate. Thanks Ren, for being. Sorry for your struggle, happy for your fight.

[@MissSlow]

Like i said to a friend when Ren came on in the car. I showed her some of his upbeat, fun material, (cause man, the dude has it all, something for every mood) but with Hi Ren and Sick Boi, it was an experience she had to sit down and enjoy the full artwork of, before just listening to the music whenever.

[@docdurdin]

For REN, this was truly his reality. Ren had misdiagnosed Lyme disease for 7 years by conventional doctors who deemed him mentally ill, but when patients are experiencing neurological symptoms, they very often become misdiagnosed. Lyme disease can present itself as many neurological conditions including Acute Transverse Myelitis[3], Ptosis[4], Seizures, and Chronic Fatigue[1] and these symptoms can be often misdiagnosed or deemed psychosomatic. Second is dealing with the symptoms of Lyme neuroborreliosis, these neurological symptoms often leave patients feeling drained and debilitated as they begin losing their quality of life. Over time, patients find themselves unable to do the things they love as they struggle to get ahead of their progressing symptoms.

[@dawnyoung8]

You nailed it , the noise from the dissonance in your head which is music because it’s your normal beat . And it’s loud and drowning out The useful information coming in . Everything is thought out with REn

[@michelacampaner7414]

Very interesting! Thanks!

[@mldkenny]

Really enjoyed you experienced breakdown.

[@MuteObserver]

I appreciate what you're doing; thanks for the upload

[@TheMindofBruce]

I really appreciate these reactions from a medical standpoint. Thanks!

[@BangtansMomma]

You are right about having physical pain with mental health. My anxiety is so bad that it sometimes feels like I have asthma and can’t breathe, I had a ton of checks and they found nothing wrong with my lungs (even though I used to smoke ALOT due to my mental health problems) But It became a habit almost, struggling to breath, I hold my breath a lot too and I don’t even realise it. The problem is that the lack of breath also sets off panic attack’s too where I feel like I can’t breath. But my anxiety gives me stomach pain and very bad back pain too, where I’m so tense all the time and I barely ever sleep. I have severe insomnia too so I’m uncomfortable in bed, so that doesn’t help. I also have PTSD , manic depression and ocd. I’ve had it since I was a child and it comes and goes in severity, but I have learned to cope better with it. It was horrific during my teens though, mixed with hormones, it was terrible. Nothing has ever helped it go though, it’s here to stay as I’m now 46!

[@ToriOdevlin-mx3rh]

❤

[@sicpuppy9500]

Your reaction is just what Ren is pushing for. He wants to bring this issue out in the open. Great reaction in doing your part. Ren just finished putting out 8 chapters of his journey dealing with his sickness from the beginning to today. It is fascinating to hear and equally disturbing to hear what Ren has been going through in detail. Everyone should check it out. RENegades 💪

[@kevbruce9191]

Great info thank you so much for the education. Awesome song too and Ren is amazing 👏 ❤️

[@drunk-ape]

Love what you said there at the end about foreground music, so true. It's an audio visual experience that commands your attention.

[@user-bf6vi6qh9k]

Thank you for your explanation and insight! It enrichens my perception of Ren's music as well as of mental strugles. I appreciate it! Stay well!

[@JulieAiken]

Well, as usual it was Ren that brought me here, but I've subscribed for you! Great analysis and insight. I had to stop in the middle and journal because you brought up a lot of fantastic stuff for me. Like I am so adament about saving the planet but I can not stop compulsively eating for my own health; so now I'll try to reframe it that my body IS of the/one with the earth and I should take care of it in harmony with my environmental choices. (Not sure if that was expressed properly, and if I ever give you another weird "insight" like that I'll gladly pay your hourly rate.) Thank you so much for the wonderful video, and I look forward to more!

[@andreab449]

Lol the table was shaky because it got thrown a few times during takes.

[@dawnyoung8]

He had Lyme disease but it’s rare in the uk , he had to come to North America where it’s common to be diagnosed . They treated him for mental illness when it wasn’t mental illness .

[@AutumnsFlameDances]

Your video was really informative, I'd never heard of ego-dystonic thoughts before - thank you!

[@TobiiRheaStarr]

I’d love to see you cover more of RENs work, even if just to check out his wide range of talent and styles. This was a great reaction 🖤

[@ppeerrddiii]

Hi!! As a nursing student i really love your insights and the perspective you share as a healthcare provider. I find it very useful of you to share this kind of knowledge to the world in an easy way to understand. Also had noticed the thing about Ren's tendency to make this guttural sounds but couldn't quite perceive it as a way of benting suppressed emotions as you did, so i found that quite interesting. I guess i'll be in this channel for a while, keep it up!! Also, i find Ren's music kind of versatile, as he is for me like the last genre bender, he had released a lot of songs that can go from sharing this kind of deep topics, personal experiences and difficult themes to songs that are just him having fun and loving music.

[@vickyk3566]

Love your reactions!! You should watch rens interviews where he speaks about his experiences in more depth❤️

[@tinkerbellbetty]

So glad ive watched this. Ive learned sone bew things about my mental health and my sins autoimmune ..thank you so much❤

[@assiqtaq]

YES! You pointed out that "I think so" means NO. Love that, thank you.

[@skydancerforever]

Just found your channel. I like it. You have a lot of good insight on this subject. As for REM music. I agree, not good for back ground listening but very powerful up front in your face music especially with the video part included. Makes you want to watch him 10,15 times or more. Interesting for sure.

[@user-kr1fu4no1r]

Your detailed breakdown of REN’s videos are so helpful and a treasure trove of information. Thank you for taking the time to explain these things so clearly.

[@Chrisfragger1]

He's one of the people who would have misdiagnosed Ren and phucked the next 10+ years of his life.

[@MsBunnyDarko]

If youd like to react to more mental health themed music, NF does a great job with his music personifying different emotions and having these type of inner dialogues with himself and his demons. Try have a look at "mansion", its a good jumping point. Love your genuineness and informative videos! You have a kindness that shows through. Cant wait to see whats next!

[@xXDoUbLeDDXx38]

I just found your channel through Ren's reactions, great videos. I'm an arm amputee due to a brachial plexus injury causing my left arm/shoulder to be paralyzed from a motorcycle accident. That was the biggest injury but I've had 19 surgeries now and take about 11,000+ painkillers a year due to chronic nerve pain, so I can REALLY relate to his music. I'm unable to work since the accident and feel like I live in a hospital so his music hits really hard. Incredible artist.

[@CreativePhotoWS]

Terrific pick up on the sound ‘issues’ early in the track. I’ve always found it jarring and lyrically tricky to hear and have wondered how much was deliberate production to make us uncomfortable or just bad mixing. I’m sure it’s the former as Ren seems to have reasons for much of what he does. Fascinating reaction again.

[@davidkowalski7742]

I really enjoyed your educational review as opposed to Black Pegasus's sidekick Don having a joke on those that suffer from this during their review! You got a new subscriber in me, as I am definitely watching your reviews instead of channels that make fun of people for views! I appreciate your calmness and understanding of different levels of mental health disorders! 🙏

[@sarabanas1447]

I often regret allowing others to scare me away from psych while doing my RN clinicals, I was young and quite tiny 5’3 100 lb woman and of course u can have dangerous patients but I was literally not allowed to work with certain parents because of this despite my desire to help.. but it turned out for the best with me and I continued in peds instead, but I have SUCH RESPECT for all you nurses doctors aids etc that do spend ur career helping these people!! :)

[@gingerallstot6572]

I love REN, which is what brought me here. That's one of the great things about music - the diverse group of people you see (I guess we don't really meet). I'll be interested though to see more of your stuff. I'll be with REN no matter! But I like how you break things down. Thank you. I needed some understanding today. I mean of songs...blah, I don't know. Lol

[@CraigCameron-uq2wc]

i have epilepsy, bpd, adhd and i sometimes grunt very loud or even scream at the top of my lungs, thats probably saved my life on alot more than one occasion

[@clarissemiller3274]

I love it, I had never heard the song before. Actually I think it would be a great cathartic song to blast and sing along to in the car alone. I might actually do that in the near future.

[@ricardosaenz569]

When introduce people to Ren, especially if its Hi Ren, I usually explain that its more of a performance piece than a song; its experiential and if you don't take the time to pay attention you wont get the true brilliance of it

[@ginaarendtson9478]

“I can’t really think”. I remember constantly saying “I don’t know” when I went down with Lyme. My processor went from 100% to about 30%. I couldn’t process information. Scariest thing about that is that I knew what was happening.

[@martinashfield8973]

Not going to say why but man wish you had been my Doctor. From 7 years old I have dealt with mental illness ( yes I understand massive improvements have been made, my mother had shock treatment and a Lobotomy in the 1960 in the UK) and I had some episodes over the last few years. I have actually found Psychiatric nurses with life experience better than a lot of Doctors. Found a Dr last year with the same demeaning attitude that I did when I was 19 in 1975. But their are a few great Dr's in Psychiatry that are very good and I think you are going to be one of them. By the way I am 67 and live in Australia too, but was raised in the UK until 35. Keep going man the world needs people like you.

[@kevincaruthers5412]

Shaky table reminded me of rotations in inner city hospitals. You are lucky to have the right equipment, when you need it. As long as the table gets the job done, it won't be replaced. (Or only right before the Joint Commission does their next audit)

[@julypeaaa]

Alleviation.... Thru HIS (and your) voice... Merci beaucoup !!! Very curious...and grateful❤ for your reaction.

[@BigBearRadio]

Yes, I've watched both videos and discovered them as you have. Then I watched both of your reaction videos which I have enjoyed very much. Both on an intellectual level and artist appreciation level. My personal life revolves around mental health and has for some time, in many different layers involving both social and psychological. I fell like REN has given a voice to people experiencing pain mentally and physically in this world. I really value the fact that he has taken his pain and expressed it in his art that grabs people. The system is not perfect, it does get things right and it does get things wrong. I find it to be profound that REN draws parallels of the Mental Health world to the Exterior world. How they splinter into each other. When talking about following the herd to the slauter house, while being called the black sheep for not following.

[@BigBearRadio]

Dr. Syl, I would like to personally thank you for taking the time to react to these videos and discuss "behind the mind" of the Mental Health Institution. It helps to hear the breakdown process.

[@rickkelly5240]

Love the couple of analyses on Ren, moving stuff. Would love to hear your take on Some Amigo the Devil. Cocaine and Abel, First Day of the End of My Life, or possible Different Anymore

[@squirrel300zx]

Ren and Chinchilla. Chalk outlines. Amazing on all levels

[@sarahmcarthur2956]

When my first boy was going through a stem cell transplant (he was 6 months old and extremely sick by the time he was diagnosed and we were on our 3rd month of a 4 month inpatient stay), I started to feel like I was getting the flu, which is probably the worst thing you can get leading into a transplant, especially for a severe combined immunodeficiency. I had a migraine, body aches and chills. I went and did a full blood work up. Turns out it was stress induced. Have been much kinder to myself in hard situations since then, I didn’t realise the mind could manifest into physical pain in that way until then.

[@DrSyl]

LINK: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYKZpnaopd-Vhrs What should I react to next?

[@suburbangothic_sublimedivine]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5iYi2Bue7x4j6c Sinead O'Conner's breakdown video several years ago - it shows absolutely heartbreaking dysregulation around abandonment trauma in a passionate and vulnerable artist and how her trauma reactions perpetuate the cycle of rejection, chaos and despair. :(

[@asikzoo4668]

David Bowie - Space Oddity

[@claudiarovers9787]

I concur with the Chalk outlines or maybe How to be Me?

[@chickinchainmail]

With Ren, the Tale of Jenny and Screech, the full version and also Ren’s songs Insomnia and Depression

[@chickinchainmail]

@@claudiarovers9787definitely good choices, and Dr Syl, look for the live versions

[@xo3737]

Hey Dr Syl, I'd be really interested to see you make a video on how to work with people who have schiophrenia who are adhering to treatment however, have very poor affect and make therapy difficult. I know its probably a bit of a niche video but I wonder if you can talk about what treatment goals might look like for people who have had the disorder for a while, as it feels like they get left by the wayside once stabilised, but there's an entire iceberg of issues that go on for them that might perpetuate psychotic episodes, depressive episodes etc. It gets hard to disentangle these from their personality and even establishing a baseline can be quite hard. I'd love to hear your insights as you have a really great balance of medical knowledge and sophistication without making us (me) feel silly for not necessarily having a medical degree under my belt and knowing all the terminology you do. Keep doing what you're doing :D

[@lingua83]

Good viewpoints ❤

[@nick7597]

It’s the exact same room that “Hi Ren” was recorded in!

[@patriciaobrien6600]

Yes, a lot of the music is a must have in the forefront but there are many of his songs that are fun, dancing, upbeat background music. Ready for You is a song that comes to mind that is fun. And from the The Big Push Sweet Little Lady 😊 Subbed for more Ren reactions ❤

[@bettylocks9753]

100% understand mental health effecting physical health!! I have Crohns Disease and stress and anxiety are my biggest triggors for flare ups. I am currently in a really bad flare up (Thank You Hubby!!😂) and have been stuck in my bed for about a week. It is finally easing off though.

[@EminayDrackoness]

The audio levels, yes are like that, its representing how Ren is trying not to tune out the doc but might want to because they've heard this same thing over and over and might have even been told theyh are "beyond help" which is always a lie.

[@rhettbaldwin8320]

When I was in the process of divorcing my first wife I felt like I had no voice, and I literally lost my voice. I had laryngitis for three months, which only resolved when I found my voice.

[@shellymaxham8009]

Chalk outlines would be a great one for you to react to.

[@RaposaHale]

I adore Ren’s music. As someone who battles with mental health issues as a result of chronic illness and pain, his music has given me a very articulate voice. You should listen to his song Genesis!

[@masoud786]

wow going detailed into the specifics with an ordinary language that u can understand

[@jamesdoherty6558]

please do the full tales of jenny, screech, violet, by ren, , thank you

[@derfsievol5600]

Thankyou Dr. just by doing this you make a differece.

[@briantuttle8134]

YES, I feel that. "What you specifically asked"

[@cronyh]

Great reaction, I enjoyed your take on this video as well as your Hi Ren video. I think you would enjoy " Chalk Outlines" LIVE versio , a duet with Ren and Chinchilla. It also talks about mental illness and medication. More singing than rap.