HBW # 44 - The Highs & Lows of a Homebrewer

[@chrisa3525]

👏Well said, you are very brave to talk about it so openly. I suffered with anxiety a few years back and it took over my life for a while. Hope you are on the climb back to the top and I look forward to a few brewing videos in the future. Cheers

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers chris it certainly shocked me how low i could get i allways considerd myself a happy chap but its amazing how quickly things can turn.Cheers for the kind words.

[@TheGingaKiwi]

Huge respect for getting this message out there. And yes we are all fighting our own demons. Life is tough, talk it out. Cheers

[@beerloverTV]

Couldnt agree more i think we only see the shiny side of things on the internet at times.And men as a species should talk more.Thanks for the kind words.

[@irishgroundhogbrewer3066]

Wow, incredibly personal, brave, and powerful message brother. Don't give in and always be positive and move forward. What's that saying, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" sometimes it feels like we should be Atlas. I personally love it when a "brew tuber" does more than just beer. Cheers and well put, best of luck with all facets. 🍻

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers fella appreciate the kind words the video nearly didnt make it to youtube.But i have nothing to losse and can only hope it may help or inspire someone else to talk about how they feeling.I do like to mix it up a bit you can please everyone all of the time.Thank you

[@stebo730]

Great video, respect. Good advice, hope you're feeling better anyway and good to see you back.

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers steve appreciate it.

[@kenfuller5160]

Respect to you Grant. You've dealt with this the right way. Looking forward to more brewing vids. Stay well.

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers ken appreciate the kind words.

[@CircleBrewery]

Just remember ur not alone it's good to talk to someone ... thanks for many years of videos👍

[@beerloverTV]

Hope to be doing few more beaten down but not out :)

[@yorkshamunki]

Being open about your issue is the best way.... kudos to you for sharing...... others out there (and here) have been there.... Stay strong, as strong as you can for your own reasons..... Keep going forward with your head up and remember we are here... Peace doowd and respect

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers chris i find it reasureing in some ways that until you speak to people you realise how many have been the same or suffering..I allways felt like i was alone and the only one in some ways which is so much further from the truth.Thanks buddy

[@AnalogueInTheUK]

Bang-on advice, mate. Always share your thoughts and feelings.

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers for your support mate .

[@tonyjones6371]

Grant good to hear from you and glad you are feeling better. Life today is very hectic and we put too many demands on ourselves and when we don't live up to them we beat ourselves up. Time to slow down and have a bit of me time. Thanks for your detailed reviews which have helped me with my brewing. Take care fella.

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers tony very true i can only think to a extent we pressure ourselves based on the shiny side of things we see of others lives and on tvs etc .For me personally constantly judging myself rather than being happpy for what i have has been a big issue.Cheers for the kind words.

[@jonshackleton4843]

Good luck to you, hiatuses of this kind are never easy and tough to deal with. Well done for putting it out there, all the best!

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers mate appreciate the kind words

[@Caffiend001]

I'm all seriousness, I'm glad you are talking about your feelings. I know you men find it hard and if it means beaming it across the planet as long as you get all that out.

[@beerloverTV]

I think men are very poor at sharing things like this i think we expect we have to be brave and put on a smile it does no one anygood to not talk these things out .Thank you

[@AceTeale]

Well Done Grant for putting this up and several things for you off the Bat...... Lacing in that beer looked very good indeed I also love the beer snack video's as well..... Its all good in my book ...... forgot you had a mini Braumeister I still wonder on getting one myself....... but like you I have so much stuff everywhere and I do not use it so getting ready for a clear out myself..... Good to know your on the up my m8 .........

[@beerloverTV]

Im slowly condensing what i need vs what i want i think we are like magpies with equipment.I look at some stuff and think i dont use that but i will keep it in case lol .That wheat beer was even bottle with a jug and a funnel i was so lazy and i didnt sterlise the bottles.Not something i have ever done but i got away with it.

[@AceTeale]

sometimes freestyling is the way to go.......ha ha ha Jug n funnll yep done that as well.......

[@iainhay2823]

Grant hat off to you mate, lost my brother and cousin a few years ago to this so it's touched my life in a bad way. It's not an easy thing to share this kind of thing but it's so massively important and it does help. Not sure it's of any use but if you ever want to talk find the pig of doom tweet and dm me. Good to see you back on here.

[@beerloverTV]

Really appreciate the offer mate thank you.If its one thing ive learnt that sharing is better than bottling up.Just the other day i got a text to say a former colleague had taken hes life which really laid me low as i felt he was on hes way to be at the top of where i used to work.Its almost shocking to a extent to find out how many others are suffering and dont speak i felt when i was at my lowest i was alone and everyone else was happy and they wouldnt understand.Its that i think thats part of the issue for many an men as we seem to enever want to open up.Cheers for the kind words an offer to talk its means the world.

[@iainhay2823]

Anytime mate, it's great to see you tackling it. Sorry to hear about your colleague and you are right opening up is extremely important. Anytime look me up on there always happy to talk remotely or irl when I'm down in the smoke with work. Take care mate. (by which I of course mean avoid the pig of doom!)

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Is great that you talk about your troubles grant. Is better to talk about it. It makes a difference for you and also for other people in the same situation. Don't stop brewing, try doing what I did a few years ago. Don't drink anythign you dont like more than once. Keep it up you do great work. What is your throat problem? I dont drink much but Ive also had a dry spot in my throat little over a year. Hope it gets better soon and you get back inte doing brewing videos. Ive said for years that I will but I have had the same problems you are having for at least 30 years so it's a struggle to get anythign done alot of the time. Have a great spring.

[@beerloverTV]

cheers fella i think talking has helped me alot.Keeping things to myself and not with my family and freinds was not a good plan and certainly didnt help.With health its a reflux issue i think but not officialy been diagnosed yet but alcohol is meant to be avoided if its the case.But still awaiting more tests i feel that being stressed has had a huge impact so i hope things can start to change a bit.Keeping on top of things was a big issue for me and avoiding what i loved made it worse.Somedays are still a bit like that but small steps for me.Thank you for the knd words i really apprecite it and hope you can find some relief also.

[@cidermeister9440]

Well done putting that video out it was very brave of you indeed. I'm sure the brewing community will be right behind you and wishing you well with lots of best wishes on your continued progress to getting to a happier place. You might think to take up Rusty's challenge to be brew a very low alcohol beer? It would keep you brewing and give you something to drink midweek (if it's any good lol !) All the best. Cheers.

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers mate i have checked that video out and im keen to give it a go.I tried making one a few years back but it was a disaster i have a few ideas how to make then a bit better but i think its needs to be at least 2.5 - 3%.Thank you for the kind words.

[@tonystart5067]

Great vid bud! Its good to make people aware I feel mental illness in whatever form is still a taboo subject. I've suffered with anxiety and depression for the last 15 years (half my life lol) so I really get where you're coming from! Do whatever makes you happy mate if you're cutting back a little just do smaller brews and like you say that way you can have more styles in the cupboard! 😆 🖒

[@beerloverTV]

It most certainly is and i think men not being the greatest talkers about issues only makes it worse.There is currently a uk campaigh to help promote more awareness of it but agree its still very taboo.Yeah i think at times i have put to much pressure on myself and too quick to judge my actions rather than just do something and not worry.Allways easier said than done but small steps at the moment.Thank you for the kind words really appreciate it and hope you can find some relief yourself I feel im certainly more considerate of others now i think we never really know how people are inside.

[@tonystart5067]

Absolutely agree with you 100% Small steps are the best way! Too much too soon and it can be too much but you still have to push on. Just keep on doing the things you love! Ive took a leaf out of your book actually, moved onto partial mashes and just doing 2-3 gallon batches. Finding brew a little more enjoyable now! :)

[@RustyHomebrew]

Glad to hear you're getting better. I was almost at that place myself last year when I lost my job, but then I started youtubing and this has helped me get through it, kept me busy, gave me something to focus on and kept my thoughts away from what was getting me down. The community on here is great, always share, everyone listens and gives their support 👍

[@RustyHomebrew]

Oh and we would of all done the same if companies offered us freebies..

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers mate keeping busy is certainly the key low mood feeds off the things we take for granted as routine or hobby getting bavk in the saddle has been a big help.And im on the case with a low abv watch this space.

[@imperia1999]

Welcome back bud glad you are feeling a little better, we are all hear to listen and learn thanks for sharing . I've had a few issues but I never tell anyone , I don't even tell the wife when I go to the doctors so she doesn't worry. Keep Chin up bud and go and see zee Germans brewery and sit on his couch.

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers steve i think us men are bad at talking compared to women we probably think they talk too much but i would say men dont share enough .I think we all like to think we need to put on a brave face at times which does us no good.Yes i told zee german im only sitting on hes couch and nothing else. ;)

[@gifryer]

Nice and honest video there mate. Glad u could be open to us all, no shame in it & to be honest too I've not brewed this year too & like u even contemplated giving up homebrewing full stop but I've turned a corner & gonna start from scratch again, upscaling my equipment and going to try new ways to brew. Hope it all works out for ya mate

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers fella i think we all get busy and neglect our hobby but life seems to get in the way in a good way at times.I think taking the time to brew for time to time and not get hung up on things is what matters.I know my beer will never get into competitions but it doesnt stop me wanting to make it the best.That said just brewing and see what comes of it at present is enough to keep me content.

[@FloorSweepersUnion]

Love ya work! Here's to some more brewdays! Cheers

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers fella just subbed back im bad for that and miss out on all the new brewers out there .

[@DancingDansHomebrew]

With you mate, keep doing what you need to do to remain happy and contented. don't worry about the rest.

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers fella loving your vids and your new brewdshed

[@DancingDansHomebrew]

Cheers mate I appreciate it

[@Wild-Boar-Brewing]

Top video, good for you!

[@beerloverTV]

cheers fella

[@tubedinoz]

Good on ya Grant for sharing with us what's been going on. Most of us don't know what's happening in the background of the people we watch online. Glad to hear things are turning a corner for you. Saw that Black ipa on Instagram. Sounds like a very nice drop. On the microwave, totally agree just move on if you're not interested. People leaving negative comments says more about them. Cheers mate

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers fella certainly true i think i had a view that people were all happy when i was down but when talking to others was amazed how many others are fighting the same battle and some loose that battle.I think we can all be criticak as humans on others and never really aware of how others are feeling even more so as men as the bravado and make image is to not cry or seek help ingrained in some of us.Cheers for the kind words really appreciate it .

[@grumpymatlowbrewing1110]

Stay strong! Great vid!

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers mate

[@frankshomebrew7759]

1st you should be mega proud of yourself for getting this out there. Not just for you but also for other folk in the same boat that may not have had the courage to seek out a bit of help. This is a very very good thing. 2nd. I agree we all have our different demons. Our time in the community is a bit like a boys club that we all agree on the same sport. Great place to be even if one is not brewing. 3rd. If someone would send me a tile floor washer I'd really appreciate it now too. I would video the shite clean out of it as my last one has broken. If you can hook me up.... Other than that chap. I doff my hat to ye. you sound like your doing well. cheers g

[@beerloverTV]

Lol maybe someone is reading thsi right now and a youtube algorithm hs noticed you need a #tilefloorwasher .You may get to review one ;) Cheers fella i have sent you a email aswell

[@FraserBreweries]

Know how you feel mate, was in the same place about 3 years ago, I did give up brewing but have got back into it in the last year after finally sorting through my own issues. Head up bud :)

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers fella appreciate the kind words

[@DullahanBrewing]

It could have been me made this video m8 so i know what you are going through,it's not easy and i still struggle to work up the enthusiasm to brew,did my first ag brew in 12mths the other day,it's like now i can't be arsed so i feel ya there.Sounds like you may be coming out of the slump now so chin up and we will be here when you come back.Cheers.

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers mate thanks for the kind words.Sorry to hear you having a struggle aswell it aint easy.I found the no chill has helped me no end get back in less stress and shorter brewday.Forget hydro readings and just make beer has helped me no end.

[@MrJohnABerry]

here's to life on the up Grant. cheers matey

[@beerloverTV]

Thanks john hope you are well .

[@rich5354]

Mate, nobody knows the real low feeling unless you have been there yourself. I really hope you feel better soon buddy.

[@beerloverTV]

+Richard Kelley cheers fella i am a lot better these days cant say free of it.But looking back when i filmed this i was in a very dark and lonely place talking about it helped alot.Cheers for the message

[@narrowboatbrewer8823]

The fact you were smiling whilst explaining the microwave vid was brilliant, yeah it's a microwave... no it's not brew related. But it's a free fkin microwave! Your not begging for subs or putting up adds so go for it fella 🍻

[@jonathanmichie7276]

Try the company get Er brewed they have a custom recipe builder!

[@beerloverTV]

I will give it a go i have to say im quite loyal to malt miller due to the process on the way the recipes are packed and now hops are nitrogen flushed aswell.Cheers

[@antrog1895]

Come and have a sit on yer Uncle Anthonys couch...! You sound to have turned the corner anyway - keep ya chin up our kid and good luck with ya brewing, and make sure you film any Braumeister brew days. Cheers

[@beerloverTV]

Sit on the lap and talk about the first thing thats pops up ? Cheers fella the latest cube beer is smelling and tasting good.Need to get a bm brewday filmed soon.

[@drunkinone5969]

let me send you my address. They'll be a bill for your counseling. Just kidding. glad to see that you're feeling better. We're always here for you to talk to us. don't give up on what you love most. Whatever that be. thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers fella apprecite teh kind words.It certainly would be a great shame to give it all up im slowly getting there putting less pressure on myself to make the worlds best beer is helping and just seeing what i end up with has brought back what i missed.

[@Unclejona]

Good to see you about dude, I've had some down time to say the least. If you fancy a beer and chat just tap me up.

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers fella good to see you back aswell .I will be in contact in the furture for sure us men need to stick together and talk and drink beer.Not talking was my biggest mistake on happiness.

[@jct4647]

Hope you conquer your demons and health issues soon and looking forward to a refreshed +beerloverTV - cheers 🍺

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers hopefully things are on the up a slow climb.

[@HanworthHomebrew]

Mate we need to have a catch up, you can always use my Grain mill just shout , interested in the cube it may re light my fire for brewing too.hope to hear from you soon message me in FB ..Cheers

[@beerloverTV]

Cheers for the drink up the other day was very enjoyable.I have a few of the 10ltr cubes i will drop one round soon so you can have a go at the 10ltr no chill.

[@HanworthHomebrew]

beerloverTV nice one Grant cheers

[@norfolkhillbilly]

I`ve just about Exhausted my Doctors list of smarties over the last two years, A lot of the time for me it`s doing it because you have to like work but other things you just cant muster the physical will or enthusiasm, side effects from some tablets don't help, I knocked the beer reviewing on the head as several tablets left me with poor taste perception so theres little flavour to describe, So I can echo a lot of the things your saying and feeling, it`s surprising how many people do suffer with some type of mental health issue. Keep up the fight.

[@beerloverTV]

Ah dam thats a bummer about the beer reviews.Too true i wasnt aware of some of the people closest to me were in or was in same boat.Us men dont like to talk about the important stuff too often.Cheers

[@animusmediaTV]

Don't drink when you're depressed. Makes things lot worse.

[@beerloverTV]

you are too right sir .

[@Caffiend001]

Nasty Comment.....

[@beerloverTV]

Lol thats actually made me laugh