Mental Health in the Wargaming Community

I’ve been ashamed and scared for many years to open up about my mental health struggles. This is a story I’ve needed to share for a while now and I feel it’s the most important video I’ve ever made. The wargaming community helped me find my voice and through this trial of fire I’ve discovered many allies that exist. This is OUR home, Our family, Our community. We’re not going anywhere and there’s only courage, acceptance, and love.
THANK YOU everyone for providing me with a profound purpose: to be a champion of this, our community, and to show the world that wargamers are a breed of human that put pigment to plastic. That joy is found in the most unlikely of places. That friendship can be a medicine. That talking is acceptable and healthy. That it’s ok to quiet the world and be our ourselves. To achieve whatever it takes to make us happy and to spread that hobby love which laces every thought.
Check out Mental Health Charity Painters. It's a non-profit focusing on miniature painting.
go.rallyup.com...
I discover the 'ultimate victory condition' at the World's most magnificent miniature tabletop gaming convention: Adepticon, our home. I meet with various pillars of the wargaming community, I cosplayed 'to my heart's content, ended up in a random hotel room with a bunch of strangers I developed parasocial relationships with on the internet, AND found my HOME.
The Convention: Adepticon - www.adepticon....
Thank you Games Workshop for creating Warhammer!
/ @officialwarhammer
The Cosplay - Space Wolves Power Armor by Alex from:
/ galacticelephantlive
Dragon Fall Convention
www.dragon-fal...
The Ravaged Star minis in this video can be seen here. Consider following the campaign for the tabletop game and receive a free mini with your pledge. It's a very effective way to support our channel and we humbly thank our supporters for it! gamefound.com/...
Cinematography by Brandon Kummer
www.brandonkum...
Other Channels featured in this video:
FauxHammer www.fauxhammer...
Derek Osborne / throneofangels
Six Squared Studio 6-squared-stud...
DrRhino_ / drrhino_
Carl Tuttle - Independent Characters Podcast theindependentc...
Eons of Battle / @eonsofbattle
Austin / @deathraydesigns
www.steelrift....
Nick, JT McDowell / @playontabletop
Brent / @goobertownhobbies
Ninjon / @ninjon
Trent / @miscast
Miniac / @miniac
Casey / @ebayminiaturerescues
Mamikon Painting / @mamikonpainting
Uncle Atom / @tabletopminions
Sean / itwouldbesean
Calvin / @koth
Lyla Mev / @lylamev
Sergio Calvo / @sergiocalvominiatures
The Art of War 40k / @artofwar40k
For Whom the Die Rolls / @forwhomthedierolls
Kayle Larson / kaylelarsonminipaint
Vince Venturella / @vinceventurella
Maverickspaint / @mavericknicolson
James Wapple / @jameswappel7119
Teri Litorco / @thatterigirl
Lyn Stahl / metalhead_lynsanity
Forge the Narrative Podcast forgethenarrat...
Companies featured:
Lazy Squire Games - / lazysquiregames
Badger Games www.badgergame...
TableWar tablewar.com/
Monument Hobbies monumenthobbie...
Galeforce 9 www.gf9.com/
Battlefront Miniatures www.flamesofwa...
Goblin's Hut www.goblinshut...
Want to help support MiniWarGaming while buying miniatures and terrain? Use one of the links below to buy your stuff and we'll get a small commission.
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UK - www.miniwargam...
CA - www.miniwargam...

[@brushlickanym5365]

Hey Dave, it is me, the one you helped in this video! I want to say once again Dave, thank you for helping my family and I with replacing the stolen items. The family and I were happily watching this entire video! You really summed up what Adepticon felt like for a lot of people, myself include. Thank you for being part of this amazing community!

[@miniwargaming]

You folks made my Adepticon experience the best it’s ever been. Thank you for that.

[@miniwargaming]

A massive thank you to the wargaming community for saving my life and giving me (Dave) purpose. I vulnerably share personal feelings in this video that I've never admitted to publically. This is something that was encouraged by the inspiring people I met at Adepticon: the Mental Health Charity Painters. Thank you Kayle and Prince for bringing more awareness to this, for being champions of humanity, and for providing a space for wargamers to share their stories. See more regarding the Mental Health Charity Painters here: go.rallyup.com/mhcp/Members It's a non-profit focusing on miniature painting. The Ravaged Star minis in this video can be seen here. Consider following the campaign for the tabletop game and receive a free mini with your pledge. It's a very effective way to support our channel and we humbly thank our supporters for it! gamefound.com/projects/miniwargaming/ravaged-star-tabletop-miniature-wargame?refcode=lp-xkirQRkW0UAoKyeenJg Cinematography & editing by Brandon Kummer www.brandonkummerfilms.com/. Thank you Brandon for helping me find my voice amongst all this noise.

[@goreborn6045]

No Dave, we thank you for being this beacon of raw positive (and chaotic) energy for all the World to see. The Dark Pantheon is proud of you. The community is proud of you. We will be your wingmen until the end of time...🤟🤟🤟

[@JakeDogg-RIP]

Love ya Dave! #BloodForTheBloodDogg 🩸

[@tabletopchuck512]

You da man Dave

[@blacktemplar5970]

Its not very Khorny🤣🤣

[@kempo79]

Is this Elite: Dangerous in 12:00? :)

[@michaeljaubert1325]

This hit way close to home. Constantly riding the roller coaster of emotion from extreme highs of positivity to the depths of depression and the moments of joy from watching people smile because of me. Dave seriously thank you for having the courage to speak out about this.

[@miniwargaming]

I’ve been wanting to share this part of myself for years but I’ve been scared to. It was the community that gave me the courage to use my voice and be my authentic self.

[@michaeljaubert1325]

@@miniwargaming Brother Dave, we are all here for each other who struggle with this. Being part of gen x I completely get why it can be so hard to tell others about this. Not only was there such a stigma going along with mental illness but the ridicule that came with it was just so detrimental to our mental state. So to anyone who rides the rollercoaster, just know that your not the only one on that ride.

[@Og_Geldy]

You guys among other in the community have helped me out so much. I always find myself stuck inside my own head and with the help of others I feel like a better man to my wife and kids.

[@HeadHunterSix]

"Things happen when you use your voice" had me on the verge of tears. Thank you for sharing your own journey and for giving a voice to all of us with mental illness. From a fellow gamer with bipolar disorder.

[@miniwargaming]

I see you… thank you taking the time to leave this comment. The struggle is real and truly is a maelstrom of war. It’s allies and battle brothers that carry us through the most treacherous parts of the battlefield. Victory isn’t reaching the destination. It’s just simply being on the path, opening our eyes and realizing we don’t walk it alone.

[@DownSouthBeef]

Amazing video that resonated strongly with me. And the pause after "all those for the emperor are allowed in" had me rolling 🤣🤣 Chaos ftw

[@Miscast]

@5:05 look at these seedy boys. Legendary video. Much love Dave, thanks for the early hour adventures!

[@miniwargaming]

You melt my heart in the most fantastic way Trent! I never could’ve imagined the love that existed on your side of the globe, coming from your studio as you craft your stories and share them with the community. Thank you for your dedication to the hobby and your passion for content. I’ve watched many of your videos now and we need more of YOUR content.

[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

Beautiful video Dave. It was great to meet you in person finally and you did a wonderful job of capturing the magic of the event.

[@lordlynkz]

*pitch battle* *hat ear squeak* "What was that brother?" "It was a hat ear squeak, there's 1000 tyranid in front of us, I need this to focus!" *squeak squeak squeak* "Do you have another?" *passes a bead* *squeaks and bolter fire* "GLORY TO THE EMPEROR"

[@scottusher3712]

Dave talking about your mental health in such an open and honest way is so humbling. I'm autistic and have suffered with poor mental health for most of my adult life. Talking about it makes me feel stronger and helps with the dark moments. If someone watching or reading the comments finds their voice to get help then that is the greatest help we as a community can give.

[@brotherstrife6453]

I picked up Warhammer when I was a kid, saving my nickels and dimes from odd jobs I took on and my paper route. And I remember heading over to my local comic book shop to pick up little blister packs of Striking Scorpions, just two models at a time. Over the course of nearly 30 years I’ve gone back to the hobby for relief during times of stress because painting is an outlet for me. During the pandemic, situations in my life were causing huge waves of depression and anxiety to return. That’s when I found you all, and a renewed sense of purpose to become a voice of encouragement for people like me who have felt alone or left out, and who have turned to art to share parts of their heart. I want to help in the cause of shining light in a world that can feel so dark. Your example helped me to realize I have the ability, small as it might be, to be that voice for people. Cheering them on from the sidelines, making sure they know they are welcome and loved in the Warhammer community, and defending the marginalized. Thank you for doing what you all do MWG Dave and Crew. I hope you understand how much your example impacts others in good ways! Much love to you all!

[@livingdeadgirl40k]

I cried when those kids got the present of minitures and the father was so emotional 💖. I am HSP (very High Sensitive Person) and struggle with depression, burn out and addiction, Warhammer gives me purpose, focus and frienships. Need to rob a bank to get to Adepticon 🤔. So lovely and heartfelt is your Adepticon journey and thanks for sharing this, for ppl like me who cant be there. Love and greetings from Lil Belgium 🍫 🍺 🍟

[@raszb8136]

That was my family and they are still emotional about it especially my grandfather. He called me up just to tell me to watch this video. ❤ This made a memorial moment to their life!

[@Sergiocalvominiatures]

❤I loved the video, congratulations for telling it in this way, very emotional and special. I'm glad the hobby helped you so much and now you help so many people, congratulations. It was a real pleasure to meet you, you are worth a lot, keep enjoying what we do and sharing that positivism with so many people who need it to move forward. I hope we meet again soon, I laughed a lot watching myself in the video haha.❤

[@dragonfallgamingfestival87]

Dave- Great video and message. Fantastic hanging out with you at Adepticon. Thanks for the mention. Best Regards- Mike

[@greggonzalez661]

Damn Dave. Your autobiography hit me in the feels, bro. While not Bipolar, I suffer immensely from PTSD from my Army years. This manifests as anxiety in so many situations that I do not even participate in my community like I could, or should. Thanks for being real.

[@regularman9486]

Keep up the fight

[@IsaiahBoisseau]

this video is like a who's who of Warhammer celebs, as well as a beautiful, touching, and deeply personal exploration of some difficult topics that I've struggled with myself. I salute you all. the Emperor Protects

[@KroTukk]

I can’t tell you how close this hits to home. Warhammer has been medicinal in keeping the mental static, that builds up over time with ADHD and depression, discharged and in nominal levels. Painting gives me a core, a focus. Sharing that with my friends, fans, family, and new people in my life, gives me a lot of joy. Thanks for this video and thanks for sharing your walk with mental health. ❤ Love you guys, MWG

[@tobiwan80]

This is sooooooooooo awesome and so true. Dave thank for beeing who and what you are. I am so happy to ne Part of this Community and That I Met you Last year at Spiel in Germany. You are one of my Personal heros.

[@NerdsoftheNorth]

Hey Dave, thank you for pushing through the struggle to express all of this. I was lucky enough to meet you twice at the studio and even though you were sick with a cold at the time you stepped in at the last moment to be my opponent because Matt had something come up with his family and couldn't meet me for our games that day. You tolerated my over excited self as I struggled to fit in and act normal as a rather large guy being on video for the first time. I watch the old bat rep of us and cringe at just how over the top I got when getting into the banter as your Blood Angels met my Space Wolves and discovered every single one of my units was wielding the accursed storm shield (I was the guy fielding the all Thunderwolf Cavalry Army). You made the day so much fun that I knew I had to come back and battle you once again with another bout against your Angels and also a walker only battle with your chaos. You snapped me out of my shell for those few hours we were together and I was so glad I managed to push my anxiety aside and live in the moment there playing a game with a fellow wargamer. Thank you for helping me see that I was strong enough to do what I enjoyed and stop letting my mind win with all the thoughts of doubt. Hope to see you again one day soon.

[@GigglePig99-j2u]

I can't express the emotions this video made me feel. I've struggled with my mental health my whole life without much support, just taking it quietly. I'm 29 now and just getting into Warhammer. I'm painting my first official GW model this weekend! (Njal Stormcaller) Had a few practice runs with some that I printed and I just can't wait. I just wish my dad were here to enjoy it with me. He wouldn't have been able to paint minis because of his hands but I just know he'd have a great time seeing the joy this hobby is bringing me. Thank you so much for all you do Dave. You're an inspiration.

[@ClosedGame75]

You're a good human being, Dave. A decent, genuine person who deserves all the good in life. Best wishes from a Danish schizophrenic in the wargaming community.

[@MrDoubleIndemnity]

It was an absolute pleasure working with you Dave, and putting you in the Space Wolf armour. Thank you for letting me be a part of all this. Its incredible to me that I got to help out someone who has inspired me greatly in many of my creative pursuits. More importantly, thank you for opening up about the struggles of mental health. I think it's a very important topic that isn't addressed often enough.

[@thegrumpymanlikestopaint]

This video is brilliant mate. As a mental health nurse who is a hobbyist, I am trying to use warhammer and table top games to improve the mental health and outcomes of my patients

[@SkaredCast]

It’s been a pleasure being a part of your journey ! And I’m excited for the future .

[@miniwargaming]

I love you brother. You’re an amazing human who exudes everything I love about our community. Thank you for being YOU.

[@imperious128]

Some beautiful moments. All as one community for all. Acceptance for all. Despite our neurosies or issues. Proud to be part of this for 30 years.

[@miniwargaming]

That’s insane and amazing! 30 years! You’ve seen our evolution. You’ve been there since day 1. Thank you for your longevity.

[@DiabeticOgre]

Thanks for making this video, it really helped me with some personal stuff right now

[@seanmcguire8474]

I am an autistic gamer with mental disabilities such as ADHD, anxiety, Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and OCD and I struggle massively with focus and making friends. Warhammer 40K saved my life too as it taught me how to better focus, lessen my anxiety, lessen my sensory overloading and preventing a meltdown. Plus it made me friends and introduced me to a whole new world that I had never known had existed. It gave me a reason to live.

[@grandilo5983]

Dave, you were part of what brought me back into the hobby. I'm so glad you're here with us 🤗

[@miniwargaming]

That means everything to me. Thank you!

[@TheDodd2012]

Dave, for a very long time, I have dealt with being myself around others, and this hobby has helped me get out of my shell and meet some amazing people who have inspired me to pursue this hobby to lengths I never thought existed. I have been wanting to go to Adepticon for a few years now, I will make that a dream a reality in 2024. I will travel to Adepticon where I will hopefully be able to meet you, shake your hand and thank you for inspiring me to do more. Hope to see you there.

[@franciscoguerra5439]

Waaaay back when, I sent you a letter talking about how this hobby got me through my dad's death. I remember you reading it on the channel and talking about how it made you want to cry. This feels like it was so long ago. But it's amazing to see how far we've come in this journey.

[@matthewschmitt9805]

Thank you for making this video Dave. From someone who struggles with depression, thank you very much.

[@miniwargaming]

It means a lot to me. Thank you for helping me realize I’m not alone in my struggles. Thank you for using your voice and leaving your comment.

[@bee-beargaming]

This video made my cry especially the part where you gave those kids the models

[@garyfelton4136]

I've been watching MWG for more years than I can remember. I think you have done such an amazing job of propping up and furthering the wargaming community. Nobody would ever know of your trials and mental battles if you hadn't put them out there. Well done for speaking up, I know this will help so many people, to see an icon of the gaming community is down to earth and real like all of us. I love everything you and the peeps at MWG do. Long may you reign and carry on inspiring us. Love you dude!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@KuroSukotto]

You are a great dude! keep it up. This community is awesome!

[@eBayMiniatureRescues]

Wonderful video man! Keep being the awesome inspirational person that you are, and thank you for everything you and Miniwargaming stand for! ❤

[@dr.feelgoodmalusphillips2475]

All the love and respect for you talking about this man. You guys have really helped me through some tough times myself these last few years. Keep being strong and doing what you love! Much thanks.

[@endlessfight]

Really great stuff, @miniwargamerdave! You brought me to tears with the power of your message and your warm-hearted openness. You made me reflect on myself, my friends and family, and my teenage kids. Thanks Dave, ya big ol’ softy, you are a paragon of this hobby 🙏

[@ElAfrego]

Thanks for your video! Miniature painting also helps me with my mental problems. It’s really nice to know that I not alone this way.

[@KnudAutlermann]

I love you guys. You provide such great content but not only that, you provide such a positive message around the world. In the Grim Darkness of our modern world, I refuse to believe there is only hate when people like you exist. Ive been following you guys for 10 years now since I was a little boy. Now Im a grown adult with a wonderful job that I waste most of my paychecks on miniatures... You guys have been such a huge role model for me in just loving people, writing stories, and just feeling like an innocent before we grow up and discover how dark the world really is. But each and everyone of us is holding onto something, that there is some goodness in this world. You guys are proof why humanity has a capacity to do so much good...

[@chriswest-beardedbatman5492]

Thank you Dave. As someone that suffers from severe depression , seeing someone I look up to discuss their own mental health helps me know I am not alone. A feeling I feel so very very often.

[@Lexos15]

What an amazing video. It made me cry tears of happiness because it really hits you straight in the feels. Love you all and keep on wargaming!

[@JynxBlack13]

Gotta tell you man, this broke me. I was half crying while writing this. Beautiful words, such a positive message. I can agree that through this hobby I've been able to express myself far more than anything else I've done. I struggled with addiction, not substance abuse but in a way that my ADD would drive me to find serotonin, unhealthy and hurtful ways, I stole things, and I hurt people. Through community and support, I found a better path, and this continues, the better path through friends and community. Thankyou Dave, Matt, and all the MWG crew, you guys show community, and safe places to be yourself. It's a beautiful thing, and I can't wait to have those models in my hands, they will serve Tzeentch!! Congratulations on a fine job and helping to cultivate such an incredible community!

[@miniwargaming]

I re-broke reading your comment. That feeling you’re describing is the reason why… period. Purpose. The community provided a path for a purpose and seeing responses like yours fuels that passion and purpose I feel in everything I do. Thank you for sharing yourself here. Thank you for being vulnerable and open. Your comment will help many. It’s already helped at least one… 🙂

[@JynxBlack13]

@@miniwargaming means so much to be seen, Thankyou!! 😁😁😁

[@jamessouhleris9593]

Holy crap wasn't expecting this video but thank you what a beautiful experience this one is!

[@miniwargaming]

It’s the most important story I’ve been wanting to tell for years. Adepticon 2023 was the place for this to happen. Thank you for watching.

[@bouchamr]

Awesome Video Dave, and this channel was my introduction to 40K back in 2020 so Thankyou

[@jamiemoresco3885]

Very honest ,emotional, and relatable. Well done. Hopefully we can all get to a good place with ourselves with help from our family, friends and hobbies.

[@FreemenMars1]

Keep up the good work! Bless you for giving away to that family! I enjoyed this video beyond what I can explain! As an extroverted introvert ( I know it doesn’t sound real) I get fuel off from the people and environment, but crash hard and need massive decompression time. Much like the gent that you talked with with PTSD- massive groups of people get way overwhelming, but I push through it by my almost chaotically humorous extroverted behaviors - but it takes a massive toll. Just got done playing a state pool tournament yesterday with 140 tables of 10 players each match ,plus support staff and families of players. This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear today!

[@joonaslaitinen9520]

Always nice to watch videos where people are speaking from the heart

[@Omegaterrain]

What an amazing video. Should be required viewing. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and story. It was my first adepticon and as silly as it may sound, it changed me. I can’t wait to until next year!

[@miniwargaming]

‘Silly’ = truth. I’m happy to hear Adepticon changed you. It’s truly an amazing experience.

[@harveyshelley3036]

Watched you since I was 14 and I am now 26 love to see how far you've come it's amazing wish you all the best in the future

[@ParadigmEvil]

Thankyou for sharing. Worthy of our respect and love ❤️

[@drrhino_]

Heartfelt and uplifting. The exact words we would use to describe the exemplar of chaos. Big hugs Dave ❤

[@miniwargaming]

It was fantastic meeting you in person at the convention brother!

[@irishjesus3927]

I saw you at adepticon this year but was too star-struck to say hello:) you and Matt are pillars of this community and I didn’t know where to BEGIN with what to say. Thank you both for all you’ve done. Love for the love god, hugs for the hug throne.

[@miniwargaming]

Thank you David. ❤

[@emiltronier771]

When I started watching this, I did not expect to have tears in my eyes by the end. As someone who have struggled with mental health myself, this reminds me why I love this hobby so much. Thank you for being such an amazing rolemodel.

[@miniwargaming]

Thank you Emil! ❤

[@Mr.Glitch]

This resonates with me so much. I was out of the hobby for 30 years and recently got back into painting and I've never felt so welcomed. I suffer from ptsd and from that depression and e treme social anxiety, so getting places for me is tough. But the friends I've made already online are amazing! Heck, an old friend sent me a redemptor dread as a welcome back gift! I've found painting stops the worry and shuts all the bad away for a while, it's my meditation now. I'd love to help out the mental health gamer community in some way. I got laid off from my community manager job on Friday, so I have a lot of free time to be helping folks out. ❤️ (yes I know I should probably start uploading more vids again.)

[@matthewstockton7710]

Thank you for this. Wasn't expecting this vídeo to hit as hard as it did. You have provided a much needed perspective.

[@danielhall5554]

This is what it's all about. I started my game store because I was headed down a dark path of my own, letting the depression and anxiety ruin me. I might not have my store anymore, but I realized it wasn't the place. It's the community! Game on Dave. We're all here with you and for you.

[@devastatorx9599]

I’m new to Warhammer. As a man with Asberger’s Syndrome, and possible ADHD, it’s always been hard interacting with people. Warhammer let me find a community, people who get me, who welcome me. It, along with my other hobbies, has helped me learn and grow. Thank you Dave, for sharing this message.

[@parmesan93]

I really like the new documentaries direction that MWG is doing lately

[@miniwargaming]

It’s satisfying to make this kind of content. It makes sense to me and feels impactful. Thank you for your feedback and look forward to more of it. It’s kind of addictive (in a good way).

[@danplays8934]

Thanks man you are great and have brought joy to everyone you have interacted with at that festival

[@richardchapman842]

absolutely brilliant............. everyone needs a hug

[@miniwargaming]

Digital hug incoming! 🤗

[@richardchapman842]

Love it ❤️

[@stax6092]

This is very wholesome and I am glad this video is available for people to see, I have been struggle with mental Disabilities my whole life and it's stuff like this that is vital for people like us to see.

[@Trezan]

very touching Dave. thank you for sharing your vision of the hobby with the world

[@left_Dane_right_Dane]

Hey brother, similar story here, Major Depressive Disorder, late 20's diagnosis. The biggest piece of the puzzle for me was accepting that it was just part of me, and something to manage with simple routine. We won't always get it perfect, and there will be bad days and good days, sometimes without an explanation as to why. It's OK to not be ok, and finding people you can be comfortable around, to take off that mask, it's rejuvenating. Also it's important to remember that it is just one day, and tomorrow is a new one! We shouldn't be so hard on ourselves all the time. Thanks for sharing!

[@thunderhawk7116]

Was recently diagnosed with bipolar myself so this was really relatable. Thank you so much for sharing your story!

[@miniwargaming]

Thank you Logan. We walk this 8-fold path side by side.

[@Witandwitless]

I moved away from my 40k group at the start of 8th edition and couldn't find anyone to play with I really clicked with. So for the past however many years my minis just sat in boxes. With the new edition on the horizon I started watching videos again and getting in the mood to paint again. I've had friends I hang out with since the move, but nothing scratched that itch you get with a sense of community playing around the table with folks or setting aside a Sunday afternoon to have a drink with a friend and paint up a cool mini while you nerd out with them over the new painting techniques you're trying. Since I've looked into more painting videos MWG came back into my feed and I'm honestly so glad it did this video hit way harder than I expected.

[@garypeyman932]

I'm not crying, you're crying. Damn it I am a bit tearful . I've struggled with my mental health for almost 30 years and one of the things that has helped me through all the low points is finding a handful of good people to play games with . Thank you for sharing this Dave

[@IndigoCrow]

Wonderful message. Thank you for sharing this with everyone.

[@cvtuttle]

Fantastic message here Dave. I couldn't agree more with your points of love and community. That's the entire reason I have been involved!

[@terrainaholic]

Yup right their with you Buddy!!!! I've been having panic attacks of late and even had one at Adepticon. But I wouldn't of missed it for the world! Thanks for giving a voice to the community who isn't comfortable sharing their/ our weaknesses. Just like you said that's what makes us who we are and I'll take that facet of me because I get to be a terrain junky as well. Let me know if you need anything Big Guy I've got your back:)!

[@Cloo41]

I was recommended this video by numerous other content creators and I’m so glad I watched it. You’re a beautiful person with a brilliant soul. Thank you for making this video and brightening my life

[@grantholomeu3725]

Gaahhhh I wanna give you a big hug Dave! Keep doing you!

[@exittheparade]

Thank you for sharing! This video was extremely moving and I wish you nothing but continued success in this life!!

[@lq7934]

Thanks for this video. Brought a tear to my eye and made me realise how much joy this hobby brings me. Thank you

[@AlexUzomaki]

Thank you for being part of this community, Dave~

[@ghostwalker0299]

Some videos just hit home. This most definitely is one of them. I look back myself at 35 years of warhammer hobby and realise how being able to lose myself in the game, make friends and zone out of painting. Have all helped me battle the demons within me. From an abusive mother, failed relationship, suffering severe social anxiety at times and crippling depression. One of the constants has been falling back to my hobby space, my 'safe' space if you will. You summed it up pretty darn well.

[@TheKatyTV]

Woke up, watched this and now I have a big ole smile on my face :). Awesome video y’all and I hope to get to Adepticon some day to meet you and play some games. THANKS for being vulnerable and sharing your story.

[@miniwargaming]

Thank you Joseph. We hope to see you at Adepticon too!

[@stoneosborne9247]

As a dude who's struggled with mental health issues since childhood, only compounded by my time in the service, thank you. Much love my friend.

[@seanoneill1308]

I played as a kid, stopped as a teenager but always sustained an interest. Recently returned to the hobby as an adult who mostly plays necromunda and 2nd 40k. I didn't know much about the hobby and didn't have anyone to play games with but I decided to find a local gaming club during lock down (I'm in uk) and was welcomed with open arms. The wargaming community is great. Our necromunda games are 10% rolling dice, 90% laughing! Painting is also very therapeutic. I've struggled with mental health issues my entire life and gaming definitely helps...... A LOT!

[@daemonnexusknight]

You are such an amazing person Dave. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

[@iamfadge]

This is an amazing video. While I don't play the game, I hobby by painting miniatures. It's something that brings me peace and calm and I love it. I'd love to make it out to Adepticon one day but also hoping there could be a Canadian version or something equivalent. Great video Dave!

[@Baatosanabe]

Thank you for sharing your story. The community is something that has kept me hooked on this hobby. I hope I am able to meet more wonderful people once I am able to attend Adepticon.

[@miniwargaming]

The probability is pretty damn high this’ll happen at Adepticon.

[@StichzUndead]

Love you Dave 🖤 as someone else who has depression, this game has been a huge escape from me. I got into it in 7th Ed, building my necron army along side Matt on your guys channel. You always made the games so fun and exciting and I was hooked! I really appreciate you and using your platform to talk about something so important

[@sulmenite6938]

You’re a legend Dave. A hero and inspiration to this community.

[@VanceTwitch]

As someone who has gone to 5 Blizzcons, JUST got into 40K this year, and just moved back to my hometown in Northern IL… I *cannot* wait until Adepticon. The energy in this community is mind blowing, and I can’t wait to make heaps of new friends to play toy soldiers with.

[@Roylevis]

Love you Dave! never met you, not talked to you. But i effin love you.

[@jamespatterson8643]

Yup...got me tearing up, Dave. You are doing great things. Thank you.

[@miniwargaming]

Thank you James. I hope to see you one day either at the MWG bunker or Adepticon.

[@shakadiemens]

Just love people, be open to them... you had me there. Thanks Dave and team!

[@miniwargaming]

❤ it’s an absolute pleasure.

[@MyMagicalPeanut]

What’s beautiful testament to the hobby. Nay, Dave: you’re a beautiful Human for sharing the sentiment that most people - not just hobbyists- need to hear. Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@bobbyjames8582]

I suffer from pretty severe ADHD, to the point that it affects my day-to-day relationships with my partner, my family and even my friends. Warhammer has always been that release for me. I dream about painting, I can’t wait to get building my newest miniatures. My life has always been a challenge, and especially getting people to understand what I suffer with. Warhammer allows me to put that to one side. That’s not to say I still don’t have bad days, and sometimes I can go months, sometimes years, where my brain can’t even use Warhammer as a release. However, getting a job as a manager of a local game store, and having that outlet to discuss the thing I enjoy most really allows me to bond with the community and has brought some of the brightest days to my life. This was a really emotional video, especially as I’ve been massive fan of MiniWarGaming for nearly 10 years now. Thanks Dave. I hope to meet you one day, and give you a hug for this video.

[@amoryburgess]

Adepticon is a co-op, we all won! We all shared our passions and joys…get amped!

[@philoger9047]

Thank you!!! It is always fascinating to see how valuable and empowering open communities with a common interest can be. It doesn't matter if it's bingo, wargaming, sports, books or whatever. There is a great treasure to be salvaged in these communities.

[@SlatheTheSpaceMarine]

Hey Dave! Slathe here. Long time fan and admirer of you and what you do. A lot of the reasons that you mentioned to why you created your KZbin Channel are the same for myself and likely for many if not every other 40K Enthusiast KZbin Channel. I wanted and still want to share my hobby with other like minded hobbiests and help grow and support the community of hobbiests in their endeavors within the hobby. It's great that you had a good time at Adepticon, I'm glad you seem to finally have gotten the opportunity to adorn yourself in Space Marine Power Armour, and I can see you had to take the same baby steps to learn and grow to that challenge and from one Space Marine to another: you did superb. For me, I want to help people to laugh, to learn, to love and to create and be creative, to never lose that spark of enjoyment that they had when they first started in the hobby, to take chances, make those mistakes and make the art that they want to make. Since I was pretty young, I've had difficulties with Depression and Anxiety, or with large crowds or crowded spaces which has certainly effected my social range, and I'm quite a social creature so that can hurt, and it's tough but when things work and that spark is there, man; You could believe a man could fly. It's possibly an ironic coincidence that Drama Class was also a thing for me which helped me with communication, improvisation and pushing through anxiety, which also lead me to want to make a KZbin Channel; to help others, help them laugh and to entertain people. So from one Canadian Space Marine to another, I give you the two headed eagle salute. (Don't worry, I won't tell Deffy) -Slathe the Space Marine (Formerly Aerohurtz)

[@maddogmadden23]

I have been an RCMP officer for the past 7 years. Last year I was diagnosed with PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Severe Depression as a result of my job. In the years leading up to it, I was in a very very bad spot. Right around my diagnosis I found volunteering and Warhammer.. both saved my life.

[@johncasey4623]

Thank you I needed that.

[@sirammonite4882]

As someone who got into warhammer to deal with loss, this gives me a lot of hope to find a place in a wargaming community one day

[@jtmcdowell2331]

My brother. Much love my man!

[@Buckdodgers]

I never would have known that you struggled with your mental health Dave. In your Batreps, you're so full of energy and outgoing. I'm glad you found something you love doing and can share it with other people. For me, it's Warhammer, and Video Games that saved my life. After dealing with job losses, having to rebuild from almost ground zero, and dealing with family health issues, I can identify a bit with how you feel about how a hobby helps you through it. Good Stuff Dave!!!

[@shadeling6717]

While not my quote i do feel it is true "Just one person showing you even the smallest bit of kindness can save you." There is nothing wrong with sticking out your hand hoping someone will hold on to it and help you up. I always pictured Dave the embodiment of infectious enthusiasm. To hear about the real struggles he has dealt with is quite humbling. Like everyone he is human with all the virtues and vices that come with it. Being human he is also part of the community of people. The table top community continues to be for the most part a great one to be a part of. I am happy to be a part of that community and i'm happy for all others who consider themselves apart of that community.

[@danielyoull6654]

As some one is finding life hard at the min watching this video has made have hope to keep on going. Honestly I need this. Thank you Dave

[@Erik-hh9bp]

That was cool my dude. Been to a few Con's. StratiCon (I believe that's how it was spelled?) OrctiCon(once again, it that was how it was spelled? And a few others. Was cool how you blokes helped out the kid, I had a booth selling my painted miniatures, and some sticky fingers got away with some. It's kind of sad, such people come to the Con's. Moved to Lake Havasu AZ. Maybe one day we can get a Con going later on down the line. Anyways, Cheers & Beers.