NF - Happy | Dr Syl's Reaction & Mental Health Analysis

Join me, Dr. Syl, a junior doctor training to become a psychiatrist in Australia, as I delve into NF's powerful track "Happy." Unsure of the genre or the artist's identity, we embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the intricate mental health themes woven into the music. From rap to classical influences, we'll analyze the lyrics and music video to uncover the emotional depth behind the song. Whether you're a fan of NF or new to his work, this reaction promises insights and reflections on the human experience.
Support the Channel by shouting me and my team a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/DrSyl.AU
Thanks KZbin Members: / @drsyl
Thanks Patreons: patreon.com/DrSyl
Insta: dr_window_syl
❤ I LOVE to hear from you guys, please reach out!
** 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

[@DrSyl]

What should I react to next? Here's a link to my upcoming newsletter (use it to follow for updates on my CBT course!): eepurl.com/iMHJp6

[@orsolyabalint4669]

You could react to "If you want love" or "How could you leave us" by NF. "How could you leave us" is his saddest song in my opinion, it's about his mum's drug addiction and overdose. I love your channel, keep up the great work!🫶🏻

[@RoknrolZombie]

Mansion

[@annaze4529]

Hate Myself - by NF

[@SlippedGear]

Please consider reacting to NF's song Mansion. Thank you!

[@fadedsmoker4998]

always do NF's albums in chronological order to really understand him. IMO and many of the NF family will tell u the same, great reaction looking forward to more.

[@calebrutter484]

NF is amazing, you should look more in to him. All of his music is about his mental struggles throughout his life. You just scratched the surface.

[@mambutuomalley2260]

I can only recommend the NF journey. He makes music about mental health issues like no other. His lyrics can be pretty tough since he's very open, honest and direct with a lot of things. At the same time his lyrics are very beautiful because they capture the essence of issues like no others. Ren is probably the one artist that CAN come close to NF when it comes to talking about mental health issues. NF is more profound and a bit more advanced when it comes to writing techniques. #1 recommendation is definitely "Mansion". Other interesting tracks are: Therapy, Let You Down, How Could You Leave Us. You'll eventually get sucked into the rabbit hole and find song after song by yourself. ;)

[@nathanlockman1554]

Great recommendations! REN has actually publicly shared NF as a significant inspiration in his work. I dream of a day that they would collaborate. Just not sure if he could because REN is independent.

[@JPEBeard]

@@nathanlockman1554 NF has been doing this a lot longer than Ren. Ever since Ren made Hi Ren everyone compares NF to Ren. When actually NF has been doing it a lot longer and they should comparing Ren to NF!

[@1988sureshot]

Can not believe you didn’t recommend “the search”

[@mambutuomalley2260]

@@1988sureshot It's an amazing song. Just not as in-depth as the ones I listed.

[@1988sureshot]

@@mambutuomalley2260 I respect your opinion…but I also disagree.

[@mikehaugen4246]

"Don't be ashamed to use the word fear" NF will be a treat for you.

[@Melody-zu4gx]

OMG fr i didn't even think about that😆boy is he in for one lol

[@Juuri_]

4:28 "The truth is, I need help, but I just can't imagine who I'd be if I was happy" Started crying at this point. This hit way deeper than it should have

[@blazingbee]

Yes! More NF please :)

[@mnia]

Yes NF! Could you please react on more of his songs? How could you leave us & Mansion & Search, Therapy session ... And there is Hope, this one should be for later, when you know a bit of his journey. He speaks and raps about so many hard but important topics and most of them are from the experience of his growing up in not good enough home. Btw There is something comforting in the way you provide information. Thank you for sharing knowledge and views.

[@redman8828]

Seconding all of those, though honestly I feel like starting with therapy session might help just bc it might help Dr. Syl understand NF’s approach to his more emotionally driven music better

[@annemorgan2064]

That last moment made me cry too! Life is hard, parenting is so so hard! And learning about what you needed as a kid yourself is really helpful. Thanks for the reaction!

[@gregsoul]

"Inside of us there is a small child we are still protecting" - WORD!

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

NF often speaks about fear, regret, anger, shutting off, etc. He expresses those inner processes that pretty much all of us feel at times but often lack the insight to address. Even in one of his earliest songs, Mansion he describes two characters - Fear and Regret - that he has created in his mind to help him deal with his traumas. He speaks of music as his therapy (he has gotten formal therapy since he started as well, though he resisted pharmaceutical treatment - see How Could You Leave Us? to see why) and his mode for speaking to those that he cannot directly (his mother, or as in this case and a few others, God) In so many ways, NF's songs are a ministry for those who have trouble addressing the demons within. He is a Christian who raps: he has been called a Christian rapper, but there is a distinction, in that very little is based on scripture liturgy, praise, etc. When he speaks to God, as here, it is a very personal discussion, not a formal prayer as such. I think it is important that as a young man he is saying these things and giving them a name. You are right that too many young men (and not so young) cannot open up about their traumas and feelings, because they have no safe space to do so. They are derided and abused if they try. Another young man opening up like this is a blessing for those who need to address their issues. BTW, you will hear of 'The NF Journey', meaning to listen to his songs in order as he addresses and exposes his issues. I see the point but I am not sure it is absolutely necessary. There are, however, a lot of references in later songs to earlier ones, and a lot of set-ups for later songs in earlier ones (though that may be him reviewing things and choosing a setting-off image). The one near-absolute is to not listen to Mama before listening to How Could You Leave Us? - they are addressing the same situation but first with very little perspective and processing, and later with a substantial growth and insight.

[@sharimiddlebrooks5375]

Welcome to NF Journey!! I can’t wait for your reactions to his songs !!

[@isabellefaguy7351]

One thing you didn't mention about the "I can't imagine who I'd be if I was happy" lyric is that if you never had models of adults who are living an ok life, you can't project yourself in a future full of happy adults. You can only imagine your future self as approximately someone you have known, a model of some sort. You can't imagine being an happy kid. Add to that the fear of the unknown, which you mentionned about another lyric, but also applies here. I've long been afraid of happy moments, because I had no clue how one is supposed to behave, say, do in these moments, as I had not much exposure to that in childhood.

[@forhax4794]

Start with his Search series - "The Search" , and "Leave me Alone" he talks about his mental health issues. You can also watch "How could you leave us" which is an emotional note to how he deals with loss.

[@ohnoZomBri]

I’ve never listened to NF before but have seen them recommended everywhere. It was nice going on the first listen journey with you!

[@somatic47]

Definitely recommend him.

[@scottralitz42]

His albums are like a TV series; as the story flows, it shows how he grows!

[@markg1994]

He's the best underrated artist out there

[@calvin9436]

underrated? People who know him put him very high, they know his art.

[@napbuddies]

Yes!!! MORE NF!!!!

[@dennisr.4918DennyDesigns]

Subbed for more NF. Every song is dope.

[@thisiscait]

Mansion is amaazzinnng by NF, highly recommend. Also Leave Me Alone.

[@quibligaming3221]

NF is my #1 artist. Trust me it’s a worthwhile rabbit hole to go down. My NF playlist is 5.5 hours and never a bad moment. Love his songs so much. Through all my mental health issues they’ve helped me too, hearing him go through his struggles and describe what I’m going through has always made me feel less alone.

[@jgnmtz]

That was deep ..im crying now 😢. As a child my abusive fundamentalist father harassed and verbally abused all of us (Mom, Sister , me , little brother ) . They argued when mom had the courage to see his insanity . But she never stopped him beating me for some reason. She was Native American , very strong , grew up on the way from Durant , OK at a young age picking fruit, cotton , vegetables.. she didn’t know how to be ‘Mom’ so she just fed us sugar ..cheap breakfast cereals .. ho-hos and ding-dongs in my lunch everyday . A rotting banana half the time. Endless tuna salad covered in sweet pickle juice ..and egg salad . I began making my own breakfast at around 8 ., frozen waffles.. instant breakfast. I got myself ready and walked to the bus stop 1/2 mile away . My dad allowed me to have 1 pair of tennis shoes per school year ..it had to last through PE, school and weekends .. I can’t remember much before 7th grade ..the trauma blocks it . Sending love ❤️

[@jkosh2046]

Sorry you had to go through that. Sounds similar to what I went through as a child. Mine was an alcoholic step dad who was a violent and didn't like me or even want me around even when he was sober. My older sister was his favorite and even then she got the second hand trauma and it may have even been worse for her having to see all this and not be able to do anything about it. We were subject to all kinds of stuff like drunken violent parties, drugs and verbal and physical abuse. My mom always put him first and her idea of getting us away from him was to give us up when I was 14. She is still married to him. I called her yesterday because I got a call from a law office trying to get ahold of him so I let her know what was going on. She was stressed about it so naturally he calls me because somehow in his little peanut brain it was my fault. Some people don't change. I'm not mad at him, I pity that sorry little man. It's still hard sometimes because all the insecurities and pain all point back to him. The one thing he taught me growing up was what not be like when I became an adult and father. My early adulthood was rough trying to figure out who I was and it took a long time to find it. But I did. My wife and I both had childhood traumas in different ways and together we were there through all of our mistakes and we have become 1 over the 10 years we have been married. I'm so blessed that we figured ourselves out before we had kids. We have been able to provide our kids with their needs in ways we never had and to see them growing into amazing people has been the greatest success in my life and I am so proud of who I've become in spite of how I was raised. My sister and I have both been able to break our generational curse. I read your comment and it git me instantly, so many memories flooded back. I think it's important to know that we are not alone and to see others overcome similar traumas is inspiring and encouraging. I just wanted to share with you my past so hopefully you can get from me what I got from you. Thank you for sharing, it's a vulnerable thing to do.

[@sharimiddlebrooks5375]

Super excited to hear your first reaction to NF !!

[@Brodiesmh]

A Australian reaction no way. I’m subbing haven’t even got through the intro

[@davidterry6155]

As Foster Parents we saw kids who had so much trauma they couldn’t recognize good parenting because it is so abnormal for them

[@haasgrover3422]

I've been listening to NF and a lot of other similar artists for years. That pushed me to get the help I needed. Never knew how great yet painful therapy is.

[@alphamale4182]

Nf has a song about his emotions in which he refers to as individuals and fear is one of them in the song mansion which he refers as his mind and it follows with intro 3 where fear talks to nf you should check it, On his more recent note his most recent video is Hope n it's the emotion Hope talking to him with fear trying to slip in

[@sherileyva5908]

I relate to this song more than any other song I have ever heard in my entire life. I love NF. His songs are therapeutic to me. I'm taking my older kids to his concert in a cpl weeks. Will be our 4th one together. We're all healing together as a family from the trauma that I caused them during my 17 yr meth and opiate addiction that I was using to self medicate the effects of my own childhood trauma. Being able to all heal together from the generations of trauma passed down in my family is a beautiful thing.

[@T-Nah]

My grandfather once told me (I'm a female), he said "the most important skill a MAN can have is communication (a woman's is her strength)" a woman stranded at the side of a road, will most likely be offered help without saying a word, a man on the other hand, usually needs to vocalize if he needs help. In his career, in relationships, in conflict, dealing with repairmen, transportation - this list goes on. A man who knows how to both listen and express himself will always do well. I am now the mother of teenagers, two of which are boys and I have raised good young men with this logic. Great reaction and analysis btw 😎❤️

[@dionysusapollo]

Yes, men seem strong because of their bodies but really strength is an inner thing. Drinking too much etc which many men do isn't strength it's weakness.

[@robintisabird1566]

Leave Me Alone by NF is a great one because he talks about his OCD! It’s how I was introduced to him! And now I’m obsessed!

[@AlwaysBeSmiling]

Best artist on the planet!! Here for more NF!!!

[@KMA2274]

The search by NF is an amazing song❤

[@sbizarro1077]

Enjoyed this reaction. I'll sub for more NF...we are known as the Outcast. The journey is long but to start react to Why, The Search, Leave Me Alone. If you enjoy, then start the from the beginning... Mansion Look forward to more.

[@cody2oo]

The second verse is wildly too real. "First to attempt I'm a lonely soul, but the last to admit i need a hand to hold" is such a real phrase for men's mental health. Also i was up late working at 2am when this released. Haven't had that good of a cry in a long time. NF does that like few do

[@Karen-kw4jl]

NF is one of my favorite artists! He speaks about life struggles, many relatable situations. He does have some rap, albeit not fast paced. His music doesn't have profanity (I'm not against it, just an observation). If you read his Wikipedia page, he has mental health struggles. Also, his music has been recognized by a gospel music association as well. He's very talented but sadly not as well known.

[@TrEuDaT]

I can tell that you are a genuinely caring person.

[@buradi90]

This is one of my favorite songs of his. I've been listening to it daily.

[@song5361]

NF is local to me in Michigan, USA. He’s actually pretty religious which is why his language is clean but he sings a lot about mental health. He takes inspiration from Eminem but he grew up in a tough community IIRC

[@AlabamaAlyse]

It's my daughter in the video (little girl). You should react to her new one. Forest Blakk-You Were Mine. It's about love and loss.You won't regret it!

[@tickledpickle5671]

I was once in a discord server with friends I'd had for almost half my life. They would always talk about difficulties in their lives, etc. And everyone would be sympathetic, and do whatever they could to help. (Me, with little means, wanted to help anyway. But it never really amounted to much, due to my inexperience with many of the issues at hand.) When I had a mountain of problems looming, and I asked for help, I was told. "We all have problems too, you can't expect us to just drop everything." I didn't want anyone to drop anything on my behalf. I just needed to talk to someone. I ended up getting kicked out because I was the only person to reply to an (untagged) message that my longest standing friend was struggling more than usual, and had gone to the hospital. I made a comment, expressing my concern and asking how they were doing... And I was immediately chastised for replying at all to that message. And when I came back later, I had been kicked from the server... For replying to a message.

[@beverlysettle8235]

Thank you for confirming that parents just need to be “good enough” because I am one of those parents who has the guilt of not being the BEST for my kids. They (my two boys) are amazing and so grounded and focused, but I will never feel like what I have done is good enough….

[@TheRealMikeDrop]

Good enough in the modern day is simply just being a wife who supports her husband through the good and the bad cause nobody is perfect. Instead of prioritizing our own happiness we need to learn to sacrifice for the childrens sake because thats our future. That way those children can grow up in a two parent household and even if it's not perfect at least they'll understand the sacrifices their parents made in order to avoid them being put at the greatest possible disadvantage which is what happens when kids are raised by single moms which is more and more becoming the norm and the statistics of the outcomes for those children are utterly horrifying.

[@deanbelldd]

Welcome to NF. His music is a picture of growth if done in order of release. There are list of the most pertinent ones in order.

[@leslietisdial5753]

It is true that society has made it to where the man is suppose to be strong and that crying and being vulnerable is a sign of weakness. I think it shows strength. This one was the hardest to get through. Very emotional for me. Plus I dont mind the pauses because what I do is watch the music video on my own then watch your reactions.

[@davidadams2395]

Certainly, that song was catchy, but I'm not the demographic. I am happy to hear young people unafraid to address their mental health struggles.

[@karolduarte6611]

NF is an amazing artist!! Please go through NF Journey. All his songs are incredible deep, talking about his mental health and all the things he had to go through in life. I would love to see your perspective in it. I especially recommend you to react to mansion

[@butterflymama0838]

NF is absolutely amazing! He has veen my favorite artist since 2020. I had heard his moat famous song on the radio "Let You Down", but I never got into his music until all these reaction channels took off during Covid lockdowns. There is an actual "NF journey" of aongs that you should do. I'm sure someone qill come forward with the appropriate list. It's very, very good! I enjoyed this reaction very much ❣️

[@kevinmundis1281]

I love NF and Ren, two of my favorites. Love hearing your input. :). Enjoy the NF journey.

[@poisonidea]

❤

[@skater61991]

So excited you listed to NF! Please go back and listen to the song “Mansion” Then we can talk about the rest of the journey in that comment section. 😊

[@moo777]

damn that was evoking all my childhood feelings :/ thank you for your insight! Thank goodness for therapy!

[@sorenm.lairdsorries7547]

❤❤ I like your reaction, the openness and directness of telling your viewers of the values that really count in life.

[@PukarEhecatl]

Tenth!

[@dionysusapollo]

All i need to be happy is to see birds flying because when i see them flying it feels like im flying and when they go up i go up.

[@invinciblefeelings1439]

His songs are pure 🔥, loved the reaction thank you for sharing

[@ugadawgs1990]

If this was really your first time hearing NF… wow, I almost envy you starting your journey. You have NO. IDEA.

[@mattgrislis2815]

Thank you, Dr. Syl! 🖤

[@gregwhitworth]

Subbed for the NF Journey, you won't regret it

[@coky18]

NF is great content to discuss mental health topics. Happy is an interesting place to start. Id recommend Mansion for sure and im certain others will give other suggestions

[@trailbeaneradventures5581]

Take the NF journey. You wont regret it.

[@traviswallace]

More NF please. “Mansion” especially

[@GingerBeardedGaming]

Great video and extremely insightful! NF is fantastic. I recommend falling in reverse reimagined version of last resort!

[@jeannemarshall392]

I love your message to men! Very helpful.

[@kevincortese7751]

NF Mansion is a great song about mental issues!!

[@rosannamariotti3818]

Thankyou for your explanation

[@NF4Life]

Im here for more 👍

[@martynelson3013]

🩸🗝 Great reaction! Welcome to the NF Journey!

[@troyfraser2138]

Man you need to react to his video Hope. It’s a masterpiece

[@nathanforti9120]

Hey mate love the reaction! NF and ren are God tier. I recommend checking out Just like you by NF

[@ambermicaels]

I really hope you react to more NF :)

[@LOAYCHAMOUN41]

If you are a psychiatrist, please start the NF journey that what keep me going in life he is the biggest hope that a person can have as a support when you know you are not alone

[@KeanF84]

❤️❤️

[@civcivderler]

More NF plss

[@heavyweightlifted171]

Subbed for NF.

[@DrSyl]

more coming soon!

[@JPEBeard]

Please React to NF How could you leave us? It's a true story about his mom. There is also the song Mansion and Therapy Session you should also react too. This would give you a start in the NF Journey as he starts dark and his most recent album is a lot more happy as you will see the transformation to where he is now. Now he is married and has kids so he went from dark to the light!

[@nathanlockman1554]

Please react to more NF before listening to more of his songs! Mansion would be a powerful one to start with. Then he literally has a song called Therapy Session, which I think you would find interesting for your audience.

[@TheJgolfw]

Please more NF! NF Mistake!

[@Habsta71]

NF - Mansion Lyric Video

[@kandymich4861]

I miss your videos

[@cbs5742]

Do Hope

[@garretbuckmaster2524]

Some can't afford a therapist that's the sad part😢

[@Mscursed2]

React to baby reindeer

[@lucagray9310]

YES-this quote got to me: “I would put myself in fucked-up situations where I'd almost risk being raped again in this attempt to understand the first time. Like if I'm passed around like a whore, then I might at least shed this idea that my body is part of me somebow.”

[@bwaaaaaaaaalwaaaaaa]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the song 'no children' by ' mountain goats'

[@adampeyron6422]

U should react to Dax "to be a man" I'd be curious on ur take on it... great reaction I just subscribed 😀

[@DrSyl]

Thanks for subbing!

[@notamurderer6226]

Randal wike or dad I hope you found peace while not in this life maybe the next I hope I can meet you one day

[@jakeswanson86]

You DO NOT realize the rabbit hole you have just come across. Start from the beginning. Is each song needed from every album? No, but there are a ton of songs you can do reactions to. Here's my recommendations. Asterisks are must listens for you. All caps songs are all songs that would fit your angle of pertaining to mental health. Lower case songs are bangers. MANSION*** ALL I HAVE*** WAKE UP PARALYZED*** THERAPY SESSION*** HOW COULD YOU LEAVE US*** (have tissues, this is harder the Happy) REAL lost in the moment INTRO III*** OUTCAST green lights LET YOU DOWN*** if you want love LIE 3 am THE SEARCH*** leave me alone CHANGE MY STRESS*** NATE*** TIME*** returns when i grow up only HATE MYSELF*** WHY*** HOPE*** motto careful MAMA*** HAPPY***

[@irmenotu]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqaymXdsbJVlbqs So this is Watsky. Hes definitely not religous but this touches on religion or perhaps the lack there of. Im sure you dont want to turn this into psychology of religion 101 but its a great counterpoint to the religion we see online and his poetry has some great mental health themes. He also has some just funny stuff too. Thanks for the great video!

[@RoknrolZombie]

Maybe it's different elsewhere, but "Just call someone to get help" must be tempered by "mental healthcare is really f-ing expensive". I enjoy your videos but the idea that someone can just squeeze out a few hundred 'extra' dollars a month is part of the problem.