Could Heavy Metal Music Help Maintain Your Mental Health? | Mark Deeks | TEDxNewcastle

[@Prodicalson-q9n]

Metal is where it's at. Loved this vid. I'm welling up here. Not very good at expressing myself. Going through a lot of probs myself at the moment. Thanks for posting.

[@heatherwade2373]

I would not have survived childhood without metal. I continue to survive this world because of metal.

[@starlightmusicdisk]

🤘🖤✨

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Wow thanks for sharing that. I think there’s a lot of us who feel that emotion. Look after yourself.

[@Megadeth1921]

Truth.

[@marcgaskett]

Metal has kept me in a happy place since my early teens, anytime I feel down or stressed I know I can listen to my music and overcome almost any mental challenge, it is truly that powerful

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

I feel exactly the same. Thank you. It’s grounding isn’t it.

[@bexmcc83]

As someone who has struggled with my mental health for over 20 years, this has made me think about music in a completely new way. Very emotional and inspirational. Thank you

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Ah thank you so much for sharing that. This makes it all worthwhile. Music is so powerful when we let it be.

[@TheMetalMag]

music is life I grew up with n will die with

[@NickalausFarris]

Metal has always been there for me profoundly when nobody else was and in return I will do as much as I can for metal \m/

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

I think that's a spirit a lot of us identify with, right?

[@Thirdfish]

Mark that was a very powerful ending. Beautiful.

[@everybodyworksinsales]

Doing a TED talk with an Iron Maiden shirt. Well done, Mark. A powerful and important talk.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks a lot - believe me I debated it. But in the end I wanted to be 100% me.

[@cleolovesfrodo]

Your personal experience and music were very moving. Music - particularly metal of several sub-genres - has always played an important part in my life, though lately I have been leaning on this more 'heavily' during some big challenges I'm facing. Your talk made me realise that, rather than using music as some sort of crutch because I am weak, it is actually something positive and nurturing I am doing for myself to get through difficult times. Thank you.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Cleo thank you SO much for this comment, I REALLY appreciate that. The thought that my message could have a positive impact like this is really special. Keep leaning on the music. It won't let you down.

[@storiesforwellbeing]

You are completely right - my young person is a singer and our house is filled with music and laughter! It certainly is so important to her wellbeing.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much for sharing that. And by you hearing it and sharing the music together, there’s just a little bit more of a bond that forms, right?

[@torchai]

As a metal-loving psychiatrist, I thank you so much for this video! I often have conversations about music with patients during therapy sessions, and even from a clinical lens in addition to a very personal one, I can attest to the healing powers of music. There are many.Also, nice Maiden tee. My SECOND favourite Maiden album haha.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thank you so much for sharing this. That’s really interesting to hear. If you’re active on LinkedIn I’d love to connect to find out more about your work.

[@torchai]

@@MarkDeeksMusic I'll find you on Linked-in and also FB!

[@carpenterisathing]

The first one?

[@torchai]

@@carpenterisathing Somewhere in Time

[@carpenterisathing]

@@torchai Oh yeah! I love Wasted Years so much 🤝

[@PatrickMaiwald]

Dear Mark, That is probably the most relevant and also the most touching talk about music I've ever heard. And now the final song on "Take Up My Bones", which I already love, takes on a completely new meaning! Thank you so much for doing this and sharing this here...!

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

I really appreciate you taking the time to check this out. I really hope I can help people with this message.

[@gavineagleton-muir6327]

Thank you for this, you not only brought a tear to this mad Geordie metal head's eye but made a new Arð fan 🤘

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Hey I really appreciate you taking the time to check it out and comment. Hope you enjoy the new Arð album.

[@Kasino80]

A very specific example of how music matters to me: at work I'm known as the guy that finds music that appropriate. I work retail, and have made a 600+ song Playlist on Spotify, that's a mix of everything you can think of. Jazz, blues, pop, rock, metal, anything, but the key thing is that it's varied. Corporate has decided in order to streamline all our shops, to install "buying music". Music that's supposed to influence the customers to buy more. And it has the weirdest mix you'd ever find. For 30 minutes it'll play EDM or techno, and godawful remixes of other songs, and then once in a while a "propper" song will come on. Most notably Jolene, for some reason. The constant barrage of drum machine sounds, and songs that don't really resolve into anything has really started to affect my mood. The best way I can describe it, is like when a truck is parked outside your home and all you can hear or feel or the vibrations. THAT'S how I feel, and I've gone home so many times now, with a headache that's lasted through the night, because the noise is placed like a hood around my head. An oppressing force that I can't shake.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. I can't imagine what that must be like. I struggle if I can't control what music I hear on a daily basis.

[@happyinharmony6903]

Lori's theme is so beautiful Mark 💛

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks a lot I really appreciate that.

[@shorty9273]

I grew up listening to Pink Floyd, Zepplin, Saxon and War of the World's. Later, I discovered Metallica, Megadeth, The Almightly, NIN, Korn and Queensryche along with a whole host of others. When my nan left this world, I would go to sleep with Silent Lucidty by Queensryche on repeat. When I saw them live, I'd sing my heart out, with tears silently rolling down my face and a huge smile as I remembered her hugs and love. That song kept me going. More recently, the power of Slipknot has helped me thru some diffcult personal times which include a relationship breakdown and cancer treatment. All of it has helped me become a strong person, a survivor ready to take on the next chapter in my life story with an amazing soundtrack. \m/

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and memories. HUGE Queensryche fan here. You don't have to convince me. Hold those tunes close.

[@TPR-ThePeopleReader]

Utterly beautiful, Mark xxx

[@markcrabtree]

A very powerful and moving story, Mark. Thank you for sharing. As someone who struggles with mental health challenges, I, too, find music of all types a useful coping strategy. I have so many songs which have memories attached.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much for sharing that Mark - I hope that this message can help start a conversation for as many people as possible.

[@lassala]

Metalheads Unite! :) Great video. I gave a talk to co-workers earlier this year to share my story: "the soundtrack of my life". Music, and specifically metal, has been very important for me and my mental health.

[@klarawilliams4078]

That was powerful ❤

[@ByteSizeParodies]

Wow Mark!!! This was absolutely amazing!! Can't wait to catch up with ya!!!!

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks for being such a support for me to spread this message Stateside! I’m determined to make it happen!

[@GillianUrwin-hn6tt]

A great inspirational talk from a very talented and funny man. I’ve recently joined a choir and rehearsal night has fast become one of my favourite nights, you can’t help but feel uplifted and happier after singing, so I quite agree with the power of music!

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Ah Gillian that’s really kind of you thank you. The power of music comes in so many forms. It’s great to find one that works for you.

[@Bordonhants]

Thank you for this from a metalhead with a tear in his eye

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Really appreciate you taking the time to check this out and take it to your heart.

[@Barthzord]

Great talk and stories. Might have to give a spin of my Ard vinyl tonight in memory of your daughter! My own daughter is a bit over 2 years old and we try to raise her in a house where music is omnipresent. If we sit down for supper without music on, she'll notice and ask for it!

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Hey I really appreciate that thank you. 🙏🏻 Omnipresent music sounds just my cup of tea!

[@O.V.T.O.G]

This is amazing

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks a lot for taking the time. Is it metal you feel the same about?

[@D3an02k7]

Amazing talk Mark, i've been in love with metal since high school, i've grown up listening to it, seeing it evolve, i feel a connection to the music. You asked for a word how Whisper of the Elements made me feel, and i struggled, as It teleported me back to when i first heard that song, i've probably heard it played live 5-6 times since then, alot of emotions came to head, i think the most prominent feeling was Joy, i remember those good times, the people i was with at those gigs. I discovered Ard through Witherfylleth and being life long fan of Doom i instantly connected with it, which is why i've seen you perform so many times, the concert in Huddesfield was up there as one of the best live performances i've had the pleasure to witness, and i'm teleported back there every time i listen to Take Up My Bones.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Hey I really appreciate the kind words. Thanks for all the support.

[@katrinshepherd-yw2yu]

Absolutely inspiring! Thank you!

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Katrin thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@carolynforrest1474]

Very powerful talk - John my husband loves 80s rock music. We got together via an Ian Gillan album Certain rock songs can evoke really powerful memories Your personal story was very moving and shows the power of music to help and heal Great talk !

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much Carolyn. Ian Gillan’s music is a big favourite in my house too. Well… with me! 🤣

[@Megadeth1921]

100% yes. I’ve been listening to it my whole life 50+ years and it has always helped with my mental health. In fact, music in general. I don’t watch TV occasionally I’ll scroll through and stop on a video like this, but mainly just watch music videos, or listen to music. I’m not saying it’s for everybody but for me 100% yes heavy metal helps my mental health. I think my second go to genre would be the blues and then some classical guitar. it just helps. Can’t explain it, it just does.

[@niamhhanlon2283]

A very emotional talk and one that touched me as a parent of a child lost by miscarriage. I agree strongly that music can be good for mental health and for preventing dementia in old age. When I joined your Song United choir, i was extremely sceptical that I would be able to remember the words and music for 12 songs in 12 weeks, but now I know if can be done. The brain has plasticity with which has endless possibilities for growth in response to stimulation. Thanks for helping us all to learn and take on challenges and keep growing. Niamh

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Ah thank you so much for sharing that. I really appreciate it. Music has so much power to do us good when we remember to actively engage with it rather than letting it pass us by.

[@sethputnamsghost]

Metal makes me feel like an old friend covering me up from the cold with their battle vest.🤘

[@PeterNaylor-e8u]

An excellent presentation Mark. I'm now thinking through many years-worth of music, across a wide range of genres that I love and relating it all to feelings and emotions. Let the music play!

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thank you - whatever the genre that performs the role for you, engage with it and it will never let you down.

[@carolinewilliamson4265]

Congratulations Mark! Fabulous *first of many* TEDx Talk! This conversation needs to continue so people can tap into their own resources for healing, as timely and adequate mental health support is so often only available to those who can afford it privately these days. As a mental health professional, I wholeheartedly agree music is an essential means of connection, creativity, spirituality, mindfulness, and rest/sleep - I include the role of music in almost all my therapeutic discussions with young people. Music and rhythm is hugely effective in the healing of trauma which I find fascinating, and which you touch on with your personal story. Thank you for your generosity and courage in sharing.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much for this Caroline. I’d love to organise a chance to find out a little more about how music plays a role in your work if that were possible.

[@carolinewilliamson4265]

@@MarkDeeksMusic 👌

[@loudlyproudly1979]

This resonates massively, Mark! Music has been my loyal companion throughout my life and always turn to it. Singing, listening or dancing by myself or at a gig! It is amazing feeling and always lifts me up.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thank you so much for checking it out. That’s just it - music never lets you down. It’s always there when you want it.

[@HelenJones-l9i]

A powerful presentation Mark. You are spot on about it being an obvious tool in our mental well being tool box but not often acknowledged as such.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much. Yes that’s just it. It’s there on tap if we want it but too many forget to use it.

[@AnneBennett-z8h]

Excellent talk Mark. Listening to and playing music has always been a huge part of my life and has helped me through some tough times. I agree, it is so important for mental health.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to check this out. It’s always there for us. We just sometimes forget to use it.

[@TheMetalPodcast]

Amazing work! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much for taking the time to check it out.

[@TheMetalPodcast]

@@MarkDeeksMusic Absolutely! I'll pass it along and share it, it's important others see it as well! My brother has nonverbal autism and music has had a profoundly positive effect on him! Thank you again! - DJ

[@Blackwall20]

Thank you for sharing such a personal story with everyone. So many will be helped by this. I find music a daily necessity for me personally. I've lived with social anxiety since my teens and sometimes can't leave my house. With music it's easier. I reach for music during good times and bad. Going through a particularly bad time right now but I have music to help me through it. Very music looking forward to the new Ard album. Thank you Mark

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much for sharing that. I think a lot will identify with you. Hang in there. The music won’t let you down.

[@JaneEggers]

Amazing talk, Mark! Music is so important in our lives and your story is very powerful.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks a lot for watching it Jane. I'll never stop espousing the power of music to help us.

[@elusivechris]

This was just incredibly well done. Cheers mate

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much I appreciate that.

[@sensationalphat5382]

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing your experience, and feelings with us. I love music. Especially Rock and Metal. I also like jazz, classical, and electronic new age (which I dabbled in myself, and my KZbin channel) Two things in life I can't ever see myself without....comedy and music. You hit the perfect note with this talk. Thank you again. And good health to you and yours. RAISE THE IRONS !!! 🤘👍❤️

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. There’s been quite a few people like the fact I did this in a Maiden shirt 🤘🏻

[@suestraker5844]

You have convinced me ! Very moved by your story and hope in some way this helps you heal. I know that I feel the benefit of music on my busy mind and soul.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much for checking it out Sue. Yes it’s the stillness in the busyness that music can provide isn’t it.

[@peteberrie]

Fabulous talk. This will help you think about the music you love in a whole new way. And it's such a personal story too. Really well presented.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Peter thanks so much. I really hope this can be the start of a conversation for a lot of people.

[@jeanviolet1]

Wonderful talk. So emotive and relevant. So true that music lifts your mood and singing in a choir is especially beneficial.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Appreciate that. Thank you. Choirs are particularly great for this.

[@REDTVCanada]

Great talk and presentation, Mark. Powerful messages in there re the story of your daughter(s). As a musician, I can relate to the idea that music can play a very important role in how we manage our mental health and wellness. Thank you for reminding me how lucky I am to have the gift of music in my life. Congratulations on your first TEDx talk. Well done.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment. The thing is music has always been there for us, just in the world of notifications a lot of people have forgotten to engage with it.

[@KithandKin-o7x]

Hi Mark really enjoyed this talk it’s refreshing to hear how music (of all genres) can help with mood and mental health and your own personal grief bringing a forceful example of the power of music. Allen Jones

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much for watching it and sharing your thoughts. It’s a powerful tool for sure.

[@captbrainbucket9390]

There are few things as powerful as music. There is a genre of music for everyone out there. Metal is my genre because it is the loudest, fastest, and is great to helping me process emotions and work through difficult things in life. And for all the energy and perceived anger that metal music is to others, to myself it provides me with peace and focus. All I have to say is keep thrashing! 🤘

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. It’s like a calm at the centre of the storm isn’t it.

[@JMACeducation]

Thanks for that talk Mark. It is fascinating the relationship between our mental / physical health and music and such a moving story to illustrate that. Once again I'm reminded of playing patients music to help them and remembering its not all 60s crooners that will be the music of choice!

[@loicestrade4054]

This has nothing to do with metal, but this guy feels like a Geordie.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

Not only feels like a Geordie, lives and breathes like one too!

[@eduardovidgal4022]

ROCK\Metal is the modern warriors chant!!!!

[@JOpethNYC]

Metal guitarist chemistry and physics teacher here 👨‍🔬🎸🤘

[@Taylor___]

Heavy metal rules.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

No arguments from me, Taylor!

[@fleshlessfilms]

i was in a band with this guy once... we fired him.

[@MarkDeeksMusic]

An interesting thing to focus on in the context of this video... And also a little dramatising of the events ;-) Hope you're well.

[@sonusworld666]

An Amazing Video - Hard Hitting and Thought Provoking 👍🏻👍🏻🤘🤘