Ep 31 | Listen Now: Harmonizing Mental Health & Dark Times Through Passion & Art

Touched Out

Ben Drysdale, an award-winning singer-songwriter, shares his journey as a parent and his experience with ADHD and mental health. He discusses the challenges of regulating emotions while being responsible for a child and the pressure to conform to the ideals of gentle parenting. Ben also talks about his work in the mental health and art space, including creating plays and theater-based workplace training to address social issues and provide catharsis.
In this conversation, Ben discusses his journey as a musician and content creator, as well as the inspiration behind his new single 'Listen Now'. He talks about the importance of authenticity and connecting with others through music and social media. Ben also shares his experiences with mental health and the impact of trauma on individuals. He emphasizes the need to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages listeners to check in on others and support those who are making a difference in the world.
Takeaways

• Parenting can be challenging, especially for individuals with ADHD and mental health challenges, as regulating emotions becomes more difficult when responsible for a child.
• The ideals of gentle parenting portrayed on social media can create unrealistic expectations and feelings of shame and guilt for parents who struggle to meet those standards.
• Art, particularly theater, can be a powerful tool for addressing social issues, providing catharsis, and promoting inclusivity and accessibility
• Open dialogue about the hardships of parenthood and mental health is crucial to combatting stigma and creating a supportive community. Authenticity is key in connecting with others through music and social media
• Trauma can have a lasting impact on individuals, affecting their sense of agency, safety, and power
• Breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health is crucial

Purchase "Listen Now" on Bandcamp. 50% of all sales donated to suicide prevention:
https://bendrysdalemusic.bandcamp.com/track/listen-now?from=fanpub_fnb_trk&utm_source=track_release&utm_medium=email&utm_content=fanpub_fnb_trk&utm_campaign=bendrysdalemusic+track+listen-now

Follow Ben:
https://www.instagram.com/bendrysdalemusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@bendrysdalemusic
Stream "Listen Now":
https://open.spotify.com/artist/49hqzta9Uzcfzwg0ieqP9R?si=MoweZVxkRO-9YOvDSNFKLQ

Head to the podcast Instagram and hit the bio link to sign up for preorder today.

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Thanks for listening to The Touched Out podcast! I hope you enjoyed this episode.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please send me an email at [e-mail]. You can also follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/touchedoutpodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

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If you or someone you know are experiencing mental health problems, we encourage you to reach out for help. You can call the Lifeline Australia helpline at 13 11 14 or for parents struggling with postnatal mental health reach out to PANDA at 13 22 89 (www.panda.org.au)
Special thanks to the following friends and partners:
Luke: https://www.tiktok.com/@aka.lukeandrew
Intro music: https://instagram.com/6157sound
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Chapters

1. Ep 31 | Listen Now: Harmonizing Mental Health & Dark Times Through Passion & Art (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Parenthood and Mental Health (00:00:01)

3. Uncovering ADHD and Autism Challenges (00:10:08)

4. Navigating Realistic Parenting Expectations (00:22:50)

5. Arts and Social Impact Journey (00:26:55)

6. Journey of Music and Authenticity (00:35:13)

7. Social Media Impact on Personal Growth (00:41:04)

8. Supporting Mental Health Through Music (00:46:27)

9. Emotional Music Journey and Friendship (00:59:06)