In case you’ve been living under a rock Melbourne producer and multi-instrumentist Owen Rabbit just recently released his stunning new track ‘Denny’s’.

The moving alt- pop single has gained serious momentum since its initial release three weeks ago, with support from the likes of triple j, Hype Machine Now charts (hitting  #2 on), Spotify’s NMF playlist, AMRAP metro charts (#4 position) and a slew of worldwide media outlets.

What’s particularly special about this track, however is the deeply personal, but nonetheless important message Owen felt compelled to convey to his listeners; touching on mental health issues and how seeking professional help and music saved his life.

To celebrate the release of this stunning single, and to help share his story in order to assist others, Owen has penned us a piece on what’s it’s like living with anxiety as a musician – check it out below. 

I’m Owen. I’m a 24-year-old musician and have a wonderful child. I have a loving partner, plenty of close friends and a loving supportive family.

I also suffer from anxiety.

I’ve felt it all my life and I’ve always done the math wondering why despite having ticked all the boxes of a moderate, happy, balanced life it is all so overwhelming sometimes. It is an irrational reaction to the world around me. There’s nothing wrong. There’s no bombs falling and there’s always food on the table.

All of this gets me thinking. Maybe I was looking at it wrong the whole time. Why have I always felt periods of prolonged sadness with often no logical cause? My theory now is that some people are born with dodgy backs; some people are born with dodgy brains. The only thing is though, nobody tells someone with a dodgy back to just cheer up. They just go see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor and manage their symptoms. They get it sorted. Looking back I wish I had reached out to a doctor much earlier.

Earlier this year I had a bit of a meltdown outside a concert in LA. It happened in a park, which by the way had a Denny’s restaurant across the road. That whole experience was scary to say the least. I felt horrible for what I had put my friends through that night. I couldn’t handle the shame and the confusion of why I acted the way I did.

I’ve since realised that what I went through that night was a panic attack and alcohol and caffeine amplified whatever I was feeling. I don’t know the mechanics of why things like that happen to people. I guess if you keep your brain working on too much for too long it builds pressure until it shuts down or explodes; Reading into the phenomenon of panic attacks, I recalled times in my life where I’ve done both to varying degrees.

I feel a little apprehensive writing about this stuff. It’s very personal and there’s some feelings of shame and vulnerability. But since I’ve put out this song and opened up about this some people have written to me to say that they really connected to the song and that they know how it feels, which has been heartwarming and really emotional for me. I feel like the world’s a bit smaller and more loving.

Writing ‘Denny’s’ was such a catharsis and it’s nice to look back to that time now from a better place. I’m still figuring it all out but I’m headed towards happiness now. It’s really not worth being depressed for your whole life. The mental health system has its problems and medications aren’t silver bullets but just the action of reaching out in itself was a circuit breaker for me and I wish I’d done something a lot sooner.

No matter who you are or what you’ve been through; talk to someone if you’re feeling down. Exposing your flaws is daunting and intimidating, but those around you who love and care for you would much rather you open up than spiral down and be hurt or something worse. Don’t bottle up the bad feels.

There is no shame in opening up about mental health issues; its more common than you think and affects so many people around us. If you need someone to reach out to; talk to a doctor! They do it for a living! You also probably have more great friends than you think and they probably all love you and want to see you happy. Beyond Blue and Headspace also do a fantastic job; check out their contact details below.

If you or somebody you know is dealing with mental health issues contact:
Beyond Blue | www.beyondblue.org.au | 1300 22 4636
Headspace | www.headspace.org.au 
Lifeline | 13 11 14

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