Dealing with social isolation
One of the most common issues related to "mental health" within the Hardcore Techno scene is social isolation.
This goes from "living a somewhat functional life without friends and acquaintances" (this is already bad enough) to total isolation: having severe social anxiety, not being able to leave the house / flat, and literally not seeing or talking to a human soul for ages (and this is even much worse).
Another aspect is being "isolated in crowds". A person might have "friends", people they know at work, family members, might even attend big parties and events - yet experience an overwhelming feeling of alienation, of not being connected to others.
The feeling that others do not really relate to, or understand, your own thoughts, feelings, aspirations.
Even though you might have "friends", you are not "really" able to talk to them about the things you really need - on the inside, you keep being the "odd one out".
Or someone is well-connected and has many contacts online, on the internet, but zero friends in the real world.
This does not only effect fans and supporters of the Hardcore Techno movement, but often even its prime movers and shakers.
Well-known DJs, producer, promoters...
Why do you think so many famous artists "disappeared" from the scene?
A lot of them went into "hiding", moved to a more remote place, and are living like social hermits now... and that's really sad.
But this already indicates that there should be *no shame* to it. It can happen to everyone. Even to successful, creative, highly-admired people...
It's not your fault if you have no friends.
And if you want to heal and get out of this situation, this is probably the first and best thing you can do:
Realize that *you are not alone in your isolation".
That's quite paradox. But social isolation, even in its most severe variants, is a very common thing these days that is troubling millions of people.
What else can you do to overcome this situation?
2. Open up about it! Talk to others, and talk about it, online, or in real life.
In my experience, the response can be more positive and helpful than you would have expected.
3. Don't suffer in silence.
Beyond talking about isolation, express your emotions, even the most negative ones.
Trying to hide and swallow sadness, melancholy, anxiety, and depression is always a bad idea. You can verbally communicate them, or put them into art, poetry, activity...
And things related to Hardcore Techno music can be especially "therapeutic" here...
4. Don't blame yourself
It is, in all likeliness, not your fault if you have no friends.
We live in a very superficial and shallow society, where social ties get severed more and more.
Minds are set to money and media, and if you desire more meaningful inclinations - you get pushed away and kicked out.
But even beyond "contemporary capitalism" - if you are a unique, wonderful, one of a kind human being, it will always be difficult to connect to a crowd.
5. Enough is enough
Social isolation is amongst the worst form of torture. It can cause other types of mental trouble, and really drive you off the rails.
You need the social contacts. So it's important that you take action and honestly make the decision to change this fate.
Get out of your cage - or go insane.
6. Go into crowds
Well, I mentioned that it can be difficult and painful to connect to others. Still, there might be local groups, activities, events, you can go to.
This is a bit of a two sided thing. You might go there, not being able to connect, and feel like a freak again.
Or it could be nicer than you think.
7. Get off the internet
That should be a given, right? Being online all day and sitting in front of your devices is one of the major causes of real-world isolation.
Switch things off more often, and go outside.
8.
And beyond that...?
The above is all just a start.
More things definitely need to be done.
Trying to overcome isolation can be a really difficult, complicated, strainful task. It's hard and painful work.
As there are powerful social, cultural, and political causes of isolation, it might indeed be the case that this can only be truly overcome by social, cultural, and political activism and campaigns.
One thing should be clear: the problem of isolation can only be solved on a collective level.
But, in any way. You need to action, and you need to keep going.
You can access other issues of the Mental Hardcore Health Newsletter here:
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