Guest Author: Matt Davis
Photo Credit: Leigh Davis Photography
I have been in the music industry in different aspects since 1989. I’ve also been the artist, booking, management, operated a venue, and hosted festivals. Now, I head up The EHAMIOTAID Project whose mission is to address the stigmas associated with mental health. EHAMIOTAID stands for “Everyone Has A Mental Issue Or They Are In Denial”. I understand for some people this statement is very strong, but you gotta take it with a side of satire or you miss it. I am trying to expand our horizons and capture people's attentions because it’s time we stand up and exploit the stigma about mental health.
How many great artists and musicians would we still have with us today if only the stigmas behind discussing mental health weren’t an issue? We, as musicians, sing and write about it all the time, but there must be more openness in everyday conversations to truly change society’s perception of mental health. Alice Cooper called himself a “shock rock”… so I guess I am “shock therapy”.
I’m challenging all people, with the help of musicians, to make mental illness discussions a part of everyday chit-chat and table-talk. There’s no need to be embarrassed, ashamed, nervous, or scared because we all have crap in our lives. Yet we as individuals think nobody understands our struggles. I’ve found over and over again that this simply isn’t true and everyone has dealt with a mental issue, such as depression or anxiety, at some point in their lives. I believe mental health is something that we can all relate to in some way. Coming out of denial and into acceptance is a great place for healing to begin. It is who you are, don't let it be your weakness, let it become your superpowers and own it.
I know from personal experience, as I’ve had a life-long struggle with mental health issues. I first started visiting a doctor around age 6. School was a miserable experience for me. At the age of 16 I was paroled early from high school (or maybe escaped is a better description) because my own doctor recommended it would be better for my health to dropout of school. It was not so much to do with me but mostly the school system, at that time, having no knowledge nor training on how to deal with mental health issues with their students.
When I was 17, I put together my first local show, getting bands to come and set up on weekends in parking lots where everyone hung out. I was taking the music to the people and not just expecting the people to come to me. All I ever wanted to do was help people. I believe music and hope are the answers. The same mission continues 29 years later…
I admit in the beginning I was in denial about talking openly about my mental health because it was something that nobody was talking about. The fact that nobody ever discussed their depression, anxiety, or any of their mental issues made me feel like a lesser person and more of an outcast. I just assumed most people didn’t have the same issues that I dealt with on a daily basis. All I wanted was to be accepted just like everyone else, so I simply kept my problems to myself and my doctor. Now I realize I’m not like everyone else, that I’m a one of a kind original and accept no substitutes!
A few years ago I came to a point where I wanted to start talking publicly about my mental health to help anyone with mental health problems. However, most people were not ready for Matt Davis because I was not a doctor. I did not have a diploma, degree, or doctrine. I was not groomed with a suit and tie, and I was not polished with eloquence. I’m just a normal guy who decided to confront the issues of mental health publicly and that was not good enough for some. For the record, I still am not a doctor, have no diploma, degree, or doctrine. I have personal experience.
Late fall of last year it was burning in me to continue fighting the stigmas of mental illness. My main question was, "How do I advocate mental health to everyone and not just to the elite that go to conferences? How do I avoid being just another boring speaker/advocate?" The homeless and at risk people need support too. So, I decided to hit the streets, parking lots, festivals, basement house shows, basically anywhere I can go and speak publicly. I just want to help anyone and anywhere I can.
I am creating an coalition of Artists and Bands to help me fight the stigma of mental health. I do not want this to turn into the next big pop culture flash bang trend. I want to bring real change with substance that has an everlasting ripple effect. I am looking for outlets to share my message and help fight the stigma of mental health.
I would like to bring The EHAMIOTAID Project to your next concert or event. I can help you book the show, bring artists, or just show up by myself so I can share. I can be as brief or elaborate with time and length of my visit. Basically, I’m saying I am super flexible and appreciate any opportunity to share my message.
If you would like to support me or join the coalition, please contact me and visit my Facebook for more information.
 |
Matt Davis mattclayart@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/EHAMIOTAID 931-644 3201 mattclayart.wixsite.com/mattdavis |
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT have a diploma, degree, or doctrine. I am not a doctor nor do I hold any kind of license anything. I have experience. I am Matt Davis. Raw, unedited, and a bit unorthodox.
We make it easy for you to discover emerging music artists, participate, and support Nashville's diverse local music scene.
