Speaking from the same experiences that many friends and loved ones around him have also endured, The Cult frontman Ian Astbury discusses the importance of opening up and speaking about your own mental health with anyone who will listen.
I'm Listening: Ian Astbury on the importance of mental health conversations
"There's absolutely no shame in sharing your experiences," The Cult's Ian Astbury tells Audacy's Myki Angeline. "I have, full disclosure, spent some time in mental health facilities, as a lot of our community has -- and I've also been to several funerals. It's absolutely imperative that we have a society and culture that allows individuals to be able to express themselves. But I think we need more facilitators out there," Astbury adds. "It's not as accessible..."
"EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is amazing by the way -- memory reprocessing," Astbury continues. "I will say this, psychedelics have been proven to help in micro... with guidance and intention in the correct environment can be very, very helpful to change your perspective. It doesn't mean that you're gonna be in an altered experience, it's just much more enhanced. You begin to see there's more to life than the trauma that you've experienced."
"I've been through a lot," Ian admits. "Violent trauma, sexual trauma, things done to my body that shouldn't be done to bodies, as a child. And I'll talk about that, it gives context to others out there."
"Anyone suffering, call anybody," Astbury implores those who are struggling. "If you know the community, go to a meeting. Find a group, go to a meeting. There's a lot of it out there."
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Listen to Audacy’s seventh annual I’m Listening broadcast featuring some of our favorite mental health moments and conversations.
I’m Listening is Audacy’s commitment to deliver more mental health conversations, resources, and pathways to help. If you are experiencing mental health needs, know that you are not alone. If you are in crisis, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Talk Saves Lives. Find a full list of additional resources here.