Ren was treated for depression, bipolar and ME for around 7 years, at this time he suffered from excruciating pain in his limbs and extreme fatigue. He was told repeatedly that this was psychosomatic. Eventually the treatments and the lack of answers drove him to a psychotic break and PTSD. He then found out he had been suffering from Lyme disease. He had 2 experimental stem cell treatments which gave him his life back but he still suffered symptoms both from the Lyme disease but also from the damage that it had done to his body and brain during the years he was misdiagnosed. He is also allergic to nearly all foods, he can only eat meat and 4 or 5 vegetables, nothing else. He is currently in Canada having treatment for his autoimmune condition, brain damage and mast cell activation disorder. He has suffered so much but if you listen to the video of him celebrating his 1million subscribers, it gives you a really good idea of the type of person he is.
This explains the pig mask and butcher dress at the beginning. Who was rolled in, was a tortured person full of pain, who then starts to play guitar, beautifully, shows virtuosity in his music, and giving words to something, most of us don't really find. And so many of us can relate to it, as the views show. Few days ago, he posted a speech abou gaining one million subscribers: defining success. For me like a continuation of "Hi Ren" somehow.
@niga7299 I too have suffered bedlock due to PTSD and have spent a large portion of that time doing just that, studying music theory, how to produce, and working on my singing/metal gutterals and writing lyrics. Now that I'm on the tail end of it thanks to years of work, I've decided I have a lot of things I want to say loudly into a microphone at anyone willing to listen LOL
depressed and bipolar.. that tells me something about his "doctor" he had no clue what the fuck was going on because bipolar is the go to "I don't know" diagnose of the west! Myalgische encefalomyelitis can be caused by lyme the diagnose was right the treatment not so much...
It's so tragic! I know the stem cell place he went to. They are not current and exploit celebrities. Ren probably received 30,000 to 60,000 stem cells in the process they use. The standard now is 30 -60 million. I hope he is in a much more advanced treatment center now. Lyme patients see on average 8 physicians over 5 years to receive a proper diagnosis. What is lost in those years in incalculable. Fortunately, Ren found a creative outlet. His musical talents are other worldly. I sincerely pray he is healing in Canada. 💚🙏💪
I've seen so many reactions to this song. The best moment of every one is the point where the reactor forgets he's on camera and realises that this is something that really matters.
True! Some are rather slow catching on and some are quick to it. Some are so busy trying to explain what they think is going on they miss it trying to sound important. This one has missed a lot at the beginning, I hope he relistens with an open mind and no ego!🇨🇦
Same. I sporadically watch reaction channels, but it´s usually a song or two or three when I´m browsing RU-vid and not sure what I want to watch or it shows up in my recommendeds. But I have watched so many reactions to this and other Ren songs now, I have no idea how many tbh. And I just can´t stop, and I never get tired of the songs. And in a way I have not seen before it brings out something different but also in a way the same from every reactor(I write this before I watch this one, but I suspect it will be in the same vein). Rens authenticity, raw talent and execution has some kind of infectious effect on people I guess. It just touches people in a special way. Another one of my favorites to watch is the "I shot the sheriff/Road to Zion/Hip Hop" one with Rens band "The Big Push". At some point(Not always the same) in every reaction the reactor just can´t help starting to organically smile and from there and until the end the smile stays. This might be a bold claim, but I think Ren is a once in a generation artist.
Let's not forget that this was also a one-take live performance. Insane talent. The chair represents Ren being bed-bound for 23 hours a day in excruciating pain for years and no real answers. Pig butcher - the greedy part of the pharmaceutical industry destroying lives, at least that's my interpretation. After seven years he was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease, but by then a lot of the damage was done. He has been working tirelessly since then to repair the damage with stem cell treatment in the US and lately additional treatment in Canada. He is way better now but still on very restricted anti inflammatory diet and has good days and bad. He also has ADHD. His music catalogue is insane, you can't go wrong. Diazepam, Chalk Outlines, Sick Boi, Suicide... You can't go wrong, really! Enjoy the Ren Rabbithole!
I like your interpretation of the pig butcher. I saw it as an interpretation of his external self being the carrier of the internal self- butcher + pig = dealer + product = our resultant selves + who we intend to be.
@@mavzdog Iirc their were 4 takes like you said, but they chose the one they liked the most and used it as the whole soundtrack while the other takes are just used as additional camera angles ;-) So what you hear is literally just one take of the song!
@mavzdog No, he did a few practice runs and ended up with this one take. Many of his videos are one takes. His cameraman is also a genius. They work together to come up with Ren's extraordinary videos. I wish I could remember the name of the cameraman. He deserves so much credit.
as a psych nurse of 20 years, this monologue summed up what I have always wanted to convey about the harder you fight something that is part of you, the bigger and more aggressive the pushback is, as you are technically combatting yourself. In the song the "good" Ren starts of calm and rationale, but as the mocking and critical voice tears him down, the more anger starts to show, and consequently the "bad" Ren ups his attacks to the point of it becoming a literal good vs evil. In the last musical section, Ren becomes really calm, even more than he started off, and conveys to the listener that he not only accepts the alter self, but knows the self confidence that his view is the right way to live a better life requires calmness, not aggression towards it, as it will never resolve any other way.
I’m glad I saw your post. It’s nice to hear a mental health professional say that you always want to convey to people that the harder they fight, the more difficult it is, please keep expressing that to your patients. I asked my psychiatrist to listen to this song until the end, because in all my years of having a psychiatrist and a therapist, no one has said anything like that to me. After listening to this song, what he said at the end gave me a tool that has worked well for me. It’s something that I go back to when I struggle. What Ren said was so incredibly helpful to me, I wanted her (my doctor) to hear it because it’s such a simple thing to say to anyone struggling with mental illness. It’s easily digestible and extremely helpful. I have a great psychiatrist who cares and picks up on little things that I am experiencing, but cannot express. Two people really know me, my wife and psychiatrist… which is good because they both pay attention. They see the signs when I’m going into mania or psychosis and I am clueless to it. I’ve had unhelpful doctors in the past and with multiple mental illnesses.. the person who treats me can either make my symptoms better or worse. I can have intense and destructible episodes, so I’m incredibly thankful to have a really great doctor. Seeing so many doctors and nurses posting about this is great because when you take the time to actually reflect on this video, it shows that you are a good one who wants to truly help people like me, not just get them in and out and on to the next patient. Mental illness professionals can be the difference between life and death, literally and figuratively. So thank you!! Thank you for all of the patients you help.
@@lisas6388 I'm a chatty so and so, to find myself struggling for words is a rarity :) Your response means way more than you could possibly know, thank you
I’ve stopped lying when people ask if I’m ok. “No. I’m not. But thank you for asking,” is what I tell people now. I’m not fighting it now. I leave it to where if someone wants to ask they can and if not then no harm no foul. (In my mind)
One important thing to remember is that Ren eventually figured out what was wrong on his own - after years of being misdiagnosed & given meds that were ineffective &/or made his underlying condition worse. He spent years (at least 4 or 5) so ill that he was skeletal & bedridden with pain. When his own research led him to a strong suspicion that he had Lyme disease, he was met with eyerolls by the doctors & the refusal to retest his blood. He managed to get himself to a specialist in Belgium where his suspicions were confirmed.
Extremely common. You are a product to the hospitals and they have no incentive to make you better. Do your own research as it's likely up to you to figure out what it is you actually need. Has happened to me many times and I'm a generally healthy person.
Kinda - but that’s not how he related events in an interview. In that, he described how he was writing a blog about his symptoms and his quest to try to find a solution, trying all kinds of fringe (and 100% pseudo) medical treatments and spending a fortune on it - and then a doctor from Belgium contacted him and said everything he was describing fit it being Lyme disease. Ren took a chance on the guy and after initial tests showed positive for Lyme disease, had some treatment, and finally had some improvement. So he kinda found it himself by sharing everything he was trying and he was certainly desperately searching, but it was the doctor reading his blog and reaching out to him that put him on the path to the help he needed.
That moment he says we are different to Angels, Demons and Gods, and that we must remember we are Human Beings. You realised just how wise and introspective this piece of art really is. And it was this that we all try to convey.
Ren spent many years being treated for multiple things whilst being repeatedly misdiagnosed for what is actually wrong he's got Lymes disease and has undergone stem cell treatment and having further treatment in Canada
@@65cj55no. Not all states acknowledge Lymes exists in their area/on their deer/in their ticks and it can delay diagnosis. The longer diagnosis is delayed, the harder it is to treat. There was a senate hearing on this in the early 2000s.
From your particular perspective, I would recommend the Tale of Jenny and Screetch (the full trilogy, rather than the individual tales) for a perspective on intergenerational violence and some of the 'nature vs nurture' take that you alluded to in this one. Oh, and it's also hauntingly beautiful and moving and just breathtakingly heartbreaking.
Thank you for teaching the best piece of art in over 100 years to your class. you should have recorded it and there reactions. with parental concent of course
It's interesting seeing a Drs. Reaction on this song. As a schizophrenic myself this song described me. I still get emotional listening to it but it's not like emotionally sad it's almost more like joy that I can show how my day to day is and not feel that they're not really understanding it. But the best part is his analogy of light vs dark and the eternal dance. Ren is a 1 of a kind artist that happens once in a generation sometimes even two. But that's just my observation of him not only as an artist but as a person. He's truly a sweetheart and definitely brilliant.
Totally agree. I genuinely believe that Ren's "Hi Ren" should be a required watch for all medical personnel who come into contact with patients living with mental health issues. I also want to apologise for the fact that you have often not felt seen. I am an ER/A&E doc in the UK and I see a lot of people presenting with mental health emergencies. Problem is, I am only really trained to deal with physical health (I had some mental health training, but it was very basic and years ago), so I have to refer straight to the mental health team, who are underfunded and can take a while to arrive. I've always wanted to be able to offer more/better help in that wait time, but have never found a way that really assists my patients. I always try to empathise and treat my patients with respect and dignity, but I admit that I've always struggled to understand what they are going through. I've read countless books on the subject and none have helped. I've asked for advice from mental health professionals and organisations, but nothing has been particularly explanatory. Exactly as you said - nothing has truly shown even a glimpse of the reality of living with a mental health condition in a way that we can relate to and understand. Ren achieved in 10 minutes what I've been trying to learn for years. I don't expect to fully understand (you can't unless you've been there) but just that little insight, done in a way that everyone can connect with, has helped enormously. Ren truly is a genius and I feel blessed to have found his content. It has definitely helped in my practice (patients and their families seem to appreciate the changes he's influenced, which is what it's all about). I hope it's OK to ask this, but if you have any recommendations for videos, books, content, etc, that helps you feel seen, I would love to hear them because I would love to learn more. Apologies for the essay! Wishing you all the very best 💕
@t-and-p I have found video games based on my disorder now they're based on more minor cases of schizophrenia but they are great for anyone who is more a hands on learner than book smart. I can't think of their names ATM but I'll get the names of the games. There's people on this platform that have played the games too. Here's a couple of the games one is called Schizo created by Karbonated. if I remember correctly he created this based on his friends condition but it's been quite a while since I spoke to them so I may be getting them confused with someone else. The other one is called the schizophrenic simulator by Vampirsci Gaming. The simulator is based more on the more moderate cases . He actually went through PhD notes and medical journals to make it as accurate as possible. and both are pretty accurate unfortunately I have severe case where the auditory and visual never really let up or go away. I could take pills that may help me but it will also cause me to feel like a walking zombie and the hallucinations are more tolerable than feeling like a zombie . And as a mom my children need a mom not a pet zombie. I'll look into the other games and get back to you. I just recently heard about another game called threat of silence I'm checking it out after I send this reply. I hope you have a wonderful day ✨💫
I've watched quite a few reaction videos of this song. None of the music teachers, voice coaches, opera singers, classical music instructors, etc., caught on to his evil side's slight distortion and off-key parts. I am so glad that another non-musical professional picked that up instantly. You earned my sub, sir. I didn't quite put the pieces together until my second and third time hearing it.
Same man like the changes in cords when with talks or when the dark side did his verse it's total chaos and when ren speaks it's shifting between harmony and missing some chords and the deep meaning in the music alone is just perfect
I love this song, I love Ren and I love this reaction. Ren just hits so many spots with this song, it always moves me to tears. He was misdiagnosed for a long time until they finally found out that he had Lyme Disease which caused his Symptoms. He has this talent to tell his very personal story in this powerful way where almost everyone can also see themselves in it. It literally is connecting. And on top of that it’s also such good music. All of Rens music is very good, touching, vulnerable. He is a true artist, who really puts his everything into his music and gives people so much emotion. I myself am diagnosed with BPD and this song also fits my inner Battle perfectly. The line „Some people know me as the voice that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope“ makes me tear up every time. I just love everything about this. And your reaction to it is just absolutely precious to watch.
Something that I love about this video is how every time "bad" Ren comes out the light flickers..... And then at the end it keeps flickering showing that he still has to deal with "bad" Ren.
Powerful and helpful. I have chronic illness - cfs/me and the bit about the eternal dance - the softening towards the illness whilst not giving up believing I will recover is so true and so difficult to do.
I´m sorry to hear that! I hit the wall 10 yrs ago and have been working to rehab myself since then. Would say that I have CFS and never going to be my true self again but I have learned a lot and by accepting my circumstances I have come a long way. Healthcare (where I live) is shitty and I have got no investigation or rehab from them so I have no income and have to rely on my hubby. I can do a lot but have to follow my routines and have a calm surrounding avoiding the stuff that triggers my symptoms. Take a day in town shopping in malls is a big NO NO, hitting med for 2 days afterwards but hiking for a whole day in the mountains/forest is OK. No wonder that some people have difficulties to see me as a sick person... Keep your hope up and remember that hope, accepting and planning is keys to feeling better! Love from Sweden!
@@Passioakka thank you so much for your lovely message. Although I've had the condition for nearly 40 years is only now with this breakdown in my health that I'm trying to accept that I have a disability. Love to you from the UK xx
Do you know how I can tell this ^ man was actually listening? His body mirrored Ren's movements at key points. I love it when people actually record the first time they watch. It's refreshing and also obvious when the 'watcher' has seen the recording before and they're staging their reaction.
This song and video helped me immensely. I hadn't considered it "imposter syndrome" but I definitely see it now. Even the softening thing ... I'm finding that now I can be annoyed with someone in the morning and no longer feel stuck in that emotion when I see them later. The pendulum swings and I'm letting it now. Honestly though, the line "some people know me as hope. Some people know me as the sound that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope" just blows my mind and I've watched it dozens of times now.
If you listen to a lot of Rens music you will find a lot of mental suffering and pain in his lyrics all based on actual real events ..Ren has danced with the devil and still has come out so far fighting and still undergoing treatment for an long time undiagnosed illness caused by a tick bite ,,Ren is not your ordinary artist Ren is what the world needs right now . Through his lyrics people in the medical profession would learn far more than they would ever learn in any university majoring in psychology to a masters degree trust me ..dive deeper into Rens world and there you will learn more than any other psychologist has ever learned ..Ren is not the cure he seeks but he has the answers to all your questions .
I love it when health professionals remember to be perpetual students, keeping themselves open, flexible, and humble so that they can evolve in their practice when new views and new truths present themselves. Loved this reaction. This is probably one of the most influential pieces of art I've ever seen. A testament to the power of authenticity in how it connects people, and how vulnerability is actually an act of bravery.
Three weeks before we lost Sinéad O'Connor, she commented about Hi Ren: "Holymotherfukin SHIT! Someone just showed me this on the weekend. This Archangel from like, twelfth heaven or somewhere, has only gone and made the entire history of song writing look like a three year old's birthday party at Burger King." Indeed this young bard is changing, or going back to, something that has been absent from music for a couple of hundred years. Much enjoyed your reaction/review as I've been significantly helped with EMDR. It worked. "... victims and students..." is my favourite line in Hi Ren. Something I understand. Anyway thanks again and I'd love to hear your reaction to The Tale Jenny and Screech (full version) as products of a system or culture and what we can do better. Many reactors sadly go off on a nurture vs nature debate with this one.
Ren's psychosis was partly the result ifvthe Lyme disease bacteria attacking his brain, joints, digestion and causing constant debilitating pain.getting progressively worse. His mind tried to make sense of his suffering. Antibiotics and the correct diagnosis pulled him out of psychosis but his immune system was and us still ravaged. 2 stem cell transplants allowed him to recover enough to do what he loves,but he is still searching for greater recovery.
@@gigahorse1475 (worth also mentioning) he said somewhere that he was given drugs which gave him bad insomnia and he was averaging 2 hours sleep a night (or something like that.) That’s likely enough to cause hallucinations.
Really interesting to see you take his words on board at the end, in a way that will help you reach other people who are still trying to find their way through the dark. Ren recently released a video celebrating 1m subscribers in which he addresses people who are struggling with some of the lessons he has learnt from his own illness. I think you might like the message.
It's interesting to experience "Hi Ren" from the perspective of a mental health professional. In a matter of weeks, I will be introducing my Dad to Ren. Dad is an 87-year-old PhD in Psychology with a few other degrees from several universities. We always have a great time talking about the craziest stuff - normal for us - most others walk away.
You have helped so many today by simply listening and hopefully sharing as much because this artist and song affects people's lives. It's IMPORTANT to share.
Ren contracted Lyme disease, it was misdiagnosed for 7rs! He was told it was all in his head, the disease and medications drove him into psychosis this is his struggle. Sick Boi is the next track that shows his frustrations. Ren was finally diagnosed and had stem cell treatment he regained some of his health and in still getting treatments in Canada at the moment. I would suggest Sick Boi and Chalk outlines with Chinchilla, these all relate to his story.
I have a general anxiety disorder. It's relatively mild, but still, it's been a thorn in my side, especially the last few years. And I think something that I got out of this piece was that I AM anxious. I don't HAVE anxiety--it's not something that I can keep or give away. I'm anxious, and it's easier to think of it as a part of me that's always there that I can manage. I've heard autistic people speak about their autism the same way--they aren't "people with autism", they're autistic, and that's okay. That's them. I love that acceptance of all the things that make you up.
How exciting to see Dr. Syl react to Ren. I've been catching most of Dr. Syl's videos the last few months and I absolutely love Ren. So a perfect union for me! Great to see him thoroughly enjoy this song and hear his thoughts!
It's sooo refreshing to see someone actually realize that it's splitting and not bipolar. And all the small details you picked up in the beginning (the different muscle toni). I'm a fan. Absolutely fantastic work.
Ren is therapy for so many from one song he helps so many people open up in ways therapists struggle to do in person. First time i watched Hi Ren i had a panic attack but thought i needed to watch it again so i watched someone reacting to it that was the best thing i could do i have watched many times since. One thing i think about this song is it needs to be seen by every one even in schools after a certain age, because how many children kill themselves because of the negativity towards them from nasty comments and bullying to them believing what is said. I went through hell, bullied all through school to the point i attempted suicide twice, and to many issues in my life since then I am a recovering alcoholic 11 years clean I suffer PTSD and other health issues so the majority of bad days over good is high, if this bullying had been dealt with i may have had a reasonable life not the existence i have to deal with now
I love when the dark is speaking the lights flash on and off. It kind of represents how when he was going through psychosis he mentioned it felt like an actual demon messing with him. I love your reaction. This man is something the world needs and he does what he does because it matters.
Fantastic reaction. I’ve seen “hi ren” more than 100 times in various reaction videos, and this was top notch. I’m glad you’re willing to use his words to help others. I think his work is unique, and relatable. I wish I had seen this 40 yrs ago.
Yeah, the emotion this evokes is absolutely incredible. My background is in psychology (psychotherapist with an MSW); seeing someone's take of their mental struggles like this presented a different layer to how I view things now. I see it in a more humanistic manner and less in a pathological way. Given Ren was misdiagnosed for 10 years (he has Lyme disease), someone failed with either not doing an organic workup or failed to test for Lyme disease. Either way, he was failed.
I can’t stop watching this…. This message of HOPE… brings tears to my eyes! It is because it took me so long to understand these concepts! This is why I have always turned to music through Bipolar, PTSD, severe anxiety (brought on by the tragic deaths of two young siblings ten years apart….. and the destruction of what was left of my family…. So much pain and hate for EVERYTHING… moving on to a very destructive addiction). I have found a way to the other side with positivity and empathy for others, being non judgmental of others and trying to be an understanding human being! Life can be horrible but life can also be beautiful….. if you let it! I suffered so horribly to learn these lessons! There is HOPE and so long as you keep trying…. You can come out on the other side!
I loved this reaction video One thing I personally struggled with is understanding my diagnosis when a doctor/psychologist speaks to me. Your analysis was so clear, it shows me you will be a great doctor. At the same time hearing your reaction to the song kinda makes me wonder if this song by itself could help psychiatry students and doctors get the patient perspective during their training. I think the analogies he makes in the song could really help doctors convey the diagnosis to patients or their parents. I have a dark "entity" buried deep inside me, I keep it locked inside and those close to me know how to not trigger it. When it does come out I go for a long run till I'm too tired to let it do damage. Learning to accept it and asking others to accept that you'll never be 100% okay is a hard step to take.
Surround yourself always with those who truly know you and care. Those who we choose to support us, and those who choose to stay and support us, hold some of the keys that we need to unlock our puzzle and continue on. We can't forget that we hold the remainder of those keys! Stay strong! There can be no light without the dark, but day by day and step by step, I can see the light shining brighter with each step that I take. I walk....you run....but we're both leaving that darkness behind us. May you find the peace, happiness, love, and kindness that we all need and deserve. I hope that made sense, and wasn't intrusive.
Absolutely loved your reaction and breakdown of this masterpiece! Ren and his art are helping so many people, myself included. I would love to see your take on the Tale of Jenny and Screech (full version). It's a brutally dark tale yet Ren's masterful storytelling makes it an amazing performance piece. I hope you enjoy the Ren Ride! 💜🦇💚
Thank you for showcasing Ren’s music. You are clearly very observant and I enjoyed your commentary. As far as your specialty in the psychiatric field, you will find a plethora of music from Ren that deals with mental health struggles, grief and existentialism. He clearly used writing and music as part of his self-therapy to help him out of some really dark places. I see many RENegades (Ren’s fans!) have already made several suggestions in response to your request. New sub here and looking forward to following your journey into what Ren’s fans affectionately call the RENaissance. 💔❤️🩹❤️
Right after I heard Hi Ren for the first time I said to myself "That's great. Next time i go in for therapy I'll just tell'em hit play (to Hi Ren)" Thanks for your reaction.
Also impressive is this a live performance. The audio is one continuous take and for the most part the video is also. The director used some cuts from previous takes for the angles, but the bulk of the video is one continuous shot also. This is one of the most important songs in a long time.
This has got to be around the 40th reaction to Hi Ren I see, I never get tired of them, cause it's usually Ren's first song for the reactor, and it's also so unique that the reaction is so entertaining and satisfying, I love seeing the surprise on people's faces!
Ren made a speech a week ago to celebrate 1 million subscribers. That would be a great tging to react to. Is mostly about mental health and gives some great insight and understanding of it. He has Lymes disease btw and still being treated for it.
Great observations, on your first viewing. Ren has put thought into every single note , word , posture , facial expression , tone of voice , light flicker A work of artistic genius .. a powerful expression of self awareness, of mental health, and such a broad knowledge of cultural references. His creative talent is only surpassed by the beautiful human being he is. eta, I admire your chosen vocation .. please never lose your caring humanity ❤
I REALLY liked that. I've pulled up the lyrics to listen again and read as I go to get the full effect. (AND watch the video because I was driving & could only listen 😆) I'd describe him as the Eminem of Wales. 👍 Quite a talented poet/lyricist.
The eternal dance analogy hit home with me so much too, as a patient. I have fought long and hard against my mental problems, trying to achieve recovery. But ever since I came to terms with the idea that I won't recover, but have to find a way to live with it, my problems have become less. Since I learned to dance and gave in to moving with the illness, instead of fighting against it, I'm doing so much better. I always had problems with the word accepting, bc to me it felt like giving up. This dance analogy, with the words 'I learned to soften and to relax', would have helped me so much. I hope it will help in your practice to with your patients.
Oh, I am so glad to see you see this! Isn't it (the performance) and he absolutely brilliant. I watched this many times before my son was admitted to hospital. I'd known there were problems for so, so long, and getting help was near impossible (regional Australi), and before long he was an adult... and so it goes. Ren is a gift to us all. I really hope he hangs in for the long game. He seems to have a rich understanding and means of articulating the struggle of the human condition. I've been working on the same clay sculpture "When your whole world is crumbling, Dance" for the past 7 months, as I've watched my son's life unravel and his admission to the psyche ward. Life is the dance!
I love love this song and I'm in recovery, 10 years now, and I suffer from mental health issues so much so that I cannot work anymore. I always cry at the spoken word at the end.❤thanks for covering this one.❤
I am with you. The performance, the musicianship, the changing dynamic between the lighter and darkers selves are all wonderful - but it is the speech at the end and its expression of acceptance are what I most often reference internally about the song. Great job.
You should read what he went through to get where he is coming from. Many of his followers are people who the medical establishment have failed . I’d recommend Sick Boi next and really hear him, it’s amazing how many medical experts don’t hear him even when reacting to the song .
His duet with Chinchilla, Chalk Outlines is another one that got me. Ive spent the last 5 years addressing a lifetime of issues. That song, with their voices, gutted me in the most cathartic way.
As a new fan of his I've never met another artist who is so violently open and vocal about mental health. I only discovered him a month ago when a friend sent me this mv and said that "I HAD TO HEAR IT!" and I am eternally grateful to him, discovering ren is lifechanging. Loved the reaction and I love that you specified that it's not JUST medication that we need lol !!
too bad the doctors that misdiagnosed him for several years did not test for lyme disease, would have saved him a lot of pain and suffering, but as Ren has said, it also served as motivation and revelation.
I was hoping you’d react to this Ren video! I really enjoy your content, super excited to watch 💙 Edit - Great reaction! Thanks for spending some of your time making such great content for us to enjoy!
What a great reaction video. My absolute favorite part was your completely organic "yea" when Ren stood up out of his chair. That's when we knew he had you. Earned yourself a new sub with that my friend I love showing his video to friends or family to see what their reactions are. My favorite has been my twenty year old daughter standing in silence and awe unable to speak
I agree with another persons comment, try REN’s “Sick Boy”.. bitten by a tick boy..if you really enjoy his story telling then try his trilogy of Jenny, Screech and Violet. Ren also just released a song called “suicide “ dedicated to his childhood friend Joe. He has carried a heavy heart ever since and you can hear it in many of his songs. Raising 21,000 for the RNL who searched for his friends body. Unfortunately he was never recovered. It’s the RENaissance of Ren..enjoy the ride
Thank you so much for checking it out doc. Ren's spoken word at the end had a profound effect on how I deal with my conditions. I'd like to recommend that you check out the video he posted just before Hi Ren was released. It's a VLOG from when he was 17 and right in the thick of his illness. It's such an amazing insight in to the pain he was going through at the time, and what ultimately led him to making 'Hi Ren' ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jaltehH_cNo.html
Thanks. My son ended himself having been diagnosed paranoid schzophenic and manic depressive about ten years ago. He told me how he felt but I couldn't understand, now this talented and scarred young guy has put things, not all but some things into a perspective that I can absorb and understand. Your views and comment were important too. What an amazing young feller Ren is.
I'm sure others have already gone over Ren's backstory. He's got so many good songs to react to though. I think you'll love Chalk Outlines (live version) and Power the most.
Thank you for saying that about schizophrenia. I have been diagnosed schizoeffective and while some people had compassion for me when the voices got really bad, others judged me or were scared of me. Too often I see people laughing at or ignoring people who are clearly struggling with it. They don't or aren't able to put themselves in their shoes to realize the absolute hell it is and how terrifying it can be and how isolating it can be when you want to connect with people so bad and just be normal but the voices won't let you. I am lucky enough to have found an anti psychotic medication that works but others aren't so lucky. The world needs more people like you who are compassionate about it. This song means the world to me. I bawled my eyes out the first time I heard it.
Great reaction. I love that Ren’s music reaches so many groups and walks of like, giving a forum to hear perspectives that normally one wouldn’t be exposed to.
If you're looking for another Ren video to review, Chalk Outlines, Suic!de, and For Joe are all fantastic songs & videos in their own right. All having starkly different feels than Hi Ren. All showcase his incredible lyrical talent, his storytelling, and his musical skill. The pain this man has endured is incredible. His ability to leave his pain naked and bare in each of his performances is unlike anything I've ever seen. How it is his performances pull you in will leave you breathless in empathy, appreciation, wonder, and perhaps most importantly you will be forever changed.
Thanks for doing a reaction video to this. I've watched a few and I think yours might be one of the my favorites because it seems like you really listen to him and take in what he is saying and understand. I've seen some other mental health professionals react so clinically that I think "thank god you aren't my psychiatrist!" 😂 rather than being a clinician with empathy for those with mental illnesses which I think you do beautifully. You add something in your commentary AND are still moved which shows you can at the very least put yourself in someone else's shoes. Thank you for putting your reaction out in the world. Ren has managed to capture with "Hi Ren" so closely my own experiences that I feel seen and comforted. This is honestly one of the most comforting pieces of art I have ever encountered and it isn't just his moments of hope at the end. It is all of it. For me, "Hi Ren" might be the first time that I've seen my experiences truly captured by someone else who has been there. I know he is a comfort to many of us.
I've watched just about every mental health professionals reaction to this available on this platform as well as many other reaction videos and in my opinion yours is the closest and most insightful interpretation I've seen. Rosalie reacts is a good second as music is her other passion so it adds a musical touch as well as the mental aspect. Great Measures has another great perspective in calling it a mini opera that I believe is pretty spot on as well. But you are concise and accurate, and as a health professional you would be someone I would consider seeing or recommending to a loved one due to your obvious passion and observational ability from a small snippet of insight into a situation. I truly hope that for you that the dangers, ugliness and sense of hopelessness that your profession is constantly exposed to, day in and day out doesn't wear you down. I've seen and experienced what that looks like for several years after I tried to get my life back after leaving a piece of my heart, mind and soul in a desert. For me getting the help I needed was like trying to push a car with the breaks on up a hill or maybe walking through quicksand would be more of an appropriate analogy until I finally found someone right for me and even with the incredible help and tools I was given 11 years later I still struggle to a degree day to day and will most likely always do so. But I'm not dead, I'm not homeless and I'm not in prison thanks to someone who dedicated their professional life to exposing themselves and trying to help other people in one of the ugliest, most dangerous and heartbreaking places. The mind. So I hope you have a successful practice, continue to flourish on this platform and you help a great number of people along your journey.
Really interesting reaction, thank you. I follow Ren's work very closely. He is an inspiration to so many and is able to open his heart and mind wide open. You may want to react to 'Su!c!de' or 'For Joe' or even 'Sick Boi' or 'Diazapan'. Just a few of the many Ren tracks with a strong mental health theme. And also, as others have mentioned, his trilogy the Tale of Jenny & Screech Full version. That is another masterpiece. 💕 Edit - you could also try his, 'One Million Subscribers - defining success' speech. In this he refers to his illness and how his success is helping to justify his suffering. There are so many others. It's not known as the Ren rabbit hole for nothing. Thanks again, loving your work too 💕. Aaaagh, can't believe I forgot his collaborations with Chinchilla, 'Chalk Outlines' and 'How to be Me'. Enjoy 💕
Great reaction/education. Thank you for pointing out the injustice of schizophrenia. I have watched several family member suffer with it. Thank you for dedicating your life's work to help.
So funny - watching you trying to assess his mobility capacity within the first few seconds! (Anyone'd think you were a Doctor! 🤣😊} Yes, this is a powerful piece, that touches many people at many different levels. From people with chronic or episodic psychoses of various types, BPD etc. to your standard negative self talk that just about everyone experiences to varying degrees and times. Ren has informed his followers he suffered from undiagnosed Lyme disease. This continued as an untreated chronic condition for many years and was misdiagnosed multiple times across a range of medical / psychiatric settings. He is still receiving treatment for long term sequelae. Clearly, the references to using white noise, and pills, even 'cremating my brain' { ECT? } indicates that he has suffered a number of adverse experiences and probable ADR's from treatment regimes that certainly didn't help, and may well have exacerbated his Chronic Lyme symptoms also. Whilst not being an apologist for mental health services, public services in particular are vastly overburdened and underfunded, and so; yes, people (sadly, far too frequently) do slip through the cracks. It's interesting to hear you discussing antibody testing to exclude an autoimmune condition. My experience is that Lyme disease isn't the first thing we would consider here in Australia, at least not during the first couple of presentations with psychosis. This age group and context being also very dominated by DIP [ Drug Induced Psychosis ] , which may then reveal a more substantial and enduring underlying condition. But it does surprise me that it wasn't explored for Ren in the UK, where Lyme incidence and symptoms are far more common. Ren frequently uses the Pig Mask in a number of his productions, and when asked it's significance / meaning, replies, he leaves it up to his viewers to make their own interpretations. It may have been an image suffered or persistent during a psychotic episode/ episodes, but seems pretty clear [ *See "Sick Boi" ] that this relates to his sense of helplessness, frustration, fear and anger towards numerous mental health clinicians and systems. He clearly portrays them as lacking in empathy and treating him with 'rote' responses and regimes, merely exacerbating his confusion and desperation. And critically; NOT picking up on / responding to his risks of suicide. Ie: Blood on their hands (all over, in fact!) In Sick Boi he struggles to maintain a 'normal' facade- rapidly fracturing. Somewhere in this timeline Ren also lost a close friend to suicide. [ See his recent song 'For Joe' ]. I believe across his work, but particularly with this one song; 'Hi Ren', with his raw portrayal of vulnerability, courage and wisdom, Ren has done more to spread empathy and understanding toward people suffering from mental health challenges than decades of publicly funded community education campaigns.
Love what you said. Ren uses animal references regularly with respect to George Orwell's Animal Farm as brought to the fore in his Animal Flow song and has talked about this in interviews.
Ren Gill, an English artist, who has been transparent and chronicled his years of chronic health problems which he lists on his website as Lyme disease, Mast Cell Activation Disorder, M.E./CFS, ADHD, chronic depression, intermittent episodes of psychosis and bipolar
Exciting News! My online course, Dr Syl's Therapy Skills, is now live! First 20 people will get 20% off - use code: first20 This course is designed for anyone dealing with depression and anxiety, offering you the tools to manage your symptoms through proven techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). Course Curriculum: Feelings (45-60 min) Thoughts (45-60 min) Cognitive Distortions (45-60 min) De-stress & Relaxation (45-60 min) Relationships (45-60 min) With about 5 hours of content, this course is perfect to complete over 4-5 weeks at your own pace. You’ll also have access to an interactive workbook and symptom monitoring throughout the course. Why Enroll? Backed by Research: Significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Cost-Effective: More affordable than traditional therapy. Flexible Learning: Learn anytime, anywhere with 24/7 access. Take the first step towards better mental health today. Enroll Now and start your journey to a happier, healthier you! #MentalHealth #OnlineTherapy #CBT #IPT #Depression #Anxiety #DrSyl Link to footage: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-s_nc1IVoMxc.html What other songs should I react to?
Also... not a music video by Ren wrote a compelling and uplifting speech about defining success to celebrate recently reaching million subs on RU-vid. He has a lot of wisdom and encouragement for those who are suffering
I love that you explained the medical side of it and gives me hope that someone in psychology acknowledges that autoimmune conditions can cause psychosis. As someone that got diagnosed with lupus at 16, I’ve been misdiagnosed more times than I can count. I appreciate as someone with lupus and as a registered nurse that you understand and test for these things before treating with medications that can make you worse. I have absolutely fallen in love with ren’s music and I live your reaction!!!! Thank you ❤
The way I see it, the "evil" part of him is protective - holding him back, keeping him in his comfort zone. But Ren is a genius and he knows it - he can't let himself listen to that protective voice , however extreme it gets. He finds joy in self-expression through music - it feels good and is worth the risk of rejection. Part of him wants it to be enough that some people will like it, relate to it, feel a connection. It makes him feel connected and not so alone. But this other protective part of him makes him feel it, if he's the genius he thinks he is, he has to prove himself and win the acclaim of all. And it's not worthy of acclaim, it's never going to be good enough - who does he think he is, seeing himself as a genius, as special? After endlessly battling this part of him, trying to deny this part of him, trying to be perfect, he realised it wasn't a question of fighting this part of him, but of accepting this part of him, integrating it into his creativity and performances, being bold, taking risks, being his whole Self as an artist.
I feel like I am incapable of scrolling past a Hi Ren reaction at this point. It was nice to see this from someone in the medical field. It is excellent to see he has helped you understand some things on a more personal level. I enjoyed this very much.
Ren is a part of something beautiful happening in the world, right now. We are escaping the cynicism of postmodernism and entering the metamodern. A renaissance of hope and a reach for transcendence. Thank you for this reaction
i think this song can help millions of people if used in actual treatments. Because it is generic enough so that anyone regardless of the severity of their struggle can relate. And the message at the end with the spoken word poetry is crystal clear and so spot on it could not have been said or summed up in a better way.
Thank you Dr. Syl for your analysis of Ren's music video, it was very thought-provoking. Your insights into symbolism, cinematography, and psychological themes added depth to the song's message. The exploration of splitting personas resonated, as we often witness patients battling their inner struggles. The lyrics' emphasis on self-affirmation and imposter syndrome highlighted the importance of fostering self-worth in patients facing mental health challenges. The shift to spoken word poetry as a medium for personal expression was powerful, prompting reflection on how we can connect with patients creatively. I believe your commentary reaffirmed the intricate nature of mental health and the ways art can offer insight into these complexities.
Yes. From what I read, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, but it is commonly misdiagnosed because of the similiarity of the symptoms with other diseases and mental illnesses. When it is misdiagnosed, you can fall in a very deep hell hole and you will need more time to recover. This is exactly what happened to Ren.
Normally, I am not big on politically correct terms but we don't really like "wheelchair bound" anymore. Wheelchairs bring disabled ppl freedom and independence. Thanks !
@@Eat-Meat-Live-Strongfrom what I've seen "wheelchair user" is the correct terminology to use now. Because yeah, as Op said people who use wheelchairs are given freedom and independence... they are not bound by their wheelchairs.
@@AnxietyRat And people who are bound to their wheelchair, because they connot walk or stand, they are also given a little bit of freedom and independense, look at Stephen Hawkins, he was a user, but he was also bound to his wheelchair. People changing words all the time will lead us down a very dark hole. And why call them Disabled People, why not Lessabled People. Diluting the language is never good.
@@Eat-Meat-Live-Strong Even those who are permanently within their wheelchair and are not ambulatory users still usually don't consider themselves bound to their wheelchair, from what that community has told me. I'm sure there are some who do... but the vast majority of those I've interacted with online do not consider themselves bound to their wheelchair regardless of the amount of time they spend in their chair during the day. Nothing about changing the specific terminology you use is about diluting language. It's about using terms that a community feels more comfortable being referred to as. We have to listen to those with lived experience and that is what I'm doing. I am part of the disabled community but I do not use a wheelchair so I'm not a part of the wheelchair community so I have to LISTEN to what THEY say and what THEY deem acceptable terminology to use when talking about their community. And they usually do the same for mental health terminology of which I am part of that community.
Many patients with such insight and insightful Vocabulary as Ren does,, could help clinicians to change their practice to assist more. I love that Ten's words instantly hit home to you. Ren this generations "Bard"
Welcome to the Ren Rabbit Hole Sylvain you are in for one hell of a ride. This was the first song that I discovered by Ren, and like so many of us instantly identified with it because of either a personal struggle with mental illness, or seeing someone close to us struggle. A few lines in this song very much resonated with me, that I will take with me for the rest of my days. And then there was the monologue at the end....the 'eternal dance'. As someone who has had a diagnosis of a significant clinical depression in the past I could not have described it any better. Swinging from the light to the dark, and the shadow that casts over your existence. They are all images I am using personally now in my own personal internal dance to maintain my own awareness of my own internal workings. Great reaction, and brilliant insight from a physician and mental health professional. I will definitely enjoy seeing more reactions to Ren and the social commentary he makes in other work such as The Tale of Jenny, Screech & Violet.
What is amazing about this song/video is not just the lyrics the performance of the song and the singing, that all are wonderful in each of themselves. What amazes me is how wonderful it turned out when it was all done in one take apparently. I'm sure they did the entire song multiple times and they pick the best one of them. But still for him to do this all live and really be playing and really be singing and then his performance on top of that and to do it all in one take and it be done and turn out this wonderful is absolutely amazing to me. This man is the definition of an artist with anything he comes up with. And it's terrible to say but it seems to be because he had such a hard life and is still having such a hard life. With all of the health problems and mental problems he has. .He isn't just a singer he is more and I don't even know if they have a name for it yet. But they need to come up with one because he tells stories with his music. It isn't just singing he talks through some of his songs it's poetry on top of acting on top of musical talent on top of pain and suffering on top of emotion and fear and anger and joy. Ok really there's not much joy in his songs but you get the point. LOL There's just a lot going on and he makes you feel what he feels or what he felt when he wrote the song and when he's performing for you it's absolutely another level..
There are so many facets to Ren and each of his videos. We viewers are fortunate if HI REN is our introduction to both. Each reactor and each commenter creatively deepens the experience. Your response was especially informative and insightful... and I am especially grateful. Thank you, Dr. Syl.
Your feedback made me cry. As someone with an autoimmune disease and chronic depression, your input was really mindful, enlightening, and seeing your emotion makes me feel a little less hopeless when it comes to my fight with doctors. Its so hard feelinf ignored and unheard.thank you for genuinely caring.
Absolutely enjoyed watching you explain this video as you were viewing it for the first time yourself. He is most definitely next level . Thank you !!!
