I BROKE myself - but repairs are progressing nicely 

Take care of yourself Ben, you have taken a massive step by identifying and accepting the issues in your life. ❤️

Honestly, if I were near you, and you didn’t find it inappropriate, I would basically be giving you a bear hug, and telling you how grateful I am for your work and your honesty. So just… thank you.

Ben, as an amateur luthier with full-time ADHD, I have been consistently inspired by your ability to focus on making world-class instruments whilst also managing business functions at Crimson and Vintage Tool Shop. You're an unspeakably valuable asset to the world of professional and hobbyist luthiers, so making sure you're happy and healthy benefits all of us. And this kind of video helps those of us facing similar struggles more than you know. Thank you for what you do, and I wish you the best!!!

It takes balls to open up like this man I’m proud of you .

You could literally be talking about my life, this kicked me right in the feels. Burnout, relationship collapse, depression, burnout again, undiagnosed ADHD. Glad you’re on the mend ♥️

Thank you for sharing your progress with us. I find it almost sad that you feel you have to justify things to us due to change. I can't speak for everyone, but I'm here because I enjoy what you provide. I don't live in a creators world and can't begin to comprehend what it encompasses. Do what interests you. I'll enjoy whatever ride it is.

I am about to be 56 and have struggled with ADHD all my life but have never given it much thought or ANY priority. Hearing you talk about your struggles and help is, in fact, inspiring to me. I also self medicate with food, nicotine and caffeine. My life revolved around the last two. I believe you have inspired me to seek help. Thank you for your openness and honestly.

You are not alone, I am sure this community can relate. I certainly know I do. We love you.

This is a huge reminder of the fact that passion and commitment come with a cost. Take your time to fully recharge. You’re a good man Ben.

Thank you for posting this. I’m currently laying in bed when I should have got up a few hours ago to do something which I used to enjoy. I hadn’t realised but a lot of the things you mention at the start really hit home. I’m burnt out. I bought a guitar a few years ago and immediately came to RU-vid for videos on them where I found yours, I now realise that the guitar was another in a line of purchases I’ve made for the initial feeling of joy over the purchase, I’ve not played it for probably 18 months but I have stuck with your videos. I realise this video isn’t about me but you posting it has made me look within. I hope you can manage to get on top of the distractions and give yourself more fuel for the fire! Thank you again.

Big share that. Sounds very much like a work in progress. Aren’t we all. Sending lots of support, as a simple audience member. Take your time, do not commit back too soon.

Ben, you are a total inspiration to everyone who meets you. I was amazed at your approachability when I met you at the Birmingham Guitar Show. Learning how to restart, restore, repair and respond to your own needs is the biggest challenge anyone can make. But you clearly have an amazing team around you. Take your time on every step. Thanks for all you do. The Ginger Drum Tech

I’m 28 years old, just broke up with my girlfriend of 2 years and have been diagnosed with ADHD in the past 2 weeks, this had me absolutely balling crying and filled with hope at the same time. I don’t think I’ve had as much time to grieve as you have Ben but you’re inspiring me to pursue what’s important in my life. Thanks Ben, long time viewer.

Thanks for sharing this Ben, not enough people talk about things like this. We'll still be here to watch what you do in the future...

Ben, thank you for your honesty and courage in sharing this. I could see it was not easy for you to film. This was difficult for me to watch at times. I was diagnosed with ADHD 2 years ago at the age of 51, and so much of what you shared I could identify with. So many ideas going on my head, so many things I want to do, and yet many days when I am struggling to just keep my head above water, putting in 200% effort, but getting less than 50% out. During the covid lockdowns your channel was a saving grace for me. My dad who is now 95 year old, and his younger brother are both violin makers, and had given me some of their tools and wood as they are sadly unable to make violins anymore. I had all this stuff and didn't know what to do with it, until I discovered Crimson Guitars channel. I have played guitar since age 9, but it never occurred to me to try and make a guitar. From what I have learned from you Ben, I have now built two electric guitars a Telecaster and a 7 string, have just started work on a multilaminate through neck carved top guitar, made 4 cigar box guitars, undertaken numerous headstock repairs and refurbs. I don't think I would have had the confidence to do any of these things without what I have learned from this channel. So I just wanted to say thank you! Take time to heal, give yourself grace, learn to say no and look after yourself. 🙏

Whilst I am heartbroken to learn of your struggles with mental health, I am beyond excited to see you walking positively through the daily battle. I cannot enunciate how sad I am that you have to fight this battle, but you will win and come out stronger on the other side. Much love from me and my family.

Huge respect for sharing. I can't imagine the stress of trying to keep so many people happy... Take your time, we'll be back when you are

I learned so much from you Ben. Thank you! Sending you good vibes

I was choked up by the point he said his MD was "no longer with us"... That has a story behind it that I can attest makes things 100x more complex and difficult. I lost my best friend/bandmate to suicide 2 year ago this month, and having experienced burnout once before 5 years ago, I can wholeheartedly say that ALL emotional/mental health stressors co-combine, layer and interact in a fluid way that almost defies anyone to define it on a day by day, week by week basis... you can assemble an accurate picture only perhaps a year plus down the line, and see your lowest points, errors, mistakes and recovery zones. My friend's death exponentially added to starting a new job in a new area right after a really viciously unpleasant breakup, and it led my into a burnout I was lucky to survive. Three life factors that I've got experience in dealing with in almost total isolation (grief, moving house/job, and breakups)... but in combination, they made my life almost impossibly hard. I made the decision to fight through in all the wrong ways, and ended up having to piece my life back together somewhat. I think another overarching factor is ADHD: I personally credit ADHD with being the most significant reason that I'm able to dedicate insane amounts of mental/physical/emotional/other energy into work/hobbies/life. That has led to me achieving things I thought I was never capable of in a million years, like finding my place in two of the blue light emergency services, and becoming a musician competent enough to fulfil my own dreams, but I also have the ability to run myself to the point of self destruction, way beyond what most people would consider sane. Literally to the point of actual insanity. ADHD is, I believe the reason that I've survived seeing things that I can't believe haven't emotionally scarred or destroyed me. It may be the cause of my chronic low level anxiety, that breeds stagnation and procrastination, but if it is, it's also the cause of me feeling truly alive once I've been pushed out of my comfort zone so hard that I'm somehow calm and confident in situations that are extremely hazardous, and totally unpredictable. ADHD may have been the reason I accidentality found my niche in life, but it took decades of developing coping mechanisms to lead a life that could be considered even remotely successful, either by other people's standards, but most critically, my own... and all of those previously unconscious coping mechanisms (which I'm not entirely familiar with even now I know a bit about ADHD) disappear into thin air when my brain is pushed past a certain point. ADHD overwhelm. That point seems to be very hard to reach generally, but three stressors at once made even doing a simple driving job almost an impossible task. Constant performance issues/lateness at work. Dreading getting out of bed every day. Not eating. Drinking more than I was comfortable with. Unhealthy and unmonitored self medication with nicotine and caffeine. It's so clear now looking back, and I'm learning how to deal with my brain, but man.... ADHD complicates things.

Hey man. I just saw this. I’m all these things: T2d, ADD, guitar builder, dad, divorced, anxiety, depression. It’s brave to be this open and honest. We’re out here. Lots of us. Creativity and all these things you’re beating yourself up for are connected. Be kind to yourself.

It's good to hear an update, for better or worse. My life has been one of getting promoted into jobs I can't cope with, making myself ill, and resigning to start again. I'm going through it at the moment, stepping back from a management role. I'm realising through a group of people where I work it could be ADHD and something I can manage. I need to work out how to get a professional diagnosis though. Hope to see you on the up again.

So sorry to hear you’ve been enduring such troubled times Ben, hope the green shuts of rebalance grow swiftly and equilibrium is restored

Refreshing video, love that you posted it, good on you sir. I'm sure many elements relatable for us. I'd so love to hang out with this chap

Ben - how brutally honest. I salute you, sir. I've lurked but never commented before, but have forever been in awe of your ideas and craftsmanship. Look forward to yet more mad instruments in future.

Take the best care, Ben. You are very influential. Living in a small city in New Zealand I walked into my local guitar shop and asked to talk to their luthier about fret leveling and I referred to you, Ben, and he immediately said "I watch Crimson Guitars too". My very best wishes, Mark (And I shall try to stop sourcing dopamine from a carb rich diet! Thank you!)

Love you, Ben. This self reflection and honesty with yourself is refreshing to see. Inspiring.

Awesome that you are putting this out there - I have recently been going through my own mental health journey, and a lot of what you said resonated. Thank you for sharing

Good to hear your feeling on the up and with great news as well. Look forward to updates at what ever pace works for you :)

As cliche as it may seem, you are the sole reason that I am nearing the finish of my first ever guitar, a scratch build in the ggbo and I’ve loved every second of it! I first saw you at Makers Central in 2018, I’m not a player or even a skilled woodworker, but since then I was hooked, I think I must have watched most of your builds numerous times (mostly the silky oak 🤤) and have learned from every single video! We all love you Ben! ❤

It's great to hear that you are on the way back up and you are taking control of your physical and mental health. I'm looking forward to following along as you take the channel in a new direction. Above all else, please take care of yourself and those closest to you.

Sorry to hear this Ben and you’re not alone. We all keep watching because we enjoy hanging out with you and learning. Thanks for letting us know.

Sad to hear the things you've been struggling with but glad to hear you're turning them around and finding the direction that works best for you. As one of the many you've inspired into luthiery I'm always excited to see what you come up with next, here for it 👍

I'm no expert but I thought you seemed to be happiest during the lockdown- building your home workshop and building outlandish but amazing guitars. Going back to the factory (which in itself is a great achievement, going from a bloke in a shed to a factory, school and tool supplier, something you deserve to be proud of) seemed to take some of the sparkle out of things. All the other problems couldn't have helped either. I'm glad you now know the direction you want to go in and what you have planned for the museum, which I will visit one day. Though I've been slightly obsessed with guitars for nearly fifty years now, yours is the only guitar channel I've subscribed to- it's always interesting, always informative, and sometimes crazily innovative. I wish you all the best for the future

Very brave video to have posted & you deserve a great deal of respect for this. Hopefully it will help yourself & others & wish all the best with making progress.

Thank you for talking about this. I’m struggling with balancing everything in life right now and burning out hard. It means a lot to see somebody I look up to talk about this. And it’s also really inspiring hearing you talk about your ideas for the museum!

So glad to hear you are on the mend. We love seeing you and learning from you Ben. Best to you and good luck moving forward.

Massive respect. It takes an immense amount of strength to put this video out. You are on point about burnout and how it comes in many different forms. All the best in your self-healing 👍

Ben, one can not show enough appreciation for the lessons, skills and humble nature you have shared in the past. But this half hour of just you sharing an honest thought process of yourself and how you're working towards a better you is truly commendable. Many of us have a facet of ADHD, Autism or other disorders that we deal with daily. It is not always diagnosed or recognized personally and when issues arise we do not always have a path out. Introspection and humility are paramount in pursuing freedom from the hidden chains that either hold us back or in some cases drag us along a winding, slippery curve of a road. You seem to have the bull by the horns here and though at times it will be a twisting battle I do believe that you possess the meddle to forge this newly exposed Ben into the 'Happiest MF'ng Grumps' your future grandkids deserve. I look forward to your adventures in learning new skills because I have learned quite a few tricks from you in the past years from the builds, teardowns and repairs you have shared with us. Oh, do not at anytime give up on the museum, that's legacy capital there. It's a major 'Pay it forward' move and will not only inform but more importantly it will inspire. Again, thank you.

Thanks for sharing Ben! You are on a great path of recovery and self-discovery! Can’t wait to watch along and see where all of this takes you!

Thank you Ben! There truly are many of us going through experiences like this individually, yet together at the same right now. I know it takes a lot to put it in to words, and you did a fantastic job. Your efforts are so appreciated!

Hey Ben, I just found your videos a couple of weeks ago. I've been a woodworker for a long time, but recently got into playing bass and am in the process making my own. Your videos have been invaluable. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate all the work you've put in. I've also got ADHD, and wasn't diagnosed until I was in my late 20s, a little over a decade ago. Figuring that out and addressing it was one of the most important things I've done in my life. You've got this, and you'll come out the other side better than ever.

Hi Ben, hopefully you can feel the outpouring of love and concern for you on here. We’re all routing for you mate. I e said it before on a few messages, your videos are what got me through the covid years, they were the escapism I needed from all the sh1t that was going on at the time. Realising you have a problem is the first step and seeking help, is the second. It’s a long road but you’ll get there and remember, your health comes first, your videos can wait, unless they’re helping get through things. Take care of yourself!

I can relate to so much of this Ben, thankyou for your bravery and vulnerablity in sharing what you've been going through. Sending you all my best.

All the very best Ben, and thanks for sharing. Your Luthiers skills, bravery and your openness is a total inspiration to all of us ! Keep going mate, onwards and upwards !!

Last year I came to your workshop for 2 weeks course after having a burn-out myself and found relief in working with you and your team (Josh, Sean, Mat, Ricky, Sophia...) In that great environment you created. Probably also in inhaling large amount of wood dust. Every situation is different, take care and take the time you need to get better. Cheers from France

It's wonderful to hear that you are finding your coping mechanisms. I am extremely happy to see that you have taken the steps to seek help. This will be an exciting time for you, Ben, but not all excitement is what you would expect. One day at a time, my friend!

Ben, you have been a huge influence and I love your work. So happy you are on the mend and sending you positive vibes. Keep up the great work, you got this!

I’m so glad you’re taking care of yourself and still continuing on with teaching Your creativity and skills is/are amazing to watch!!! Best to you on this new path!!!

This is still a great channel, you're still a Fantastic Artisian and I hope by God's grace everything goes well with you, your family, staff and plans

Thank you mate for being so honest. I really thought you were living a dream life that I could only be jealous of, as would love to have your skills and knowledge and be able to do everything you do with your hands and brain to make guitars into a joy to play and admire. However, people - to my surprise - think my life is a joy as I found out in the last year, and that my head is fine and as such I get to hear all their problems and they tell me they wish they could do what I do. It just goes to show a) how good we are at putting up a front to the world and even our best friends at times, and b) how even the apparently happiest people, very often are not that simple to define and have inner turmoils. Glad you're on the road to the "sphincter of light" lol. Keep a sense of humour and hopefully you will find the new, improved you at the end. Love your channel and love Crimson and buy a load of your tools. You are doing brill mate but take care of yourself first and foremost 👍👍👍👍

You’re a terrific person and gifted teacher. I trust you will get through this struggle. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

I have also been having a similar journey with diet, understanding moods and my health in general. Water seems to be a big key factor. I've found that dehydration, working long hours and self medicating in the wrong ways have greatly contributed to my burn out and me being a proper Asshat to the ppl I care about.. It took a long time for me to face my truths but, funny enough over the last 6 months I've come to see and except that changes have to be made. I say this as to relay to you and everyone here that reads this that, we are together and not alone. I am now a 45 year old male and these topics were not something that was spoken of or acknowledged while I was growing up. It was taught that silent suffering is what makes us strong men and woman however, that was and is not at all helpful or accurate. Honesty with ourselves and in the choices we make are what can make us truly happy and there can be no other way. Thank you so much for sharing, you have helped so many. I feel blessed that we live in an age where these issues have come to light and we have the ability to share and grow through them. You,your craft and your words are greatly appreciated :-)

Long time follower here… Thanks for sharing, man!! Iv been recently diagnosed with ADHD (38yo) and hearing your “testimonial” helped me to understand a bit more a out the process. Cheers!

Quality over quantity - you always provide such high quality content. You cant pour from an empty cup and theres absolutely no shame in needing a break or having to shift focus. Youre an incredibly talented luthier, seem like a very nice guy and deserve the life youve worked so hard to achieve. You owe no-one an explanation. Rest up. Take care and come back stronger for it - from a fellow adhder who cannot stand boredom 🤘

Thank you for the update Ben. It was clearly not easy for you to film and convey but I wish you every success in your endeavours and in refocusing on the things that make you happy. I'm saddened to hear how much it has cost you personally and hope and trust that things will get easier for you as you progress towards more positive outcomes and regain your perspectives on what truly matters to you. I want to also express my deep and sincere gratitude for all the skills and knowledge you have shared with us all so freely over the years and I'm certain that I'm not alone in that regard. You have contributed more than you know to so many and are loved and respected by us all. It is richly deserved. Please look after yourself Ben and I look forward to sharing your ongoing journey with great pleasure and anticipation. 🙏

Having lived with chronic depression since my teens , had many breakdowns, burnouts, and too many stays in psychiatric care , I can agree that talking about mental health is not the taboo that it once was . Before , you could tell someone you had cancer and they'd happily talk to you about it , but say you had depression and they'd say oh... It's great at the peaks , when you can do ten things at once all day long. Ultimately though you become too involved to spot the precipice approaching , until it's too late to grab onto anything , and then you're in free fall . But now you're here , and you're talking about it , so though you may not be out of the trough, you are climbing , which is enough for now . Having made that journey many times , I sincerely wish you a safe passage back into the light. Just put as much dedication into self repairs as you do into your work, and all will be well again.

I recently visited the Workshop/Factory in Dorchester and I was blown away by the fact that you have built all that in the short time that you have - and I think anyone would be - it's an unbelievable achievement . I can only imagine the amount of stress, blood, sweat and tears involved in the day to day. Take a bow man you're an incredible human. Not very many people could do what you've done.

I've lived with ADHD my entire life, only learned I had it at the age of 37. I congratulate you on your self discovery, it's not easy to learn something about yourself yet at the same time it's also validating. It explains why you do what you do, and that the solutions are within reach. Welcome to a whole new world, and welcome to the family. You got this!

Bless you sir, and well done taking control and looking after yourself! This video has struck a few chords with me; thank you for sharing this, for all the past videos that I've enjoyed, and I look forward to seeing where you go from here, moving forward.

Good on ya Ben, excited to see what’s coming. Yourself and the team across all iterations of the business are a true inspiration.

Discovering ADHD was real absolutely changed my life.

I'm 58 and found out a few years ago that I have ADHD also, although I'm really ADD. Fortunately for me the coping strategies I had developed were not harmful. I'm sure things will improve for you once you work out what you can and can not do. Sending kind wishes to you and your family.

appreciated the sit down and good talk. reminded me what i subscribed for. sending lots of love. take good care!

Hi Ben, this is an awesome thing that you are putting out there for the whole world to see and hear- I too have recently been through my own mental health travails and I am still doing so and it so far has not been fun,having to step back from the Charity that I helped to found has been the first step on my road to recovery. It is not easy and it takes a special person to actually admit to having issues that are beyond their control and seeking help is/was the first giant leap. Congratulations on taking the first steps to recovery. Thank you for this video, it is a fantastic example of someone getting better.

Mental health is important, and sadly still quite a taboo for a lot of people to talk about - or even express. Living with a mental health issue isn't easy. Depression suck the life out of you. I wish you all the best.

Thank you Ben. I suffered a breakdown earlier this year and I appreciate your being so open about the topic. I'm so glad you're seeing a way forward and I wish you all the best for the future.

Thank you Ben, I'm glad the end of the tunnel is in sight. I'm going through a similar crisis myself and this video made me think about changes i can also make. All the best!

Sending love from the US, Ben. You've inspired more people from across the world than you know. Happy to hear that you're on the mend and getting back into everything that you love! Take care, Sir!

Thank you for that video. I got teary eyed, seeing many connections to my life, my "repairs" and my inner thoughts. I wish you all the best! Keep going, in your pace!

You have all of my support and understanding Ben. So sad to imagine what you've been thru, but I'm glad to hear you are handling this situation. I understand the need to reorganise your entire life to be more focused, and also that all of this will reflect on Crimson Guitars and this channel too. I strongly appreciate all the material you shared with us in the past, because I'm one of the many that, thanks to your teaching, have built their own guitar from scratch. I'm so proud and happy with the end result, and this is thanks to you! I'm sure that all the stuff and changes you are thinking will be amazing, because you're not just an incredible craftman, you are an artist! Thank you, Ben!

Thanks for sharing Ben. Your videos started me on a path that has so far culminated in my first refret being completed. I wouldn’t have taken that plunge into fretwork without your channel and I appreciate what you do!

Ben you touched my soul with this video. I became a carer for my wife 6 years ago following (admitted) medical malpractice, resulting in her losing the use of limbs and the ability to speak. Throughout this time I too have been fast approaching burnout. Your words and insight have offered me so much hope. Bless you, please keep well, and thank you. x

Thanks so much for your honesty Ben, so much respect for you. Learned so much from your channel, thoughts are with you. Take care of yourself and the family

Thank you Ben! Thank you for you expertise, passion and your honesty. Look after yourself and I have no doubt the rest will fall into place. ❤

I hope everything gets back on track. Just take care of yourself and remember you have a lot to be proud of. You inspire a ton of people. Thanks for everything! We will be here with you!

Thanks for sharing Ben. Really glad to see you're on the mend

So sorry to hear what has been going on, Ben. Glad you are working through it, and praying for your continued strength in this time.

Good seeing you around again, Ben. Glad to hear things are getting back on track and moving forward! If you fancy taking some time out and shoot some arrows around some woods give me a shout!

Respect for you sharing this Ben. I myself am going through some issues, I cannot focus on things, lack of genuine enjoyment and irritability. It is good to step back and review what's going on.

Ben. Thank you for sharing with your extended on-line family. We are here for you as you have been for us over the years. I think that a part of my love for your content was the fact that I truely understand and see myself in what I see in you. Please know that bravely opening up will help others recognize and seek help with issues in their lives. You are friggin' AWESOME! Your content is inspirational, educational, entertaining, eloquently presented and down right fun! I absolutely love that you are not satisfied with making another Strat or LP copy. You go where no one else does and you create masterpieces! Thank you.

Hi Ben, I really appreciate your honesty, thank you. I had no idea that you were going through this, although there have been times I have wondered where the energy was coming from as you never seemed to stop. Theres a lot in what you said that I recognise in myself and I'm trying to find my way through it all atm, so I can relate to your situation. So pleased you have good people around you and I'm sure you'll get through this with their help and support. I wish you every success in your new ventures, I shall be watching closely! You have taught me so much about how guitars are built and the tools used to make them. I will come and make a guitar at Crimson, and visit the museum. see you soon

Thanks for sharing Ben! Definitely have found your videos, story telling, teaching and guitar building very inspiring! I'm part way through 'restoring' my first guitar and I'd say watching your videos has definitely had an impact on my 'lets find out' / burnt it / 'have fun' mindset through the wave of emotions in this process! Best wishes from the Gold Coast, Australia...

I saw your video just in a moment I felt bad myself. Thank you, you helped me a lot. You are such a creative and interesting person and I wish you all the best!

Cheers, Ben. This meant a lot to me. It's extremely generous for you to share this with your fans, myself included. In the final analysis, you are a gifted artist and luthier. I don't know what the hell drove you to become that, what effort or desire. But that's what you are now. And history is absolutely full of magnificent artists who did not have the chance or social conditions or courage - whatever - to attempt what you are attempting now. So keep fighting, please, and keep trying to construct a life that allows you to continue what you've already accomplished! We've got way too many stories of this or that truly great artist flaming out, way too early, because "such is the life of an artist." Bull! You can have both, and it's super encouraging and instructive for aspirants like me to see you working through issues like this! Your work is astonishingly beautiful and accomplished. Find your spot and keep doing that! I don't care if it means scaling back, or course-correcting the path of your enterprise. Do it for yourself first, because in that respect you're also doing it for people like me!

I’ve always appreciated you and the channel. There’s details and builds l like better than others but YOU as a person l have kept coming back to watch. Blessings to you and your family.

That was a very brave post, Ben! Keep on keeping on. You have a lot of good people rooting for you!

Thank you for being brave and sharing your journey. Praying you continue your "self repair" You really have had a positive influence on so many of us

Dude, thanks for sharing this. Feeling it a bit myself atm. Too many things! I don't suffer from mental health issues but people in my family have for years. All the best! Tie a knot and hang on until you're strong enough to start climbing again!

Wishing you the best Ben. This sounds like a great way forward, and I'm looking forward to see that new Sh!t you are super excited about, when the time is right. Take care

I found the story of the evolution of the guitar museum just as interesting as the build videos. Just as a light digression from the serious issues discussed here I couldn't stop looking at that guitar hanging beside Ben. Whenever Ben does talk videos he should always have that beautiful guitar beside him.

Take care of yourself dude, love watching your videos and have done so for years but I fully recognise a lot of my own issues in what you have said here. Look forward to seeing the museum for myself when everything is complete, but do that, and everything else at your own pace. You have an army of supporters that will be here for you :)

Thanks for everything Ben, I'm glad you are on the mend. Please continue to take care of yourself!!! And I can't wait to see what comes next...

Thankyou for sharing Ben. You weren't only burning the candle at both ends, you lit a couple of flames in the middle too. Anything that highlights the importance of and reduces the stigma of mental health is good and that we should all take a step back and ask for help when needed. I am glad that repairs are progressing and that you are putting in place some guide rails and safety barriers - and have learnt more about yourself in the process. At the end of 2018 - I was in a massive personal and professional rut, and then a video of yours appeared in my feed - "How to take a kit guitar and make it great" It started me on a journey of restarting my playing of guitar - after 3 decades of not doing so - as well as igniting a new passion of learning how a guitar is made or can be made better. Like you - I love learning about "stuff", seeing where it can be adapted to whatever else I'm doing and passing it on. This new-found hobby(ies) and your videos are what carried me through the darkest days of the pandemic and possibly one of the reasons why I'm glad to still be around to write this. And why I really love my life. Take care of yourself Ben and know that you are equally loved by this community.

My respect to you Ben. Thanks for sharing your personal story we are blessed to have you here imparting your knowledge. Take your time we are here for you.

Take good care of yourself and deeply, sincerely, thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world. I hope to come to the UK next year and attend the classes

Thank you, and love you Ben. I’m with you as you grow and evolve. You are one of the few public people whom I follow purely because of the unrestrained joy you get from doing what you love. Every time your eyes sparkle with the delight you get from doing what you love it gives me joy too. Whatever you need to do to keep that sparkle. We are with you!

Ben, hearing you, I recognize myself. Thank you for sharing this. You brought many things up that I need to rethink for myself now. You're a fantastic person, and you inspire so many people. Sending you a friendly, solid hug. Looking forward to seeing your new projects.

You are awesome!!! Everything that I’ve seen you create has been amazing! You inspire others to create and see things a different way. I can’t wait to see what you do next.

So glad to hear that you're finding the right fork in the road. Love your videos and have learned a lot. I've done two basses and a guitar so far. You are so appreciated. Stay Well!

Sorry to hear of your marital and health problems and truly happy to hear of your quest for wellness. Thank-you for sharing this quest with us and a glimpse at some of your future plans. Please take time to be with your children as they should be your most important project both now and in your future. My wish for you is to "be well and be happy".