The amount of supportive comments is overwhelming. Thank you all very much for your support, kind words and for sharing your stories and experiences. Although this was never my intention I can't express how grateful I am and how much this is helping me. By reading all of your stories and experiences with mental health I would like to encourage you all to keep sharing your stories and keep supporting each other. Unfortunately I can't seem to keep up with replying to each and everyone of you, but I'll try to read every comment and if I don't reply be assured your comment, story and support are very much appreciated. Thank you all very much and take care!! Daniel
Take your time, breath, enjoy the moment. We will be here when you're ready to share. Thank you for bringing joy and education in your videos. See you next time.
Anxiety and depression are really treacherous conditions. You already made a huge step by recognizing it and asking for help. Sharing it here is also a big step that requires a lot of courage. Take your time, feel better and good things will come.
Managing your mental health is so very important. Your honesty and transparency during this difficult journey is a wonderful thing and will undoubtedly help many others.
Hey brother your not alone. I have gone thru the exact same things before in my life and it's NOT any fun. You have to keep fighting it and stay positive about life in general. I feel blessed I'm alive and healthy and try to keep looking forward and positive. You have too much talent to let it beat you. Keep the faith!!
Hi Brother, Thank you very much for the encouraging words. I will keep faith and keep on fighting. It might take a while to get back in the saddle but I'm sure I will get there.
I salute you Man and a big howdy to ya from a home grown Oregon country boy now living in the German jungle. You got a gift. In my time I've known carpenters, cabinet makers, klavier baumeister, carvers from logs to spindles but what you do and the amount of love you put into your work is unique. You know you're your worst critic. And your work shows your true self. Your patience is out of this world and I really respect that. What do they say? "Its all in the details". Well Brother, you mastered it. Hang in, sending love to ya and hope to see more of ya. I just stumbled across your channel as I build myself and I found it so easy to watch ya. I got my 75 year old mom watching now. She lived it up in west coast growing up in the 60's and loves guutars. Hey, highfive, take care.
I have severe anxiety disorder and have spent years trying to come to grips with my mental wellbeing. I applaud you for accepting your situation and finding the courage to seek help. It took me far to long to ask for help, a few years later and I feel so much better. Thanks for sharing your struggles so that others will know there is help available. I wish you nothing but the best.
Hey Daniel, good to see you. I'm sorry to hear that you are having these issues. We all have our demons, which manifest themselves in ways you don't expect. You are a good builder and are a very good orator. Having suffered similar issues over the years, I really feel for you. Try to be as positive as you can, but whatever you do, do not rush to get back. We will all be here for you when you are ready. God bless.
Those who haven't experienced this level of anxiety can find it puzzling that it be so debilitating. Everyone's experience is different but for me it is something like a phobia but without a specific cause. In one attack it felt as though the buildings around me had suddenly become dangerous and threstening. So thank you for your honesty and for spreading the message. Take the time you need and we will be here when you are ready.
My GP explained it to me very similar. The severe anxiety comes from a phobia which sometimes is very hard to define but no less crippling. Very hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it themselves. Thank you for your comment.
Hello Daniel, I admire your bravery for posting this video the stigma of these issues hurts my heart. If your struggle helps one person address their situation you will have been a blessing to all who suffer. Bless You and THANK YOU!
Salut Daniel. J'imagine par ou tu passes ...j'ai vécu un long passage de ce genre. Mon truc pour m'en sortir a été de relativiser ma vie selon la réalité qui était pas mal meilleure que ma PERCEPTION des choses (ma famille allait quand meme assez bien, santé physique no.1 ,etc...). Par la suite la philosophie stoicisme m'a beaucoup aider ainsi que la pratique de la cohérence cardiaque qui m'a amener par défaut a la meditation. Tu es un magicien ! un artiste de tres haut niveau et un bel etre humain a ce que je vois et entends . Tes instruments sont merveilleux . Ne soit pas surpris si tout ne revient pas a la normale d'une semaine a l'autre ...ca peut prendre jusqu’à 8-10 mois avant que ton intérêt et amour de ton art revienne a la vie plus calme d’auparavant. Don't give up !!! on t'aime !! ;) Dan from Québec Edit: Magic mushroom help me a lot also...
Please know that as you are - without anything more - you have inspired me to do these projects. Our imperfections are good - those show our personality. How each person does something differently shows what that individual finds the most important parts of the task. If everything were perfect, we would not know what the individual felt it was most important to focus on. Personality coming out is impossible with perfection. I want to know which parts the craftsman finds most important when building. That is personality coming out. I am proud of you for acknowledging that this is happening - assessing is important to becoming who we want to be. I am praying for you and pulling for you buddy! I am not critical of imperfection - I appreciate and understand the beauty and power of imperfection.
We appreciate your honesty about this issue. Just know we are here for you and your work. You do some great stuff and we appreciate not only sharing your process, but sharing your feelings, too. We all go through these things-it’s what makes us human. Take it in your own time, we’ll be here when you are ready.
Anxiety, what a waste of a feeling! It can end up stealing years of your life and for what?! I eventually found myself getting annoyed at it. Once I read up on it, learnt about the symptoms etc, I found it kind of took the sting out and just pissed me off more instead. Try not to put pressure on yourself too, it's not your fault for feeling that way, it's just something that happens. Anyway it's all good Daniel, take the time you need but don't let it steal your life and well done for coming on and speaking about it. Nothing to be ashamed of, I think the majority go through it to some degree through life.
I struggle with anxiety and depression as well. It takes a lot of courage to be open about it. Thank you for your transparency. Focus on you are your family. Your guitars are amazing, but they can wait until you feel better. You are inspiring Daniel!
From another who has been down this path: you are not alone. There are millions of us out there and we take strength from the courage shown as we tell our stories. You are a strong and beautiful person and you are loved.
It's good to talk openly about these things - so many people suffer from anxiety and depression, but do so in silence, so that people around them are not aware.... Your workshop should be a respite from the stresses of your life - not add to them, so if making the videos is causing stress, then don't do it..... Take your time, enjoy being in your workshop again - if and when you are ready to start making videos, that's fine, but you should do it for yourself.... I have only just discovered your channel, and have been enjoying the videos - you do nice work, and it's good to watch your careful and meticulous approach. I have subscribed so that if/when you are ready to make another video, I will see it. In the meantine, I hope things are going well for you. Take care....
Though I've only experienced mild depression & anxiety in the past, it was enough to give me an appreciation for how serious an issue it can be. When I start to feel that way I don't try to fight it too hard & beat myself up about not making the progress I would have liked. I'll go away & do something else & go back to the workshop when I'm feeling more possitive. That works for me, but fortunately my symptoms are mild & sporadic. Take your time & don't be to hard on yourself. You're doing the right thing by talking about it & seeking help. I'm sure you'll prevail in time. Beautiful new workshop by the way. This video is the first I've seen & I'm looking forward to watching the process.
one thing that has helped me the most, alongside medication and therapy is physical therapy.. cervical and spinal mobility exercises, back muscles exercises.. we tend to be a lot of our time seated on the computer, watching our phones or working, looking down with "forward head posture".. that generates a lot of disconfort and overall tension in our body and minds.. 30 to 45 mins of low to mid intensity mobility and strenght will help you a lot and will help with your sleep too.. hope this info is as helpful as it has been to me
It’s an important step to share and speak out about your experiences with mental health - you’ll absolutely come out the other side. Incredibly brave, and it will inspire others to talk about their issues too. You’re one of my favourite luthiers on this platform, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve taught me. Keep at it. Thanks, Daniel. Good luck with your journey.
I know what you are going through! been there myself, including insomnia. There are a million advices to give but none that will change anything as this is a path you have to walk yourself, the only thing I can say stay close to yourself things will turn for the better, they always do!
Take your time, depression is a big deal and your mental health is extremely important. I’m glad you’re working through it! You’re in my prayers man. Your videos have been extremely influential in helping me get started making guitars, a lifelong dream. You’ve done some really impressive work and the way you explain things is really helpful. By the way, your video about how to create radius blocks saved me a ton of money when I was about to buy some radius blocks. Thanks!
Came across an old video on the radius sanding block and made me think of you, hope you’re doing well! Looking forward to more videos from you again! Take care!
Hi, I admire your courage and honesty. You are not on your one, many of us suffer the same and have to push through this battle that we struggle to understand. Hope to see you back on top again soon. Love and greetings from Queensland, Australia.
Dude, this video is SO important. I enjoy watching your channel because of your honesty - it's seems very obvious to me, that you strive to be the same person on camera as you are off camera (a somewhat rare experience on youtube IMO ;-) ), and especially talking about hard issues like this one makes the sincerity and honesty so much more important. I hope your video help others, but most of all I hope it helped you a little bit to make the video. All the best!
I watched last night, but only got around to commenting today. I've had 2 anxiety attacks, one when building my house myself with no experience and panicking at the amount of work I took on, and one more recently after driving from Ireland to Italy on a motorbike and realising how far away from home I was and how much of an undertaking I'd brought on myself. In both cases what helped, was letting the emotions run their course, sitting down, making a plan. Just small things, but taking 1 step at a time. 1 win at a time. You're such a talented luthier, and the anxiety is around making things perfect - you're transferring your approach in making perfect guitars into having a workshop setup perfectly from day 1 that will do you until the end of time. But it won't. You'll always want to make a change to your workflow, or move things, or change where an outlet is. I've redesigned my garage a hundred times in my head and I'll probably do it a hundred times more. Maybe embrace the uncertainty and trust that if you do ever need to move something, you have a serious set of skills to pull it off. For now, make a simple chopping board for your kitchen. You'll have it done in an hour and completed a wood project from start to finish giving you a boost not only physically but mentally. And you'll get to see a little more of what workflow you use in the Unquendor workshop too. We believe in you Daniel!
I'm lucky that my hobby is my job, but suddenly the anxiety came, just like you, it started to be difficult to go to work, anxiety was killing me, I had to quit for a while, at that time I embarked on building a guitar, one of my favorite channels is yours, I've spent hours watching you and envying how you work. It relaxes me to see you, you are therapy for me. A big hug and let's recover little by little.❤
Just know that you are loved and supported by many. Your talent and ability to teach your craft was my inspiration to get into making my own guitars. Take as long as you need brother. I miss your videos, but I miss you more. My wife teases me when my workshop in the basement gets messy and says "Daniel wouldn't like your dirty workshop!" We both wish you the best. I never had anxiety before in my life until I took on the responsibility of caring for my elderly parents. The responsibilities got to be overwhelming for me and it took me a long while to get through it. My dad's passing was fast, but painful to me. He was on hospice at my home and died in my arms. We were very close. He passed in 2015 and my mom lived until 2019 but she had dementia which was very difficult for my wife and I to learn to cope with. Right after my mom passed, covid hit and normal life got weird. The band I was playing in stopped playing because all the bars were closed. Losing my parents and my bandmates I played with for 25 years was a lot to handle in a relatively short time. The smallest things would stress me out. It just felt like overload all the time. I went through stages of anger, depression, and lack of motivation to do anything for a while. It was a day to day progression to get passed this road bump. With the support of my family and friends, slowly I got back to being me again. You will too. No doubt. I think after I went through all that is when I found your channel. It really did inspire me to do something new and you can take some credit for helping me get back again. Don't worry about replying. You don't need to add any stress. Just know we all care and want you happy and healthy. Love ya brother.
Brother, you have a brand new workshop. You're an awesome builder and a great human being. Seek peace in your new space and give yourself over to the passion you have for your craft. Maybe do a build and not film anything on that first build. Just get yourself back into the frame of mind you need to be in to create. You'll find your way back to this brother. I feel certain of that. Peace & Love my friend.
As alway thank you very much for the kind words and the support my friend. It might take a while but I'm sure I'll get on top of this and get back to making guitars and enjoy myself doing it.
So sad to hear that from you, Daniel. Take your time and get well soon. Can't wait to see you back building your guitars, just because it will tell us that you are feeling better. You are an incredibly talented craftman, and I'm sure you will soon have the success you deserve. Good luck buddy, I wish you all my best!
It takes a lot of courage to put out a video like this Kudos to you !!!! I have been going through a similar situation due to my job stress , I have 2 guitars that should have been finished 4 months ago but every time i start to work on them I get stressed and have to walk away .. l ended up leaving them alone for quite sometime and was actually able to finish level sanding over this past weekend .. Hang in there and take it one day at a time . When you are ready to build another beautiful guitar i'll be ready to see it . Best wishes !!
Sometimes we need to step away from what we love to breathe, rest and think about clear goals. I'm also a luthier who acts only on Saturdays (my hobby) and I often feel these symptoms described by you, because I only have 8 hours a week to dedicate to something I really love doing. And I have to do in these 8 hours, everything I've been waiting for all week. Many times I don't succeed and I get very frustrated. Unfortunately, we have to learn to manage emotions versus what should be done. It's part of life. We are cheering for your return, healthy and above all, happy with what you do.
Try to get help and become healthy man. You have so much sir. Don t throw it away. As long you keep moveing you are on the winning side. Viva la NL . Greatings from D .
This hit me hard. I'm not having panic attacks, but I've been avoiding the shop. My current build for GGBO has been difficult. When I think about building I get excited, but when it comes time to go to the shop and work I think about all the crap I have to fix, I just can't bring myself to do it. I truly believe posting what you do on YT adds a layer of stress that can be overwhelming. It's ok man, we all have shit we're dealing with. You take whatever time you need. I think your audience is a patient one and we get it that you need to have a life outside of this. Much love and good vibes. - David
Thankyou for sharing Daniel, it was most likely an uncomfortable experience to do so but I appreciated you taking the time. One of the main reasons I watch your channel is you! Your personality, your calmness, your ability to explain clearly (even when language difficulties arise), your skill and your passion for your craft these are the things that keep me engaged. I certainly look forward to more videos but more importantly I sincerely hope you continue to regain your mental health. All the best, Scott 🇦🇺
When I was 15 some dam inside of me broke and I had panic attacks almost every day for more than a year. I was terrified, I didn't understand what was happening to me or why, and I felt worthless and broken. I have learned a lot since then, but I know that feeling too well. I hear you, and I'm sorry you're going through it. You have probably been overwhelmed with advice in the last week, but I THINK THIS ONE MATTERS. In my opinion the most important truth to recognize is that your feelings and behaviors are not symptoms of "who you are"--rather, the kind of person you are falls out of the choices you make. This is a harder thought to face up to when you are making choices you aren't proud of, but comfortable delusion helps nobody ever, and it also means that no matter how deep down the hole you go, you can always, ALWAYS climb out of it. There's no unavoidable fate with this stuff, and there's no shame in treating yourself better. I implore you to chew on that if you haven't already. I'd like to say this too: I am currently in the process of planning to build a guitar for the first time. I don't know any luthiers in real life, so your channel and others like it are the primary resources I have available to help me make the best instrument I can. Hopefully one that I will have for decades. Your generosity in sharing what you know and your care in doing so thoughtfully and thoroughly are incredible blessings. For whatever it's worth: even if you are not getting much done right now, the work you have done in the past is still benefiting people like me in perpetuity. Thank you. Much love and stay safe.
Know that you are not alone for everyone is fighting their own battles. Your candor and bravery are an inspiration and I wish you peace and continued strength. Love your work and all the videos- we will be here whenever you are ready to share the next build.
I suffer from Depression and Anxiety and I know what you are going through. I wish I had some magical advice, that would help get you over this hill, but I do not. I know you can overcome this, just as I've watched you overcome many problems before. Whether it's figuring out neck angle, pick up placement or depression, you have the tools to address the problem. It may take time but you have it in you, brother. In one of my darkest times, I discovered your channel and you (Yes, Daniel, YOU) helped me find an outlet for my anxiety and depression. Guitar building has it's own anxieties but they are so trivial and meaningless once the final product (that you built) is looking at you in the face. You have taught me so much and I will never be able to repay you for that. It's because of you, I am not afraid to get my hands dirty and make something beautiful , that will be enjoyed by someone for many years. Thank you for that and thank you for sharing something so hard to convey to most people. I know you will bounce back from this and come out better than before. Just take the time you need to get out of your own head and remember why you started building and why you started this channel. You are a friend to us all and we love you.
Hey Daniel. It shocks me a bit. Please don't give up. You should know that I take your vids as a inspirator for making guitars myself. Thanks for giving me an indepth to making guitars. You did that! Your honesty shines thru and is not to be ashamed of. I know where you have been as I been there myself. Going ahead no matter what is the true meaning of rock and roll. It will be allright, please take care!
Take it easy, take your time, it will get better. Your videos helped inspire me to build my second guitar last year, with a 36 year break after the first, and I'm just getting the materials together for another one.
Hey Daniel, Thank you very much for your Open words. Take your time and make small steps. Never forget, without you, I would Not had been able to build my own guitar in that quality! Best regards Oli
Hi Daniel. First, thank you for being so up front with what is happening with you. It takes tremendous courage to talk about mental issues so I salute you for your courage, genuineness and willingness to share this personal information. I have several decades of working in the mental health field and also struggled with anxiety and depression. I could so relate with your challenge. Second, your videos have inspired me to return to the art of guitar building. I left it as I was not in the right mindset but I ran across your RU-vid channel a couple months ago. You are a wonderful teacher and I have reinvented myself as a guitar builder again thanks to your approach to this art. I can’t tell you how many evenings I did nothing but watch Unquendor Guitars videos while taking a massive amount of notes. I so appreciate your technique, your teaching approach and willingness to share it. I frequently think to myself, What would Daniel do , when I’m in my workshop working on a build. You have inspired me to be a better guitar builder and for that I want to say Thank You.
Thankyou so much for sharing, Daniel. Very courageous to be so honest here in the wild world of social media. As a fellow survivor of depression myself, I know exactly how these things can take over your life and to lose the solace of something you love so much. Know that there is light and hope, and that with excellent treatment there is a way forward. Take your time, you will make it through and we will all be waiting for you ❤
Thank you Daniel for opening up and sharing what you're going through. It can be kinda cathartic to do that and I hope and pray that you get to feeling like you want. One thing on the workshop though... when we were building our home years ago, the first thing I built was a shed for my tools and equipment. It showed me that I could build it and gave me the confidence to go forward with our home build. But the biggest thing building that shed did for me was to give me a sanctuary where I could get away from the stress of life, family and responsibilities. Many a time I'd just sit in there and let the sun shine on me through the open door. After 20 or so years it still serves that purpose. Eventually, I hope your workshop becomes a sort of sanctuary for you!
Daniel, you have to take care of you first. It's ok not to be ok. I learned that after leaving the military. I suffered crippling anxiety and being overwhelmed. And, like you, I had a great support system. It happens to the best of us. I've learned a long time ago that emotions and feelings should be addressed. I wish you all the best in health and success. We’ll all be here when you are ready.
Speaking from experience, it helps to have someone to talk to. Having spoken to a professional myself, I found the root causes of my own depression and was able to get through it. I also want to let you know that your videos helped me get into guitar building myself, which I find to be a great confidence boost.
I understand completely. Currently designing/configuring my own workshop. Second guessing is maddening but commonplace. My hopes being that it's even half as awesome as yours. Take care and God bless.
You're a brave man Daniel, to confess such a vulnerability so publicly. I've enjoyed your videos and advice for long enough now that it makes me very sad to see you so unhappy; but at the same time it makes me very glad to know that you're acknowledging your problem and facing it. I know from experince that the temptation to hide away from your mental health problems and put up a facade while not really making any positive progress is a very strong temptation indeed. You're doing this the right (harder, but better) way. I sincerely hope to never have another panic attack as long as I live and I certainly hope the same for you. Take the time you need to make the recovery you need to make. We'll all be ready for you when you feel up to making more videos, if it takes you days or months. You don't owe video content to the world at large, remember that. You provide the excellent material you have been providing out of nothing more than a generous spirit and you're very much in credit. Take your time.
Get stronger soon my friend! I've seen hundreds of videos on guitar building, but it was your work and your attitude that really motivated me to start doing something. I bought a wrecked 1967 guitar that I'm going to fix up thanks to what you taught me... 🎸
I hope you fight your way out of this. Like I once commented, watching you work is therapeutic. You're a real inspiration for me to go from amateur woodworker to amateur luthier. Take your time, get your well deserved rest, and when you feel that your muse came back, you come back to us. Looking forward to watching you produce many more masterpieces.
Thank you Daniel, it must have been very difficult for you to speak so frankly about your experiences. As men, we're guilty of not talking about these things, and it's really important that we talk in order to help normalize mental health problems. It's nothing to be ashamed of - it's an illness. I have suffered for many years and as well as the mental aspects, it's also an incredibly physical issue. It's exhausting, and all-consuming. I wish you all the best and look forward to your recovery.
So brave of you to make this video. Talking about these issues can be the first step to recovery. Embrace the support of your friends and family and I hope you are soon back to building your wonderful guitars.
Take five! Make a list of your feel Good influence music tracks. Make an area in your workshop for your audio and play these tracks as you work. As you work be inspired by the influence of the music playing.
Very sorry to hear about what’s going on. Your videos are always great and appreciated! Your health and wellbeing are most important to help with your positivity. Your workshop turned out great and I’m sure a lot of folks are enthusiastic for you and your future projects.
Long - time subscriber, first - time commenter here... I know how you feel. I'll still be here when you're ready to kick off again. Take your time, there's no hurry. 🤗
i know the feeling brother i sufferred an anxiety attack felt like a heart attack. i was out of work for 3 months trying to recouperate, blood pressure was all over the place. thank God i had support from family to help me get thru this. hang in there dont fret the little things in life. God speed!
I put the bell on so I'd get notified when you post again. I'm building my shop in my garage so I've been learning from your rebuild. I would love to see the things you consider when you make each of your guitar workstations. Like, bring us along for the ride if you like. Do take advantage of ALL the resources you have available. Talking helps, some meds help, CBT helps. Peace for your spirit, friend!
Thank you for your bravery in sharing this video Daniel. Mental health is such a serious issue and the more it is spoken about in the open hopefully the more anyone suffering from this debilitating condition will get help and support. I'm relieved to hear you are getting support through this difficult time, and please know that we are all wishing you well. Will very much look forward to the workshop time when you feel you are ready. The tool wall looks fantastic. Take care and keep the faith!!
Oh gosh mate, that really sucks. I had a mental breakdown about 5 years ago, followed by severe depression and anxiety. Everything was overwhelming. Its an absolutely bloody awful feeling. For me, personally, I had lots of help and medication to sort it out. Im still not back to "normal", but am better than I was. I find that I have to just take each day as it comes, and I cannot look at big puctures when I do a job, just the step Im going to do now. That helps a lot. Thank you for being brave enough to share and be transparent mate, and Im praying for you to have a full recovery. Kindest regards from Australia
Get better! I am glad to hear you took the most important steps - to recognize you need help and go and get it. The rest will come in due time. And please know that your videos are the reason why I felt confident enough to start my first build and why it turned out great. Keep being an inspiration for us all.
I've been there myself so I sympathise. Take your time and don't push it too fast, I did that last time I had a bad episode and because of my state of mind everything seemed to go wrong which set me back even further. Take some time for YOU, the workshop and your audience will still be there when you feel ready.
We are here for you. I cant imagine the pressure you must be feeling with work and a new workshop. Its going to be ok. This to shall pass. You got this, and we will be here when you are ready❤
Respect that you share it like you do. The Dutch say what they think and you can be proud of it. The darker days are always a challenge, especially when the leafs start falling. Hang in there and take care. Your next guitar will be fantastic when you are ready. Groeten uit Tilburg
It takes strength to post a video being so honest. Lots of respect to you Daniel. The best comment a friend said to me was to be kind to yourself, as you work through the struggle. Ive always enjoyed your videos and content for being so open and sharing your knowledge so freely. 😊very best wishes to you and yours.
Daniel, there's no rush. You will definitely get through this. Take care of you and let time do its part of the job, there will be better days. Your workshop looks really promising, we´ll be here when you are ready for the rest of the adventure.
Daniel it is very difficult to be this transparent about parts of life that are this difficult. I would say like many others to please take your time and take care of yourself and your family. And you did build a very beautiful workshop. Looking forward to your better health. Blessings.
Hey Daniel, thumbs up for your courage to let your Community know how you feel…it is good to see that you trat to find a relaxed way back to your workshop…take your time….very kind regards
Huge respect for you Daniel, thank you for sharing your story. Anyone who goes through this is a battleaxe, you are held in the highest regard. Your videos are superb, especially this one. All the best, look forward to your next videos, but we’re all patient, do so at your leisure. Take care.
It is great to hear your voice again. My struggles led me to you. I found that one of the best coping strategies for me is to build something I have never built before. This time I built (am building) guitars. Your knowledge, skills, the way you share, and the way you pronounce “template” all bring me comfort. I have learned so much from watching your videos. I am glad to hear that you have support, and I wish you all the best from Dallas, Texas.
Hey man, thank you so much for being open and honest about your current state. I know exactly what you are talking about, sometimes I can't make a simple decision about what to do or anything. I sit there and go over it in my mind to the point of I just don't do a thing! It is very frustrating and that makes the anxiety worse!!! I salute you for taking the plunge to live healthier, Dude, I lived in a bottle for 10+ years and that wasn't counting all the years it took to get me to that point! I finally surrendered my life to Jesus in 1988. Did that "fix" everything automatically? No, that is an ongoing "process" but as I look back now, I can definitely say that my life has changed! I pray that you get that same experience, you are a very creative and talented guitar maker. G-d has definitely given you that gift and I pray that as you surrender to Him, He will make you into the man He created you to be. I can tell you have some years on you, but no one is ever too old for Him! God zij met je!
Watching your videos gave me the knowledge and confidence to build my first guitar from scratch. It was a complete success thanks to you. You're doing good things for people and I for 1 truly appreciate what you do.
Very understandable Daniel, you put your whole heart and soul into this project. Then there will naturally come a point where despair sets in. Am I doing all this right? Don't doubt yourself, you are a great guy and have hands and a heart of gold. If things aren't going well, sit on the couch and give your wife a hug. You two will figure it out
This is a great video. I have had many problems being motivated to work in my workshop lately. I haven't known why, but it definitely has to do with depression and anxiety. It is comforting to know that people I admire have similar dips in motivation, and anxiety about creating things. The thing you said about building simple things that used to take minutes and now take all day, really hit home. I've had similar issues, where a jig which should take me 20 minutes to figure out is taking me days, sometimes weeks of second guessing myself.
Thank you very much for your comment and I hope you will also find your way back. I hope that by chasing and enjoying the small victories, like sharpening a chisel, things will get easier again.
Take care of yourself. We will be here when you feel better. You make amazing guitars and I have learned so much from you. Thank you and I hope we will see you soon.
man, i can relate to a lot of that. i quit drinkin 5 years ago. it was horrible, withdrawals and all that. pile all of your real life stresses into that and i can imagine how hard that is. itll be ok. you inspire me with every one of your videos. youre no imposter. i wish you the best of luck. take care of yourself.
You are great. I learn from you. Thank you. Breathe. It’s going to be ok. You know this. Find center like all of us. It only means you are approaching a new level of greatness. Focus on only positive.
We’re all here for YOU. Your passion, knowledge and skill are inspiring to all of us aspiring, and I’m sure sure professional, luthiers. Take your time mate. I’m sorry this is happening - but with time and rest I’m sure you’ll be feeling better soon
Totally understand what you are saying here. I have been suffering the same for the last couple of years. its hard man! well done for getting the courage to let us all know. i felt like the best place to be was the workshop but also the worse place to be. i would go in there and just stare at the wall. then after 10 mins just go back in the house.
Im in the same boat as you. Anxiety, depression plus chronic pain. Currently in the process of moving house and workshop 500km from one rental to another. I know the paralysis of decision making of even the most simple things. I have so much lovely wood to move and having to make tough decisions. As Im sure you know, any action is progress. Keep at it and it will make this period pass faster and also be productive, no matter how small. Even if its just more videos like this. This is progress compared to not being in the workshop.
You are such an amazing craftsman! Don’t let the darkness get you, you can make it through this. I’ve had those same issues and as hard as it might feel, I can tell you for sure that the sun will rise again. Take care Brother. Sending love and prayers.
Be well brother. You are very honest and courageous on top of being a great craftsman and a very generous human being sharing your knowledge like you do. Good vibes and a big hug from our universe
