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Ex-Beta Band Frontman Steve Mason Speaks of Depression and Thoughts of Suicide
- Posted on Apr 7th 2010 8:00AM by Matt Glazebrook
Steve Mason has spoken of his battle with the long-term depression that hastened the breakup of his acclaimed group the Beta Band and put the brakes on a once hotly tipped career.The indie-folk-electronica performer, who also recorded as King Biscuit Time and Black Affair, has told the Guardian that his mood swings thwarted the Beta Band's potential. He once infamously described the group's self-titled debut, and follow-up to breakthrough compilation disc 'The Three EPs,' as 'a crock of s---' in an interview.
Mason said his mental health problems worsened following the debt-ridden demise of the group in 2004 and culminated in self-harming and thoughts of suicide after the breakup of an eight-year relationship two years later.
"I wanted to be sectioned," he said. "With suicide, there's a point where you think you're going to [attempt] it for attention. But I got to the point where I was actually going to do it." Luckily, Mason's doctor refused to commit him into psychiatric care ("People can go into those places and never come back," he admits) and now, thanks to antidepressants and extensive hypnotherapy, the singer describes himself as "dangerously close" to happy.
Mason's first solo effort under his own name, 'Boys Outside' -- produced by pop wizard Richard X -- will be released on May 3, while the album's lead single, 'Lost and Found,' hits stores on April 19.
The Scottish musician also hints that he might eventually consider reconstituting his estranged first band. "I've always been against nostalgia," he said. "But one day it might feel right to tour those albums without the pressure I used to put on myself."
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Dave
going to call self ca dave.theres a lot of daves here.thanks for careing (i know)and (dave)i have been to so manny dr.been on paxil.it put me to sleep at work.i take 2mg xanax 5 times a day.drink a 12 pack of been a day.its the only thing that makes me feel like a men.again.thank you all again.ca.dave
April 08 2010 at 12:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Jazzbo
Glad he is getting professional help. That and the proper medications, if needed and if used with care and compassion, can help him and friends can be the biggest help of all. So let's be a friend and give him some love and space. Let him get over it and life life as he sees fit without us micromanaging him. Peace out.
April 08 2010 at 9:17 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Lin
Strange...I always believed depression was most common in those with very high IQs, as it is in my entire family. Attempting to read the illiterate comments here, I can see that is not necessarily true.
Paxil, Xanax, et al are short-term aids, meant to get people into a place where they can work out a way to cope. Never having taken them, instead having begun working out my own solutions at age 9, I do understand their value. But they are blankets thrown over the problem, not the solution. The only true resolution to the problem is to develop a mind-set that refuses one the right to whine and self-pity, instead directing one's thoughts toward one's good fortunes and one's ability to rise above the problem. For myself, I find that doing kindnesses for others and being generous and loving helps a great deal....the more you focus on others' needs, the less time you have to wallow in self-pity....or think of yourself at all. It's my most effective tool against depression.
nobody.com
Using Joplin and Cobain as examples of arts not being helpful is kinda lame ,....like what has 'religion'done for priest pedophiles.
I worked 35 yrs in Mental Hygiene , and have seen some good stuff happen ...but it is Mostly Bull! Before and after Geraldo got involved.
My mother was a Social worker, and if I am 'depressed'she is the LAST person I would call.Because it all about HER now, and has no patience.
I could be taking pills, but the bottle is still unopened....playing music (doing art etc.) works far better for me, so I am just saying don't think the pros are out there to 'help' you. To many it is just their job...they are jaded/desensitized etc. I have seen it .
And remember doubters....the 'PROS' know the power of ART and MUSIC....duh.....and incorporate it. I am just saying do not underestimate it. Now where is my guitar?
Bryce
Psychiatric care has saved many lives by helping people overcome depression. To say that "people can go into those places and never come back" is to ignore the success rate that such treatment has. Its good that this guy did not kill himself; but, I don't think that he knows what he is talking about.
April 07 2010 at 7:35 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Steve
Who the F is this kid, and he is relevant BECAUSE???
This site is usually a HUGE waste of time.
mango
Chaz Goodman, Clairol2201, jayy and Sara, I know exactly how it feels. I've been severely depressed most of my life and been on all kinds of meds and combos. I finally found one that works pretty good but can still relapse severely. It is the most terrifying feeling in the world.It is much more serious and deadly than what the average person thinks of as depression. I would not wish it on anyone.
April 07 2010 at 6:00 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
bebom14
I too suffer from depression, actually bipolar depressive disorder. People should not be so quick to criticize hospital care. I was extremely fortunate to get a Dr.who, not only finally diagnosed my problem, but got me on a medicaion regimen.Yes, I do occasionally have a "bad" day, but who doesn't? This man has been my Dr. for 18 years now and has literally saved my life! If you are "down" for a period of time, GET HELP!
April 07 2010 at 5:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Dave
1 reply to Dave's comment
just another loser with sooo much potential and wants to waddle in self pity
poor poor you
moron
Dave
dave m.i have a pob with you.we that have pob.like to talk see were we have been whats working for then.?why are you here.you comments show your sick or want to fight.i am sick i well fight you.tell me were.med and beer will get me there.none of us never thought we would be sick.someone made a comment.i thought only people with high i q got this.we are all on med.i drink with my meds.i have a high iq.if spelling is you pob take 2mg xanax 5 times a day drink a 12pack a day then so me your iq.ok.no one is on here asking anyone to feel sorry for us.we like to talk see what is helping others.no thing come out all the time.if you not sick.why you hear and judgeing us anyway.we dont need your bad help.when you have been were we our or have been.leave us alone.my e-mail is mosterdeadhead@aol.com.e-me any time.yes e-mail real.
April 08 2010 at 4:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
xpmark
1 reply to xpmark's comment
Parents with low self esteem or lacking in good judgment, produce kids with low self esteem.Low self esteem is the number one cause of anxiety and depression.Psychologists don't have the courage to come out and say this for fear of backlash of some sort, so they make up other reasons.There I said it,now get used to it.
April 07 2010 at 5:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Dave
dear dr xpjohn.please get a life.you got to be saying kids with cancer get that .from there parent low self-esteem to dear dr.xpjohn.my parents our rich.so am i.my parents dont have my pob.or low self esteem.go away.back to the hole you came out of.only low self esteem i see is you.bro.your a pin in my ass right now.i dont need you.please get a life.
April 08 2010 at 5:18 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
38 Comments