tmdistant opens up about mental health struggles on new single “i don’t need a therapist”
Growing up in an African household that never acknowledged the word ‘depression’, 19 year-old Essex-based artist tmdistant often found it difficult to open up about his personal issues. He went through phases of hating himself which sent him into depression, never understanding what that really was until years later when his father got diagnosed with cancer.
“Losing someone so close to you really does something to you forever. I had to deal with this on my own at around 14 or 15, quite a tender age. My mum was around, but wasn’t if you know what I mean. She was dealing with it the best she could and so was I. Now she had to work extra hard to be able to take care of us. Life was hard. And depression was harder.” — tmdistant.
On his catchy, hard-hitting new single “i don’t need a therapist”, he lights his experience with depression. Although he did see a therapist for a little while, he decided that he’d be better off without it and for the most part it was a good decision because he needed to deal with his own struggles alone, and process what had happened. This changed him as a person. This is where ‘distant’ was born.
According to a report by GQ in 2020, black men’s mental health is the next pandemic. Although therapy is an important tool for navigating your emotional health, there are barriers to entry for black men— cultural stigmas, affordability, keeping personal problems within the family and more.
Written for people who are also quietly struggling, “i don’t need a therapist” is an impactful indie pop anthem produced by Abare which combines elements of emo and rock. The accompanying music video shot by Sorin D. Visuals continues the previous storyline where tmdistant finally escaped his kidnappers, and is wandering around a suburban area in London looking for answers.
tmdistant headlines our next showcase at the Camden Assembly on Wednesday 27th July 2022. Tickets available here.
Stream “i don’t need a therapist” below:
