One half of Melbourne duo Slum Sociable has spoken publicly about their experiences with depression in a heartfelt letter to fans.
In a handwritten note, Slum Sociable’s Miller Upchurch has addressed “a lack of presence and activity from us over the last six months”, opening up about his experiences while explaining why the pair are pushing back the release of their debut album.
“Over the last ten months I have been struggling with depression, to the point where I feel overwhelmed every day, and almost anything could send me into a downward spiral where I retreat from the world and have a shit time, doing nothing but thinking about all the negative aspects of my life,” he writes.
“In times like those it’s practically impossible to find any motivation to do anything or see my life as worthwhile.”
Upchurch says it’s “unfortunate and regrettable” that the duo haven’t been as productive as they’d like to be, and explains that he and his bandmate Edward Quinn will be pushing the release of their self-titled record to Friday, 24th November, instead of the previously announced 13th October.
“That is the reality of it, it affects people’s work, families and lives every day, and in being someone who struggles with it, all I want is to be able to help those who don’t feel like they can or know how to help themselves, by opening up about my own battle,” Upchurch says.
“We send thanks and love to our fans for understanding. I don’t know where I’d be without knowing so many people enjoy the music we make.”
Read Upchurch’s full letter to fans, below.
If you or anyone you know needs help or information regarding mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Slum Sociable Statement
Dear everyone, Miller here.
You may have noticed a lack of presence and activity from us over the last six months, which has not been intentional. I’m writing this to open up a discussion on mental health, and to take what I think is a step in the right direction when it comes to facing something like depression, by being open and honest about it, instead of hiding from it and everyone I care about. Over the last ten months I have been struggling with depression, to the point where I feel overwhelmed every day, and almost anything could send me into a downward spiral where I retreat from the world and have a shit time, doing nothing but thinking about all the negative aspects of my life. In times like those it’s practically impossible to find any motivation to do anything or see my life as worthwhile.
It’s unfortunate and regrettable that it has affected our productivity over the last six months and as a result we’ve made a decision to move the release of our debut album to Friday 24 November. That is the reality of it, it affects people’s work, families and lives every day, and in being someone who struggles with it, all I want is to be able to help those who don’t feel like they can or know how to help themselves, by opening up about my own battle.
We send thanks and love to our fans for understanding. I don’t know where I’d be without knowing so many people enjoy the music we make.
Miller (& Ed)
x
1/2 pic.twitter.com/TP2tSNeaiN
— Slum Sociable (@slumsociable) October 2, 2017
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— Slum Sociable (@slumsociable) October 2, 2017
