Ebe Dancel reflects on suffering from anxiety and depression in latest gig
Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of depression.
Anxiety and depression are rampant nowadays. Thus, it can be experienced by everyone even artists like Ebe Dancel.
On Instagram, the OPM singer-songwriter shared his struggle with anxiety and depression when he was about to perform in his latest gig.
According to the musician's social media channels, his most recent performance was with OPM band Hale last Friday, Nov. 17, at the 12 Monkeys bar in Pasig, City.
He began his post, "Some of you probably know that I suffer from chronic anxiety and depression. It is very difficult to open up about it, but I want to share my struggles from last night," he began his post.
Dancel recalled how, at that time, he had difficulty breathing and eventually passed out.
"On the way to a show, without any trigger whatsoever, it became a struggle to breathe. I passed out in the parking lot. A medic came and checked my heart rate. At my calmest, I'm 100bpm but it spiked to 134bpm, then eventually to 154bpm."
The musician also said he is sharing his experience to explain how grateful he was especially to those people who took care of him.
"I am sharing this story because I am grateful. Management stayed with me the entire time. My bandmates were ever supportive and I spent some time hugging and thanking them all. The crowd cheered and chanted my name when my hands started shaking, urging me on. My girlfriend spent most of the evening messaging me (I couldn't take calls because it was hard to breathe and talk at the same time). She waited patiently until I got home," he wrote.
Through this experience, Dancel shared wisdom with his followers saying how beautiful life is while assuring its fans that he arrived home safely and medicated.
"And that is why life is beautiful. Love comes in different forms, and I experienced it all last night. I am home safely and medicated. Huge thank you to Alta Resources, I will make it up to you next year."
"I held on to this cross the entire time as I said 'Lead the way, my Lord. I will follow' Please hug your friends today. Please keep on keeping on," he concluded.
In 2021, Dancel released his new single Manatili, produced by fellow musician Rico Blanco. He said that this acoustic ballad is "a praise song, a conversation with God" which he was able to compose during an early morning anxiety attack.
The hitmaker also known for his OPM songs including Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak, Hanggang Wala Nang Bukas, Bawat Daan and Dapit Hapon.
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If you, your friend, or your family member is experiencing mental health problems, you may call the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553 (Luzon-wide, landline toll-free), 0966-351-4518 or 0917-899-USAP (8727) for Globe/TM users, or 0908-639-2672 for Smart users. It offers free, compassionate, and confidential support over the phone 24/7.