Cristoph14 October 2019

Life Behind The Decks - Mental Health As An International DJ - Cristoph - #111

0Frameworks

6Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Myth Buster· 1

Myth Buster48:30

Social Media Doesn't Show the Full Story

Christoph debunks the myth that a DJ's life is perpetually glamorous, explaining that social media only captures curated, fleeting moments. He emphasizes that the reality involves loneliness, exhaustion, and mental strain, urging fans and aspiring artists to understand the full picture behind the posts.

Social media portrays a polished, idealized version of a DJ's life, not the full reality.
Behind the scenes, there's loneliness, jet lag, and mental health struggles.
Christoph feels misrepresented by the 'famous' label and sees himself as just a regular person from Newcastle.

“What you're looking at when I'm posting things on Instagram... is a load of bullshit. It's to give off that you are living this amazing…”
Christoph · 48:30

#social media#mental health#reality vs perception

Hot Take· 1

Hot Take37:30

Avicii's Death Highlighted Industry Neglect

Christoph reflects on Avicii's tragic death, seeing it as a wake-up call for the music industry. He believes it helped normalize discussions about depression, showing that even those with immense success can struggle mentally, and that the industry must prioritize mental health support.

Avicii's death brought attention to mental health issues in the DJ community.
It showed that depression can affect anyone, regardless of success or fame.
Christoph supports increased awareness and open conversations about mental health in the industry.

“If this guy who's a world famous DJ who's making millions can feel depressed, it makes you feel more justified in how you feel.”
Christoph · 38:30

#mental health#avicii#music industry

Explainer· 2

Explainer00:30

The Hidden Mental Health Struggles of Touring DJs

Christoph opens up about the psychological toll of constant touring, including severe jet lag, isolation, and the mental spiral that followed a friend's sudden death. He describes how sleep deprivation led to delusional behavior, like compulsively ordering random items on eBay and wandering supermarkets at 5 a.m., highlighting that the life isn't as glamorous as it appears.

Touring DJs face extreme jet lag, often going days without sleep when readjusting to normal life.
Isolation and loneliness are common, as they spend most of their time alone in hotels or airports.
Christoph experienced a mental breakdown after a friend's death, leading to erratic behavior fueled by sleep deprivation.
He was prescribed sleeping pills with antidepressants and antipsychotics to manage his mental state.

“I felt like I was losing my mind because I came back from tour and I just couldn't adjust back to normality.”
Christoph · 00:30

“I was sat on the floor in the hair product aisle... I checked out with a massively big bit of air and dishwasher tablets.”
Christoph · 41:00

#mental health#dj life#jet lag#isolation

Explainer34:30

Loneliness and the Need for Human Connection

Christoph and the host discuss how prolonged solitude can cause the internal dialogue to intensify, leading to negative thought patterns. They emphasize that human connection is essential, and its absence—common in a touring DJ's life—can severely impact mental well-being.

Extended time alone causes internal dialogue to become louder and more negative.
Touring DJs often lack meaningful conversations, leading to isolation.
Human connection is a fundamental need, and its absence can mimic or worsen mental health issues.

“If you're not around people, the dialogue begins to just continue inside of your head.”
Host · 35:00

“It's a lonely life out there and I don't think people realize that side of it.”
Christoph · 35:30

#loneliness#mental health#human connection

Story· 1

Story02:00

The Dark Voice During Night Drives

Christoph recounts a disturbing period when, after returning from tour, he began hearing a voice in his head during nighttime drives. The voice suggested self-destructive actions, like crashing into a lorry, which alarmed him enough to seek help from his mother and a doctor. This story illustrates the severe psychological impact of a disrupted sleep-wake cycle and constant travel.

After tours, Christoph struggled with insomnia and began taking nighttime drives.
A persistent, intrusive voice in his head suggested dangerous actions, such as crashing his car.
This experience prompted him to seek medical help, leading to a diagnosis of sleep-deprivation-induced delusions.

“This voice in my head started coming more and more... 'You could just go with sleepers by smashing your car that lorry across there.'”
Christoph · 02:00

#mental health#sleep deprivation#personal story

Takeaway· 1

Takeaway57:00

Basic Routines Are Key to Mental Stability

Christoph stresses the importance of fundamental self-care—sleep, nutrition, exercise, and routine—for maintaining mental health on the road. He shares that regular gym sessions help him manage stress and boost endorphins, and that neglecting these basics can lead to a downward spiral.

Maintaining a routine with proper sleep, diet, and exercise is crucial for mental health.
The gym is a vital outlet for Christoph, helping with both mental clarity and productivity.
Neglecting self-care while touring can quickly lead to physical and mental burnout.

“I hammer the gym so I get in a routine. The gym is great for my mental health and for productivity.”
Christoph · 57:00

#mental health#self-care#routine