Photography by Jack Bridgland
English/Australian duo and two long-term friends Two Another (Eliot & Angus) dropped their new project “Two Sides” and it’s giving the listener an insight into their lives both as individuals and best friends as they open up about family, friendship, mental health and sexuality.
Especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has changed the way we live, depression rates have increased. Less stable economy, the fear of illness itself to ourselves or/and our loved ones aswell the inability to carry out things that once brought comfort deeply affects our mental health. By talking about mental health openly it helps making it more acceptable for those suffering from mental illnesses to seek help.
Eliot’s journey reflected on Two Sides is one of self-acceptance, a long struggle against poor mental health and substance abuse as he battled with coming to terms with his sexuality. Thankfully now in a better place, Eliot speaks of the importance of trying to meet issues head-on, despite how hard that can be.
Eliot explains: “I spent so long trying to be someone else when I was younger that even after I came out I never had that foundation of self-acceptance. It threw me off for a long time and I used alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with these problems. Even though more and more people are speaking up about mental health, there is still a big stigma around the whole issue and a lot of it is internalised. It wasn’t until I went and sought professional rehabilitation that I started addressing these issues in a productive and meaningful way.
For Angus, upcoming fatherhood and the pressure that comes with that led to severe panic attacks, a situation worsened as he tried his best to shoulder more of the work within Two Another as Eliot tackled his own issues. Now a proud father and managing his mental health better, Angus explains: “Having a looming date over me where your life will change was quite overwhelming and challenging. Seeing your best friend and creative partner in a difficult place was quite hard for me and sometimes I felt like I carried the burden too much. Talking to friends and taking a step back helped me become more clear-headed and gave both Eliot and I space to focus on ourselves and our own situations.”
Note: The World Federation for Mental Health is hosting a wonderful global art exhibition displaying the importance of art in mental health healing and awareness.
