ARIA-nominated musician Parvyn shares her experience of delusions, mania, and psychosis while on tour, discussing her bipolar diagnosis and how she processed it through her music. She reflects on a vipassana retreat, intense touring, distressing experiences, and the connections between her debut album and her mental health journey.
Processing mental health through music can be a powerful way to authentically share experiences and destigmatize mental health issues.
Experiences of intense hallucinations and grandiose thoughts can be attributed to bipolar disorder, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded in reality.
Deep dives
Processing Mental Health through Music
Pavan Corrissing, an ARIA-nominated musician, shares her journey of processing her mental health through music. She discusses how her diagnosis of bipolar-affected disorder inspired her to authentically share her experiences through her music. Pavan emphasizes the importance of engaging with people and destigmatizing mental health issues through her songs. She highlights the significance of her debut solo album, 'Sa', which allowed her to accept her diagnosis and find agency and power through music.
The Beginning of Hallucinations
Pavan reflects on the hallucinations that started a decade ago during a vipassana meditation retreat. She describes the intense experience of vivid dreams, seeing omens, and even believing in telepathic communication. Pavan attributes her inclination towards spirituality to her upbringing in a spiritual household. However, she also acknowledges the dangers of delusions and grandiose thoughts, realizing the importance of staying grounded in reality.
The Impact of Diagnosis and Creating Music
After a period of intense touring, Pavan's mental health started deteriorating, leading to moments of psychosis and paranoia. Eventually, she received a diagnosis of bipolar effective disorder. Pavan explains that the diagnosis brought both clarity and relief. She channeled her experiences into her debut solo album, 'Sa', which helped her accept her diagnosis and find healing through music. Pavan's songs address trauma, depression, and the importance of breathing and self-acceptance.