“Music can be that friend you never had, that listens and does not pass judgements. Mental illnesses are lonely illnesses leaving you feeling that you are alone all the time. Music fills a void within you and is always positive which, considering the place you are at, can be life changing.”
The arts are gaining ground as part of a treatment process in many forms of mood disorders such as depression. 99FM’s MYD Art sat down with Ian Daniel, more affectionately known as Noodle from the Flaunt Deli in Windhoek. Flaunt has long been a favourite spot for many Namibian foodies but more recently through Ian’s influence Flaunt is becoming well known for their team building efforts as they offer drumming circles to companies and groups as a way to increase team morale.
99FM’s MYD Art asked :
How can music be part of the healing process in dealing with mood related issues?
“I have always found myself within music and drumming. Drumming is 1 thing that the world can’t take away from you; you will always get a sense of achievement and self-worth from even 5 minutes of drumming. When you are at the lowest of lows these small accomplishments are massive changes to you and can help you to lift your head and carry on.”
What about music uplifts a person’s mood?
“Basically music can be that friend you never had, that listens and does not pass judgements. Mental illnesses are lonely illnesses leaving you feeling that you are alone all the time. Music fills a void within you and is always positive which, considering the place you are at, can be life changing.”
What has been the most beneficial help to you in regulating your mood?
“I have had Bipolar Disorder for my whole life, I was diagnosed when I was 19 and after a long journey have been stable and a productive part of society ever since. There are always ups and downs but keeping them mellow and not to extreme is the key. There are some simple points that I live by, and these include:
- Don’t hide your illness – it just makes you more anxious
- Try surround yourself with people that are positive influences on your life
- Exercise daily
- Do not drink or take illegal substances
- Believe in something greater than you this could be GOD or Buddha whatever floats your boat
- Get the right help
- Take your medication, do not deviate from this
- Be passionate about something, music, drumming, fishing or any hobby
- Routine is key”
What was the most helpful advice you ever received in your life?
“A mistake is only a mistake if you don’t learn from it.”
What advice do you have for others in maintaining mental health?
“Stick to a routine and live a healthy life. No matter how bad things get there is always someone on this planet in a far worse off position than you. At rock bottom there is only one way up so do not quit.”
Tell us about the services you offer with team building and drumming circles?
“Flaunt Namibia consists of Flaunt The Deli, Flaunt Food Functions and Flaunt Teambuilding. Flaunt Teambuilding focuses on our clients’ needs and wants and we pride ourselves in satisfying those.”
How does this uplift a team and team morale?
“A highly affective team needs to be strong in communication, trust, integrity, collective thinking, problem solving, leadership and more. Flaunt creates a home for business’s to actively work on these principals. Performance is at the foreground when we start and end a team build.”
If you want more information on the flaunt drumming circles, take a look at their website here : Flaunt Namibia