Laura Mvula: Generation Anxiety

Singer-songwriter Laura Mvula examines her own experiences of anxiety and panic attacks, and looks at why under-35s are particularly prone to feeling anxious.

[wood.]

I’ve been struggling with social anxiety and depression I’ve been shut in my apt for about 2 months now living off of Walmart grocery my best friend has just introduced me to you today I think I may go outside today 😌 thank you

[robindunford]

Just huge credit to Laura to be able to speak out about what she has been through. Such a lovely person, and someone with an immense talent.

[zohrehneel]

Laura, I have loved your music for more than 7 years now. I came to see you in a small performance in Montreal in early 2010s. I just love your energy in your songs, voice, music, the lyrics, the colors, the messages of freedom. I am, in my eyes and those of others around me, a very strong and resilient woman and you have been a source of inspiration for me all these years. Coming across this video, this is the first time I am hearing another side of your life and it just makes me more of a fan of the strong free woman that you are, sharing your vulnerability, makes me think omg how strong and lovable of a person you are. Thank you for who you are and what you do and please keep inspiring women around the world. Much Love, Zohreh

[wolf-dietergrabner]

What a wonderful human being. Thank you Laura for speaking out and sharing your experience and struggle. And thanks for your wonderful music!

[jacquelinehowardproduction]

Laura what a brave young lady you are. You are helping a lot of people who probably feel that they are the only ones in the world that feel this way. You will continuously be in my prayers. I absolutely love your music, you are a wonderful composer and singer. You are like Harriet Tubman, she helped to free many people, even though she suffered from seizures and narcolepsy. May God continue to richly bless and keep you.

[marshhen]

Such a brilliant composer, musician and talent. It hits so hard that such a genius is going through this. It amazes me that such a talent could go through what I often feel but blame it on my own inadequacy. It just shows that someone as magnificent as this, if she can go through this, it truly is something any human being can be vulnerable to. I wish her every single blessing and all possible peace. She should be such a massive international star. Her albums are a revelation.

[gillfrancis]

Thank you so much for sharing this, I deeply respect you revealing your vulnerability and helping others. God bless❤️

[mariamason]

Brave woman - Must of us never talk to others about our experiences with mental disorders, never mind someone in the public eye. Thank you so much.

[goshenqueen]

I am so proud of you for making this documentary showing who you are, what you’re doing and what you’re learning. I was in tears by the end. You are so much stronger than you think you are. Sending you love!

[DC.]

Can't believe this! Some how your brain and heart introduce you the right people at the right time. I started suffering of anxiety one and a half month ago. I changed my lifestyle completely 5 months ago, 'cuz i moved out from my country to to study abroad.

I got my first attack "uncounsiously". I was just sitting on my bed reading some messages and massaging my neck 'cuz it hurted me. Then, just on a sudden i lost control of my body. I felt so terrible and did not know what was happening. I felt i would go unconsious, so i went outside to try to calm and see the people.
When I was more calm I could come back home but not sleep that night.

After that episode I was freaked out when coming home alone, just afraid to repeat that experience. I tried to look for explanations but got freaked trying to do it so I stopped. Days after, I felt more relief, and I found, it was anxiety.

I love jazz music. Two weeks later, I went to listen to a Jazz orchestra and they were covering the song Singing to the moon, from Laura. At that point I did not know her, but her music touched me so much. I remmembered the chorus, so I looked for the Lyrics and I found it. I fell in love completely with her, her performance, her voice and music. Since then I have been listening to her and have helped me to cope against anxiety. Now, I have found this clip where she show herself and talk about this 'cuz she also suffers it. I can't believed that. All what she is saying is true and beautiful. Undoubtedly this have made my day. I am so thankful with her and the life.

I really hope once I could meet her in person, she's so brilliant.
Cheers everyone and cheers Laura and all the people that suffer this also. You are not alone.

[christianharbin]

This was so impactful to experience! Thank you so much, Laura Mvula for so boldly discussing this hidden issue. Much love and respect to you and your music. I speak peace and joy to you and your family! Amen. God bless you!

[livesquad]

I had Monophobia up until I was 20. It truly is a horrible thing to live with. Difficult for family as well. For me, being able to earn money and learn about the world and how it works sort of made it go away. I definitely still deal with the lack of trust in myself and my own capabilities though. I've listened to Laura for years and this has only made me appreciate her work even more.

[missantonietaalvespereira]

Thank you so very much for taking about this! I'm a sufferer as well and sometimes I feel that no one around me really understands. People need to see achievers like you that talk openly about mental health. Your work is really amazing. I love it! Love, A.

[grantwallace]

You are a beautiful woman. Massive praise for doing this and all power to you. Your album just got me though a tough night in hospital. Can't wait to hear where your talent takes you.

[nadiamirza]

I just love everything about her.... now I get why her music instantly had me transfixed from the get go.

[aishawf]

Thank you Laura and co for this much needed documentary :) xxx

[MartinLichtblau]

Look within you and by that learn to love yourself. Far to often we distract ourselves to numb our inner cries, but that just makes it worse.... and sadly, in todays world we are confronted with more tempting and powerful distractions than ever before.
So, don't give in! :-)

[ItsBellum]

Would have never thought such a beautiful gifted being had this issue, good on her, may she conquer anxiety everyday

[Totyi]

this video helped me so much. I'm also a singer, and once I got an anxiety attack on stage. It was horrible. I'm so happy for Laura that she's getting better!

[tiduscthulhuu]

I sincerely I'd like to thank you so much for share this struggle with us and with the world. It's something so hard I've been through these years and I'm much better now. Resilience is the key and we decided not just survive but to do something meaningful for our own life I believe be the path and only way. You as a black woman don't have ideia How you can inspire other and me. Thank you