Dream Theater changed my life

[Rare]

Hey all, been a lurker since somewhere between the Score Release and Systematic Chaos.

I'm Diagnosed with Bipolar and a form of autism(Asperger's Syndrome) and never felt at ease when talking about myself, but will try my best in this post.

I'm used to dealing with depression on different levels and coupled with my social awkwardness, it was never easy to deal with.

Music would always make me feel better but it was not until i heard Dream Theater that i really found music that clicked on such a level.

I memorized all their lyrics and some songs stood out lyrically to me, mainly disc 2 of Six Degrees.
Some parts felt like they were about me and at one point it made me break out of my shell. I started singing along to songs, and later start to take vocal lessons.
My old self would never dare such a thing.

I remember being blown away by my first Dream Theater concert during the Chaos in Motion tour.

I remember crying when i found out that Mike Portnoy had left the band and worrying about the band's future.

I remember feeling so happy when i watched the last drummer documentary and seeing Mangini's reactions.

No other music has ever invoked so much emotion in me, from sadness to pure joy,
I would honestly say that Dream Theater's music saved my life. I can't imagine how my life would be without their music.

I would like to thank Dream Theater for keeping the dream alive.

Rare

[KevShmev]

Welcome to the forum!

[MajorBoobage]

Welcome, man! 

[TheCountOfNYC]

Welcome. You have a great story. It's truly amazing how something as simple as recorded sounds can change lives in such a positive way.

[Nomaniac]

Big welcome to the forums Rare

I think your story is great, and shows in so many ways the power of meaningful music like DT's. I have very similar mental diagnosis as you, and reading your story was really moving to me! I agree - SDOIT disc two is an amazing disc, with a very moving story for those of us who can relate, and for that reason it's my favorite track.

Thank you so much for sharing your story, and don't worry about social awkwardness or anything like that . . . you are a very welcome member of the forums

Since I was diagnosed with Autism at age 5 it has been hard for me, but here I've found some great people here and hope you will too

I hope you have a lot of fun here! Rock on man!!!

[Bertielee]

Wow, Rare, your story is really moving. I'm glad DT helped you go through such hard times and feel better! And welcome to DTF!

B.Lee

[Agalsed]

That's really awesome. I'm glad that DT was able to play such an important role in your life.

I've always found DT's insight into mental illness keen. I am studying for my doctorate in clinical psychology, and when I look at the lyrics to certain songs (SDOIT and voices in particular), I am impressed with how dead-on they represent a lot of emotional and psychological problems. I also appreciate that the framing device for SFAM is a big psychoanalysis session

[Nomaniac]

One thing for sure, JP does a lot of research when he writes about a certain mental illness! He doesn't mess around

[Onno]

Welcome! You have a great story indeed.

[V_R11]

Great story. I agree with you. DT is the only band that really helps me with anxiety disorder

[PetFish]

Awesome!

[mikemangioy]

Welcome Rare 

[Segue Myles]

Hi! Brand new here!

Massive fan of Rush, Nightwish and Lacuna Coil...plus Yes, Kansas and other classic rock bands...basically have liked DT for about eight years, recently became infatuated!

Amazing, stunning band who have really boosted my love for music!

So many threads and so much conversation I fear I may get lost hear haha

[Podaar]

One of those threads you mentioned is this one https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=322.0

It may interest you.

[Prog Snob]

First, welcome!   

Next...

Are you familiar with Temple Grandin? She's an author with Asperger's Syndrome and has written quite a few books about her experiences. You should definitely check them out. My daughter, who is five years old, was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, which is a lighter form of autism. It's a title used for children who do exhibit some developmental issues but are considered "too social" to be labeled as autistic. When I do get to see my daughter, I pay attention to her very closely and I understand why she was given this diagnosis. She's very friendly and will say hello to anyone but then she has those moments where she's in her own world and you can almost sense that her mind is elsewhere. There are other things I pick up on as well.

As someone with whom this topic hits home, feel free to message me anytime if you need to talk or vent or whatever.

[Art]

Awesome story! I imagine how happy the guys in the band would be reading this.

[TheOutlawXanadu]

That's going to be a hard first post to top... Welcome!

It really is amazing how our favorite bands can have such a huge influence on us.

[fischermasamune]

Welcome to the forums. Nice to see DT made the difference in your life.

[SwedishGoose]

Welcome to the forum....

[Mladen]

Yep, music does make a difference. Great first post, man, and welcome aboard. 

[TAC]

children who do exhibit some developmental issues but are considered "too social" to be labeled as autistic.

Describes my son as well.




Welcome Rare!