REVIEW
MENTAL HEALTH
he Eurovision Song Contest has been an unexpected lifeline for me, providing comfort, friendship, and a renewed sense of purpose during my battles with chronic anxiety, depression, and various health problems. As someone who has often felt socially isolated, the Eurovision fandom has become a safe and supportive place where I have found lifelong friends and a sense of belonging. In some of my darkest times when leaving the house seemed impossible, connecting with friends online in the Eurovision world became a beacon of light, offering a connection to the outside world and something to eagerly anticipate. The winter months hit especially hard for me, but in recent years the dark weekend nights have transformed into something I look forward to with our marathons of national finals. It was for Eurobash in Bristol 2021 when I decided to step way out of my comfort zone and attend my first in-person OGAE event. I was filled with nerves, especially VISION ● AUTUMN 2023 71 “I feel better in my sweater, but hey, wait… Do you want to dance?”, no, no I don’t, I’m far too socially awkward for that. But here I am, a few gas station champagnes down the hatch and, like cha cha cha, to the front of that arena I’m heading!” T
EUROVISION TOGETHER Steve Thornton tackles a rising and serious problem in society. Here’s his very personal account of what Eurovision has meant to him.
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AUTUMN 2023 ● VISION
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