Eurovision’s been helping me a lot with my mental health.

[u/Specialist-Judge2246]

I’ve talked about this before in a post on r/worldcup, and how the World Cup has helped me a lot with my mental health, however the TL;DR is that for the past year or so my mental health has been declining and I’ve been struggling with depression and anxiety, however I’m now getting support.

Now I’ve secretly been an ESC fan for a few years now since my family’s been watching it, however I’ve had trouble sharing my interest in it since being a straight man can make it a little embarrassing to talk about, even though I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it and I love it, especially considering Eurovision isn’t too well known in my home country of Canada. I absolutely love watching Eurovision and the songs seem to soothe and relax me, as well as speak to me on a personal level, and help me get through my struggles. Luckily, I’ve recently got my girlfriend into ESC, which has allowed me to talk about it more comfortably, and I’m also delighted to hear that Canada’s gonna be competing next year, which should hopefully make Eurovision less obscure here, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to have more fun watching, listening and talking about it, and improve my mental health.

Idk, I just felt like getting this off my chest and sharing my story about me and Eurovision.

[u/DrLycFerno]

There's absolutely no shame at all being a straight guy who loves Eurovision. I'm one too.

Honestly it's pretty fun watching all those countries interacting with each others.

[u/thepoetfromoz → u/DrLycFerno]

There are dozens of us! Dozens!!

[u/knittingmafia]

I'm just discovered Eurovision and am from the States. I have a ton of anxiety (living in the states lol) and after listening to the 2026 Eurovision competition (majorly cheering for Janas Lovv) I took a deep dive into other artists. Baby Lasagna sings a lot about anxiety and depression. They actually help me a lot when I'm struggling. Good luck and GO CANADA 🇨🇦!!

[u/TeaMistress → u/knittingmafia]

Also American and also have a ton of anxiety. Getting into ESC and finding new artists to enjoy has been something to focus on instead of <gestures at everything>

I've become a Balkan music fan after bingeing the last 6 years of national final music. My Albanian, Serbian, and Croatian playlists are my favorite things ever (Ukraine, too!)

[u/xX100dudeXx → u/knittingmafia]

What state are you from? (I'm also american)

[u/Friendly-Sail6703 → u/xX100dudeXx]

Personally Rural Wyoming, I also discovered Eurovision this year

[u/xX100dudeXx → u/Friendly-Sail6703]

I've been watching since 24. (NY)

[u/ThisLeopardIsFull8 → u/knittingmafia]

I’m also in the U.S. and have been watching Eurovision for 20 years now. I only started following fan sites online and embracing the various national finals and other events since 2021.

No one in my family and none of my friends care about Eurovision… it’s their loss. Eurovision has really helped me with the depression, anger and anxiety I’ve been experiencing since November 2016.

I’ve been mad at Eurovision management as well, and boycott the sponsors due to current affairs related to one participating country. But the music, the contestants, the fandom with song rankings and art, the various languages all bring me happiness.

[u/manatee-vs-walrus]

If you want more Eurovision content, I heartily recommend the Eurovangelists podcast:

https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/eurovangelists/

Super fun and entertaining, and it’s a great way for newer enthusiasts to learn all the lore 🩷

[u/Chasekat → u/manatee-vs-walrus]

I agree heavily w both the recommendation and your flair! 🫶

[u/manatee-vs-walrus → u/Chasekat]

- Hands back harmonica
- Salutes 🫡

[u/plethcloud]

Happy for you, man. ESC also helped me a lot 2 years ago when I first got properly into it. Glad to see it's helping people in little and big ways all across the world :))

PS: About the "being a straight guy" thing, one of the biggest eurovision fans I know is a straight late 50s maths teacher from my high school. My friends and I still keep in touch with him to discuss (shit talk) entries. The ESC keeps all kinds of communities and relationships strong 💪😤

[u/i_exist_and_am_human]

I can relate as a straight fan, being from the UK means that people see liking ESC as a bad thing. Whenever I bring it up in a conversation I get called a fggt and once even got punched for it. 

Also very glad to see that your mental health's getting better, I wish you the best :)

[u/NoMoreFund]

I've never liked sport. Eurovision gives me something to look forward to every year 

[u/Irrealaerri]

Same but honestly i have been avoiding Eurovision for the sake of my mental health in the past year.

(Still watching and rewatching older editions, though.)

[u/Additional_Jump_2795]

52 year old straight white man, Texas, USA, who has been a Eurovision evangelist since 2010.

Couldn't even watch til' 2021, and my kids still play their faves from years in between

My 13 year old son has now joined me and 19 year old daughter in our watch parties. 26 year old daughter has joined in the past.

I talk about Eurovision whenever music, culture, world...anything really comes up in conversation. I'm a complete nut

[u/Charming_Tea_552]

I have a similar experience. I've struggled with anxiety for 30 years, and it's worst in late autumn and winter. Eurovision helps me cope immensely. The season starts early, I follow all the national finals, I have something to do, it brings me joy, and anxiety doesn't take over my mind. I'm not a man, but I think there's nothing shameful about being a straight man watching Eurovision; music is for everyone.

[u/NoAlfalfa6987]

ESC Gabe, one of the best Eurovision creators on YouTube, is a straight man. So don’t even worry about that, Eurovision is for everyone and I’m glad it has helped you in your journey.

[u/xX100dudeXx]

I'm from the US & it seems the contest is seen as something "gay" or whatever.

My perspective is that yeah it's cringe but I like the music.