We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

Dan TDM Exclusive: How Depression Took Over My Life

Listen on

Episode notes

“I Thought Therapy Couldn’t Help” - Join us in this powerful episode featuring Daniel Middleton, better known as DanTDM, the UK’s most-followed YouTuber with over 29 million subscribers.

Dan shares the untold story behind his rise to fame — from navigating childhood challenges such as social anxiety and the divorce of his parents, to his struggle with severe postnatal depression during early fatherhood.

Learn how Dan overcame his mental health struggles through therapy and his advice on how to protect ones mental health through difficult times.

If you’re affected by anything discussed in this episode, please contact the below organisations and charities who can provide support:

Samaritans - https://g2ul0.app.link/1CRhatR7mPb

CALM - https://g2ul0.app.link/YvmzhM17mPb

MIND - https://g2ul0.app.link/d72yzu7jJOb

Follow Dan here:

YouTube - https://g2ul0.app.link/tjSbVHz7mPb

Instagram - https://g2ul0.app.link/MEkgFAI7mPb

X - https://g2ul0.app.link/341f8KC7mPb

Follow me here:

https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk

https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod

Sections:

00:00 Introduction To The Episode

02:16 Being Compared To Michael Jackson

02:46 The Origin Of The Name “Dan TDM" Explained

03:34 Balancing Two Personalities

04:33 A Look Back At Dan's Childhood

05:27 How Divorce Shaped Dan's Childhood

07:46 Surviving Secondary School

12:53 How Dan Started His YouTube Career

16:43 What Is Minecraft? A Beginner’s Guide

18:32 How Minecraft Transformed Dan's Life

21:18 When Dan Realized YouTube Could Be A Career

22:49 Transitioning To Full-Time YouTube

27:07 Why Dan Is One Of YouTube's Most Successful Creators

34:48 Breaking Down The 2017 Forbes Article On Dan

37:56 How Dan Coped With Sudden Fame

42:33 Managing Fame As An Introvert

44:06 Why Dan Is A Positive Role Model For Fans

44:59 Dan’s Impact On His Young Audience

47:39 Behind The Scenes Of Dan's Live Show

51:17 Inside Dan's Relationship With His Wife

54:20 Why Dan Got Married At 21

55:26 How Dan's Wife Influenced His Success

58:43 How Becoming A Father Changed Dan's Life

01:01:26 Huel Sponsorship

01:02:28 Tinder Ad Spot

01:03:24 Dan Advocates For Men’s Mental Health

01:06:16 Struggling With Mental Health During Lockdown

01:09:18 Hitting Rock Bottom

01:10:55 Dan's Honest Experience With Anti-Depressants

01:12:05 Dan Opens Up About Suicidal Thoughts

01:15:21 How Dan Shared His Feelings With His Wife

01:17:45 Exploring Why Dan Felt The Way He Did

01:20:01 What Early Fatherhood Taught Dan

01:24:10 How Therapy Helped Dan Overcome His Struggles

01:27:11 Creating YouTube Content While Battling Depression

01:31:06 How Being A Man Shapes Dan’s Views On Mental Health

01:34:18 Dan’s Advice For Those Struggling With Mental Health

01:36:38 What’s Next For Dan? Future Plans Revealed

01:41:38 Is Being A YouTuber A Sustainable Career?

01:44:07 Dan’s Top Tips For Growing A Successful YouTube Channel

01:46:43 How Many Subscribers Does Dan Have Today?

01:47:02 Dan’s Most Memorable Conversation Ever

01:49:48 Key Takeaways From This Episode

01:52:33 Adobe Sponsorship