Why I Disappeared - How Bowie's Advice Changed my Attitude

I’m overwhelmed by all the lovely comments of support. Thank you all so much. Thank you to those of you who have suggested a GoFundMe page for medical bills, but I live in the UK so I don’t have medical bills (NHS). I’m not going to name the photographer who instigated legal action. While she caused me a lot of mental anguish, I don’t want to put her in any position where she’s victimised. There’s two sides to every story and kindness is always the only productive way forward.

Jamie, as your dad I’m so proud of you. It takes guts to put this out, and I’m glad your supporters now realise the challenges you face. You are rightly loved and admired by so many. We will get there together ❤️

"You create so you can feel like your true self again" YES! It's why we do this. Thank you for this video!!!!

When I was sick with cancer and convinced I was dying, Blackstar, the album he wrote while he knew he was dying, was one of the only things that made me feel understood. Dying is lonely and terrifying beyond words. No matter how much people around you love you, they don't, and can't, get what it's like. Blackstar said to me, "Yes this path is dark, but this is also a spiritual path toward understanding the whole of life." Clean scans for me for nearly 3 years now, but I'll never forget the way Bowie helped me understand death, to the degree that I, or anyone, can understand, before they walk through that secret door. Also, Jamie, what you went through, that must have been so incredibly painful. Thank you for sharing this with us. I hope it feels better now that you have put the fruits of your experience out into the world. Damn the folks who prey on others. And at the same time, as I was recovering myself, it helped to hear from wise artists this truth: that everything seems to happen to us, until we realize it is happening FOR us.

1) You could upload once per year and you would still be my favorite YouTuber 2) I really hope your health improves, we will be thinking of you and sending you well wishes 3) David Bowie is a genious :)

I am diagnosed with depression. Sometimes when everything is falling apart and life sucks, I "do". I take my camera and I take pictures. I don't "create", I just "do". Somehow it keeps me going. After a while (or after a longer period of time) I can "create" again instead of "doing" and enjoy it again. We are all different, and I hope you find your way of surviving. As long as you are breathing there is hope of something better.

Bowie is the best teacher, and his open-minded, fearless generosity in sharing his process was possibly his greatest gift to us.

Hello Jamie - I've never watched your channel before but the algorithm served me this video today and I clicked on it because it looked like something I needed to watch. I've been struggling with creative motivation recently, and one reason is that I've had a few health worries (relatively minor in my case), so it was interesting to discover that was a big part of your message. You've done a wonderful thing deciding to share all this. The video is incredibly well made and engaging, and your closing comments are particularly welcome and useful. I'm so sorry for what you've been through and I hope you get a successful outcome. I wish you the very best.

Jesus Jamie. So sorry for all this hell you've been going through. Your attitude still being so positive is a testament to your good character. Let us know if you start a go fund me for any medical bills or legal fees. Hang in there!

OMG Bowie's "Black Star" is such a huge inspiration for me. To put all of that in his last album was just the greatest gift to the world. Thanks for this video. Just got out of hospital two weeks ago.

My father survived a liver transplant in his 70s. I have faith you will be fine. Sending hugs and positive energy your way.

As a designer, and generally very visual person, I must say the graphics and animation here are STUNNING. What a pleasure to watch! In other news: in 2012 I have been diagnosed with depression after a clinical burnout. As a creative, this can be limiting at times. This video, just popped up in my recommendations out of nowhere, is truly valuable to me, and a reminder to carry on in difficult times. Creative output makes me happy and ignites in me a stronger will to live. Thank you for sharing this with the world, it’s truly valuable. I hope things will go better for you soon. Stay creative! Also, I subbed immediately, this must be my kind of channel! ❤

I think especially in times like these, where it feels like everything goes down the drain and life feels pointless we need artist doing creative work and bring back color and joy in our lifes. ❤

Thank you for sharing your journey. I needed to hear this tonight

So sorry to hear you have been going through such a difficult time Jamie, wishing you all the best 🙏🏼🙏🏼

You are the reason why I started working in photography and in the arts. Thank you for everything Jamie !

Truly appreciate the time and effort you've put into each and every one of your videos. Know that you've inspired myself, and thousands upon thousands of others. Keep shinning 🙂

sending much love Jamie. I cant imagine any of what you are going thru, hang in there.

Thanks for sharing. Great to have you back!

Mate - I went down your rabbit hole just a few days ago and BY FAR you have some of the most thought provoking, well put together and inspirational content on YouTube. It is obvious you put alot of hard work into your videos and I can assure you it is touching other people so THANK YOU (all the way from New Zealand 🇳🇿 ❤)