Rev Sven (he/him)

Rev Sven joined Momma on October 26, 2020 for a live Q&A via Twitch and YouTube to talk about Anxiety & Depression

About Rev Sven

Steven is a 30 year old married father of 2. He got into streaming by accident but quickly fell in love with it. Soon after, he discovered a mental health non-profit known as Anime for Humanity. They're a non-profit dedicated to getting physical mental health resources in the hands of those who may need them while also building a bridge to close the gaps in people in niche cultures such as anime, gaming, and cosplay to let them know they are not alone in their struggles. Steven has struggled with anxiety and depression most of his life and was on prescription medication since 6th grade. 4 years ago, he used a combination of therapy and alternative medicine to ween himself off of pills and be able to better cope during depressive episodes. He lives in rural Oklahoma, and his gaming interests revolve around Indie games. RevSvenTV on Twitter or RevSven on twitch are his two primary sources of social media!

Episode Summary

If you've ever felt trapped by anxiety and depression, frustrated with the medical system, or wondered if there's hope beyond traditional treatment, this raw conversation with Rev Sven offers hard-won insights from someone who's navigated childhood trauma, medication dependency, and found his own path to healing. 

Key Takeaways

• Mental health advocacy is crucial in breaking stigma.

• Streaming can provide a supportive community for mental health.

• Indie games can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

• Personal experiences with mental illness can inspire others.

• Open conversations about mental health are essential.

• Coping mechanisms vary for each individual.

• Therapy can be more beneficial than medication for some.

• Honesty with healthcare providers is vital for effective treatment.

• The streaming community is a powerful ally in mental health advocacy.

Rev Sven's mental health journey began with childhood trauma that would shape decades of his life. Raised by his grandparents after his parents separated, he struggled with abandonment issues when his mother chose drugs over caring for him. The anger and pain manifested early, and by fifth grade, he was throwing desks into walls.

Instead of therapy, his grandmother took him straight to a doctor who prescribed medication. This began a pharmaceutical carousel that lasted into his twenties. Depression became bipolar disorder, then anxiety, then intermittent explosive disorder. Sven cycled through over a dozen medications, often feeling like a zombie rather than himself.

The wake-up call came while working as a delivery driver. Despite taking Seroquel the previous evening, he fell asleep at the wheel the next morning, only waking when he hit the rumble strips. That terrifying moment forced a decision: something had to change.

Four years ago, Sven made the risky choice to wean himself off medication without medical supervision, something he explicitly doesn't recommend to others. He replaced pharmaceuticals with therapy, alternative approaches including medicinal marijuana and DMT, and most importantly, a supportive community.

Streaming became his lifeline. What started as an accidental hobby with a friend evolved into a platform for mental health advocacy. Through his Twitch channel and work with the nonprofit Anime for Humanity, Sven found his tribe... people who understood that gamers, anime fans and other "niche" communities needed mental health resources too.

His current coping toolkit is surprisingly simple but effective. When depressive episodes hit, he relies on his wife who lets him cry on her shoulder, friends in the streaming community who provide reality checks and encouragement, and the knowledge that he'll emerge from the darkness. A schnauzer mix puppy has become an unexpected emotional support companion.

Sven still battles the same demons. He describes episodes where he feels worthless, convinced everything he does is meaningless and that people won't miss him when he's gone. During these periods, he sleeps excessively and isolates himself. But now he has tools and people to pull him back.

His story highlights several critical issues: the overprescription of psychiatric medications to children, the importance of therapy alongside or instead of medication, and the power of community support. Living in rural Oklahoma (a region not known for progressive mental health attitudes) Sven works to break stigma one conversation at a time.

The streaming community surprised him with its openness about mental health struggles. Unlike his closed-minded hometown where men aren't supposed to show emotion, online spaces offered acceptance and mutual support. Even his brother, struggling with addiction, now reaches out for help after seeing Sven's transformation.

Sven's message is clear: mental illness doesn't make you broken or crazy, you're just wired differently. His journey proves that with the right support system, alternative approaches can work, though he emphasizes working with medical professionals rather than going it alone like he did.

From throwing desks to building community, Rev Sven turned his pain into purpose.