Mental Health and Music

Tears of joy, sadness, laughter, nostalgia — music makes us feel all sorts of emotions. No matter what happens, it always accompanies our emotional state and in a way, helps us overcome hardships — whether it’s a breakup, mental health issues, or just a terrible week. Somehow, we always tend to find connections with different bands or artists on an emotional level, and we all have songs that bring us comfort and catharsis, songs that move us and save us.

The month of May was dedicated to mental health awareness, and we, as huge music enthusiasts, should not forget the vital role music plays when it comes to mental health. Its effect on our psychological state is undeniable. It gives us a place to reflect on what we feel and go through, as well as the realization that we are not alone in our struggles. I vividly remember being ten and listening to Green Day’s “Wake Me Up When September Ends” for the first time. It was quite a revelation, as I didn’t know there were songs that depicted grief in such an accurate way. Growing up in an environment where everyone was very private and reserved, it was shocking to hear someone sing about things that I was struggling with. It’s been years since I first stumbled upon that song, but it still holds a very special meaning to me, as it had served me as a reminder that it’s actually okay to be broken. That’s one of the most exciting things about music — it transcends any boundaries and unites people who may share the same pain, no matter who we are or where we come from. It’s quite powerful, isn’t it?

Equally, concerts are a very therapeutic, intimate experience. We make special connection with the artist on stage and their songs, which become even more personal when we hear them live. Surrounded by hundreds of people that probably feel the same as you do, the sense of loneliness dissolves somewhere in the middle of the crowd. Though we might not know these people around us, we still empathize with them. It’s sort of a “Hey, I know exactly how you feel,” moment.

With mental health issues being destigmatized, we still have a lot to work on. To this day, many people see mental disorders as something shameful, and the music industry has significantly contributed to spreading mental health awareness. More and more artists use their voice and open up about their experience with depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders, which inspires us — ordinary people — to do the same. It also teaches us that there is nothing wrong with being vulnerable; in fact, there is so much power and beauty in honesty and vulnerability.

We often consider our favorite musicians as our role models; they are people we admire and look up to. It’s important that they use their voice and platform to address the stigma behind mental illness and how we can reduce it. Many artists also work with mental wellness organizations to make a change in our society and engage people in a dialogue. Additionally, there are special resources and services within the industry, as people in this sphere often suffer from mental health issues themselves. According to University of Westminster and MusicTank, who carried out a large research in 2016, nearly 70% of people in the music industry believed they had dealt with depression. One of the greatest examples of organizations that help people in the industry are Punk Talks, a nonprofit which provides artists free or affordable therapy, and Music Minds Matter, a round-the-clock helpline and support service for the British music community.

While music can’t cure an illness, it still greatly influences our wellbeing. It can heal our wounds and help us overcome whatever obstacles we have to face in our life. It is truly empowering, and it does make life worth living for so many artists and listeners. Though some say it’s unhealthy to be emotionally dependent on music, mental health embodies our general well-being, and our ability to relate to others and seek solace in art and music is a huge part of it.

With this in mind, don’t ever feel ashamed to say, “This song saved my life.” Music is capable of doing many incredible things to us.

Written by: Polina Bakgof

Photo by: Sophie Harris