desTigmatizing menTal health

des t igmatizing

Mental health is an essential part to living a healthy and balanced life. The quality of our mental health impacts our decision-making, our emotional and our social well-being in everyday life. When emotionally healthy, we become more productive in spaces like school and work. This is what allows us to develop meaningful relationships.

Going to college is not always sunshine and rainbows, and maintaining mental health is often overlooked. Cons of being a college student consist of not having your support system in the times you need them the most. For example, when you argue with a roommate, or you have a bad day at class, or even when negative things are being said about you throughout campus.

I would consider myself to be social, but this past summer, my mental health was put to the test. Finding myself amidst a toxic situation, I discovered the best thing you can do is talk to people.

Music has always been a remedy for my mental health struggles. J. Cole has been a big influence not only on my life, but the lives of many. Although his music is not exclusive to one specific group, one can say that his music targets and speaks to the lives of minorities in America. Artists like J. Cole have helped fans reduce their depression or anxiety, expand their interpersonal skills, and lift self-esteem—ultimately improving their mental health. By Shawn Villeta

Cole is a man of the people and is always looking to change the community in any way he can, especially through his music. How Cole brings mental health to light is great because with his platform, he can get people to open up about their problems and not mask them.

The project with the biggest impact on my life was on J Cole’s 2010 mixtape, Friday Night Lights. On it, he reflected on his life-changing record deal and explained his vengeance for the rap game, because he felt underappreciated and like he had something to prove.

“I’ma kill the game and invite witnesses / No death penalty, I’m giving life sentences / Like keep grinding boy, your life can change in one year / And even when it’s dark out, the sun is shining somewhere,” he raps.

This verse will always hold a special place in my heart. It drove me to be better and made me obsessed with winning and hard work. I didn’t live the average teenagers’ life. I was fortunate enough to go to one of the top boarding schools in the country for basketball. That’s when I realized that I have an opportunity to do something special and change the lives of those around me.

This verse was my blueprint. It taught me that no matter how rough things are, try to smile and make light of the situation. Ever since I heard these words, I can say my mental health has been at an all-time high, which has positively affected my life socially and professionally. We need to find that one coping mechanism that takes us away from the problem and use it to bring us to a better place. Mine is music… what’s yours?