My top five song recommendations that address mental health and illness
If you’re someone who deals with mental health issues or illness, you may understand how it feels to become easily overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions that make you feel like you’re struggling alone.
I struggle with depression and anxiety myself. Oftentimes, when I’m not feeling well mentally there isn’t an immediate relief to the emotions I’m feeling. I find it that in those moments it’s nice to hear that someone understands or can put some of the emotions you are experiencing into words. Thus, I find one of the best ways to cope are through songs that explain or relate to what you are going through. The following songs may or may not be of interest or help to you, but even if not, just always remember there are small things like music that can help us relieve some of the stress or pain we endure.
Here are some of my favorite songs and artists that I truly appreciate for using their platform to talk about mental health:
1. Anti-Depressant by Londrelle
“Because at the end of the day man…..and woman ….(laughs) its all about you. Its all about you. Yeah , i pray for your healing, i pray for your happiness, all abundance. Its going to be okay.”
Photo from Sound Cloud
Londrelle has several songs that express emotions from depression, heart break, self-neglect, and self-love. I highly recommend giving all his albums a listen — He talks straight up about mental health and relatable experiences all at the same time lifting you up and letting you know your feelings are validated and you’ll be okay.
2. Anziety by Logic
“Why nobody wanna say: I been living with this everyday
Why nobody wanna say: Everything will be OK”
3. 1-800-273-8255 by Logic
“It can be so hard But you gotta live right now You got everything to give right now”
Logic describes his experience with anxiety and I appreciate this song and Logic so much because he uses his platform to talk about mental health and show vulnerability of his own, even as a highly-viewed celebrity.
4. Lifting You by Michael Blume
“External validation is not a prerequisite for self-appreciation”
Photo from Celeb Mix
A great song that talks about the need for self-love and self-validation.
5. Uno by Rex Orange County
“And I live with a voice that tends to tell me that I’m shit in my head
And well, maybe I should fuck it and be happy instead”
Photo from Apple Inc. Itunes
Rex Orange County is an artist that I listen to that helps me chill and calm down when I’m feeling stressed. I appreciate this song where he talks about his own stresses and mental health.
Coping and taking care of our mental health looks different for each person. However, I do hope these some of these songs can resonate with you to know you’re not alone in what you may be struggling with. It’s okay to not be okay and these artists are just a ‘play’ away to let you know that.