10 Awesome Songs about Mental Health
Anyone can be vulnerable to a mental illness regardless of age, socio-economic status, race, or religion. It can be in the form of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or any other traumatic experience that keeps playing episodes in your mind. That makes it practical to put mental health among the most significant concerns. Since mental health is a primary concern, artists have created various songs to promote awareness. Remember that even celebrities aren’t immune to mental illnesses despite the near-perfect life they portray on tv, social media, or elsewhere. But thanks to them, we now dare to speak up through their songs. Here are ten awesome songs about mental illness
10. “Breathing” by Ariana Grande (2018)
“Breathing” is a dance-pop song by Ariana Grande released in 2018 from her album, Sweetener. According to Spinditty, Ariana released this song to show that she’s human like the rest of us, despite being a young artist. She suffers anxiety, panic attacks, and even stage-fright while singing each day. Her song is some form of assurance to people battling anxiety regardless of their current situation.
9. “Sober” by Demi Lovato (2018)
Whether you were born in the 80s, 90s, or 2000s, you should have heard at least one of Demi Lovato’s songs. The singer started her career in her teen and has appeared on Disney Channel severally. With all these opportunities at her beck and call, you would think her life is perfect. However, she’s gone through various issues that have affected her mental health, including substance abuse, bullying, and self-harm. Her song, “Sober,” is a confession of what she’s been through.
8. “Perfect” by Anne-Marie (2018)
Anyone can look perfect on social media. However, looks can be deceiving. So, people try to compete with each other to show they’re living a perfect life, but the reality is that’s not close to the truth. So, if you’ve been a victim of body-shaming or cyberbullied because you respectfully differed with an unreasonable person, you aren’t alone. “Perfect” by Anne Marie is one song that helps us realize the essence of self-worth.
7. “Save My Soul” by Jojo (2015)
We’ve all gone through episodes where we feel like the universe has conspired to make our life miserable. It gets to a point where you’re gradually getting used to the feeling that can easily affect your mental state. It’s not easy coming out of the closet to admit that you feel defeated, but you’ll come out victorious someday. “Save My Soul” by Jojo is one of those songs to remind you that you’re human and should seek help.
6. “Head Above the Water” by Avril Lavigne (2018)
Avril Lavigne is one of the musicians we grew up knowing, but beyond her music is an autoimmune disorder, Lyme Disease, that she’s been battling. She knew that millions of others suffer from this disease, so coming clean about it was her way of raising awareness. Lavigne sang “Head Above the Water” to explain her struggle with the disease that almost made her lose her mind. No matter what you’re battling, keeping your head above the water can be your only source of refuge.
5. “Save Myself” by Ed Sheeran (2019)
You might know him for his chubby face and beautiful voice, but Ed Sheeran is one of those few artists who know how to relay messages through his songs. No wonder his song “Save Myself” featured on our list. Sheeran’s message is to help people realize that their happiness should come first. You might feel unworthy or looked down upon in some situations, but that’s not the end of the world. Drowning in self-pity isn’t worth the risk because depression can affect your mental health. How about you loosen up and concentrate on things that make you happy?
4. “Fake Happy” by Paramore (2017)
“Fake Happy” is Paramore’s song released in 2017. The singer uses this piece to express the cruelty in life and that more people succumb to depression and other mental health-related diseases because they fear coming out of their closets. Their only way is to fake happiness and smiles. However, behind that smile is a helpless person. We found this song useful and motivational thanks to its upbeat dance tune and the message related to depression.
3. “1-800-273-8255” by Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid (2017)
Everybody needs someone they can lean on for help. It is why no human is an island, and this reasoning is practical if you’re feeling alone. It can be your lover, friend, neighbor, or even a stranger that can hold your hand when you’re in despair. This fantastic song can help you realize how unique you are regardless of your emotional turmoil.
2. “Smile” by Jay-Z ft. Gloria Carter (2017)
“Smile” is a song portraying Jay-Z’s struggle with bad memories and how they’ve shaped his career. He recollects how tough it was becoming a star and trying to prove to the public that everything behind the scenes was okay. His mom, Gloria Carter, a self-confessed homosexual, also talks about her experiences after speaking publicly about it. Jay once spoke on David Letterman’s Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, that he created this song when his mother came clean about her sexuality. Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s in Need of Love Today” is also sampled in the song.
1. “Help!” by The Beatles (1965)
According to N Arts & Culture, one of the best songs illustrating the difficulty someone can face while battling anxiety is “Help!” by The Beatles. The group released it for The Fab Four’s album in 1965. At the time, the band was famous, so the pressure to impress their fans escalated. Songwriter John Lennon used this song to reveal the struggles they faced. So, their only source of refuge was to seek help.
Conclusion
Music is still food for your soul, whether you’re in a state of depression, anxiety, mood swings, or any other mental illness. Songs about mental health can inspire you to see the positive side of life and help you deal with whatever “demons” you’re battling.
