Music To My Brain: 5 Songs About Mental Health
While the weekend posts are usually reserved for series posts (Finding Joy, Healthy Eats, Words That Shape Me), this post is a special one as well. It’s no secret that I love music. There is something so powerful about lyrics, especially when they resonate with something that you have gone through.
I find songs about mental health especially powerful. I think sometimes we forget that celebrities are human too, they have hurts and struggles just like all of us. I have so much respect for artists that release music about mental health. They are essentially sharing their struggles with the world. That is hard to do on it’s own, I can’t imagine how it feels on that big of a scale. Today I want to share with you a few songs that speak about mental health. Let’s get started
Voices In My Head by Ashley Tisdale
First upon my list of songs about mental health is Voices In My Head. The voices in your head can get so loud that sometimes it’s hard to separate them from reality. I love this song because it exposes those voices to exactly what they are, lies. It’s about recognizing that those voices are there, but shutting them down and taking away their power.
Below I’m sharing my favorite lyrics from the song, as well as the video. The album that the song is from, Symptoms, has so many songs about mental health. I would definitely recommend checking it out.
“I got these feelings I try to bury down But they keep screamin’ And I’m just tryin’ to filter out somehow But they don’t wanna leave”
“All the voices in my head Always try to break me Fuck me up and change me”
“They say that I’ll never be ready for love They say that I never will feel like enough Yeah, they lie to me And they lie to you”
It’s Ok Not To Be Ok by Marshmello and Demi Lovato
This is the newest song on this list, and I am obsessed with it! The message is in the song title: it’s ok not to be ok. This is the message we all need to hear. It’s no secret that this year has been tough for us all.
A song like this is a great reminder that whatever you are going through, it’s okay to feel how you feel. Don’t be ashamed of your feelings. Anytime you need this reminder play this song and truly listen and process these lyrics.
“Don’t get lost in the moment Or give up when you’re closest All you need is somebody to say It’s okay not to be okay”
Just Breathe by David Archuleta
This is such a centering song, which is fitting given the title. Life can get overwhelming sometimes, especially where we are now. This song is a great reminder to take a pause and breathe. You will overcome this situation and be stronger for it.
Just Breathe comes from David Archuleta’s album Therapy Sessions. It’s full of amazing songs that discuss mental health. It has been one of my favorite albums to listen to this year. Check out my favorite lyrics, and the official video, below.
“I was swimming deeper, But I didn’t drown. In a little silence In a little peace Took a little time to Find a piece of me.”
“I am not weak, I am stronger, I will not shrink, I am taller There is still more I can offer.”
Let Me Get Me by Selena Gomez
I’ve been a Selena Gomez fan since the beginning of her career. She’s had so many ups and downs over the years. I was so happy when I heard she was making a comeback with her album Rare. So many of the songs addresses the subject of mental health. One of my favorites is Let Me Get Me.
This bop is all about overcoming your struggles and choosing to be happy. There are some powerfull lyrics in this song like:
“No self-sabotage, no letting my thoughts run Me and the spiral are done Burn this camouflage I’ve been wearing for months Tryna let a little happy in for once,”
“Take that tired heart and go and turn it inside out.” Check out the song here.
1-800-273-8255 by Logic ft. Alessia Cara and Khalid
The last song on my list of mental health songs is 1-800-273-8255. This song is one of the most transparent songs that I have heard. I can’t imagine the feelings that went into writing this song. This song is an important message to everyone in a dark place. Things may seem bleak now, but there is so much worth living for. You are strong and you will get through this season.
The title of the song is actually the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. I love that Logic named it this because it’s made this song even more of a resource for those hurting. The impact the song has had is incredible. According to CNN, after the performance of 1-800-273-8255 at the 2017 MTV VMAs, there was a 50% increase in calls made to the lifeline. I remember watching that performance and getting chills seeing all the sucide attempt survivors join them on stage. Check it out below.
There are so many other songs about mental health. If you want me to share more let me know and I may turn this into a series.
