20 Songs to Listen to During Mental Health Awareness Month
Music has always been a therapeutic tool for me , and I have found that connecting with songs and artists that are open about mental health and illness makes me feel seen and comforted. With that being said, I have created a playlist for you of some of my favorite songs that are by musicians who are open about their mental illnesses, or those close to them who struggle with their mental health . Some of these songs are explicit and can be triggering, so please listen with caution.
The first featured artist on my playlist is Yungblud, also known as Dominic Richard Harrison. Yungblud has frequently been open about his struggle with depression and , as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ), and numerous of his songs have been featured in the “13 Reasons Why” series. I have to admit that I only discovered Yungblud recently, but I was immediately intrigued by his explicit songs that address such things as using psychiatric medication and abusing substances, while also providing support for those who are struggling with their mental health . Yungblud’s unique voice and lyrics made me feel close to him, and I have been listening to him on repeat lately because of how comforting I have found his music to be.
I am also including a song by Machine Gun Kelly and Yungblud called “I think I’m OKAY” which was the first song that introduced me to Yungblud.
1. “I think I’m OKAY” by Machine Gun Kelly and Yungblud (explicit) 2. “Medication” by Yungblud 3. “God Save Me, But Don’t Drown Me Out” by Yungblud (explicit) 4. “Kill Somebody” by Yungblud
This song is particularly triggering, but equally important. In the lyrics and the music video Yungblud depicted his darkest moments with depression , and suicidal thoughts . While the song may seem scary and homicidal, it is actually a raw look inside of Yungblud’s struggle with his mental health and suicidal thoughts — and how the truth behind mental illness is not often pleasant and can be scary for those struggling.
5. “Weird!” by Yungblud (explicit) 6. “Dancing with the Devil” by Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato is another artist I highlighted, due to her authentic struggle with bipolar disorder , eating disorders , and substance . I admire how Demi has become an activist for mental health and frequently addresses her struggle in her music.
7. “Anyone” by Demi Lovato 8. “Sober” by Demi Lovato 9. “Total Revenge” by Say Anything
The last primary artist I featured is Max Bemis of the band Say Anything.
I found this song to be relatable to me as someone with borderline personality disorder . I struggle with feeling suicidal after a relationship ends, and this song pretty much sums up what I experience when I am in a relationship , longing for a relationship or losing a relationship . However, it also explores Max Bemis’s struggle with bipolar disorder and his mental instability when it comes to relationships .
10. “Cemetery” by Say Anything 11. “Madeline” by Tickle Me Pink
Other notable artists and bands featured are Paramore, Rise Against, Good Charlotte, Florence + The Machine, and Tickle Me Pink The songs I highlighted address such sensitive topics as substance and and overdose as well as living with depression , , and eating disorders .
12. “Otherside” by Red Hot Chili Peppers 13. “Hold On” by Good Charlotte 14. “Make It Stop” by Rise Against
Out of all of the songs I’ve featured in this playlist, this song is by far the most difficult to listen to. The song is about a girl named Madeline who committed suicide, and the singer’s regret about not being there for her when he knew she was depressed. It is incredibly heartbreaking, but a beautiful portrait of the aftereffects of suicide.
TW: suicide, homophobia
15. “Fake Happy” by Paramore
As another sensitive song, Rise Against addressed the suicide epidemic amongst youth in the LGBTQIA+ community. It is heart wrenching, but its message about homophobia is so important.
16. “Hunger” by Florence + The Machine 17. “Better Off” Dead by Jxdn 18. “La Di Die” by Nessa Barrett and Jxdn 19. “Pray” by Jxdn 20. “America’s Sweetheart” by LilHuddy (explicit)
“Fake Happy” is generally about how we have to pretend like we are okay when we are struggling with our mental health , because that is what the world expects of us. However, it also acknowledges how exhausting this becomes.
Check out this playlist on The Mighty’s Spotify account.
I hope that my playlist resonates with you and that you feel connected, heard and understood. Music is such a powerful way to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, and I am so thankful to these artists for being vulnerable about their own mental health struggles, or the mental health struggles of those close to them. The more awareness we have, the more we can support each other and improve the care available. Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! I see you.
Originally published at https://themighty.com.
