Mental Health in Music Industry
Music is therapy; however, like regular people artists struggle with mental health issues as well. In fact, in America, suicide is responsible for approx. 47,500 deaths in 2019. It’s the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. That would mean one death every eleven minutes. The cause of this demise could be related to financial status, being overworked, and even undiagnosed/untreated mental health issues.
Over 12 million adults in America think of suicide as a form of relief. 3.5 million have planned a suicide attempt, and 1.4 million attempted suicide.
While mental health is not the usual table talk conversation for those who suffer. A lot of musicians have spoken out about their mental illness in the hopes to try to destigmatize everything from depression to manic depression also known as bipolar disorder by telling others of their own struggles.
“People in the street going ape st, battling depression but nobody wanna say st”. (Logic’s song Anziety from his album Everybody)
Most artists of today use their music as a way to vent and mention their own issues, you can find them in songs varying from Logic’s 1-800-273-8255, Eminem’s Rock Bottom, XXX Tentacion’s Jocelyn Flores, and much more.
Artists Gone Too Soon
Sadly, in the past few years, we’ve lost artists from all genres around. From Swedish DJ and musician Avicii, in a released statement from his family said “he really struggled with thoughts about meaning, life, happiness”.
Chester Bennington, the frontman of rock band Linkin Park, openly talked about his difficult childhood and his struggles with depression.
Lastly, the famously known singer of the band Nirvana took his life in his Seattle home back in 1994. Previously diagnosed with depression in high school.
Suicide is a subject which needs more attention. It is known as the silent killer for a reason.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling.
Be sure to add the Addiction Center to your list of resources.
