Mental health is important to each and every person. Everyone is affected and handles their mental health differently. According to a 2020 study by DoSomething, 55 million American students were suffering from mental health issues. DoSomething started the “New State of Mind” in which many students submitted responses on things that help them with mental health issues. 

There are ways to cope and try to overcome these issues though. It will be different from person to person, but music is my safe space. When I’m going through something that I don’t understand or don’t know how to deal with, I listen to music. It feels as if it’s a sense of familiarity to me in an unfamiliar place. I’ve expanded my horizons so much in music, and I’m listening to things I never thought I’d like. Just having something to escape with when things are the hardest is relieving. 

In January, I went through the toughest time of my life mentally and emotionally. I’m sure I’ll have a lot worse experiences down the road, but at the time, this was the lowest I had ever been. During this time I listened to a ton of music. There is a song for every emotion you could feel. Just listening to these songs made me feel that the things I was feeling were shared with other people, and my mental state would get better. “In Your Atmosphere” by John Mayer was a song that really helped me through struggles. The riff and guitar playing done by Mayer made me feel at ease and gradually became one of my favorite songs. “Peppas” by Westside Gunn & Black Star also was a song that made me feel a lot better, but for different reasons. It’s a very braggy song with everyone in the song commenting on their wealth and the designer clothes they’re wearing. The effortless flows by Mos Def, Talib Kwali, and Westside Gunn give me a sense of confidence. Despite me not being able to relate to half of the things they’re saying, the impact this song had on me was immense. I believe that there is music for everyone to enjoy, even if music doesn’t help you the way it helps me. 

If music doesn’t help you, there are plenty of other things out there that can help. It may take time to find something that you can confide in, but once you find something it will be very helpful. I also think that everyone should go to therapy. Even if you don’t have depression, anxiety, or another mental condition. Therapists will always be on your side and not judge you, which is something that everyone could benefit from. Being able to discuss whatever you want with someone on your side could be a way to help your mental health. Along with that, there is the national suicide lifeline which was changed to 988. It’s on the back of all our ID’s and is also a good source for help. 

YOU are loved and YOU are cared about more than you know.