As we have just celebrated Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s a great time to focus on this aspect of health that is often overlooked. With physical symptoms, many people find it’s easier to visit a doctor. But when the problem is in your mind, it’s harder to express and there is still too much stigma attached to mental health problems.

Mental health problems are not discriminatory. They can impact anyone at any time and don’t differentiate between race, religion or economic background. That’s why a continued focus on improving mental health awareness and the way we face it remains vital.

Here we look at some songs, written and performed by hugely successful artists who had their own battles with poor mental health. By sharing their experience, emotions and courage, their music serves as a guiding light for us all to understand each other better and be kinder to each other and ourselves. Music can serve as a great healer for tough times.

Help! – The Beatles

One of The Beatles’ biggest hits was written by Lennon during a time of depression that he was experiencing. This admission made ‘Help!’ one of the earliest mainstream pop songs to tackle the issue of mental health. The song serves as a reminder that we must ask for help and not to struggle in isolation. Even the most successful people can suffer with low mood, self-doubt and anxiety.

Pick Up The Phone – Henry Moodie

Singing from personal experience, Moodie brings us a heartfelt message to always call for help and not suffer alone. During times of emotional turmoil, call a friend, family member or crisis hotline. Despite being more connected than ever in the digital age, feelings of loneliness are commonplace. There is always someone who can offer support, so ‘pick up the phone’.

Stressed Out – Twenty One Pilots

The hit that firmly put this band on the map, Stressed Out is an ode to feelings of overwhelm with adult life and a desire to return to simpler, childhood times. The song focuses on feelings of being inadequate for coping with the daily pressures of adult life, such as financial worries or work stress. We can all relate to the stresses of modern life and yearn for a time that wasn’t full of anxiety.

24/7 – Kehlani

Kehlani wants to tell us that it’s ok to not be ok. With themes of how toxic positivity can affect us, the lyrics show us that often this can silence those struggling with anxiety or depression. This is a song about being your authentic self, even if that means imperfection, tough times and periods of healing. Kehlani opens up about personal struggles and wants to share the message that perceived weakness is actually strength. To find out more about the crucial work of Mental Health Training Courses, visit Tidal Training.

Numb – Linkin Park

This rock anthem explores themes of identity loss when trying to live under someone else’s expectations. One sign of depression is a numbness that seems to override emotions, replacing feelings and leaving you on autopilot. When this becomes too intense, there is a desire to break free and this is what Chester Bennington was conveying. After his death, this song became more poignant and served as a reminder that strength can be a facade with a person truly suffering behind it.

Family Line – Conan Gray

Trauma passed down through generations, dysfunctional families and the huge impact of childhood experiences all have a significant impact on mental health well-being. Family Line explores themes of pain that can be passed down through a family and the complex relationship between adult mental health and childhood trauma. For anyone dealing with family estrangement, cycles of abuse or trauma, the lyrics of this track will surely resonate.

Breathin – Ariana Grande

Anyone can suffer a panic attack, including the rich and famous. In this song, Ariana opens up about the importance of breathing your way through anxiety and panic. She emphasises not giving up and seeking help and that there is a positive way to overcome these feelings of desperation. Both individuals and businesses could benefit greatly from Mental Health Training Courses.

What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish

I’m sure we can all empathise with questions about identity, purpose and belonging that are common themes for those suffering from depression. The song won a Grammy and the Academy Award for Best Original Song, having appeared on the Barbie movie soundtrack. The lyrics reveal a vulnerability that we can all relate to, with feelings of emptiness and a lack of purpose being laid bare as common human experiences.

Everybody Hurts – REM

If you can make it to the end of this song without shedding tears, then you must be superhuman! This heart-wrenching melody and raw vulnerability from REM reminds us that we all struggle and suffer. We are not alone, although we may feel it sometimes.