In our society, mental health has become a prominent issue with younger generations struggling to deal with the mental toll that modern society has created, but they have been able to find ways to express themselves through music.

By definition, music is a source of entertainment that allows people to dance, sing, and create a community with one another. But music is more than just a source of entertainment — it’s the freedom to express oneself.

Some may think that songs are only used to create a good vibe for a dance party or cookout rather than truly understanding the meaning behind the lyrics. Music is a reflection of someone’s soul, state of mind, and it stands for someone’s humanity. It reveals personal and sensitive experiences that show someone’s raw emotion — in a way which others can relate to.

People turn to music because they can finally put their feelings into words and connect with someone who understands what they’re going through. 

Many artists base their music on traumatic or prominent events that made a big impact on their lives. It’s their way of expressing their emotions and moving forward in life.

The fans who relate to these types of songs can feel seen and heard when they realize they aren’t the only ones who experience these intense emotions, especially while struggling with their mental health. 

Through music, we learn not only about one another’s personalities and interests, but also each other’s struggles with mental health, helping us understand one another better.

If people become more aware of mental health struggles, then we can finally create unity between each other because it gives people a reason to ask for help when they need it.

The younger generation is struggling with this path of asking for help. They don’t want to seem like a nuisance to others, so they stay silent. Through their silence, people can learn to notice these small signs through music as mental health cannot be seen, as it’s an internal wound in someone’s heart, mind, and soul. 

Noticing these small indications of mental health struggles can allow people to reach out to one another and potentially be given the chance to save a life as people battle with their mental health that can lead into suicide. 

As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s time for people to give someone a chance to feel understood and recognized, not discriminated against by others.

It’s important to recognize that those who struggle with their mental health aren’t meant to be compared to others. It shouldn’t be seen as a competition, but instead as a struggle significant to the individual, as their emotions shouldn’t be discarded.

Music is a powerful tool that can resonate with people all over the world, helping to create a safe and stress-free place, especially for those who struggle with mental health or need to find an outlet for their emotions.

Featured below is a list of songs that demonstrate how artists reflect on their own experiences, mental health, and past events through music. 

What makes music so special is its ability to connect to every individual in different ways, because it isn’t meant for a singular group of people.

It’s at its best when the audience can learn about one another and the artist themselves.

Behind each song there is a story, whether it’s a happy, sad, silly, or a dream being wished.

It’s a story that leaves an impact on people all over the world.

It’s creating a community that isn’t divided by sex, age, race, money, fame, or political beliefs.

Instead, it’s created through the commonality of loving music that showcases hardship, love, hate, sadness, loneliness, and all of the above.

Music reveals the darkest secrets and the ability to find the truth among lies, and it creates a sacred place where people are able to find the words for their struggles and an outlet from the pain of their minds. Everyone’s mental health deserves to be recognized and music is that place where they can freely express their emotions all throughout their life.