"Music saved my life."

"Music saved my life" is a term I often hear. I understand it more than others do but at the same time I see why people struggle with this phrase. For someone's life to be saved, they have to be in danger of losing it and in an age where mental health is a high profile topic, what role does music really play in keeping us happy?

In the UK, 850,000 young people struggle with mental health. This statistic is only a representation of those who have been diagnosed which means there are many more sufferers out there who are struggling alone. A lot of young people are understandably scared by such mental health problems, whether it be depression, anxiety or any other problem which makes them feel alienated but there is so much that can be done to help. 

Music, for many, is an escape route away from problems and also a source of advice itself. Many musicians not only talk about strength, hope and positivity in their music but some have experienced some form of mental health problem too. As the issues of stigma and prevalence have become more public, many are now speaking about it. Jono Yates, guitarist of alternative rock band Blitz Kids, is one of the musicians who has started opening up about mental health and has recently discussed his battle with General Anxiety Disorder. In a YouTube video on his personal channel, he says:

“There’s a stigma attached to it, that if you suffer from [mental illness] then you’re in some way inferior, or you’re in some way damaged,  but you’re not… Everyone’s human and has their own things to deal with…It does get better but you are in charge of making it better.”

As a musician speaking out about his own struggles, he has received a lot of thanks and support from his fans and has subsequently helped people in the same, or in a similar position to himself. The influence of music in this way is so important because it helps keep the conversation about mental health flowing and helps lift the stigma of abnormality away from the topic too.

It’s not just musicians themselves who are talking about mental health though. There are many amazing charities out there who are standing up for mental health and offering advice about coping with the hard times too. Head Above The Waves are a Cardiff based organisation who promote “hope through creativity.” They have been a huge influence in the area in terms of getting people to talk about mental health and offering ways to cope too, especially using music. I got the opportunity to speak with Si Martin and Hannah Morgan from the organisation about the links between mental health and music.

A: What inspired you guys to set up Head Above The Waves?

Si: “Heads Above The Waves really came from my own experience - when I was struggling with self-harm as a teenager. It was pop-punk music, and writing/playing songs for myself that actually became my coping mechanism (seriously, thrashing a drum kit is such a good way of releasing stress). Being able to express myself through music and lyrics (whether my own or someone else’s) replaced my need to hurt myself.”

Hannah: “Initially we wanted to focus on creativity and music as a way to overcome your problems, and as huge music fans we all felt this was the best way we could get others involved and get support from the local music scene. And we're all just massive music fanatics and gig attendees!”

A: What’s the best advice you can pass on about coping with mental health?

Hannah: “We're firm believers in finding what works for you. We know that not everyone's cup of tea is music as a coping method. But we're suggesting it, sharing stories from people who it has worked for and encouraging people to have a go. If it doesn't work, try something else!”

Si: “And don’t give up! If it feels like you’ve tried a bunch of other things and they’re just not working out, it’s ok - you just haven’t found your thing yet, so keep on searching, no matter how long it takes or how hard it gets. And if you want to do something creative - it doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. I personally think that honest emotion in music counts for way more than technical perfection.”

A: Of all the musicians you’ve spoken to, who has given advice/stories that stick out the most?

Si: “Everyone that we’ve interviewed has actually been really receptive to our concept, and talked really honestly and openly, which has been awesome. But I think my favourite was Dan “Soupy” Campbell from The Wonder Years. He said: “If you take a calendar and colour in every day that’s bad, then look at a week or a month, then you might see a bunch of coloured in days and it looks like you’ve got a pretty bad life. But if you look at those few coloured in days on a say 80 year life span, then really, they’re just a drop in the bucket.” So I went and got a bucket tattooed on me!”

Hannah: “I would say Gnarwolves has been my favourite interview that we've done so far because I feel they really had the chance to say some cool things about their music and lyrics. They discussed how important music and friendship is to keeping your chin up and your head clear. I just felt they were really honest and encouraged people to talk about their feelings- which can be a hard thing for young people to do. Also, they’re just such a rad band.”

A: Why do you think music is so important in coping with mental health?

Hannah: “I can honestly say I wouldn't be alive now if it wasn't for music. It is my go to pick me up when I'm going through a hard time. I believe that when you're in a negative head space, a new band, new song or album can put into music and lyrics what you may not be able to admit to yourself or say out loud.  It can give you the courage to move forward with your life and grow, or can even just put a smile on your face when you remember good times you associate with certain songs. Music can definitely soundtrack your life, and lyrics can become mantras that you can say over and over to remind yourself to keep going. And of course playing and creating music can be cathartic.”

Si: “Music’s actually been a really key part in practically every human culture as far back as recorded history goes. I think there’s something that just kind of… resonates with people, if that makes sense. Personally, I love finding lyrics that let me know that there’s someone else out there who’s going through the same thing as I am, but they’re dealing with it through their music. And that feeling that I’m not alone, coming through a speaker, picks me up and means I can carry on when I’m at my lowest. Because actually, music can play such a huge role in your mood. It’s really hard to do, but when you’re feeling bummed out, avoid the temptation to listen to sad music, and listen to something that picks you up instead. We’ve made a Spotify playlist of songs that people have shared with us that pick them up when they’re down, so I’d definitely recommend checking that out!”

Personally, I wanted to talk about this on my blog because I have had my own battles with mental health. Ever since my early teens I felt different. I coped with all my problems and pressures differently and I never really spoke to anyone about it. Even now I struggle from time to time, but the one thing that has always been there when times have been tough is music. I don’t perform or create but I listen and take comfort and inspiration in the words I hear. I have lyrics tattooed on me to remind myself to stay strong when things get hard and every day I discover new words that help me. I recently stumbled across a lyric from a song by metalcore band, Architects: “pick yourself up and learn to live.” Its words like this that resonate with people and give people strength.

And, it’s not just these alternative musicians who create support concerning mental health. You often hear fans of artists such as One Direction and Lady Gaga say how they have been saved by the music and it is nothing but positive that this is happening; that all types of music are empowering people to get up and get through the problems they face.

The important message amongst all of this is that whether you want to create music, listen to music, or find help in any other form that is positive and helps, there is always a way to deal with mental health. No one is alone and there is always a place you can turn which will provide the support you need to get up again. If you are struggling, find a source of happiness and talk to someone. Here are a few links that might help: 

Head Above The Waves: hatw.co.uk
Youngminds: youngminds.org.uk
CALM: thecalmzone.net
SANE: sane.org.uk
MIND: mind.org.uk