Art has the power to render sorrow beautiful, make loneliness a shared experience, and transform despair into hope...
It’s the sharing of art that whispers, you are not alone.
-Brené Brown Braving the Wilderness
Nobody lays down the truth like Brené and I adore her for it. I could not agree with this sentiment more. This is basically why I make music. Music is magical. I believe that music can bring unity and understanding into places where separation has reigned. With the way things look out there in the world, this needs to be a priority. We have got to find a way to work together and take care of each other.
As we are still in Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month I think this power of art is especially important. It has been wonderful to see so many ways that people are expressing themselves creatively to address this issue directly. People are bravely sharing their experiences and through that we understand we are not alone. I’m happy to see that the underlying mental health conditions that contribute to the desire to end your life have also been addressed often. I am so proud of the contribution I’ve made to the ongoing conversation: my music video for Hello in There. I truly feel like this song has the potential to encourage people who are struggling to have the courage to ask for help.
I have had times when my depression has been so painful that I have pondered suicide as an option. When I am really struggling the thing that helps me the most is to be reminded that I am not alone and that I will not always feel this terrible.
Pain is an important part of being human. We tend to want to run from it and avoid it. You can chalk it up to instinct or human nature, but the end result is the same. We cover it up and stuff it down using any number of addictions. Work, food, sex, shopping, drugs, alcohol, people. Nevertheless, what we need to do is allow ourselves to feel it, lean into it, listen to it. Pain is an indication that something isn’t working as it should and it needs attention because it needs to be addressed.
I’m actually going through this in a very literal way as I’m learning to be mobile again after my spinal cord injury. There’s a muscle in my lower back that has been getting painful. So I investigated my gait with my physical therapist and we were able to identify the underlying issues. Essentially there are weaknesses that I am overcompensating for and I really need to work more consciously on using my core and having proper placement of my pelvis and hips when I walk. So now I know this and I can practice it.
I envision living in a world where getting mental health issues addressed is as commonplace and easy as addressing a physical health issue. I consider myself a mental health warrior and it’s an overarching goal of mine to stop stigma and start conversations about mental health. Which is exactly why I started the With a Little Help From My Friends benefits. I’m really looking forward to the anniversary event on Sunday. It’s free to attend and it’s virtual so everyone is invited. You can find the details and register to attend here. It is free to attend and donating is at any level and completely optional. I hope to see you there.