Mental Health Day, Music, and More

October 10th marks world mental health day where we take a moment celebrate to shed light on topics commonly ignored.

Music has helped us during our most stressful & painful times by giving us someone to relate to and remind us that we're not alone. Artists have continued to curate music as an outlet for both us and them to understand, progress, and forever conquer our internal battles. We narrowed down 10 of the most influential songs that allow us to move forward.

CNN | Sandee LaMotte | John Shearer | Getty Images

1. "1-800-273-8255" by Logic, Alessia Cara, and Khalid

Logic teamed up with Alessia Cara and Khalid in 2017 for the release of "1-800-273-8255", an intimate song that openly discloses mental trauma and suicide. Without the use of metaphors and symbolism to allude to the heavy topic, Logic instead doesn't beat around the bush and makes his intention clear. Between realistic internal thoughts to the pain we all can share, the song has moved and inspired millions to prioritize their mental health.

TRANSISTO | Jake Cordiner

2. "Fake Happy" - Paramore

Through Paramore's diversion from emo and pop punk, the band released "Fake Happy", which was part of their 2016 album "After Laughter". Despite its catchy tune and groovy quality, the contradictory lyrics tell a different story. Its relatable story and opposing battle between how things appear on the surface and what's underneath brings us on an adventure through the song's layers. Similar to Logic's song, Paramore didn't hide the song's purpose or themes behind fluff and instead detailed exactly how they're feeling as well as its perception to the world - and it seems to be an experience we all can empathize with.

Vulture | Lauren Michele Jackson

3. Breathin - Ariana Grande

Grande has been vocal about her experience with mental health issues in more recent years as she experienced trauma in the very eyes of the world and was forced to cope with it publicly. The "Sweetener" album, released in 2018 touches on multiple topics, ranging from heartwarming love to enduring personal demons. Not only was the album the first release to touch on such vulnerable topics, but its openness in describing anxiety & depression gave us a sense of normalcy where we feel a divide. The song describes these experience perfectly and gives us a glimpse into how Grande copes with these heavy-bearing emotions.

Billboard | Chris Payne

4. "Heavy" by Linkin Park ft. Kiiara

The alternative indie track is a beautifully written letter that simplistically states the difficulty in carrying the everyday weight of personal struggles and pain. By including dialogue we hear all too often from those around us, it gives it a sense of community and allows each of us to connect with the artist in a more personable way. It also allows those who feel they have no voice a platform and a feeling of freedom.

Phoebe Bridgers | Youtube

5. "Motion Sickness" by Phoebe Bridgers

Although many artists have taken the route of stating plainly how they feel and what they're experiencing, Bridgers has done so within an intimate tribute to a past lover in more of a metaphorical way. She describes the feeling of being with someone who has emotionally manipulated her but at the same time missing their presence - a feeling many of us can relate to. Despite her knowing the break up was necessary due to mistreatment and the baggage she manages thereafter, she can't help but mourn the loss of a loved one and pick up the pieces of herself that were lost.

Rolling Stone | Daniel Kreps

6. "Jeremy" by Pearl Jam

The infamous single by Pearl Jam, released in 1991 is based on a true story that shook the world after its release. Through its angsty sound, and accompanying music video that drew attention to mistreatment, loneliness, bullying, and the era of teen angst, its become a pinnacle song that highlights mental health. The song gained mass appeal and backlash for its incredibly vulnerable and beautiful, yet disturbing quality that sheds light on a tragedy via real life scenarios.

GQ | Al Shipley | Frank Ockenfels

7. "Mad World " by Tears For Fears

The 1983 classic openly discusses the mundane of ever day life where we celebrate, behave, learn, normalize, and live in a way that society deems as best but is detrimental to our mental health. The band illuminates how we're programmed to live the same life, which causes us to feel confined in an infinite loop and inevitably brings upon negative experiences. The song both sheds light on this ever-present feeling all while prompting us to break out of this mold and re-discover the joy we've lost.

Billboard | Rania Aniftos | Miranda McDonald

8."Anxiety" by Julia Michaels and Selena Gomez

Both artists have created music and voiced their personal experiences with mental health through music, public advocacy, social media, and more. They teamed up in 2021 to release the song that flawlessly describes the tossing & turning feeling of anxiety, overthinking, depression, and self-isolation. We not only feel seen and heard but create a connection to these celebrities that once again reminds us that we're not alone. They also call out media outlets, people in their lives, and other sources who attempt to minimize mental & emotional health all while proving them wrong and reassuring us that what we feel is real and deserving of attention.

Glamour UK | Emily Maddick | Youtube

9. "Sober" by Demi Lovato

Demi has begun opening up about her personal struggles with mental health, addiction, alcoholism, and more through music as well as using her platform to emphasize these taboo topics. Her 2018 single openly tells the world that despite her 6 year sobriety, she fell back into old habits and ways that provided comfort. She tells her story openly and honestly, apologizes to both fans and family members, and gives us a glimpse into the reality of her experience. This powerful and honest song allows others who can empathize with the feeling that they are heard and understood, finally.

Spotify | Eleanor McEvoy

10. "Sophie" by Eleanor McEvoy

The 1999 song touches on sensitive topics surrounding disordered eating habits and the societal pressure to be seen a certain way and confining to a physical mold. It details the very real story of a young female's attempt to fit in with others and falls into dangerous eating habits. It not only includes a personal dialogue but the pain those around her feel watching the internal struggle she experiences and the comparison trap she has fallen into. By telling this song like a story, you're almost taken alongside the painful truth of millions of those who suffer and drawing attention to an isolating issue.