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7 Songs to Help You Cope with Mental Illness
Being a queer person dealing with mental health issues can be pretty rough. It can be difficult to afford and access the help you need, but things like music can help you know that you aren't alone.
Here are seven songs to help you cope with mental illness. And if you ever need to talk to someone, call the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
1. "1-800-273-8255" by Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid
The title of this powerful song is the phone number for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Lyrically, the song features the perspective of a suicidal person who finds the will to keep living. The song was also made into a music video that tells the story of a suicidal Black gay teen.
2. "Angels and Airwaves" by ROES (Angel Haze)
Discussing depression and suicidal ideation in a frank and personal manner, the song lets you know that you aren't alone in what you're feeling. The song is from their 2013 album Dirty Gold and is a reworked version of a spoken word poem ROES created in 2011.
3. "24/7" by Kehlani
Drawing from her own mental health struggles, Kehlani's soothing vocals in "24/7" sing about how it's okay not to be okay 100 percent of the time and how you don't have to hide your pain behind a smile.
4. "Heavy" by Linkin Park featuring Kiiara
This pop ballad perfectly captures how the weight of mental illness can feel like too much to bear. The music video is especially haunting, featuring Kiarra and late vocalist Chester Bennington literally grappling with their inner demons.
5. "Anxious" by Tangina Stone
With soulful vocals and hearfelt lyrics, the singer discusses her battle with anxiety. The song is from her 2017 debut album Elevate.
6. "Breathe Me" by Sia
A vulnerable ballad and one of Sia's best known songs, "Breathe Me" depicts a bleak battle with self-harm and depression as Sia sings about feeling lost, hopeless, and wanting someone to help.
7. "Life" by Ivy Sole
Inspired by the suicide of a close friend, Ivy Sole's "Life" reassures the viewer that while life can be painful, it's still worth living. A haunting music video of the song features a young man reliving the same day as he tries to stop a suicide.
