A GOOD GROUP
  • Home
  • Resume
    • Overview
    • Design Portfolio
    • Download Resume PDF
    • LinkedIn
    • References
  • Design Portfolio
  • Blog
  • Creative Writing
    • Transitional Objects
    • Excuse Bad Writing
    • The Daily Collegian
    • Engaged in an "Epizzle"
    • Annotated Bibliography of "Araby"
  • Advocacy
  • Twins Run
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • Twins Run in Our Family
    • In the News

ALIVE Notes

1/9/2022

 
The power of music is both undeniable and scientifically proven. It can help us run faster, reduce pain, increase relaxation, and even save a life.

In 2017, hip hop artist Logic released his powerful song “1-800-273-8255” about suicidal ideation, recovery, and the power of hope. The title comes from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and research recently published in the British Medical Journal indicates the popularity of the song could have saved as many as 245 lives with an increase in call volume to the hotline.

There’s actually a name for the persuasive power of mass media in helping those considering suicide to choose not to complete the final act: the Papageno effect.

Hip hop has a long history of tackling the difficult topic of mental health. In 1982, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five released “The Message” which vividly describes social injustice and the toll on Black lives:

“It’s like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder how I keep from going under”
“Don’t push me cause I’m close to the edge, I’m trying not to lose my head”

Research has shown that the number of rap songs referencing mental health conditions doubled from 1998 to 2018. If more songs address the struggles with and treatment of mental disorders such as depression and PTSD, then it’s possible that the stigma and cultural resistance to seeking professional help will change over time.

It’s vitally important for more musicians and artists to be honest about their own experiences with anxiety or suicidal thoughts so that we normalize discussions about mental illness and treatment.

Unfortunately, multiple studies have shown an exponential growth in suicide rates and attempts amongst Black youth, especially girls and the age of those who are dying is getting even younger. One of the most startling statistics of racial disparities is that Black children under 13 die by suicide at almost twice the rate of white children under 13.

We need to reduce the stigma attached to suffering from mental health conditions and the need to seek professional help with or without medication.

Avoiding conversations about the realities of suicide doesn’t prevent it. We need the survivors of suicide (both those who have attempted and those who have lost a loved one due to mental illness) to speak up and help dispel the myths. We need to teach kids coping skills, where to go for help, and examples of overcoming a temporary mental condition or living productive lives with ongoing treatment of mental illness.

Some people think suicide is selfish or that it’s a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Sadly, many of those who die by suicide have lifelong personality disorders or other chronic health conditions (mental or physical) that cannot be cured and require ongoing treatment and medication. It’s impossible to know whether or not someone’s life experiences that lead to suicidal thoughts are just temporary – they could include sexual abuse, poverty, PTSD, obesity, diabetes, or other struggles that are ongoing and possibly never-ending. Rather than judging those who are suffering, let’s support and listen to them.

One tool I find that has helped me and my friends and relatives who suffer from mental illness is to find at least one song that makes you smile, gives you hope, or inspires you to dance and have that song ready for when you need to distract your mind from the negative thoughts - call it your Alive Note. Sometimes I’ll play just one song on repeat for hours if it makes me feel less alone or gets me moving. Exercise is another proven method for improving your physical and mental health so why not combine music with a walk or workout.

Have a purpose for your playlists. I’ve organized songs to help pump me up or to calm me down, songs that help me laugh or make me cry … whatever I need to feel all the feelings.

Some of my faves include “Ladies First” by Queen Latifah & Monie Love (to feel empowered) and “Just Look Up” by Ariana Grande & Kid Cudi (for a laugh!).

My ALIVE notesHip Hop & Mental Health
What are your power songs? Share your “Alive Notes” with us!

@MalindaAnnHill link
1/10/2022 09:15:49 am

Music therapy helped me immensely during treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD and an eating disorder. I create playlists with purpose when I need a boost or a good cry.


Comments are closed.

    @leahcville

    1/2 of  @TwinsRun
    Wife of @SportingKyd
    Mom of 2 with James Joyce inspired names
    Director of @RivannaMarathon
    Writer at @agoodgroup
    #PokémonGo enthusiast
    #GeeksWhoDrink player

    #TWINSRUN50K

    Categories

    All
    Abortion
    Apologies
    Christmas
    Creative Writing
    Death
    Eating Disorders
    Family
    Friendship
    Geeks Who Drink Trivia
    Graphic Design
    Gratitude
    Interviews
    Mental Health
    Movies
    Music
    Pokemon Go
    Running
    San Francisco
    Trivia
    TWINS RUN
    VA FILM FEST
    Volunteering
    Watch List
    Wordle
    Work

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    September 2020
    January 2019
    October 2017
    August 2017
    October 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    October 2015

    View my profile on LinkedIn

    RSS Feed

Home } Resume } Design Portfolio | Blog | Creative Writing
About | Passions | Social Media } Contact

​​agoodgroup.org

  • Home
  • Resume
    • Overview
    • Design Portfolio
    • Download Resume PDF
    • LinkedIn
    • References
  • Design Portfolio
  • Blog
  • Creative Writing
    • Transitional Objects
    • Excuse Bad Writing
    • The Daily Collegian
    • Engaged in an "Epizzle"
    • Annotated Bibliography of "Araby"
  • Advocacy
  • Twins Run
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • Twins Run in Our Family
    • In the News