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Thoughtful Sites for Teens' Physical and Mental Health 

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Thoughtful Sites for Teens' Physical and Mental Health 

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Common Sense Media | "Best Health and Wellness Sites for Kids and Teens"

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The rapid changes that affect kids' bodies and minds can be confusing, if not scary. And talking about their feelings can be hard, so it can help them to use outside resources. These thoughtful sites give kids and teens a forum where they can ask honest questions and get candid responses about their physical and mental health. For more interactive ways for your kids to understand their health needs, check out our picks for the Best Health Apps and Games for Kids.

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Best Health and Wellness Sites for Kids and Teens

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The rapid changes that affect kids' bodies and minds can be confusing, if not scary. And talking about their feelings can be hard, so it can help them to use outside resources. These thoughtful sites give kids and teens a forum where they can ask honest questions and get candid responses about their physical and mental health.

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Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash
1. Describe and define to the best of your ability what is mental health?
2. How do you feel about your mental health? What (if any) are your initial thoughts regarding your mental health?
3. Does your household acknowledge their mental health? If so, how so? Do you? Please elaborate.

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California State Standard CCSS.ELA.RL.8.2

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Standards in the Translanguaging Classroom (1)

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Photo by 1983 (steal my __ art) on Unsplash

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Photo by Bruce Mars on Unsplash

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Creating purposeful and engaging opportunities for students to think creatively about their mental health and make connections to personal experiences and others' stories.

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13 Awesome Mental Health Websites for Youth

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13 Awesome Mental Health Websites for Youth

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Your Mental Health Pal | (Sonia Suraliya, 2023)

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13 Awesome Mental Health Websites For Youth

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Read on to learn more about the top ten noteworthy mental health websites for helping the youth lead a thriving life.

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Standard CCSS.ELA.RL.8.2
1. Students will be able to assess and reflect on their mental health and their time spent outdoors.
2. Students will be able to identify their mental health (challenges) and use credible pieces of text and other media (i.e. articles, blogs, videos, etc.) to enhance their understanding about mental health through nature therapy.
3. Students will be able to learn of support and other resources available designed to help aid and guide individuals who struggle with mental health (challenges).
4. Students will be able to determine a central idea of a text, analyze its development, and provide an objective summary of the text(s) (articles).

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1. Students will learn about the different types of ecotherapy used by other cultures and their benefits on mental health.
2. Students will assess the various ecotherapy methods utilized by other cultures and select at least three they would like to implement into their lives.
3. Students will be able to clarify and justify their preferred ecotherapy methods and how they will help benefit their mental health.

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See Adopted Materials, refer to Language Arts - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, California Collections - Includes ELD

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Livingston Unified School District serves K-12th grade students and is located in Livingston, CA.

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Benefits of Getting Back to Nature: Improving Your Health and Wellness 

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Benefits of Getting Back to Nature: Improving Your Health and Wellness 

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Healthline | "8 Health Benefits of Getting Back to Nature and Spending Time Outside" | (Emily Swaim, 2022).
Some health benefits of spending time outside include better breathing, improved sleep, and reduced depression symptoms.

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In all honesty, Mother Nature may find the indoor world pretty tough to compete with sometimes. After all, she can't offer flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, or WiFi. But she might potentially offer something even more important: improved health, by way of a stronger immune system, better sleep, and reduced stress.

Spending time outdoors can boost physical and mental health in a range of ways. You don't have to spend hours at a time outside before those benefits kick in, either.

According to a that included data from 19,806 participants, spending at least 120 minutes in nature per week can significantly boost health and well-being. You can go for a 2-hour chunk all at once, or break it up into smaller daily segments - the benefits still hold.

Even without any greenery around, spending time in sunlight and fresh air may help you feel better in mind and body.

Below, you'll find 8 health benefits of spending time outside.

Air pollution can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases, which you may already know. It might surprise you to learn, though, that indoor concentrations of air pollutants are often two to five times higher than outdoor concentrations.

But spending more time in natural green spaces could help lower your risk of respiratory concerns.

One examining the relationship between local greenery and mortality risk followed 108,630 women for 8 years. Compared to people with the least greenery in their neighborhoods, people with the most greenery were 34 percent less likely to die from respiratory diseases.

You'll generally find the freshest air in places with high air circulation. For example, camping in an open field may give you more relief from pollution than resting along a river walled in by skyscrapers and factories.

Typically, your body's internal clock follows the sun, making you feel awake during the daytime and sleepy at night. Although artificial illumination can mimic natural light, direct sunlight has the intensity of office lights in a closed room. As a result, sunlight affects your circadian rhythm more than electric light.

Exposing yourself to sunlight can improve your sleep by:

The nice thing about sunlight? It doesn't cost a thing. To get a daily dose, you only need to step outdoors.

Just keep in mind that sunlight needs to enter your eyes to affect your circadian rhythm. If you're hoping to improve your sleep, picnicking at the beach may help more than napping in a shady wooded area.

Sunlight can often help ease depression symptoms like low mood and fatigue.

Light therapy can help treat both major depression and seasonal depression. If you have seasonal depression, you may notice improvement after a few days. If you have major depression, it may take up to 2 to 5 weeks before you notice improvement.

Experts still aren't completely sure how sunlight affects depression.

Some people believe sunlight has a protective effect since it can help your body produce vitamin D. It's also possible that sunlight improves sleep, which in turn reduces the severity of depression symptoms.

If depression has sapped your energy, you can still get sunlight fairly easily. Try absorbing your daily dose while eating lunch, reading a book, or doing some good, old-fashioned sun-bathing - just don't forget the sunscreen.

Working out in green spaces could help boost your motivation to exercise in the future, in part because outdoor exercise can:

offer a nice change of pace from gyms and make physical activity more interesting and enjoyable

make it easier to socialize, as many gyms have unspoken rules about not chatting to the person on the treadmill next to yours.

feel easier and less strenuous, according to 2013 research suggesting people who walk outside tend to exercise at a greater intensity and report less exertion

You don't have to bike a triathlon or ski down a mountain to enjoy exercise in nature. Any activity that gets your body moving in a way that's doable for you, like gardening, playing with your dog at the park, or washing your car, can offer some health benefits.

The modern world contains plenty of intrusive stimuli - flashing screens, vibrating phones, rumbling roadways - that compete for our limited attention. This ongoing overstimulation may raise your stress levels without you even realizing it.

The natural world, on the other hand, can offer a mental and emotional refuge when you need to unwind and recharge. In nature, soothing attractions for your senses, from the perfume of flowers to the music of bird song, can hold your attention without draining your mental energy.

Research from 2020 suggests spending time in nature can help you feel more relaxed and focused, especially when you take the time to notice your surroundings. To get these benefits, you might consider doing slow-paced, contemplative activities like hiking in the woods or kayaking on a lake.

Expert guidance suggests you're less likely to contract the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), not to mention other viruses, when outside. That's because air circulation can dilute the presence of viruses in the air. In fact, according to 2021 research, the chances of transmission are 18.7 times higher indoors than outdoors.

Even ignoring the pandemic for the moment, spending time outdoors can still help your immune system function optimally. Microorganisms found in nature that aren't dangerous can run practice drills with your immune system, in a manner of speaking, to help prepare it for more serious infections.

If you live your life in a completely sterile environment, your immune system can lose its ability to recognize what is and isn't dangerous. It may then set off a red alert for any microorganism it comes across, which can lead to chronic inflammation.

So, while soap is a wonderful invention, getting muddy once in a while can be good for you, too.

There's some evidence to suggest children who spend plenty of time outside have a lower chance of developing myopia, or nearsightedness.

One included 10,743 children between the ages of 9 and 11 in Taipei. Researchers found that children who spent more time outside at recess were 22 percent less likely to develop myopia than their peers.

Increasing the eye-work distance when doing close-up work and taking a break after 30 minutes of close-up work also offered some protection.

Experts have suggested a few potential reasons why spending time outside might help protect against myopia:

Natural light offers a brighter and richer collection of light wavelengths to see with.

The outdoors lets your eye practice looking at objects from various distances.

Light stimulates the retina to produce dopamine, which prevents your eyeball from stretching out and warping your vision. This theory has only been tested in animals, though.

This benefit only seems to affect the eye while it grows, so spending time outside can't reverse myopia in adulthood.

However, regular outdoor activities in childhood, like playing catch, swimming, and going sledding might just save your kid a trip to the optometrist down the line. An added bonus: They also offer great opportunities for family bonding.

Outdoor time can do more than help relieve unwanted or painful emotions like fear, worry, and sadness. It may also help promote emotions you want to feel more of, like happiness, peace, and optimism.

Going outside at night can also leave you with a sense of awe and connection with the world. Plus, the drop in noise and light can help you focus on the world around you more easily. If you'd like to forge a deeper or more spiritual connection with the nighttime natural world, consider nocturnal activities like stargazing or night fishing.

It's easy to forget sometimes that a whole world really does exist outside your window.

Making a habit of spending regular time outdoors, especially in nature, can do a lot to boost physical and emotional wellness. It can also go a long way toward strengthening your bond with the planet, or Mother Nature herself.
Emily Swaim is a freelance health writer and editor who specializes in psychology. She has a BA in English from Kenyon College and an MFA in writing from California College of the Arts. In 2021, she received her Board of Editors in Life Sciences (BELS) certification. You can find more of her work on GoodTherapy, Verywell, Investopedia, Vox, and Insider. Find her on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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8 Ways Being Outside Can Improve Your Health and Well-Being

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In all honesty, Mother Nature may find the indoor world pretty tough to compete with sometimes. After all, she can't offer flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, or WiFi. But she might potentially offer something even more important: improved health, by way of a stronger immune system, better sleep, and reduced stress.

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News Medical Life Sciences | "The Benefits of Nature for Child and Adolescent Mental Health" | (Joelle Hanson-Baiden, 2021).
Research shows that exposure to nature has a positive impact on child and adolescent mental health.

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Child and adolescent mental health refer to the social, psychological, and emotional well-being of children and adolescents and the progression of their developmental milestones.

The development of any mental health issues in children and adolescents has the potential to continue into adulthood. This continuation also means there will be a continued strain on the individual, their carers, and the healthcare system.

The majority of existing child and adolescent mental health studies focus on individual-level factors (e.g., biological) related to mental health outcomes. As such, it is important to investigate the external influences on child and adolescent mental health - for example, their neighborhood environment and exposure to nature.

Research shows that contact with the natural environment may positively impact our mental health. These studies tend to include both child, adolescent, and adult participants, however, there may be findings specific to each age group that may be overlooked by grouping them together. Thus, this article presents the latest research surrounding the positive impact nature has on child and adolescent mental health.

Image Credit: Studio Romantic/Shutterstock.com

How does childhood exposure to greenspace help?

Research suggests that exposure to greenspace - areas of vegetation for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment childhood can positively impact mental health.

The extent of this impact varies depending on the psychiatric disorder. A study by a team of researchers from Aarhus University investigated how the risk of developing a psychiatric disorder in adulthood is related to exposure to greenspace.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders and is characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention. Research suggests that access to green space has a positive impact on attention in school-aged children and therefore may benefit childhood-onset ADHD.

The direct cause of ADHD is not fully understood; however, it is thought to be associated with environmental risk factors such as environmental toxins.

The mechanism by which these associations occur is not fully understood, but research suggests there may be psychological and physiological pathways. Nature is known to promote stress recovery and attention restoration. Stress and inattention are key symptoms of ADHD that strongly affect a child's day-to-day lifestyle.

Physically, access to nature in an urban environment reduces exposure to environmental stressors, for example, air pollution. Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with severe symptoms of ADHD.

Consequently, a supposed beneficial association between green space and ADHD may partly be explained by lower air pollution levels in green areas."

Thygesen et al., 2020

A study by a team of researchers from Aarhus University investigated the potential association between green space and reduced risk of developing ADHD in children, and whether this was mediated by exposure to air pollution. Results of this study found that higher levels of green space during early childhood were related to a lower risk of developing ADHD and can be partly due to reduced levels of air pollution.

The direct cause of reduced air pollution levels - e.g., due to less traffic or more vegetation - was unclear. As such, a similar study that focuses on the effect of green space, with low traffic or large amounts of vegetation, on the development of ADHD should be carried out. Results from such a study would be useful in developing treatment interventions for child mental health disorders.

Exposure to nature, COVID-19, and mental health

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns meant that children and adolescents could not access outdoor recreational grounds as they were deemed non-essential.

This sudden reduction in social interaction and change in routine is suggested to inflict stress on children and adolescents. From previous research on pandemics, for example, the H1N1 pandemic, results show that "one-third of youth who experienced isolation or quarantine met the criteria for a PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) diagnosis." (Jackson et al., 2021).

Outdoor activities provide children and adolescents with the necessary physical, social, and psychological skills essential for their development. Recent research suggests that following COVID-19 lockdowns, children and adolescents are spending more time doing sedentary activities than physical activities. Excessive engagement in sedentary activities is known to negatively affect the mental health of children and adolescents.

As previously mentioned, exposure to nature is associated with increased physical activity - alongside other benefits, which in turn is known to promote mental wellbeing in children and adolescents. Therefore, the lack of exposure to nature and the consequential decrease in mental wellbeing indicates that nature has the potential to promote and improve mental health in children and adolescents.

Conclusion

Neurodevelopmental and other child mental health conditions have the potential to persist in adult life and may worsen. It is therefore important to identify ways to reduce the risk of childhood-onset and progression into adulthood.

Research suggests that exposure to nature in early childhood improves memory and competence and promotes social interaction and attention restoration. Many neurodevelopmental disorders have symptoms of poor concentration, poor social coherence, and inattention. For this reason, further research into the mechanisms behind how nature benefits child mental health is important for developing treatment and interventions.

References:

Engemann, K., Pedersen, C. B., Arge, L., Tsirogiannis, C., Mortensen, P. B., & Svenning, J.-C. (2019). Residential green space in childhood is associated with lower risk of psychiatric disorders from adolescence into adulthood. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(11), 5188-5193. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1807504116

Jackson, S. B., Stevenson, K. T., Larson, L. R., Peterson, M. N., & Seekamp, E. (2021). Outdoor Activity Participation Improves Adolescents' Mental Health and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), 2506. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052506

Maes, M. J. A., Pirani, M., Booth, E. R., Shen, C., Milligan, B., Jones, K. E., & Toledano, M. B. (2021). Benefit of woodland and other natural environments for adolescents' cognition and mental health. Nature Sustainability, 4(10), 851-858. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-021-00751-1

Thygesen, M., Engemann, K., Holst, G. J., Hansen, B., Geels, C., Brandt, J., Pedersen, C. B., & Dalsgaard, S. (2020). The Association between Residential Green Space in Childhood and Development of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Environmental Health Perspectives, 128(12), 127011. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp6729

Tillmann, S., Tobin, D., Avison, W., & Gilliland, J. (2018). Mental health benefits of interactions with nature in children and teenagers: a systematic review. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 72(10), 958-966. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2018-210436

Further Reading

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The Benefits of Nature for Child and Adolescent Mental Health

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Child and adolescent mental health refer to the social, psychological, and emotional well-being of children and adolescents and the progression of their developmental milestones. The development of any mental health issues in children and adolescents has the potential to continue into adulthood.

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American Psychological Association | "Nurtured by nature" | (Kirsten Weir, 2020).
Psychological research shows that spending time in nature can help improve our mental health.

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Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.

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Clínica San Pablo S.A. | "La Naturaleza, Un Aliado De La Salud Mental"

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La Naturaleza, Un Aliado De La Salud Mental | Clínica San Pablo S.A.

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La naturaleza aparte de ser belleza absoluta, también permite promover y mejorar su Salud Mental. Pasar un mayor tiempo en la naturaleza puede transformar positivamente nuestras vidas.

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Therapy Brands | "The Relationship Between Culture and Mental Health"

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Mental health is a complex issue that can be affected by many different factors. While science has made progress in understanding the role of genes and biology in mental health, culture still plays a significant role in shaping how people think and feel about their mental health. It is important to understand culture's role in mental health to create an inclusive environment that supports people of all backgrounds.

Defining Culture

Culture is the set of beliefs, values, practices, and norms that characterize a group or society. It shapes our perceptions, behaviors, and ways of interacting with others. Culture influences how we see ourselves and the world around us. It can either be a source of strength or a source of stress. When it comes to mental health, culture can play a significant role. Mental health is shaped by our cultural beliefs, values, and norms. Our culture can impact the way we understand and cope with mental illness. It can also affect how we seek help and support.

Culture and Mental Health: What's the Connection?

Culture can either be a source of strength or a source of stress. It can provide us with a sense of belonging and support. It can also be a source of conflict and misunderstanding. When it comes to mental health, culture can have both positive and negative impacts.

Our cultural beliefs and values can affect how we see ourselves and the world around us.

Our worldview is essentially the lens through which we view the world. It is shaped by our cultural beliefs and values, and it can majorly impact our mental health. If we have a negative or distorted view of the world, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. On the other hand, having a positive or realistic worldview can help us cope with life's challenges and appreciate the beauty around us.

Our cultural background can affect how we cope with stress and adversity.

In some cultures, it is more acceptable to express emotions openly, while in others, emotional restraint is the norm. This can affect how we cope with stressful situations and how well we bounce back from setbacks. Some cultures may also emphasize individualism, while others may emphasize the importance of community and interdependence. This can affect how we view ourselves about others, and how much support we seek when facing challenges.

Cultural factors can affect the prevalence and presentation of mental disorders.

Studies have shown that depression is more common in cultures that value individualism and achievement than in collectivist cultures. And while anxiety disorders are found across all cultures, they tend to be expressed differently in different cultures. In Western cultures, anxiety is often experienced as fear or dread. In contrast, in Eastern cultures, it may be more likely to be experienced as physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness.

Culture can influence how mental health problems are diagnosed and treated.

In the West, mental disorders are often seen as medical conditions that need to be treated with medication or other medical interventions. But in many traditional cultures, mental health problems are seen as spiritual issues that need to be addressed through religious or shamanic rituals.

Culture can affect our willingness to seek help for mental health problems.

In some cultures, mental health problems are seen as a sign of weakness, and people may be reluctant to seek help for fear of stigma or discrimination. In other cultures, Mental health problems may be seen as a normal part of life, and people may be more likely to seek help from family, friends, or community members.

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Cultural Factors Impacting Mental Health

Mental health is shaped by cultural factors such as family background, religion, social norms, and traditions. Each of these factors can impact an individual's mental health differently.

Family Background

Studies have shown that people from families with a history of mental illness are more likely to develop mental health problems themselves. This is partly due to genetic factors, but it also reflects that families provide an important context for our early development. Our family members are the first people we learn to interact with, and they play a crucial role in shaping our social and emotional skills. If our family members are struggling with mental health issues, we may not learn how to manage our emotions effectively or cope with stress. As a result, we may be more likely to develop mental health problems later in life.

Religion

For many people, religion is an important source of comfort and support. It can provide a sense of community and belonging, as well as a framework for understanding the world. However, religion can also be a source of conflict and stress. People who belong to minority religions may feel alienated or persecuted. Those who have been raised in religious households may find it difficult to break away from the beliefs of their childhood. And even people who are comfortable with their religion can find that its beliefs conflict with their mental health. For example, some religious teachings suggest that mental illness is a sign of moral weakness or possession by evil spirits. This can make it difficult for people with mental illness to seek help because they may feel ashamed or believe their condition is not treatable.

Social Norms

The way we are expected to behave in our culture can impact our mental health. In collectivist cultures, people are often expected to put the needs of their community or family above their own. This can lead to a sense of self-sacrifice that can be detrimental to mental health. People who always put others first may find it difficult to take care of themselves, and this can lead to feelings of resentment or burnout. In individualistic cultures, people are often expected to be self-reliant and independent. This can be a source of stress for people who feel they cannot meet these expectations.

Traditions

Cultural traditions can also impact mental health. Some traditions, such as those around gender roles or marriage, may be harmful to mental health. For example, women who are expected to be submissive to their husbands may be at risk for domestic violence. People who are not allowed to marry the person they love may experience intense feelings of sadness and isolation. Other traditions, such as those around grief and loss, can be helpful to mental health. In many cultures, it is tradition to take time off from work or school to mourn the death of a loved one. This can give people the space they need to grieve in a healthy way.

Cultural Competence in Mental Health Care

Cultural competence is understanding, appreciating, and working with different cultures' beliefs, values, and practices. Mental health care providers need to be culturally competent to provide quality care to all patients. This includes understanding how culture can impact mental health and being aware of the different cultural traditions and practices around mental health. It also means respecting patients' beliefs and values, even if they differ from ours. When providers are not culturally competent, they may make assumptions about their patients that are not accurate. This can lead to misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and a lack of trust between patients and providers.

Conclusion

Culture and family background can be significant factors in mental health. Religion, social norms, and traditions can all impact how we think about mental illness, cope with stress, and seek help. It is important for mental health care providers to be aware of these factors and to work collaboratively with patients to provide the best care possible. Cultural competence is essential in providing quality mental health care. By understanding patients' backgrounds and cultures, we can better assess their needs and provide them with the necessary resources and support to overcome their illnesses.

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The Relationship Between Culture and Mental Health

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Culture and family background can be significant factors in mental health. It is important for mental health care providers to be aware of these factors and to work collaboratively with patients to provide the best care possible.

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1. Students will write or illustrate how they generally feel about their mental health.
2. Students will verbally elaborate (discuss in pairs of up to three) why they believe they feel a certain way about their mental health.

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Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash
1. Benefits
2. Back to Nature
3. Ecotherapy
4. Green/Blue spaces
5. Mindfulness
6. Healing
7. Personal Growth

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Photo by Joshua Fuller on Unsplash
1. Students will be able to verbally communicate with their peers about their preferred ecotherapy methods.
2. Students will utilize their preferred language while discussing with their peers.
3. Students will be able to engage in a meaningful open discussion regarding ecotherapy methods and mental health.

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"41 Songs About Mental Illness; The Stigma, Mental Health Recovery & More" - Music Industry How To
Music can help increase flood flow and be extremely therapeutic.

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Art often becomes a way to express one’s feelings. Some songs are happy, some dramatic, some are hopeful. However, it is often these songs that are deeply sad, depressing and even disturbing that make us tune to our darkest emotions. It is completely normal for any human to feel sad, lonely and even depressed from time to time. Hopefully, these songs help you tune to your emotions and discover, what is going on inside and how to move forward.

Music can alleviate some of the worst feelings and help refresh your thinking. If you feel that you cannot handle it on your own, or that you are feeling depressed for a long time, please reach out for help. Start by seeing your doctor, they know how to help. If you are feeling suicidal right now, please call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 in America. There are also other resources for mental illness in America, the UK and other countries. A quick Google search for ‘mental health help’ and similar will put you on the right path.

That said, here are some relatable songs about metal illness and mental health recovery.

Lana Del Rey – Summertime Sadness (2012)

Summertime Sadness is a nostalgic song of better times that our minds tend to go to when we feel down. It is a sad summer because just a few summers ago a character of Lana Del Ray’s song was enjoying her life with a loved one, who is no longer with her. It is unclear who exactly she refers to, and some fans speculated that the song is not about a romantic relationship but a friendship that is now gone.

Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (1975)

Wish You Were Here is Pink Floyd’s ninth album, and the phrase in the titles of both the album and this song are addressed to a specific person: Syd Barrett, the band’s former lead guitarist, who had to leave the band just on the verge of their big success because of his mental illness and drug abuse.

The change in line-up affected Pink Floyd’s theme: all their works post-Barrett were centered around mental health issues in one way or another: insanity, loneliness, depression, isolation, drug abuse – with whole albums like Wish You Were Here and The Wall being centered around mental health problems.

The Rolling Stones – Paint It, Black (1966)

The Rolling Stones do not strike an average listener as a band with daunting themes but Paint It, Black is literally one of their darkest songs. The character of the song tells a story of his isolation from the rest of the world, having to turn his eyes away because of the darkness in his soul. The world is too bright for him, the red door is too cheerful. He only wants to see black color, and he even wants to paint the sky.

Shawn Mendes – In My Blood (2018)

This song, like many others on this list, is autobiographical. Shawn Mendes describes so perfectly, what a person with mental illness can feel: emotional emptiness, insecurity, unwanted and useless advice, loneliness. The music accentuates the theme perfectly with rising tension, more instruments coming and Mendes’s vocal part rising throughout the song from quiet and low to larger, louder and higher.

However, it is the main conclusion that is the most important here. It can often feel like giving up is the easiest way. But it is not in our blood. No matter how hard it can be, it can always get better.

Green Day – Boulevard of Broken Dreams (2004)

As in many songs in this list, the title says a lot. A character of Billie Joe Armstrong walks the same road over and over. He is alone, the road leads nowhere but he keeps on walking because that is the only road he knows – there is nothing else for him.

The music mirrors the lyrics. It uses a series of weaker resolutions, so the music just keeps on walking nowhere, it is lost. Until the iconic ending that changes the key so dramatically that it confuses us. A non-typical six-bar loop makes us lost – we do not know where the start anymore, and more importantly – we cannot understand where the end is. There is no end. The Boulevard of Broken Dreams never ends, we just have to keep on walking.

Eminem – Stan (2000)

This list would not be complete without Stan, an iconic and truly disturbing song by Eminem. It features Eminem’s fan, who becomes so obsessed with his idol that he ends in psychosis, full of anger and hatred. The text of the song is so disturbing that it had to be censored before being published on television.

However, there is one more side to this song that is rarely mentioned. A disturbed mind can imagine things that are not there and act based on a worldview that is not real. The last verse of this song is there for a reason: there was no disdain for Stan. Slim was just busy and had no time to answer, and a terrible tragedy featured in the song was for nothing.

Nirvana – Pennyroyal Tea (1993)

Pennyroyal tea was used in old times, when medical services were not up to modern standards, to abort the unwanted pregnancy, and has a bad effect on the overall health of a person who drinks it because of its toxicity in large doses. In Kurt Cobain’s world, he drinks pennyroyal tea to kill a part of his soul. It made him feel like he wanted to: weak and anemic.

The text is very short but carries a lot of meaning. Cobain was deeply depressed but also in constant chronic pain from multiple health problems. Some drugs helped him ease the physical pain but emotional pain felt like too much to carry, so cutting a part of his soul felt like a good decision.

Tears for Fears – Mad World (1983)

Another iconic tune on this list, Mad World expresses the author’s tiredness of the world around him, where people running somewhere endlessly and aimlessly while being unsatisfied with their lives. The insane life around the character is so well accentuated by music. The upbeat and lively rhythm does not feel to be in sync with lyrics, which is exactly what Tears for Fears wanted to show – the character of the song does not belong in this Mad World.

Rihanna – Disturbia (2007)

If some artists try to cover their feeling in fancy words, Rihanna is being very straightforward about what her character is going through. These feelings are very familiar for people, who struggle with depression: emotional and physical burnout, lack of energy, lack of motivation, and a feeling that disease controls your life.

But what Rihanna adds to this can be very hard to accept – be wise about your condition now, because it can drive your thoughts to the point, when these are no longer your thoughts.

Queen & David Bowie – Under Pressure (1981)

David Bowie and Freddie Mercury had extremely different voices and use of their talents, and Under Pressure is the highlight of this difference in singing, where two singers doubled down on their abilities.

Bowie’s character feels hopeless and crushed by life, and he conveys this feeling by using a very limited range of notes. Mercury counteracts the main theme – he wants to fly high, ascend from all the troubles of this world into a new self, and uses all his abilities to widen the song and our perception of reality – life can be hard now but there is always hope.

The Doors – People Are Strange (1967)

Loneliness is mind-twisting and self-perpetuating. Chronically lonely people feel so distant from the rest of the world that they start to see what is not there. They feel disdain and disgust coming from others, even when it is not there. That is what Jim Morrison was experiencing and what he conveyed by this song. When you are lonely, a stranger to others, people look ugly and women seem wicked.

Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970)

Most characters on this list express what they feel: depression, anxiety, grief. Simon & Garfunkel went on the other side and sang a song from a person, who tries to help and comfort the one, who is struggling. Those, who are suffering from a mental illness, can be left alone in their fight. Paul Simon offers his help, to wipe tears of despair, be a friend in need, become a bridge over these hard times.

Florence and the Machine – Shake It Out (2011)

Our present is so often dictated by our past if we like it or not. Florence Welch, the lead singer for Florence + the Machine, knows it all too well – she was struggling with mental issues in her teens. However, the message of this song differs from many others on this list. It is freeing, relaxing. Stop dragging this horse, get rid of your emotional baggage, shake it all out!

R.E.M. – Everybody Hurts (1992)

Everyone can catch a blue sometimes, it is normal to feel sad and even lonely sometimes. And from time to time, it feels that everything is so wrong that we can feel ready to give up. That is what Michael Stipe, the vocalist for R.E.M. tries to tell us – it can feel that there is nothing ahead but just stop for a minute, let yourself be sad for a second before you move forward. Even if it feels that everything is lost – it is not the end. Don’t give up.

Johnny Cash – Hurt (2002)

Later stages of Johnny Cash’s career saw a lot of dark moments in his lyrics but hardly anything can beat Hurt. The only thing that is left for the character to feel is pain when he hurts himself. The only thing that he leaves behind is the empire of dirt. The only thing he wants is to start over a million miles away from where he is now.

Hurt is not Cash’s song, it was written by Nine Inch Nail and Cash’s cover was unexpected, to say the least. But it turned out to be so iconic that nobody can remember now, whose song it was originally. The music video added to that effect. It turned out to be so dark that even the last shot of Cash closing the lid on his piano happened to be somewhat prophetic – Hurt was the last single released by Johnny Cash, he died a few months later.

The Beatles – Help! (1965)

The title of this iconic song is self-explanatory – the character of Help! is shouting for help. A lesser-known fact that this song by John Lennon is autobiographical – that is his cry for help. Later in an interview, he said that the song was a response to The Beatles’ quick and head-spinning rise to fame, which was too much to handle. Life has changed in so many ways, and Lennon needs help. He is crying for help.

Ariana Grande – Breathin (2018)

Anxiety disorders can get a hold of us very fast. Many of us have been through that, when the room feels like a rollercoaster, the head is spinning and we forget how to do the most basic thing that all humans do – breathe. That is what Ariana Grande very rightfully advises – start breathing. Just breathe, ground yourself in the present. Everything else can wait.

Ed Sheeran – Save Myself (2017)

The modern world demands so much of us: do your best at work, be the best version of yourself, always smile. However, always being good for others, that ensures only one thing: self-destruction accompanied by alcohol and pills. In his cheerful manner, Ed Sheeran reminds us – we have only one life and only one body. Do yourself a favor – take a day off and take care of yourself.

Green Day – Wake Me Up When September Ends (2004)

Here is yet another song of American Idiot – one of the most iconic albums of the 2000s. Wake Me Up When September Ends is a bit unique on this list because it is a song about a loss of a loved one. The music video for this song keeps up the main theme of the album – political protest and features a couple that is broken by the Iraq War. However, this song is much deeper than just that.

Billie Joe Armstrong wrote this song when the Iraq War had not happened yet. When Armstrong was only ten, his father died from cancer. The singer himself described writing this song as having a therapeutic effect, helping him express his grief and loss. 20 years later it found a new meaning on American Idiot.

The Fray – How To Save A Life (2005)

This is a unique song on this list because it is written not from the side of a person, who was struggling with a mental illness but the one, who was trying to help. The Fray’s lead singer Isaac Slade was working with a teenager with drug addiction. In this song, he puts his own despair in an attempt to help the kid but does not know how. He would stay up all night, only if he knew what to do. Only if he knew how to save that life from pain and addiction.

The Who – Behind Blue Eyes (1971)

Usually, stories highlight a character, who wants to improve and become better. Behind Blue Eyes features a different character. He does not want to become better – he wants to become worse, the most horrible and dark version of himself. The pain inside is too hard to bear for a good person, and “no one knows what it’s like.” There is only one way – to become evil. But that does not help, being evil always ends the same – in isolation.

Radiohead – Creep (1992)

It can often feel that we do not matter, that we are too strange for this world and nobody gets us. That is the feeling of the iconic song Creep by Radiohead. “I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo” has become a slogan for many teenagers of the 1990s, who felt that they do not belong in this old world, and the only sight that they see is people running away from them leaving them alone and being more and more assured in one fact – they are creeps.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under The Bridge (1991)

Under The Bridge is a two-faced song – it is a song about love but also about the despair that a character feels about this love. This love is the city of Los Angeles, and that is the only relationship that was left for Anthony Kiedis, the lead singer for Red Hot Chili Peppers. His closest friend, Hillel Slovak, guitarist, lost his life because of the heroin addiction, and Kiedis was left alone – his only friend now is the City of Los Angeles.

Slipknot – Snuff (2008)

If some artists devote the entire albums to mental health issues, for Slipknot that topic is central for their entire craft with songs like All Hope Is Gone, I Am Hated or The Devil In I – pick any. However, among all the bombarding sounds of extreme guitar distortion and three drummers, there is one song that surely stands out – a melodic and acoustic but daunting Snuff.

A character is absolutely empty. He is full of grief and despair for himself, there is nothing ahead, and things will get only worse. Even if there is hope, he does not want to change because the worst happened to him already – he does not care. The death of hope has already happened.

System of a Down – Lonely Day (2005)

It is not just a lonely day, it is not even the loneliest day. In the words of Daron Malakian, it is “the most loneliest day” that Serj Tankian is singing about. The kind of day that should not even exist, that should be banned. Musicians tend to break the rules of language to express what they feel. In this case, it is the loneliness that is crushing, ever-existing and unescapable.

Paramore – Fake Happy (2017)

The title of this song is also quite self-explanatory. People, who struggle with depression, can feel the pressure to seem happy even if they are going through the worst days of their lives. Mental illnesses still carry the unnecessary and damaging stigma, and for some, appearing “fake happy” can the only way to keep on communicating with others even for the cost of damaging their own feelings.

Pearl Jam – Jeremy (1991)

Jeremy tells two related stories in one song: one of a teenager named Jeremy, who shot himself in front of his class, and the vocalist Eddie Vedder, who sees himself as a cause for his tragedy. School violence is often connected to bullying. Instead of expressing his feelings of depression, Jeremy is sort of a confession, where Vedder admits his guilt for bullying his classmates.

The Notorious B.I.G. – Suicidal Thoughts (1994)

Like Stan, this song might be the most disturbing song on this list. The Notorious B.I.G. feels everything that a person in severe depression can feel: anxiety, loneliness, guilt, feeling unloved that stems from childhood. He shouts all these thoughts at his friend on the phone before doing one last final thing that ends the album Ready to Die.

Tupac – So Many Tears (1995)

The album Me Against the World is full of hints to the untimely death of the main character but surely, So Many Tears is the highlight of this theme. Tupac Shakur had a very complicated and painful childhood on the streets, being fully left to himself. Even being elevated to the icon of hip hop and gangsta rap, he found it very hard to escape his demons.

Kendrick Lamar – ​u (2015)

Stemming off another Tupac’s masterpiece, Kendrick Lamar recorded “u” at the height of his amazing career. However, that was exactly what he wanted to express in his new song: you can climb and reach the top, but you can never run from yourself. Even being successful and famous does not guarantee happiness. In fact, for Kendrick, it worked exactly vice versa, and that is the theme of “u”.

Logic, Alessia Cara & Khalid – 1-800-273-8255 (2017)

Even with all the wonderful and truly ingenious songs, this one might be the most useful and handy. 1-800-273-8255 is the suicide prevention hotline in the United States. It is okay to feel suicidal, and the suicide prevention hotline does its best to take off the stigma from this feeling. The lyrics mirror that struggle. The character of the song wants to end things once and for all, and does the best decision he can – decides to tell another person why.

Metallica – Welcome Home (Sanitarium) (1986)

The entire Master of Puppets album is centered around mental health and drug abuse, the title of the album refers to drugs that have full control over their users. Welcome Home (Sanitarium) is the conversation inside the head of a mental institution patient, where today is like yesterday, and tomorrow will be just the same. Nothing changes and nothing will. There is no escape but one – the most tragic.

Sia – Breathe Me (2004)

Mental health issues can become self-perpetuating. Emotional pain can be harder to bear than physical one, and some people find the way out is self-damaging. Physical pain can silence emotions but in the end, it will end in more pain, suffering and guilt. There is no one else to blame – that is Sia’s message from this song. Please don’t hurt yourself.

Hank Williams – I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry (1949)

Time for a little classic country. Hank Williams’s ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’ is the oldest song on this list, and definitely proves that loneliness and depression are not the inventions of Millenials. Williams sings about his tumultuous relationship with his wife, and how these troubles make him feel absolutely alone and losing all the will to live.

Bruce Springsteen – This Depression (2012)

Again, it is normal to feel lonely, hopeless, and even depressed sometimes. But sometimes, one can feel so lonely like never before. Bruce Springsteen conveys this feeling best when slight blue can shift into a full-on depression when it feels that all hope is gone, all prayers are for nothing, and the only thing he needs is that one person he can trust the most.

John Mayer – Gravity (2006)

It is even surprising that there is only one song in 6/8 time on this list (music connoisseurs will understand.) Absolutely brilliant guitarist and songwriter John Mayer follows the best tradition of weeping blues standards to tell us how hard it can be to go forward when all odds seem to be against us. Even gravity works against us, although, to think about it… Gravity is always the same, maybe something else has changed that is in our control?

Julia Michaels and Selena Gomez – Anxiety (2019)

Loneliness and depression are irrational. We suffer so much because we cannot seem to connect with anyone. And yet there are people around us, who still care, but the only response of our brains is to send them further away. Depression is a very lonely disease and it is hard for people without it to understand those, who suffer. Julia Michaels and Selena Gomez perfectly put these feelings into their text for Anxiety.

Muse – The Dark Side (2018)

It can feel scary to let someone else inside your thoughts, it might even seem that your thoughts will only scare people away from you. That is Matthew Bellamy’s character rationale for tuning to his dark side. He does not want to be better, he wants to be evil and dark. That is the only way for him to set free.

Joy Division – New Dawn Fades (1979)

This list would be incomplete without one more iconic band. That is, of course, Joy Division and their vocalist Ian Curtis with his extraordinary droning and deeply disturbing vocals. The entire short career of Curtis and Joy Division is centered around a deeply troubling theme that goes even beyond depression: extreme alienation and desolation of a person. It would be fair to pick any song from Unknown Pleasures but perhaps New Dawn Fades fits this list the best.

The Beach Boys – I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times (1966)

The Beach Boys do not exactly strike us ones who might sing about depression. However, one of their most-known songs carries the simple message in its title: not everybody fits into the modern world, neither now in the 2020s, not back then, in 1965. The song is somewhat autobiographical of Brian Wilson’s experience. As a free musician, he was surely finding it hard to fit into the strict society. And not only him, as we learned later that decade.

Lamb of God – 512 (2015)

512 is the number of a cell, where Randy Blythe, a lead vocalist for Lamb of God, was held before his manslaughter trial. The tragedy happened at the band's concert in Prague when Blythe pushed Danial Nosek, the attending fan, off the stage and Nosek died from a head injury. Blythe was later arrested and held under supervision because of depression. This is when he wrote lyrics for this song.

The text is quite graphic and describes the extreme feeling of guilt for what happened. It seems that not one life ended as a result of this incident but two: both Nosek’s and Blythe’s too.

Tops Songs About Mental Illness, Final Thoughts

There you go, the best songs to describe mental health and illness. When you’ve a mental illness it can be easy to think no one understands what you’re going through. But there are others that have been through the same thing. And even if you can’t always talk to them personally, sometimes listening to a related song can help you in some way.

If you suffer from metal illness, be sure to get help in America, UK, or wherever you live.

P.S. Remember though, none of what you've learned will matter if you don't know how to get your music out there and earn from it. Want to learn how to do that? Then get our free ‘5 Steps To Profitable Youtube Music Career' ebook emailed directly to you!

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41 Songs About Mental Illness; The Stigma, Mental Health Recovery & More - Music Industry How To

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Art often becomes a way to express one’s feelings. Some songs are happy, some dramatic, some are hopeful. However, it is often these songs that are deeply sad, depressing and even disturbing that make us tune to our darkest emotions. It is completely normal for any human to feel sad, lonely and even…

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7 Latin Songs Raising Mental Health Awareness 

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7 Latin Songs Raising Mental Health Awareness 

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Billboard | "For Mental Health Month: 7 Latin Songs Raising Mental Health Awareness" | (Griselda Flores, 2020).

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Music has provided an outlet for Latin musicians to address mental health issues through song. For example, earlier this year, Residente released his autobiographical "René," where he talks frankly about depression and dark moments in his life.

Marking Mental Health Awareness Month (observed in May), we've compiled a list of songs that raise mental health awareness or bring forth any personal struggles-plus, songs about finding the light at the end of the tunnel after inner turmoil.

Residente "René"
The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and rapper released an introspective song with raw lyrics about depression and dark moments in his life. Writing the personal track was "therapeutic," he previously told Billboard. "When I fall into depression, I tell my problems to the window of the plane. Stress has me sick, I haven't slept in 10 years," he sings.
Bad Bunny "Estamos Bien"
Bad Bunny released his "Estamos Bien" empowering anthem with a special message on social media: "Many times we're sad and we don't know why and it's simply because we forget about the simple things in life. I'm human just like you! And even though I've done many big things there are smaller ones that I have yet to achieve. And it's those smaller things that give happiness," he said.
Logic & Juanes "1-800-273-8255" feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid
Juanes joined Logic for the Spanish remix of his powerful track. The song's title is the phone number to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. "There are people in this world that are trying to get through difficult situations and most of them probably are alone - probably they don't know what to do," Juanes told Billboard. "Music is always going to be that way to connect with ourselves and the rest of the world, and just find some help through art because art is such a powerful weapon.
Kendo Kaponi "Resistencia"
Kaponi's new song "Resistencia" takes listeners on a journey about his life in prison and the depression he suffered behind bars. "Court didn't understand my position and they sentenced me to prison. Christmas in depression and segregation," he raps.
Diego Torres "Color Esperanza"
"I know that the windows can open. Changing the air depends on you and it will help you and it'll be worth it," sings Diego Torres in his song "Color Esperanza" which has become an anthem of hope and resilience.
Francisca Valenzuela "La Fortaleza"
Chilean singer-songwriter Francisca Valenzuela released a diary-style album which includes "La Fortaleza" as the closing track to the set. "Everything that has happened has gotten me to where I am now. I look forward and bury the guilt. I leave, pack my bag and take a deep breath. I don't look back," she sings. The song is about knowing self-worth and understanding you are enough.
Kany García "Remamos" feat. Natalia Lafourcade
The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter teams up with Natalia Lafourcade for the beautiful and powerful song "Remamos" which talks about a new beginning, leaving behind what has brought you down or hasn't allowed you to be your true self.

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For Mental Health Month: 7 Latin Songs Raising Mental Health Awareness

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Music has provided an outlet for Latin musicians to address mental health issues through song. For example, earlier this year, Residente released his autobiographical "René," where he talks frankly about depression and dark moments in his life.

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English Vocabulary Frontload Google Slides 

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English Vocabulary Frontload Google Slides 

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English Vocabulary Frontload | (Victoria Alvarez, 2023, p. 14-17)

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"Lost" [Official Music Video] - Linkin Park | A previously unreleased track from the Meteora recording sessions and originally recorded in 2003 was released as the first pre-release song from the Meteora (20th Anniversary Edition) album.

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Lost [Official Music Video] - Linkin Park

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1. After viewing and reading the relevant texts assigned regarding nature and its positive effects on mental health, students will write a brief objective summary and self-reflect by listing at least three helpful (ecotherapy methods) they can do to help ensure good mental health.

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Google Translate - A popular translation tool

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Google’s service, offered free of charge, instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages.

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Images/GIPHS representing the vocabulary and/or the Unit topic. Nature Therapy/ Ecotherapy

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Images/GIPHS representing the vocabulary and/or the Unit topic. Nature Therapy/ Ecotherapy

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Photo by Hunter Reilly on Unsplash
Nature therapy (also called ecotherapy) is the practice of being in nature to help increase growth and healing, primarily mental health (WebMD, 2021).

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1. Students will be able to use their preferred (native) language to expand on their ecotherapy and mental health discussion.
2. Higher linguistic development in the English Language and a native language.

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PBS NewsHour | "Our New Normal: How Teens Are Redefining School Life"
Three years into the pandemic, students still struggle with mental health as they continue to adjust to a "new normal."

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Two years into the pandemic, students still struggle with mental health

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Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
On mindfulness - a type of meditation that involves breathing methods to help reduce stress.

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PBS LearningMedia for California Educators 

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PBS LearningMedia for California Educators 

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Search Classroom Resources | PBS LearningMedia
PBS LearningMedia is a highly interactive multilingual site.

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Search Classroom Resources | PBS LearningMedia

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Find classroom resources for teachers and students. Search for videos, lesson plans, and games aligned to state and national standards.

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Khan Academy | Reading | "Making objective summaries of literary texts"

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Making objective summaries of literary texts | Reading | Khan Academy

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Photo by Leio McLaren on Unsplash
Self-growth or "personal development" can have a positive impact on overall well-being and mental health.

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Photo by Sebastien Gabriel on Unsplash
Exposure to nature and green and blue spaces is associated with increased physical activity and has a positive impact on mental health.