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Ren is an underground UK based rapper who went years with an undiagnosed autoimmune disease which heavily impacted his mental/physical health and subsequently affected his music career. At first it hindered it massively, but then went on to form the inspiration which has led to his acclaimed success today. Here is an interview between him and the lead singer of an indie Rock band, Justin Hawkins

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https://www.femestella.com/5-musicians-who-have-used-their-mental-health-as-song-inspiration/

Musicians who have used music as inspiration for writing songs.

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There has long been a known connection between creativity and depression. So it shouldn't be a surprise that so many musicians struggle with their mental health.

Musicians like Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Billie Eilish, and Halsey have been incredibly open about their mental health issues and have even used them for song inspiration.

Not only have these songs helped normalize the prevalence of mental health disorders, but they also help many fans experiencing the same thing feel less alone.

Below are just a few of the musicians who have spoken publicly about their mental health struggles.

1. Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez has been incredibly vocal about her struggles with bipolar depression and anxiety and has made it her mission to destigmatize the issue. Her makeup line Rare Beauty is dedicated to helping those with mental health struggles and she even recently started the platform Wondermind to help prioritize "mental fitness".

She's also poured her feelings into her music with songs like "Anxiety" with Julia Michaels. She also references her depression in songs on her album Rare like "A Sweeter Place."

2. Julia Michaels

In addition to writing several songs for Selena Gomez, musician Julia Michaels has released her own fair share of songs about her struggles with anxiety and depression including her hit song "Issues."

In a 2019 essay for Glamour, she wrote,

"I believe I stayed a songwriter for so long because of my anxiety. I was scared I wasn't good enough. Scared I wouldn't be accepted. I was scared of not hiding anymore. I was scared of reaching a level of potential I had never reached. I was scared of myself."

She added,

"But once I've made up my mind about something, I go all in. So the day I made the decision to become an artist, there was no going back. I wanted this, and it was time to face my fears."

3. Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish has been open about her struggles with depression pretty much since she first arrived on the scene. Over the years, she's talked about her depression, suicidal thoughts, and body dysmorphia, to name a few.

She's also used her struggles as inspiration and has many songs that discuss her depression such as "Everything I Wanted" and "Listen Before I go."

4. Halsey

Over the last few years, Halsey has become more and more vocal about their life with bipolar disorder since getting diagnosed as a teen. In an interview with Rolling Stone, they even revealed that she had been committed twice since becoming famous.

Not only has Halsey found inspiration in her bipolar disorder but they ended up writing a whole album about it called "Manic," which they released in 2020.

5. Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has become quite the spokesperson for mental health over the years and has opened up about their bipolar disorder and depression on several occasions.

Their mental health struggles have often been intertwined with their issues of sobriety and eating disorders, all of which Demi has sung about over the years.

Some of their most famous songs about their struggles include "Anyone" and "OK Not to Be OK".

So Many More

There are so many musicians who have poured their emotions and mental health struggles into the songs that this list would be endless if we included them all. These songs have become lifelines for fans and we're so grateful that folks like Kendrick Lamar and Gerard Zappa have been willing to be so open over the years.

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5 Musicians Who Have Used Their Mental Health As Song Inspiration - Femestella

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Many musicians have been open about their struggles with mental health over the years and have even used those struggles to inspire songs.

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https://futurumcareers.com/harnessing-the-power-of-music-to-improve-mental-health

Using music to improve mental health. The science.

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Published: November 2, 2023

Engaging with music has proven positive impacts on mental health and well-being, yet musical interventions are rarely used in healthcare settings. , from the Professor Gilles Comeau University of Ottawa in Canada, hopes to change this. He has established the Music and Mental Health Research Clinic to explore the relationships between music and mental health and to develop ways of integrating music into healthcare services.

Talk like a music researcher

Cognitive - the processes related to conscious intellectual activity, such as thinking and remembering

Dalcroze Eurythmics - a method of music education based on the connection between music and body movement, developed by Émile Jaques-Dalcroze in Switzerland in the early 1900s

Dementia - an umbrella term referring to a range of progressive conditions with symptoms including memory loss, confusion and impaired cognitive ability

Electroencephalography (EEG) - the measurement of electrical activity in parts of the brain

Hormone - a chemical that regulates the body's functions

Motor control - the ability to control your own movements

Physiological marker - a biological state that can be measured to evaluate the body's function or response to an intervention, e.g., heart rate

Have you ever felt happier after listening to music, playing an instrument, singing a song or dancing along to your favourite tunes? Interacting with music can have significant benefits for both your physical and mental health, meaning music can play an important role in your well-being. "Participating in musical activities can help cognitive function, reduce the risk of developing mental illnesses and reduce the severity of existing mental health conditions," says Professor Gilles Comeau, Director of the University of Ottawa's Music and Health Research Institute and of the Music and Mental Health Research Clinic at The Royal, a specialised mental healthcare centre. Gilles is convinced of the power of music for improving health and well-being. His mission is to make healthcare-related music participation accessible to all who will most benefit from it.
The benefits of music
"Music is particularly powerful because it is a complex, but accessible, activity," explains Gilles. "Music is complex because it involves multiple senses. For instance, sound, vision and touch are integrated together when playing an instrument." The benefits of music are spread across the spectrum of physical and mental health. For example, engaging with music triggers the release of dopamine, the 'feel-good' hormone that elicits feelings of pleasure and reward. "Music is also a powerful tool for promoting cognitive well-being," Gilles adds. "Introducing new skills and new knowledge ignites curiosity and cognitive growth, which can be especially valuable for older adults."

Collective music-making can be a form of social cohesion. It has the power to connect people, which helps to combat social isolation. However, many individuals who could most benefit from such music-making activities are commonly excluded from mainstream music participation. "People with mental health issues, physical limitations or cognitive impairments often experience an unwelcome reception when trying to involve themselves in musical activities, even if their impairments do not hinder their ability to participate in collective music-making," says Gilles. "Bringing music to these vulnerable populations can help overcome feelings of exclusion and isolation."

This is not just about improving the well-being of individuals; it is also supporting a fundamental human right. "The Human Rights Act emphasises the need to provide equal opportunities for engagement in the arts," says Gilles. "That means all people, including marginalised populations, should have the chance to foster their artistic aspirations and take advantage of the health benefits of music participation."
The Music and Health Research Institute
The Music and Health Research Institute aims to increase the body of research into the links between music and both physical and mental health, and to provide ways to implement these research findings. "We explore interactions between music and health with the aim of developing solutions to improve well-being for individuals and communities," explains Gilles. "Our vision is to increase our understanding about how best to integrate musicians and music educators into healthcare and social settings."

In practice, this takes a variety of forms. The institute develops music programmes for vulnerable populations and individuals with certain mental health conditions, ranging from mood disorders to substance dependencies to dementia. "We also provide best-practice guidelines and strategies for training musicians and music educators, so they can bring their skills and knowledge to healthcare settings," says Gilles. "On the healthcare side, we raise awareness among health and social care professionals about the benefits of community-based musical activities."

Gilles' own research focuses on how music can benefit older adults and combat age-related health conditions. "Playing music can help combat conditions including dementia, depression, anxiety and signs of physical decline such as frailty, loss of balance and poor posture," says Gilles. "Moreover, collective music-making combats social isolation and loneliness, which are often serious issues among older people."
Moving to music
Research has demonstrated that music participation involving movement is especially impactful for improving physical and mental health. "We are using a method of interactive music education called Dalcroze Eurythmics, which focuses on body movements to music," says Gilles. "A typical class involves participants moving to music, using a mix of improvised movements alternating with structured, choreographed rhythmic sequences, and sometimes featuring props such as balls or hoops." Dalcroze Eurythmics has promising health benefits for many different populations, including children, adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and older adults with cognitive impairments. "Musical activities that involve movement also build strength and motor control," says Gilles. "The dual tasks of listening to music and translating what is heard into movement have benefits to physical and cognitive health."

Gilles emphasises that programmes such as Dalcroze Eurythmics are not necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution, and that research is needed to show what works best for different people. "It is important to test each programme multiple times with different people experiencing various mental health conditions to establish its full benefit - what works, for whom and in what context," he says. At the Music and Mental Health Research Clinic, the team is now developing additional interactive music-making programmes, including percussion ensembles and drumming improvisation workshops.
Exploring the science behind music for mental health
It is important to provide evidence that musical intervention programmes, such as Dalcroze Eurythmics or percussion ensembles, are actively benefiting their participants. "Research into music and mental health requires expertise from many fields," says Gilles. "This is why the Music and Mental Health Research Clinic has established partnerships with a wide range of researchers across Canada and beyond."

For instance, some researchers are measuring physiological markers to quantitatively assess individuals' well-being before, during and after participation in musical activities. "Physiological markers of anxiety include breathing rate, heart rate, sleeping patterns and levels of the stress hormone, cortisol," says Gilles. Other techniques measure participants' physical capabilities, for example by conducting tasks to assess motor control or using thermal imaging to measure muscle inflammation. Cognitive tests, such as puzzles, and electroencephalography (EEG) can measure participants' mental performance. "We also use qualitative measurements, including questionnaires to ask participants about their moods, such as feelings of depression and anxiety, and their overall sense of mental well-being," explains Gilles. "In combination with interviews and focus groups, we can gain an understanding of how our programmes benefit participants' mental health."

Reference
https://doi.org/10.33424/FUTURUM437

Gilles established the Piano Pedagogy Research Laboratory to study methods of piano teaching and learning
© University of Ottawa

Gilles is exploring whether Dalcroze Eurythmics, in which participants move to music, improves mental health
© Steven West Photography

Dalcroze Eurythmics involves moving to music, often using props such as balls
© Steven West Photography

Gilles is a passionate piano player © University of Ottawa

As a professor, Gilles teaches students at the University of Ottawa © University of Ottawa

Gilles presents the results of his research conducted at the Music and Health Research Institute
© University of Ottawa

Through these research efforts, Gilles hopes that the benefits of music will become available to everyone to improve health and well-being.

Professor Gilles Comeau
Director of the Music and Health Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Canada

Director of the Music and Mental Health Research Clinic, University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, The Royal, Canada

Fields of research: Music, Mental health, Wellness, Well-being

Research project: Investigating the effects of music participation on mental health and well-being, and how to integrate musicians and music educators into healthcare settings

Funders: Public Health Agency of Canada, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Brain and Mind Research Institute, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, Private Donors

About music for mental health

Studying the interactions between music and mental health calls for collaboration across different academic disciplines, along with practitioners from the health and social care sectors. The work of the Music and Health Research Institute and the Music and Mental Health Research Clinic presents useful case studies of how a diverse range of careers can work together to address a common theme.

"For our work, we assembled a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, practitioners and community organisations to pursue action-based original research," says Gilles. "On the research side, our team brings together music educators, biomechanists (who study the mechanics involved in the movement of living organisms), kinesiologists (who study human movement), psychologists, neuroscientists, computer engineers with experience in the medical field, physicians specialised in geriatrics (the branch of medicine focused on the health and care of older people), and psychiatrists specialising in particular mental illnesses."

Beyond the academic research world, Gilles' team includes health workers, clinical practitioners, social workers and community workers. "We also work with the people who can benefit from our research," says Gilles. "This includes people with disabilities, people experiencing mental illnesses, older people, patients in care, and their families and support groups."

The fact that this research brings together such diverse fields indicates the vast range of career opportunities related to music and mental health. "For instance, those interested in neuroscience or psychology can study how the brain processes music under various health conditions," says Gilles. "Those interested in music and education can develop innovative teaching and learning practices, while those interested in healthcare and rehabilitation can study how music improves health outcomes."

Pathway from school to music for mental health

* "It is important to note that you do not have to choose between studying music and science," says Gilles. "Many students think that they must make a decision to study one or the other, but if you are interested in music and science there are a number of university programmes that now allow you to combine both."

* Gilles emphasises that the broad range of careers available in the field of music for mental health means you can pursue whichever subjects most interest you (e.g., psychology, rehabilitation, biomedical engineering, etc.) and integrate these with music, allowing you to tailor your study programme to lead to your desired career.

* Studying social sciences, health sciences, biology, medicine or engineering, as well as music itself, could lead to a career using music to improve people's mental health and well-being.

Explore careers in music for mental health

* As Gilles highlights, a huge range of people are involved in his research investigating the impacts of music on mental health, meaning there is a wealth of career opportunities available in the field.

* The Music and Health Research Institute offers a variety of ways to get involved, such as training and mentoring opportunities for undergraduate students and a programme of events throughout the year: www.uottawa.ca/research-innovation/music-health/training-mentoring

* Music therapists combine healthcare and musical expertise to provide therapeutic support for individuals: www.careerexplorer.com/careers/music-therapist

Meet Gilles

I have always had a passion for music and teaching. I am fascinated by how people learn and how teachers develop teaching strategies, and I have played music from a young age. I started teaching piano lessons when I was in my late teens. Then, while I was at university, I established a community music school for preschool children and a summer music programme for children of all ages. After graduating, I organised a programme to train music teachers.

My career has been driven by my strong desire to always learn new things and to develop initiatives with real impact. When I was hired at the University of Ottawa, there was no research into piano pedagogy (the theory and practice of teaching) and most piano teaching was based on traditional methods along with trial and error. This led me to establish the Piano Pedagogy Research Laboratory, a long and fruitful partnership with colleagues from across scientific disciplines.

When I became aware of the physical and mental health problems that many musicians experience, which often begin at a young age, I established the Musicians' Wellness Centre to educate, conduct research and provide treatment related to musicians' wellness.

Recently, I have become interested in the health benefits of music-making. I began to research how musicians and music educators can be integrated into healthcare settings so that music can be used to provide health benefits. I have a fundamental belief that music can make a unique and positive contribution to the well-being of individuals and communities.

We are seeing a move towards a more holistic approach to health. This is leading researchers and healthcare practitioners to investigate alternative approaches to aiding well-being. One such therapy, which is in increasing demand, is music-making.

Interestingly, sport is widely recognised as an important platform for inclusion and well-being for people with impairments. Sport has played a key role in advancing equity, through programmes such as the Paralympic Games. However, nothing similar exists for music, despite music being arguably just as universal and as important for health and well-being. I hope to see music-making positioned in a similar way.

I have a sincere hope that young people can help bring about an increase in music accessibility. Equity, diversity and inclusivity should be the new face of music-making. These increase the potential for rich and meaningful interactions and contributions to self-expression, as well as connections to self, others and the community. I hope that the next generation will work to make it possible for all people to have equal opportunities to foster their musical aspirations.

Do you have a question for Linda, Megan, Roman or Taya?
Write it in the comments box below and Linda, Megan, Roman or Taya will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)

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Harnessing the power of music to improve mental health - Futurum

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Professor Gilles Comeau is investigating the effects of music participation on mental health and well-being, and how to integrate musicians and music educators into healthcare settings

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/54QwzRsHTMHbR9qwnf89d5p/7-stars-reveal-how-songwriting-and-music-helped-their-mental-health

A BBC report about how some big musical stars open up about their mental health issues.

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On Radio 1's The Surgery this week, Katie Thistleton and Dr Radha will be discussing how positive an impact creativity can have on mental health.

"Creativity and the arts can be really helpful as a therapy for mental health because it helps you express your feelings and thoughts," says Radha.

"Art therapy, dance movement and music can all be used to help people through difficult emotions.

"It's really healthy for us to get creative to look after our mental wellbeing and it can help improve self confidence and self esteem, as well as help us make friends."

And for many pop stars and musicians, they channel their feelings and thoughts into their music.

Here's what seven stars have to say about how the songwriting process, and keeping creative, has helped them.

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BBC - 7 stars reveal how songwriting and music helped their mental health

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The Surgery on Radio 1 is exploring how creativity can benefit mental health

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiqDOoghs50

This is the song by Ed Sheeran “Life goes on” – written after his best friend Jamal’s death.

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Ed Sheeran - Life Goes On [Official Video]

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsa-QyGWZ6A

Ed Sheeran's Speech talks about his stutter, and how music helped him to overcome it

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This speech by Ed sheeran will make you cry.