We all have mental health just like we all have physical health.
We all have good days and bad days. But somehow it is still frown upon to talk about our inner struggles.
But as artists, it is nearly impossible to hide what we experience.

I actually tried to write In Spite of Thunder’s first album, For the restless, as an exercice of music theory. But I just couldn’t hide from myself. All the songs are facets of me. The joys and sorrows, the hopes and fears. Art doesn’t lie.

Each year seems to bring more news of artists dying due to mental illness. Be it addiction, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, burn out, sleep issues… sadly any mental health issue can lead to suicide and the world needs to start paying more attention to mental health.
The stigma surrounding mental illness in general is damaging , but in the music industry more and more people are starting to open up and share their journey to a healthier mental health.

Mental illness can affect anyone. Now there are theories out there that artists are more prone to mental illness, or to be more accurate, patients with mental illness are more likely to develop a creative side as an outlet.
But I’m afraid the music business would be enough to crush any perfectly sane person. So the damages on someone who is by definition more sensitive should be taken in consideration.

And this starts with each and every single one of us. We are the music industry. We are the fuel. We have our say in how things are done from now on.

Being more compassionate and less critical is a good start.
Tell your fans to reach out. Band fans are incredibly supportive and understanding when given a chance.

Be kinder to yourself. Don’t belittle yourself. Don’t get mad.

Breathe.