1800273TALK

I feel like I’m out of my mind

It feel like my life ain’t mine

Who can relate?

Under New Releases, a song titled a 1-800-273-8355 caught my attention in the midst of my morning commute. I was intrigued, yet confused. So of course, I had to listen. I cranked up the volume + listened the lyrics as Logic poetically spoke about the thoughts + feelings of suicide. I immediately took heed, as he bluntly revealed in the chorus:

I don’t wanna be alive

I just wanna die today

I just wanna die

The artists in the song take the challenge of expressing emotions through music. I believe the lyrics were as real as it gets. It’s not always this easy to articulate the mental states of suicide into words + that’s exactly what the songwriter did. Job well done - for making us feel the reality of those suffering in silence. 

I've been praying for somebody to save me, no one's heroic

And my life don’t even matter

I know it I know it I know I'm hurting deep down but can’t show it

This first verse presents Logic as someone seeking help. It attempts to bring awareness to mental health from a different avenue. Often times, individuals display warning signs, actions + statements, that aren’t always as revealing as the true nature of their underlying issues. I believe this song is an outlet, or inspiration, for individuals to use their voices. 

It’s holding on, though the road’s long

And seeing light in the darkest things

Alessia Cara’s voice charismatically uplifts the spirit of the individual. Her verse acknowledges that there’s good + bad, or yin + yang, for everything in life. In the darkest of moments, when you’re alone with your thoughts, be your own light + use your words (through whatever form you choose) to foster your healing process. If it’s not you, but it’s someone you know who may be going through suicidality or thoughts of harming others, you are just as important. 

Suicide is taboo. It’s feared + quietly talked about in our society. It’s not uncommon for people to think that if someone brings up the topic of suicide, that they might just “push” someone to the edge. In most cases, this is not true. We can use allies + support to change the conversation around mental health. The worst thing to do is be silent and invalidate someone’s feelings of hurting themselves. By developing the courage to have a conversation + ask an individual, “Are you well?” just may be the question to spark their internal dialogue to speak up + out regarding their well-being.

I know where you been, where you are, where you goin’

I know you’re the reason I believe in life

What’s the day without a little night?

…

It can be so hard

But you gotta live right now

You got everything to give right now

By the third verse, I knew I was going to have to press Repeat. Thank you, Logic, for defying pop culture + using your platform in a different light. Remember - it is okay to seek help! It’s important also to stay grateful in the process for all that you do have, especially the experiences + people that bring you JOY!

Additional Info:

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free + confidential hotline for those experiencing emotional distress. You may also call the hotline or check out the website for information on suicide prevention + resources for you or your loved ones.

Until next time,

Jalyn Tai