World Mental Health Day 2021 pt. 1/5

Adrienne Cowan // Seven Spires

What role has music played in the darker times in your life?
Music has been the only constant. It’s been my main, if not my only outlet for all of my darkness for basically as long as I can remember. That’s both listening as well as creating and performing. It is the thing that has helped me feel most like myself.

What kind of things besides music help you through?
Unfortunately, xercise and eating right. Everyone’s right, you should go outside and get a little bit of sun and maybe walk around, touch some grass, eat a vegetable…I hate it but it works. That, and learning to actually talk about what you’re feeling. It can be really hard and really scary to be that kind of vulnerable with people. Especially if you are used to people disregarding your feelings or minimizing them to survive. Learning to just do that has been immensely helpful. I learned that by going to therapy.

What do you think is something that is worth fighting for?
Love. That can be romantic love, or family love, or love for yourself. That can also include respect for yourself. Yeah..that’s the answer, love.

Do you have any words of encouragement to someone who may be going through a difficult time right now?
I have mixed feelings about the phrase “it gets better”, but it really does. But you also have to put in a little bit of effort. Even if that means brushing your teeth for ten seconds if the two minutes seems hard. Or using dry shampoo instead of taking the whole shower. If you have no energy to do these things but you can do a little bit, that might help you get through until a point where things actually do start to get a lot better. I would say: you can do it and we are all here for you, even if it’s just in your earbuds.

Aline Happ // Lyria

What helps and fuels you to go on when you feel down? What is something that you find worth fighting for?
Life can be really hard and kind of unfair sometimes, but I always try to focus on the bright side. It is totally normal to not feel happy all the time, life has its ups and downs. Since I love my work, it is a very good way to overcome these moments. I always try to transform the negativity into art. Also, I try to focus on good things like my friends, my family, my fans and my art. All of these are what I really find worth fighting for. So, I really try to do my best and help others through my music.

What role had the music during the dark times and the journey to overcome the troubling times? I believe in the power of music. Music can really heal our souls. It really can comfort and talk to us. Since I was a kid, it has been very important to me as a listener, and now, also as an artist. That is why I want to spread true and good messages through my music, to show people they are strong, that they can learn from their mistakes, overcome bad moments and bad situations.

What message or words of encouragement would you give to someone who may be suffering or dealing with something?
Don’t give up! The light at the end of the tunnel is always there, because it is inside us! Sometimes you won’t see it, because you are drowning in confusion and bad feelings, but believe me, the light is still there. Just live one day at a time and take it slowly if you feel you need it. Every little improvement is a great step and achievement. Face your demons and try to learn something from them, maybe you can transform them into something positive. Take time to look after yourself and try to do things you love. If you feel comfortable, talk to others about how you are feeling. And remember, asking for professional help is nothing to be ashamed of, and it is very important in some cases.

Another good thing is turning your favorite music player on and listening to good music! You can create a playlist with songs that make you feel better! Lyria has a lot of songs related to that theme such as “Let me be me”, “Last Forever” and “Hard to Believe” waiting to be added to your playlist. 😉

Amber Malley // Crimson Caliber

What role has music played in helping you through the more difficult times in your life?
Honestly, I feel if it wasn’t for music I would not be here today. Growing up with divorced parents who were fighting their own mental health battles, not having money, and being bullied a lot, I had a lot of depression inside. Music gave me the escape I needed. I could close my eyes and picture myself somewhere else, but it was also nice to know I wasn’t alone. To know that so many of my idols had also felt that way and made it to where they are really gave me hope for myself.

What kinds of things besides music help you through?
Having my best friend Angie on my side and always being there for me really helped. Also, my brother Chris, we went through everything together and he is my rock. He would always listen without judgment and just be there to let me cry my eyes out, and now I have my husband Travis to help me and be there for me and I there for him. He is, also, my rock. I don’t know where I’d be without either of these three. Art was also another big outlet for me. Poetry was a big one for me because I learned how to express myself in a creative outlet without being judged by my peers. Also drawing really seemed to help me as well.

What do you think is something worth fighting for?
I used to think nothing was worth fighting for but after living through everything I can say love is worth fighting for; life, in itself, is worth fighting for. Growing old and wiser is worth fighting for. Compassion towards others is worth fighting for, understanding without judgement is worth fighting for. We need to experience growing old for all those who have been denied the opportunity.

Do you have any words of encouragement for anyone out there going through a hard time?
It’s hard when you feel alone, and feeling unwanted but just know there are so many people in this world that love you, who support you, and want you to be the amazing person you can be. It’s okay to have days where you don’t get out of bed, where you don’t want to see anyone or do anything, but don’t let those feelings take over your life. Let’s talk about the things that make you feel alone. Let’s end the stigma. You are only human and we have emotions and it’s okay to feel those emotions. Don’t let people make you feel it’s not okay to feel or to be you. We are truly amazing creatures that have the capability to feel all sorts of crazy emotions.

Angela Di Vincenzo // Secret Rule

What role did the music have for you during the dark times and what journey did you take to overcome the troubling times?
Music has always been by my side, it’s part of me, and my best songs were probably born in my darkest times. To get out of those bad moments, I try to analyze the situation from different points of view and find a positive side that could help me see the light. I think that everything happens for a reason. But I know that it’s not easy, and we always need a period to process what is happening to us anyway.

What else besides music helps and fuels you to go on when you feel down?
Nature. Being in contact with nature gives me a lot of energy. I try to find contact with Mother Earth and with my soul.

What is something that you find worth fighting for?
My freedom without a doubt. We live a life already planned by our family, society, and the system. I’ve always fought to keep my little space of freedom nobody can deprive me of.

What message or words of encouragement would you give to someone who may be suffering or dealing with something?
This life is a journey, a lot of things can happen in good and evil, and everything contributes to shaping who we are. Keep focusing on yourself, life is a gift and something wonderful could be under the corner, we have just to be conscious in seeing what is around us in the right way.