Tuesday Tunes 303: For MHAW

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I’m doing something a little different this week for Tuesday Tunes. Here in the UK this week – 11 to 17 May – is Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) and I know that in the US May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I regularly post for this, and thought it might be a good idea to combine it into my regular Tuesday offering by editing and reworking a piece I wrote some years ago.

Long, long ago, when I started this blog (well, over thirteen years ago) I began by sharing my experience of mental health issues. In my case these were depression and panic attacks, and I hoped that by ‘coming out’ I could help others to come to terms with their own experiences. Happily, feedback has been almost entirely positive, but as you will no doubt have noticed mental health as a topic has rather taken a back seat here of late. But that doesn’t mean that I have lost interest – far from it. I am still a member of some of the organisations whose advice helped me back then and whose work I have in some cases featured here. One that I hadn’t mentioned before a post in 2022 is The Mighty, an American organisation who, in their own words, provide “a safe, supportive community for people facing health challenges and the people who care for them.” If you want to know more about them, they explain who they are here.

Their emails regularly give me pieces to read around the three topics I have signed up for – depression, mental health and migraine – and one of those suggestions which prompted that post was a piece called 38 Celebrities With Chronic And Mental Illnesses Nominated For Grammy Awards, which I read with interest. The article dated back to late 2019, and it referenced the Grammy Awards of January 2020, but that doesn’t make it any less relevant now. Many of those were artists whose music I don’t really like, or in many cases haven’t even heard of. I thought it might make an interesting post for me to share some of those stories with you, and play a piece of music by each of them to show the interaction between music and mental health. Our mental and physical health is vital for all of us, especially in the wake of the pandemic we have endured since just after those Grammys took place, and from which the after effects are still being felt with the pressure on our health services..

The first one I’m playing today is Roseanne Cash. As far as I can tell I’ve only ever played her a couple of times before, notably her duet with her father, Johnny Cash, which was in response to one of the WordPress daily prompts back in 2013. That song was September When It Comes, and it is beautiful and poignant – my piece is here if you’re interested. I’ve since played it several times, plus a couple of her others. This is what The Mighty said about her:

Rosanne Cash struggled for years with chronic headaches without a diagnosis. Eventually, she was diagnosed with the brain condition Chiari I malformation after several misdiagnoses and required surgery.

“I’ve had headaches for as long as I can remember. Even though I figured I would have to undergo brain surgery, I was flooded with relief that someone finally knew what was wrong with me.“

This is Crossing To Jerusalem, for which she was nominated but didn’t win:

One of the artists I hadn’t featured before that earlier post is Lana Del Rey. She isn’t a top favourite of mine, but she makes atmospheric music which I always enjoy when I hear it. Her story goes:

The queen of “Summertime Sadness” Lana Del Rey shared in 2014 she was struggling with a chronic condition that doctors couldn’t diagnose, which also took a toll on her mental health. “I’d been sick on tour for about two years with this medical anomaly that doctors couldn’t figure out. That’s a big part of my life: I just feel really sick a lot of the time and can’t figure out why. … It was just heavy.”

That makes the point that physical health issues can be just as debilitating as mental health problems, and can impact on our mental health, too. As one of her songs that I’ve always liked is the one referenced in The Mighty‘s article it seems an obvious choice for me to play today:

I have played Lady Gaga on several occasions, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to play another of her songs: as I have said before, I’m a big fan of hers. This is what The Mighty say of her:

Lady Gaga lives with fibromyalgia and mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after surviving sexual assault.

“I get so irritated with people who don’t believe fibromyalgia is real. For me, and I think for many others, it’s really a cyclone of anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and panic disorder, all of which sends the nervous system into overdrive, and then you have nerve pain as a result. People need to be more compassionate. Chronic pain is no joke. And it’s every day waking up not knowing how you’re going to feel.”

Her Grammy nomination that year was for the movie A Star Is Born. There could really only be one song of hers I could play today, isn’t there? This is Shallow, from the movie, and it is incredibly good:

A brief footnote on this one: of those that I’m featuring today, this is one of only two which did actually win a Grammy.

So as not to make this an all female selection my next choice for today is Lewis Capaldi, a Scottish singer-songwriter who was just 23 when he was first nominated for a Grammy, and has since become hugely famous. This is what The Mighty said about him:

A breakout star this year thanks to his hit song “Someone You Loved,” Lewis Capaldi uses his platform to raise awareness for others living with mental health conditions. His newest song, “Before You Go,” is a response to his aunt’s death by suicide and the complicated feelings of being a suicide loss survivor. “The song’s about suicide and it’s about not necessarily the act of it itself obviously, but people after it happens, the aftermath of it and people blaming themselves or starting to think, what could I have done to help that person?” Capaldi explained in an interview.

This is Before You Go. Knowing the background to it, and how intensely personal this is to him, makes it even more heartbreaking to hear:

Since then Lewis has gone through a well-documented period of depression, which was at the root of an emotional meltdown live on stage during the 2023 Glastonbury Festival. He took a long period out from performing and recording to help him through his health issues; he has since returned with new music and is touring again right now. It’s great to have him back, as he is a real life symbol of what this post is about.

Those four tunes almost make up my regular quota of five, so there’s room for another. When I first wrote about this I played another Lewis Capaldi song, but I thought that this time I should play something different, from one of the other artists featured in The Mighty‘s article.

The one I have chosen to add is Sara Bareilles, who I think I have only previously played in my seasonal posts for Winter. This is what The Mighty said about her:

The singer/songwriter behind classic pop songs like “Brave” and “Gravity,” Sara Bareilles (Grammy–nominated this year for Best American Roots Performance) wrote about her mental health history in her memoir, “Sounds Like Me.”

“I don’t think you have to be an artist to be overwhelmed by life,” Bareilles told the SheKnows website. “Every single person I know (without exception) has had moments where they feel like they don’t know which way is up. But I think part of the work we as humans are here to do is to learn to understand and have compassion for what is uncomfortable.”

Sara is the other Grammy winner from that year. I should perhaps play her winning song, Saint Honesty, but I prefer this one, which is mentioned above:

If anyone is feeling a little down after reading this and listening to these songs I can only say that isn’t my intention at all! What I’m doing here, using the article in The Mighty as my prompt, is to show how musicians are real people, with real emotions and feelings, who share the same illnesses that we have, and how they can draw attention to this with their music and their public personae. At the time of my original post we had all been suffering the pandemic for more than two years, and it seemed that every day there was another piece in the paper about its ongoing effects, and negative predictions for the future from those who knew what they were talking about. As I said then, we needed to be aware of this, as it had become a mental health issue as much as a physical one, and we needed to take care of ourselves and those we love: perhaps now more than ever. Sadly things haven’t changed for the better in the four years since then: mental health services are stretched to the limit and are still underfunded, as they have always been, the Cinderella of healthcare.

I make no apology for hijacking my own regular series to play these songs in support of MHAW – I think we all need a gentle reminder now and again, and having others say what I want to say through their music seems a good plan. Normal service will resume next week, of course! Until then, take care 🙏

[Just before I go, my usual reminders of where I’m sharing this post. Firstly, at Esme’s Senior Salon Pit Stop, and also at Cathy’s Monday’s Music Moves Me. I can recommend both to you]

51 thoughts on “Tuesday Tunes 303: For MHAW”

  1. Thank you for this post Clive. I have to say I have felt more understanding from “strangers” on a blog than people I meet face to face. I have fibromyalgia, and all that goes with it, panic and anxiety that has periods of debilitating, arthritis, headaches, eyes problems – and also a benign brain tumour that has no treatment. Here, i can say I won’t be around for a while and it’s accepted and a big welcome back. In real life, people need you to “look” ill or, because they can’t see what’s wrong, they can’t understand it. I don’t like to “look” ill. I do my best to do hair, make up, etc unless it’s a very bad day…. Why do we have to look bad for people to believe us… there is so much to be understood in this huge subject ….. you have opened it up so well- and there are probably more understanding people here … maybe we turn to writing …!? I know poetry has been my exploration….
    I hope you are keeping well 💞Suzanne

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    • You’re absolutely right, Suzanne. Maybe we find it easier to hide behind the quasi-anonymity of a computer screen than to say things face to face in real life? I started my blog with a three part set about my depression issues, and my ex-wife and daughters were amazed at what I hadn’t previously told them!

      I’m sorry to hear of your own issues, but it sounds as though your attitude towards them is very positive, and it is important to maintain that. And your writing is a good, creative outlet for you.

      I’m doing ok thanks, and I hope the same for you 👍

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  2. Pingback: Five Years Ago | Take It Easy

  3. This was such a well-done, wonderful post!
    I had known about some of the singers and their struggles that you included but not all.
    Mental health is always important to talk about and advocate for!

    As a side note, I read this last night. I didn’t comment last night, for I was so intrigued by Rosanne Cash’s story. I had never heard about Chiari Malformation and talk about timing! I had been to the neurologist earlier that day due to my continuing migraines. So I was up late reading about Chiari malformation! It doesn’t really fit with my symptoms, but it was interesting to read!

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    • Thank you, Carolyn, I’m pleased you liked this and support the need to advocate for mental health sufferers.

      I’m sorry to hear about your migraines, and can sympathise with you. I’ve had them on and off since I was 15 – an inheritance from my Mum. An interesting coincidence that you saw your neurologist yesterday and that it prompted you to read up on Roseanne Cash’s illness. At least you now know that’s one thing you don’t have!

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  4. I think every family is touched by mental illness, including ours. It helps a little to know that one’s “heroes” may have also dealt with it. A couple of my own are Syd Barrett and Brian Wilson. (Wilson at least managed to continue functioning in society, with a lot of help/support. Poor Syd, not so.)

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      • Creative and artistic people seem more susceptible, probably due to their being more sensitive and introspective. Many, many great writers have been afflicted. Outside of that, there is also a genetic factor (such as exists in our family).

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  5. My wife used to suffer from depression when I first met her, and she was on Prozac for some time. She hasn’t taken that for over 20 years now, but she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia some years back, and takes pain medication for that. She is a big fan of Lewis Capaldi, and has been to see him in concert on two occasions.

    Best wishes, Pete.

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    • Good to know that Julie has been off those for so long, but a shame she needs the painkillers.

      You’ve mentioned her liking for Lewis Capaldi before – I share her good taste 👍

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  6. I doubt that you remember this, Clive, but Sara Bareilles is from my hometown. She’s likely our most famous celebrity. She graduated from the local high school here. A couple of years ago, she returned and gave a free outdoor concert in town. I know she’s donated many instruments to the high school’s music program to help keep it afloat. I saw Carolyn’s note about Gravity. A couple of other ones I like by her are King of Anything and Love Song. As much as I like her music, my favorite this week is Lewis Capaldi, who I’ve always rooted for, besides enjoying his fine music.

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    • Thank you, Pete. I’m afraid you’re right – I didn’t remember that! It sounds like she is a good person for supporting her home town like that.

      Thanks for the links. I didn’t know either song but liked them both.

      And Lewis is pretty special, isn’t he. A wicked sense of humour, too.

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  8. Clive, first and foremost, kudos to you for opening up your challenges to help others. Your honesty is to be commended. As for your choice of songs, well done. I liked them all, but “Crossing to Jerusalem” was a new and impactful song. There is one that Sheryl Crowe did about her depression called “Weather Channel,”’where she references the metaphor “black dog” for depression. She later did a song about a teen who committed suicide, but this 2002 song is biographical. Keith

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    • Thank you, Keith, that’s kind of you. I’m pleased you liked the songs, which mostly chose themselves after I decided on the artists to focus on.

      The black dog is a fairly frequent theme in music – Nick Drake in particular.

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  11. As always Clive you have done a stellar job with this post … I agree unequivocally with you on everything you have said each song and artists you have hi lighted. I touched on mental health issues in my Song lyric Sunday and MMMM this week. … I shall try and do a post this week.. I have written a lot on the subject when I started my blog about 15 years ago… My own and people I love issues. I try not to dwell on those too deeply these days… But you are always so open and brave that each May you inspire me to follow suit… Thank you Jim. 💜💜

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  12. So, that is a well-chosen topic, with the artists and their songs fitting well. Although the awareness about mental health issues has increased in recent years, many people still don’t understand it. Thanks for spreading some more awareness, Clive!

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  14. Terrific post – thank you for sharing…right now, mental health is under siege with an insane world and madness at every turn. There are large increases in reports of anxiety and depression – here in the US we are deluged with yelling, screaming and name-calling, truly vicious and dangerous to all of us.

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  15. I remind myself anytime that negativity creeps into my space casting shadows and darkness that it is not from God. I immediately banish those thoughts through prayer. Sometimes it’s a battle to push the negativity into the light, but it happens my disposition is brighter, truly. God bless those who can’t let go and suffer. May they release their cares to the Lord.

    I did a feature on Rosanne Cash years back. She’s a remarkable singer who I really didn’t give pay attention to. Shallow is probably one of Lady Gaga’s best songs. Thanks for sharing your song picks and for joining the 4M party Clive. Have a boogietastic week!

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    • I agree – I don’t think Roseanne gets the attention she deserves. And also on Gaga – this is just superb.

      You have a great week too 👍

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  16. Mental health often gets short shrift, and it’s good of you to bring it into the spotlight, Clive. Some poignant tunes, here, especially Lewis Capaldi’s! And Lady Gaga has a magnificent voice.

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  18. Thanks for this excellent post, Clive; it was it was interesting, entertaining, and enlightening. I enjoyed all the music today.
    On a personal note, I suffer from advanced arthritis; it’s especially bad in my neck and upper back and keeps me from doing many of the things I enjoy. As a direct result, I would also get panic attacks and anxiety. The arthritis is still with me and always will be, but I’m delighted to say I no longer suffer anxiety and panic attacks. I had lifesaving professional help and medication, which I no longer have to take. Getting proper professional help is vital, and was the key to my success. Thank you for shedding light on mental health today.
    I’m attaching a short piece I wrote a couple of years ago. You’ve seen it before, but I thought you might like to read it again. It’s something I go back to every once in a while just to remind myself how fortunate I am.
    Thanks again for this wonderful post. Here’s my link.

    https://theelephantstrunk.org/2024/10/15/let-it-out/

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    • Thank you, Nancy, I’m pleased to have interested, entertained and enlightened you with this, and that you enjoyed the music.

      I’m sorry to hear of your troubles, but it’s great that you no longer have the anxiety and panic attacks from them.

      Thank you for your link – I’ll take another look at your post 👍

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