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Thursday, Sep 9 2021, 10AM
Loving the show, thanks for everything. If it works, I would love to hear 'I don't know what I can save you from' or ' gold for the price of silver' from the kings of convenience' album, Versus. Both are songs that help me let my emotions out and help me get through any tough times.
Leo in Seattle
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Bergen, Norway-based indie pop duo Kings of Convenience teamed singer/guitarist Erik Glambek Bøe and guitarist Erlend Øye. Here they are, live in Dusseldorf in 2004:
youtu.be
Last April, my daughter and I were working from my dining room table settling into the new lockdown routine. One morning, my TuneIn Radio app told me I might like KEXP. And there was John in the Morning. Gabriel and John became our mental/musical sherpas. Pacific Notions puts me in a stunning movie every Sunday and my daughter says it's my "favorite day!"
We both sporadically suffer from anxiety and I throw in some mid-level depression every month. It is life saving when someone tells you they are also hurting and searching. Recognizing moments of happiness when they happen (a nice breeze, a great song, a frog chirping back at your squeaking sandals walking back from the pool) helps steer me back to being present and grateful for the times when I'm content. A few years ago I spiraled pretty low. Reciting Tom Waits counting a song in on Raindogs ("1-2-3, 1-2-3") in my head became my mantra (and a Mini convertible) focused me and turned it all around. On that note, I'd love to hear, "Take it with me" by Tom Waits off Mule Variations.
P.S. if I had to quantify how much of an affect KEXP has had on my daughter and me, we flew there with my dad for a long weekend last month and it was perfect.
Thank you on behalf of all of us and I'll be finding moments of happiness in my airpods all damn day!
Tim in Naples
Coincidentally, 8 years ago on this exact day, one of my closest friends ended his life. Together we shared a passion for music and he introduced me to so much good music. I remember driving across country with him, singing along to songs at the top of his lungs.
There are so many songs that remind me of him, it’s hard to choose just one, but If you could play No Surprises by Radiohead, I bet he’d be happy.
Thank you, Bri
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"No Surprises" live from 1997:
youtu.be
My wife Sarah struggled for decades with bipolar disorder and PTSD. The "highs" were awful and the lows were worse, but she fought to live fully in between. She loved making and listening and dancing to music of all kinds, and streamed KEXP much of the day. On a trip to Seattle, one of the high points was a tour of KEXP and catching an in-studio performance. I remember vividly a moment when, while she was titrating off a med that was no longer working, the mental blanket of the drug lifted, and she could suddenly remember the lyrics to all the songs being played on an 80's station we were listening to. She started singing along with them, tears streaming down her face, happy to be feeling like herself again. She fought so hard, tried so many doctors and meds, read so many books, but was defeated by the disease at age 49, leaving behind so many devastated friends. Please play "Astronaut" by Ass Ponys in Sarah's memory.
~ Phillip
I have grappled w/ depression & anxiety since early childhood. Wouldn't have known what to label it then, but now it is pretty clear. Music was my escape even then. I'd pile my stuffed animals in my closet, then climb in w/ my boom box and shut myself in for hours. It was cozy & 2nd grade me would (embarrassingly) listen to Motley Crue Theater of Pain. It evolved later to the Pretenders, New York Dolls, Johnny Thunders.
At age 11, I found my older sister having attempted suicide. We were home alone so I was the one to call 911 & ride in the ambulance w/ her.
What is crazy about this experience is that once my parents were called (they were at a superbowl party) they rushed to the hospital, hysterical...and left me alone in the waiting room. For 8-10 hours. You'd think 1 parent would go to the injured child & the other would comfort the child who had been traumatized by finding her sister near death. Nope. My parents meant well but were not equipped emotionally to have children. I recall sitting alone in that waiting room as the sun came up.
My sister recovered from her suicide attempt and became a badass overachiever, going to Ivy League undergrad, Ivy League law school & was inducted in to the Maine running hall of fame before age 40. Am super proud of her.
I took to the black sheep role and reveled in always doing the bad, wrong, most dangerous things. When my depression surfaces it is dark, ugly and hard to break away from. I started on an antidepressant at 24 after nearly dying in a hotel room in Door County, Wisconsin.
Depression comes & goes still, but was mostly managed thru my 20s & 30s.
Then in 2018 some traumatic stuff happened, leaving me in a place of numb depression.
I headed to Costa Rica in early 2020.
I was on this gorgeous beach with my amazing husband and all I wanted to do was die.
Well, towards the end of the trip, the pandemic hit. We got home and 3 days later everything shut down.
A switch flipped & I wasn't depressed. I wasn't anxious. I was like: okay, this is the worst case scenario, it's happening and somehow my anxiety & depression were gone. Maybe because I had something bigger to focus on? Maybe because now everyone was feeling how I usually felt? Maybe because I was focusing on our collective trauma instead of my own? I don't know.
Both my husband & I tend to use humor as our preferred defense mechanism. He has his own traumas, but those are his to tell. I suspect being married to me is one of them🤣❤. In all seriousness, he is the glass to my emotional water...he literally keeps me together most days. We would be beyond grateful to hear: Bob Mould: See A Little Light.
~ Julie
Two and a half years ago my brother-in-law died in a 4-wheeling accident. He had been struggling with mental health and addiction issues since college, he was 31 years old. His struggles were not the direct cause of his death, but they played a major roll. For a long time I was angry with him. Angry at the way he died, the lack of responsibility he took for his mental health, and the family trauma that resulted from it all. That was until last year when I was hit hard with debilitating postpartum anxiety and depression. I now know what it's like to not be in control of how you feel and how your brain takes in information and processes it. It was a major reality check, and left me with a level of compassion and understanding I hadn't had before. My brother-in-law loved music, especially reggae, it brought him peace. If you could play some Bob Marley for Nash I know he'd love to hear it, wherever he is.
~ Jordan on Bainbridge
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Thank you for all you do, especially with days like Music Heals.
Music Heals is particularly timely: After years with a woman I love, she let me know less than 24 hours ago that she needs to focus on herself (which is reasonable) and was choosing to do that without me.
It's hard, but this kind of loss and grief has gotten easier—if that's the right word—as I've grown older. And, unlike when I was younger, I don't feel totally hopeless as I once did when confronting such seemingly insurmountable pain.
If you can fit it in, I'd love to hear Bob Marley's "Sun is Shining". It's my favorite song: Joyful and mournful at the same time, which is how I feel about this fresh start in my life. Plus, we just lost the inimitable Lee Perry who produced this masterpiece.
Thank you again for all you do and for reading this.
~ Tristan in Idaho Springs, Colorado
These last days have been tough. Reading news doesn't help. Add to that the problems that life brings to you and your mental health will be affected. Music always helps me through these moments, but I didn't get to listen to music last week and It really affected my mental health.
Today, I got to listen to KEXP and you reminded me that music really heals. It expresses safety, just like a shore. Just wanted to know if you could play the song Shore by Fleet Foxes. This song and the whole album represent this sensation of safety and always helps.
I'm so grateful to this community for bringing joy to our lives through music.
You are not alone.
~ Mario
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Fleet Foxes 'Shore':
youtu.be
I suffer from anxiety and depression, 1st noted at age 5. I have PTSD, which developed throughout childhood due to maternal physical and emotional abuse. I have no friends. Due to a chronic physical illness, borne of stress, I have been unable to work for some time now. I am isolated & lately feeling increasingly desperate and trapped. But I have nowhere to go. My moving days are Over, as I can't escape myself, and my days of college degrees and other training followed by inexplicably difficult job-hunting and eventual stress-induced work failure are over. However, I moved from CA to WA and after several years, back to CA and finally back again to WA. As could have been predicted, it didn't help. My song request, which captures my feelings in a bigger way than me, is "Goodbye California" by Jolie Holland. Thank you.
~ Anonymous
Hi There!
I'd like to request "A Better Son/Daughter" by Rilo Kiley for Mental Health Day.
Thanks!
Casey
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Hi KEXP,
Emotions are running high today listening to the show. I've never experienced so much mental health struggles as I have this past two years. After moving to a new state, having a new baby, the passing of my father, then my dog...my wife wanted a divorce. As we worked together in her business, I was suddenly out of a job too. It turned into a terrible year and a half legal and child custody battle. Oh yeah, and not to mention COVID happened during all this. I was tested to my very limits, and saw the very bottom of my soul.
One thing that was a constant in my daily life was KEXP. Hearing you saying You Are Not Alone got me through a lot of rough days. Hearing other's struggles and knowing I truly was not alone was comforting and gave me strength. My best friends in Portland even sponsored me as a KEXP member as they know how much it meant to me to listen every day.
KEXP, I have risen from the ashes and am doing great now. You are part of my healing and I thank you very much.
~ Mike
Hi Cheryl! I've used music as a form of therapy for as long as I can remember. I'm reminded of times, in my youth, sitting in my bedroom with my big bulky headphones on listening to music for hours at a time. One song that has spoken to me over the years is the song "Wilco" by Wilco particularly the lyrics "..Put on your headphones before you explode." Even though I often seal myself off from the world when dealing with bouts of depression, I've learned, especially over the last year and a half, the importance of reaching out and staying connected and I'd like to thank you and the entire staff at KEXP for creating a platform and a day dedicated to addressing the daily struggles so many of us go through. Have a great day!
~ William in Texas
As a young adult (I'm 25 now) with a lot of anxiety about the climate crisis, widening inequality, and a lot more, the music of Pete Seeger has been a great source of comfort, inspiration, and energy for at least a decade. Pete taught me that music can (and should, whenever possible) stand up to injustice and be bold in expressing the artist's frustrations and aspirations. A song of his that perfectly captures the spirit of today's program is Quite Early Morning. I hope others will feel the same connection to this song as I've come to feel.
I'll be listening all the way through Swinging Doors today, so here's a few more that others might enjoy during that program!
~ Paul
Hello, I would love if you played Strayed by Bill Callahan (Cheryl, shout out back to the early 2000s when you introduced me to that song and played it often!).
If you could dedicate it to my close friend and amazing human/roller derby Queen, Tammy Carpenter, who died just a few years ago, I know many in our community would appreciate it.
She is dearly missed and beloved by so many and tomorrow is her birthday.
Happy birthday, Tammy. Your spirit shines bright no matter what and you will never be forgotten.
~ Dorothy in West Seattle, dedicating to Tammy
I'd like to request 'Night Swimming' by REM for Mental Health Day. I've always loved this song but it's taken on very special meaning this last month. In August I was finally able to gather with my family in Maine after a a long 18 month separation. Depression and anxiety run in the family and I saw just how tough this past year plus has been on some of us. After one particular very hot day with hot heads full of emotion my dad, husband and I took a late night swim in the lake to watch the Perseid meteor shower and let the day float away. It was incredible, a moment I'll cherish forever. I was listening to KEXP a few days ago and heard 'Night Swimming' and broke down on the spot. It took me right back to the beauty, love, revelation and acceptance from our night swim. Thank you for all you do.
~ Kim
Thank you for sharing this day! I'm hoping you can work Solange Cranes in the Sky into your set. It always helps me when I'm feeling anxious or need to have perspective about something I've gone through.
~ Anastasia
I woke up this morning thinking about your morning show from a couple weeks ago in which you opened up about your own struggles with mental health; you said something that deeply resonates - "physical health is mental health."
My partner sexually assaulted me a few weeks ago and I've been struggling to deal with every feeling you can imagine. My body physically hurts. My heart feels heavy. I'm struggling to go to work. Your show is a light for me today as I commute in.
Can you please play "Follow You Into The Dark" by death cab?
No matter what the experience, empathy and compassion is sitting with someone in the darkness and saying I Am Here. 1 in 3 women, 1 in 10 men in the US have been sexually assaulted. Most of them by a partner, or someone who's close.
Remember folks, if it's not an ENTHUSIASTIC Yes! then it's a NO.
There's no shame in going through the darkness. You are not alone.
~ June
Hi Cheryl,
Like many who have written in today, I’ve been struggling with depression and anxiety for decades.
I had a big depressive episode and ended up in a really dark place back at the beginning of the year; I restarted therapy to finally work through the old trauma and the new ptsd, and I’m in the middle of a career change that will be better for my mental health.
I would love to hear I Am Not A Pretty Girl by Ani DiFranco. For a kid who wasn’t allowed to show feelings growing up, this offered the tantalizing possibility of anger instead of hopelessness.
Thanks for the show today. 💗
~ Jenn
I saw Sylvan Esso on Tuesday at Marymoor Park, and I was so glad that I had had KEXP to help me keep it together over this past year plus of loneliness and hard times. I spent a lot of time without friends, family, or partner, and yet I never once thought "maybe I'd be better off dead" - a major achievement for someone who's struggled with depression all my life. If you'd play "Die Young" I'd sure appreciate it.
~ Sheila
Thank you for always being there.
Last year was so hard for many of us – I relocated to Denver for an iconic travel brand then in August of 2020 I was laid off and then in the summer of 2021 everyone was laid off and the brand eagle creek was no longer. This week the brand was purchased – hopefully it will be resurrected again and everyone will be re-employed by the end of this year.
2020 was so hard. Every day was a chore to get out of bed, to feel positive while everything was imploding around you. Things do turn around, the 2 things that helped me more than any medication was listening to KEXP and walking every day.
Since last February I have lost 25lbs and I feel so much better!! I feel as though I am in control of my life again and I feel so much more positive – you all help with my day to day!
~ Karen
I’m writing to send a heartfelt thank you for being a life line for my daughter, Abigail.
She moved to a small town in the mountains of North Carolina to start her first job after finishing grad school. A few months into her job, the pandemic hit. She was in a new town, with a new job, suddenly working remotely from a tiny studio apartment. Being isolated every day was beyond difficult for her, and I’m sure for many of your listeners as well. Some nights I’d find myself walking our dog here in New York, and I’d just sob, thinking about her all alone-wishing I could wrap my arms around her and tell her that everything would be okay.
In April, our world was turned even more upside down when Abigail’s cousin died by suicide at 18 years old. Our family was devastated.
In a world of tumult and uncertainty, one thing in Abigail’s world remained constant. Music. It was like an old friend, or a favorite blanket. She began sending me texts telling me about KEXP and her favorite DJs and songs they’d play that she requested and how uplifting the music was for her tired soul. You will never know the magnitude of the healing force your station has had on Abigail and others, but as a mother of someone affected by your presence, I simply say thank you.
Last month I surprised Abs with a KEXP T-shirt that I received by becoming an amplifier. It was my small way of giving back to you all who have given so much strength and healing to my daughter. She loved it.
I was hoping you could play “San Andreas Fault” by Natalie Merchant since I know that Abs is listening at work today. I used to rock her to this song when she was a baby, in 1996. I want her to know that no matter what is going on in the world, she is safe. She is loved. And she is never alone.
~ Cathy
I’ve been struggling with depression since I was in middle school, and while I’ve made significant progress in changing the way I live and progress in my career, I’ve always been steeped in a sadness that I don’t understand. I was laid off from work at the beginning of the pandemic and haven’t been able to find work since, and have plunged deeper than ever in depression over the last year and a half. I’m a musician myself so I especially appreciate KEXP and the serendipitous timing of your KEXP heals segment this morning. I’d love to hear Beautiful Strangers by Kevin Morby.
Luv u Cheryl!
~ Brennan
Hi,
I just wanted to say how incredible this station is for bringing awareness to mental health as someone who battles depression and anxiety on a constant basis. I still am apprehensive at times to discuss my darker thoughts but am lucky enough to have two amazing supportive parents, three great if still very annoying siblings, good friends, and a wonderful girlfriend who I coincidentally met eight months ago. Every day can be a struggle but no matter how dark the night gets the sun still rises in the morning. You matter and never let anyone tell you differently. One song I always go back to in moments of sorrow is "Pictures (Leave Your Body Behind)" by the 13th Floor Elevators.
Thank you KEXP and isn't Cheryl Waters just the best??
~ Michael
Hello! For Music Heals, I'd like to share my story of working through grief.
In 2004 I was living in Arizona, and just a couple of months before my fiancé and I were expecting our son, my brother Michael died by suicide. So instead of feeling joy while waiting for the birth, I was instead hit with a burden of sadness and grief that I had never had before. I was unable to function very well, even after our son was born.
After a couple of years of working through my feelings, I decided I would turn the ship around when I went off to a music festival with a group of friends. It was one of the most amazing weekends, and although I did not feel completely healed, I felt like I was on the path towards wellness.
Years later, living in Minneapolis, I have found a great group of friends in the Coffee Breakers, listeners of the public radio station The Current. Many of us are avid listeners of both The Current and KEXP.
A couple of weeks ago two dozen of us got together to see Ween play. Some of us had come in from out of town, so I got to meet folks I had only seen online. It was wonderful!
One of my friends took a short video of me and a good friend dancing during Transdermal Celebration, and in that moment she saw the joy I was feeling.
I am grateful for my Coffee Breaker friends and for the ability to feel joy again!
Could you play Transdermal Celebration?
~ Joe in Minneapolis
Earlier this year I lost my best friend suddenly. He died alone in a foreign country at the age of 33. Music was the only thing that I could rely on to help me through the pain I was feeling over losing such an amazing person so young, so far away, and the thought of him being by himself. At first, I was listening to songs like You’re Smiling (But I Don’t Believe You) by Margaret Glaspy, which really captured my pain and guilt at not being able to change the course of what happened to my friend. After several months and working though my emotions, I heard this song that we used to listen to together, Vivo by Fobia. The tears just started pouring down and I felt my friend telling me that I need to be happy because I am still alive and life is beautiful. I listened to the song for three days straight and finally felt myself getting out of the dark sad hole of depression. Music will and always be the best therapy for me. Thank you for being here for all of us listeners and for showing me that I am not alone in this beautiful world that can feel so cold sometimes. xoxo
~ Krystal
This is a love letter. I love you. This station never fails to give me hope, joy, inspiration, and the reminder that I’m not alone.
I’m a long time listener and supporter of KEXP. This station makes me proud to live in Seattle. I’m a nurse here, my partner is a teacher, we are raising two teens and needless to say, it’s been hard. Sometimes it feels impossible. Your show today is bringing me to tears and helping me feel connected to this community and reminding me I’m not alone in all this crazy.
Music truly heals. Thank you. Thank you.
Could you play Crystal Ball by Taco Cat?
~ Elizabeth
Thank you so much for doing this show and bringing attention to a subject many don't want to talk about. Like many others, I have struggled with depression and anxiety for many years, watched my children grapple with it and lost some close friends and family members to suicide stemming from mental health disturbances. My little town (Duvall) has lost an inordinate amount of young people to suicide these last few years and shining light into the dark places hurts but is so necessary.
Two songs by Lucinda Williams ring in my head each time-'Sweet Old World' for those who have left, and 'Are You Alright?.' for those of us that remain. There is nothing like music to break down walls and bring everyone to a place of shared grief and healing. Again, thank you so much for this day.
~ Meredith
I'm always so grateful for the people and thoughtful programming at KEXP, often hearing a certain song or discovering new music right at just the right serendipitous moment. But the Music Heals: Mental Health days are always something just a little more meaningful.
In fact, it was after listening to a Music Heals day of programming several years ago that my husband and I decided to become Amplifiers. Music has always been not just special to us, but an integral part of who we each are. But Music Heals days go so much deeper for me (and my husband) because of my life-long battle with depression.
I do believe that, for me, it is at least partially simply a part of my genetic make-up. I was born this way and no amount of therapy will ever "fix" it. I will be on medication for the rest of my life. It took a very long time to accept that, but I finally have, thankfully.
However, I have also experienced several different traumas over the course of my 42 years that have deeply wounded me and which complicate and compound my depression exponentially. The first trauma - that I can remember - when I was 6 years old. I was 14 when I had my first significant suicidal thoughts and 17 when I was first hospitalized for them. I have had to be hospitalized two more times and I have a sinking knowing in my gut that I will likely need to be again. I won't list off all the traumas, but one that occurred in 2016 triggered a cascade of critical depression leading to the last 5 years requiring me to essentially live separately from most of the rest of society as I required higher levels of care (which I have been extremely privileged to have access to, I am aware and incredibly grateful for).
Oddly, the last 2 years of imposed-isolation due to the pandemic have been all-too-easy for me, because nothing really changed for me from the status of my life in the few years pre-pandemic. But also because of the fight/flight/freeze/numb responses to trauma, "freeze" and "numb" have been my lifetime coping mechanisms. Dissociating from life in a myriad of ways, which the pandemic enabled. I have actually felt a lot of shame about this.
And I'm not even sure exactly why I feel compelled to write in with all this this morning except that, listening to the stories of others, I hear so SO much that I relate to and feel more connected to others (besides my husband) right now than I have in a long time. There are just too many songs that I could ask to play, but right now I am really feeling something from Julien Baker, who's music has come to mean a very great deal to me. I would be delighted if you could squeeze in Appointments by Julien Baker.
Thank you so much for all that you do to make a genuinely positive impact on the world, for prizing community and for modeling transparency in order to destigmatize mental health matters.
~ Erinn
Hi Cheryl. My friend Ryan Vego took his life in 2000. He suffered with addiction, Crohn’s disease and depression. He was a beautiful and wonderful musician and visual artist. He played in Sister Psychic amongst other bands in the ‘90s.
I started a Bandcamp page for his music a few months ago and all sales (of the record he finished shortly before his death) go to SMASH and MusicCares, both of which assist musicians in crisis. Any song you care to play off this record would be appreciated they’re all wonderful. The Goat is a good one. (Last song).
ryanvego.bandcamp.com
Love,
Gretta Harley
I'm so glad to hear that September 9th 2021 is the designated music heals mental health day. I've been working at the prison for the past 7 years. I have seen a lot of suffering, trauma & despair among the incarcerated individuals and staff. I've also seen healing and growth and hope for people in this dire circumstance. During this past year my mental health has caused my physical health to decline. I finally decided to put myself first and leave this work today, September 9th 2021. Thank you KEXP for giving me courage to take care of myself. Could you play Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash?
Thank you always.
~ Marlinda
I'm a child and family therapist, and currently am a supervisor of a team of therapists and case managers. I have the privilege of working alongside the best team ever, and serving the most vulnerable kids and families in Kitsap County. There's no other place I'd rather be. I'm often driving in my car to and from the office, playing my air guitar, laughing and crying, and guessing which DJ's voice is coming through the speakers.
I personally tanked two years ago, and called up our work's benefits assistance program. That therapist saved my life. I now regularly see my own therapist online (it's awesome). Plus the pandemic put a curious twist on life, hitting a big pause and reset button on the insanity of commuting daily and living on an island. 12 Step recovery went online, and being of service (and god) saved my life again. Now with a new grasp on spiritual tools (and the radio) - do I get to spend time in the community I love.
Today, I'm wearing my Music Heals shirt at work, and am so grateful for music and all of you. It's been a long time since I smoked a left handed cigarette, and I probably never will again. And will you please play Sweet Leaf, by my favorite band of all time Black Sabbath.
Thanks,
- Dimitri from Vashon Island
Bratislav and I met in 2000...and shortly after we met, his sister died from suicide.
Over the years, Bratislav, myself, and my husband became the best of friends and did everything together. Countless movies, dinners, coffee dates, and of course, live music. Bratislav was the type of person who was always up for anything and because of that we shared so many amazing live experiences together.
The last concert Bratislav and I attended was James Blake at the Cadillac Theater in Chicago in October of 2016. We had a wonderful dinner and the show was absolutely beautiful. I didn't know it then, but looking back, it was the last time I remember him "being himself."
Despite how close we were, Bratislav was still experiencing a tremendous amount of guilt over his sister's death and was having his own mental health crisis that he didn't share with any of his close friends. He disappeared late March of 2017 and his body wasn't found for another two weeks. My husband was the one to find his suicide note and I cannot express the dark, emptiness that lived within me for those two weeks he was missing. But, music was always there to comfort me. Before he was found, my husband and I had a trip planned to New Orleans to see Radiohead. Despite everything that was going on, we still went and actually got the rail, which was amazing. That night, I felt such a release of emotion as Radiohead played an amazing show. I knew that nothing was okay but at the same time, everything was okay in that moment of live music.
Today, September 9th, is my 50th birthday and a day when I usually miss him more than ever because he should be here celebrating with me. Can you please play Choose Me by James Blake to honor a time before the darkness overtook my beautiful friend?
~ Melissa
I've always heard music heals since I discovered KEXP, from the comfort of a spectator point of view. My family has struggled with mental issues from my grandmother, to my father who has never been diagnosed (we come from a Caribbean island where mental health is a stigma).
In the 2008 economic crisis, my older brother struggled alone until my family couldn't resist watching him deteriorate. I was living abroad so I was desperate to help in some sort of way. I entered google and searched for mental illness in the Washington DC area, that's when I discovered Nami. They've been lifesavers for my family ever since.
So flashforward to 2021, here I am going to therapy. I found myself trapped, like everything was crushing me. But I cried for help shamelessly, I was never taught to do so. My definition of empowerment has changed ever since. Had a hard time finding a place to get help since believe it or not, here in Barcelona mental illness is also a stigma, even when the suicide rate goes up each year.
Ironically enough my last degree project was on mental health facilities in 2007, as I was researching for movies and references I discovered 1998 "Rabbit in your headlights" from Unkle + Thom Yorke and it resonates until this day.
To everyone listening, there's no shame in saying that you're not ok. If someone doesn't want to listen, find someone who will. Trust me, they are out there and it's the most liberating moment you'll ever experience.
Thank you KEXP!
~ Yasmin
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National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI)
For education, advocacy, awareness, and aid to individuals struggling with mental health.
www.nami.org
Our daughter was always a little anxious but it was never pronounced until she moved from a small school to a large high school. We would get calls from the school about her having emotional breakdowns, going to the office and crying. She saw therapists and was issued medications. Then COVID hit. A funny thing though. It helped her. Being able to "go to school" virtually while limiting the immenseness of the social riptides actually made the transition bearable. She since has found her footing. She is back at school. She's off her medication and has a great group of friends. She still fights it every day but she has become confident enough that she wins most of the battles and always comes out the other side stronger. She is now a senior. Before she faces college next year (and all of the challenges that come with it) I am taking her to her 1st festival next month (All Things Go) in Maryland. A Daddy/Daughter memory maker in the waiting (fingers crossed w/COVID). Could you please play her favorite song, "Mr. Brightside". With all the challenges in the world may we always see the bright side.
~ Tom
Music and Pétanque have gotten me through these times....I won't go into all the details but I'm still here and that is a big accompaniment. Thanks KEXP for being able to help me make that happen.
Could you please play Go! by Public Service Broadcasting? It's my pétanque team's theme and a great song about the amazing things we can do working together.
Thanks bunches
~ Douglas
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Thanks for doing this today because it's so important to all of those struggling.
Starting in November 2019 and as recently as 3 weeks ago, there have been 11 deaths in my circle. My being in a dark place is an understatement, particular after the loss of the 4 most dear to me over a period of 7 weeks.
I have been in pure survival mode since that time. Several died of COVID, one of suicide, one of a botched surgery and the rest of chronic illness. The cognitive dissonance of so many in denial about mental illness, this virus, the inaccessibility of healthcare and resources to those most in need is infuriating. The loss of those I loved and loved me unconditionally is devastating.
But here's the deal. Everybody Hurts (REM). Isn't it a Pity that sometimes we can't see the beauty of the world through our tears (Nina Simone's rendition of George Harrison's classic). It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life (Feeling Good by anybody). I will miss you, My Beloved One (Ben Harper).
I may have a terminal Condition of the Heart (Prince), but the best part of life is making new connections, new kin and new adventures. The radio has always been my personal "emotional support animal" to hold me up when I'm off balance, reminding me that we are all in this together and none of us are ever truly alone.
Please play Go! by Public Service Broadcasting.
~ AJ
Good afternoon. You're listening to The Afternoon Show with Evie. Today, we're focusing on Music Heals: Mental Health, as we acknowledge the struggles of mental health and emotional well being that so many of us deal with and how music can really make a difference. Thanks so much for listening and for sharing your stories and requests.
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Written at a low point in which Polachek was trying to “find the light-switch in the dark,” seeing isolation on all sides from empty romantic interests and friends, the “Look At Me Now” tracks a hopeful rise from something volatile and destitute into a person self-assured.: www.grimygoods.com