Music does not save everything but sometimes saves lives
In June, internationally marked as “Men’s Mental Health Month“, The mental health of men returns to the foreground. In a music industry where success is measured in charts, figures and viral reactions, the emotional realities of artists are often overlooked.
Post Malone, Dan Reynolds, Sam Smith, J Balvin or regret Avicii They are not just big names in the industry – there are voices that broke taboos, have inspired and transformed vulnerability into a message of solidarity.
Headliner of the edition Untold 2025,
Post Malone He spoke openly about the anxiety that has been accompanied since childhood. Although the success brought him to the forefront of global rankings, the artist acknowledged that personal pressure and uncertainty have deeply affected him. Pieces like “Mourning“It explores the struggle with the isolation and the emotional void that can occur in the case of celebrity.
In a moment of sincerity, Posty
He confessed that he went through difficult times, but began a process of reconnection with himself: he reduced alcohol consumption, prioritized mental health and approached the family. By opening it, it has become an important voice for a generation that learns that “it is okay to say that you are not good.”
The headline of the edition Untold 2023,
imagine dragons They brought not only a memorable show, but also a powerful message about mental health. Dan Reynoldsthe band’s soloist, spoke publicly about depression that affected by adolescence. He described this state as a numbness of the senses, a deep insulation: “It is not just sadness … it is as if everything becomes gray and meaningless.”
Reynolds is the founder of the initiative Lovelouda festival and a campaign dedicated to supporting mental health and young LGBTQ+. The band also supports actively Tyler Robinson Foundationcharitable organization founded with the family of a fan, who financially and emotionally support children diagnosed with cancer and their families – a symbol of empathy and involvement beyond the scene.
The artist often supports the therapy, family support and dialogue: “Two things have saved my life: music and therapy. ” In his concerts, he does not hesitate to stop to encourage fans to ask for help and to talk openly about what they feel.
Known for the amazing voice and inclusion messages, Sam Smithone of the headliners of the ninth edition of the festival Untoldhe spoke often about struggles with anxiety, self -image and need for psychological support. Confessed in an interview that “There were dark moments but the therapy was the key to finding. ”
In June 2024, launched The Pink House – A safe space for young people and people from vulnerable communities, focused on emotional support, creativity and mental health. With podcasts, workshops and activations, Sam Smith has transformed one’s own experience into an initiative with real impact.
Tim Berglingknown as Aviciiwas the headliner of the first edition Untold In 2015. Considered a genius of electronic music, the artist faced severe anxiety, exhaustion and addiction. In 2016withdrew from tournaments, saying: “The life of a tournament artist was no longer sustainable for me.“
In 2018at just 28 years old, Avicii
It went out, causing a global wave of emotion. Following him the family set up Tim Bergling Foundationdedicated to the prevention of suicide and supporting mental health among young people.
The report The Guardian out of 2025 shows that artists have a risk with 20% greater of suicide than the male global average – a painful reality that requires action.
Invited to the 2022 edition of the festival Untold, J Balvin It is one of the most influential voices in Latin music that spoke about depression and panic attacks. “Meditation helped me to find myself“, Said the artist.
Balvin created Oyean application dedicated to emotional balance, mindfulness and personal reflection, intended for a hyperconecate generation. By his presence on stage and in the public space, J Balvin It normalizes conversations about mental health and offers a sincere assumption model.
A whole generation of artists has chosen to turn personal experiences into support messages. Zayn Malikformer member One Directionwas among the first to speak openly about the severe anxiety that caused him to cancel the concerts. Shawn Mendes took a break from a world tour to protect their emotional balance and founded Shawn Mendes Foundationfocused on supporting young people in search of their own voices. Lewis Capaldiwith the sincerity that defines it, transmitted a simple but profound message: “Being an artist is no more important than being human,” after he decided to cancel all the live appearances to take care of his own mental health.
In the hip-hop area, Logical launched the song “1-800-273-8255”Inspired by the national line of prevention of US suicide. His message had a direct impact: he encouraged thousands of people to ask for help and tear down the shame around depression.
Kid Cudianother pioneer of honesty in music, volunteered in 2016 to treat their depression and anxiety, turning into a reference voice for fans who are found in its vulnerability.
The reality behind the scenes is much tougher than it seems. According to the data World Health Organization (WHO) and Eurostatmen have a suicide rate 3 to 4 times higher than women in most regions including in Europe and US. This difference is partly attributed to the stigma related to the expression of emotions and to ask for help.
The study conducted by Help Musicians UK and University of Westminster (2016) found that better than 70% of musicians reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. The report entitled “Can Music Make You Sick? ”, Published in 2016, he was one of the most cited in this field.
Maybe the most worrying is that 40% of young people Still hesitate to talk about what I feel, out of shame or fear of being judged, according to According to Mental Health Foundation UK and Unicef. In a world where the image matters more than ever, the need to seem “ok” becomes a burden, and vulnerability-an act of courage.
Every artist who has chosen to talk about mental health becomes a voice for those who still do not have the courage to hear. Maybe music doesn’t save everything. But sometimes, it’s the first to make us feel that we are not alone.
