TW: mental health, depression, brief mention of self-harm
It is no understatement that music is therapeutic. In fact, there is an abundance of evidence that proves how beneficial music can be to the human body both mentally and physically. When life gets hard we often reach for a soundtrack to hold on to. Something that can offer support and comfort through the pain. While there is always new music being released, we find ourselves falling back to a known source of comfort in times of trouble and chaos. A repetitive cycle of songs that have proven to act as a giant hug. Our staff writers got together to discuss our comfort bands and how their music helps them pull through the toughest of situations.
Laina Carter - Crown The Empire
There are so many bands and musicians in the industry that you ALWAYS see speaking on their own personal struggles. Just to name a few, we have As It Is, I Prevail, Set It Off, Badflower, Mayday Parade, Real friends, Beartooth, NF, and Logic. Personally, I know that on days that are harder than others, I always have that one band that makes it at least a little better. Crown The Empire is always my go-to. Something about their music always entices me and they make my bad days a little better. Find the things that bring you comfort. Regardless of what you suffer from, know you are not alone.
Rachel Caton - Queensrÿche
I’m gonna have to go with Queensrÿche because ever since we personally met
when I was 18 not only had they asked me for updates about what was going on as you heard with Todd on the Zoom, but now everything they release feels like a hug. Yes, my voice was shaking from the surprise I had, but being there was the calmest I had ever felt when it came to a VIP. They only have a max of ten. You are only a fan to them on social media. Go to their VIP under National Acts and expect them to remember you when you come back. You are not a fan in their VIP, you are met with as a literal friend.
[PHOTOSENSITIVITY WARNING]
Alyson Josephin - Demon In Me
One of my favourite comfort bands is Demon In Me. My anxiety playlist has every song of theirs in it. I don’t know what it is but these songs just always calm me down, they make me feel at home and safe which has helped me through a lot of anxiety and tough situations and made some good moments even better. One of my favourite songs is “Obituary” and you should definitely check it out if you don’t know it yet.
[PHOTOSENSITIVITY WARNING]
Anna Oggier - State Champs
Whenever I get depressed and/or angry, music will always be my therapy. There is one band in particular that helps cure my depression and that is State Champs. I love the way their music sounds upbeat and is just fun to dance around to. It’s such a great way to make me smile.
[PHOTOSENSITIVITY WARNING]
Hana Belanger - Set It Off
I am known to have a playlist for anything and everything, especially when it comes to helping with physical and mental illness. When everything seems to be going wrong and hope is dim, I reach for Spotify and a select few bands to help ground myself. One of my go-to comfort bands includes the genre-diverse trio, Set It Off. Set It Off’s discography is incredibly varied. This makes it easy to find a song for any mood or situation. One song in particular that I reach to is a demo track titled “You Are Loved.” When exit signs are glowing and urges are hard to ignore, I blast this song and sing while rocking back and forth, replaying the track until I forget why I started listening in the first place. This is one of my top tactics in staying clean from self-harm.
It is okay to not be okay, have hope. If you are struggling, please don’t hesitate to seek help. Below are a few hotlines you can reach out to in times of crisis.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1 (800) 273-8255
Crisis Text Hotline: text HOME to 741-741
The Trevor Project: 1 (866) 488-7386 or text START to 678-678
Heart Support: https://www.heartsupport.com/
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