Orchard Park High School is filled with many categories of students. Like any good teen movie, students may find themselves with identities ranging from popular to outcast. Every student is different, with different personalities, styles, and tastes in music. But many students have one thing in common: a mental health issue. Mental health over the years has gradually gotten worse. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin at age 14.” But it’s not just the NAMI that has noticed this. Other organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Psychological Association (APA), have as well. According to the CDC, “42% of teens experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness,” and the APA reports that “22% of teens have seriously considered attempting suicide.”
Orchard Park Schools, like many other districts, have dealt with the loss of students in the past, so it is important for them to understand ways to help students manage difficult feelings. So, what are some ways to cope to stop the threat of students succumbing to depression and dangerous thoughts? While surveying some students, the most common response to what students find to be their best coping mechanisms was listening to music. So, the next logical question one might ask is, what are some bands, artists, songs, or genres that help teens overcome feeling low?
If you’re looking for something more uplifting, you’ll find punk rock, pop, and alternative genres to be good. More specifically, artists/bands in these genres might include Natalie Jane (alternative), Alex Warren (pop), Trueblood (rock), KINGS (alternative), Billie Eilish (alternative), and The Smashing Pumpkins (rock), with some great songs being “Eternity” (Warren), “Disarm” (Pumpkins), and “I’m Her” (Jane).
We all have a moment of sadness, so if you’re looking for the perfect song to fit your mood and relate to, I’d suggest artists such as Conan Gray, Alexander Stewart, Lizzie McAlphine, Bryant Barnes, Henry Moodie, d4vd, Emily Rowed, and Phoebe Bridgers. Popular songs of these artists that you may know include “ceilings” (McAlphine), “Closure” (Moodie), “Scott Street” (Bridgers), and “Heather” (Gray). However, songs that would fit your mood better for the feelings of sadness could vary, depending on what kind of sadness you’re feeling. Whether it’s a breakup, the loss of a loved one, or just a random wave of sadness, everyone needs songs to connect and relate to, such as “ceilings,” by Lizzie McAlphine. This song has a soft melody and a kind voice to go with it. The lyrics are raw and can be emotional, which is why the song is more than a pretty sound. The lyrics talk about really liking someone, maybe even loving them, and then suddenly you realize it’s just in your head, another fantasy you’ve never lived. McAlphine expresses the desire for a love to make her feel special, and more importantly, safe. She dreams of the perfect person to find her and make her happy. You may be wondering, how would this help improve your mood? The real thing that helps in songs like these is the connection and understanding that another person shares, which may make you feel less alone.
Another song that is really good to relate to is “Mayonaise” by The Smashing Pumpkins. “Mayonaise” is the perfect song for when you feel like no one is listening, no one cares, and no one understands. Not only does this song have an awesome melody, but its lyrics are just as good, if not better. If you listen to the lyrics, lead singer Billy Corgan talks a lot about life and how hard it is to be yourself, while trying to please everyone else. Society has created a world where if you aren’t this, or that, or anything, you aren’t enough. But he has spoken out about how such insecurity has affected him during his life. He understands that he won’t get everything right the first time, and that’s okay, because when he can get it right, he will get it right. He also talks about how life isn’t always fair, and sometimes it’s harder to live when all it feels like you’re doing is existing. Because, as Billy once said, he just wants to be himself. And when he can, he will.
If you’re feeling angry, no doubt, listen to “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish. If you’re feeling extra angry with lots of rage, listen to “Happier Than Ever – Edit,” where it’s just the parts you can scream your lungs out to. “Happier Than Ever” has been a very popular song since it first came out, as well as the rest of the album. Billie always has a way with her lyrics. Whether it’s about losing someone you love or loved, having anxiety and overthinking everything, or needing to tell someone to back off, Eilish is your artist. No matter what you’re feeling, Eilish is always there for you. Especially when you’re upset and need a good scream, “Happier Than Ever” will be waiting in your playlist.
All year round, seasons change and holidays come and go. These changes often bring joy, but for some, they do not. Whether it’s Christmas, Halloween, or even Easter, there’s a song for every occasion to help you through struggles. For Valentine’s Day, a tough one for many, there are plenty of songs for those who are in love or falling out of love. Artists you might find enjoyable for these times include TV Girl, William Mcgee, sombr, Natalie 2V, and Matt Hansen. Some bittersweet songs that would be good for either a breakup or for losing feelings would be “Born To Die” by Lana Del Ray, “Kaleidoscope” by Chappell Roan, “Let Me Hurt” by Emily Rowed, “Zombie” by YUNGBLUD, and “when you love someone” by Alexander Stewart.
Besides sadness and anger, we thankfully have other happy emotions, too, which we should celebrate. So, what are some fun funk and rock artists? Some of the best ones include Jamiroquai, Jimkata, Ghost, Grateful Dead, eberwine, TOOL, and The Smashing Pumpkins. Some captivating songs to lift your mood when you just want to dance would be “Wild Ride” by Jimkata, “Worlds Away” by eberwine, “Cirice” by Ghost, and the album Siamese Dream (Deluxe edition) by The Smashing Pumpkins. This entire album is filled with songs for any mood: Some for dancing, screaming, or crying if you’re feeling like it, and maybe even all three.
No matter what we’re going through or the things we feel, music can always provide an outlet for healthily processing strong feelings. Music makes us feel less alone and improves our mental health, giving us something to relate to where there otherwise wasn’t. There’s a song for everything, and an artist and genre, too. All you have to do is look. The artists and songs named above will hopefully improve your listening and mindset. So, whenever you’re feeling down and need something to relate to, or the opposite, and need something to keep smiling, turn up the music.
