How Pop’s Honest Conversations Are Changing Our Approach to Mental Health
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In a poignant reflection of resilience, Taylor Swift declares, “Heartbreak is the national anthem, we sing it proudly, we are too busy dancing.” These words, from her 2014 hit “New Romantics,” encapsulate her authentic approach to songwriting and the transformative power of music. Swift’s career has been marked by her ability to resonate with fans through cathartic lyrics that often mirror their own emotional experiences.
The interplay between mental health and music is profound. Vulnerable lyrics serve as both a consolation and a source of connection. Artists like Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, and Kid Cudi openly address mental health in their music. Emerging talents such as Lola Young also contribute to this dialogue, expressing raw emotions in tracks like “Messy.” This trend traces back to early musical icons like Elvis and the Beatles, whose songs have long provided solace to listeners grappling with isolation and sorrow.
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Despite music’s potential to uplift, significant stigma surrounding mental health remains.
A recent State of Stigma report by BetterHelp surveyed 2,000 Americans about their perceptions of mental health amid rapid societal changes. The results highlighted a stark contrast: while 85 percent of Millennials and Gen Z view healthcare as a basic necessity, approximately half of these respondents feel compelled to manage their mental health issues independently.
Fernando Madeira, President of BetterHelp, stated, “Mental health needs are rising, but so is the hesitation to get help.” He emphasized that while belief in the necessity of care is widespread, stigma and barriers continue to hinder individuals from seeking assistance. Alarmingly, the survey revealed that 77 percent of men and 82 percent of women reported experiencing anxiety in the past two weeks, with 79 percent of men and 83 percent of women indicating feelings of depression.
Many contemporary artists are candidly addressing these issues. Doja Cat recently disclosed her struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder, sharing, “I’ve learned from a very young age to pretend that I like stuff, to pretend that I’m happy, to pretend that I don’t like stuff that I do, to appear like everything is okay.” Meanwhile, Lewis Capaldi recounted a distressing moment during a Chicago concert where he experienced a panic attack, stating, “It was really, really bad. It was the first time people at my shows had seen it.”
This unfiltered honesty helps chip away at the stigma. According to the survey, 48 percent of Gen Z feel stigmatized discussing mental health, and 42 percent worry about being judged for seeking help. The report concludes, “Awareness is no longer the barrier; access, friction, and follow-through—are.”
In the inaugural episode of BetterHelp and Billboard’s LIKE MINDED series, artists Ravyn Lenae and Corinne Bailey Rae discussed their personal struggles. Lenae remarked, “What you don’t expect is the loneliness of it,” reflecting on her success and the emotional turmoil that can accompany it.
BetterHelp aims to dismantle stigma while facilitating healing for music fans and others. Their findings indicate that 72 percent of users report a reduction in mental health symptoms, while 69 percent have experienced significant improvements in anxiety and depression. Notably, 82 percent of users would recommend their BetterHelp therapist to others.
Madeira emphasized the future role of AI in mental health care, stating, “The question isn’t whether AI will play a role, but how responsibly it can be built.” He affirmed the company’s commitment to breaking down barriers to mental wellness while maintaining clinical safety and effectiveness.
As Taylor Swift encapsulates in her lyrics, there is a reason to celebrate resilience amidst heartbreak: “We sing it proudly, we are too busy dancing.”
