'Bipolar pop' helps fans with mental health

In recent years, musicians have become more open about their mental health struggles, breaking the stigma that once surrounded these topics. Artists like Billie Eilish, Demi Lovato, and Lewis Capaldi have shared their personal experiences with mental health issues, helping fans feel less isolated in their own struggles. Lili Sheppard, a singer-songwriter known for her 'bipolar pop' music, has seen a remarkable response from her fans since she began discussing her mental health in her songs. She expressed, 'People reach out and say this song helps me so much,' highlighting the impact that sharing personal stories can have on listeners. Another artist, Athena Aperta, also aims to inspire hope through her music. After overcoming her own battles with addiction and mental health, she has been sober for two years. Athena's journey was challenging, especially when she was immersed in the London music scene, where substance abuse was prevalent. She described finding a job back in her hometown as a 'blessing in disguise,' which allowed her to regain control over her life. 'There are drugs still, there's people drinking alcohol,' she noted, but she feels more capable of managing her surroundings now. Athena recently received funding from the Youth Music: Next Generation award to release new singles, including 'Facing the Sun. ' This song addresses her experiences with anxiety, depression, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). She believes that there is a significant lack of hope in the world today and wants to provide that hope through her music. A study revealed that nearly one-third of musicians have faced negative mental health challenges. Grace Meadows, who leads the charity Music Minds Matter, emphasized that many musicians are unaware of the support available to them, which can lead to harmful behaviors like substance abuse. She pointed out that the normalization of drugs and alcohol in the music industry can worsen these issues. Lili shared her perspective on the difficulties of being a musician, stating, 'Doing music is so rough. ' She has dealt with serious mental health challenges for several years and has often questioned her career choice. However, she finds that music serves as a vital outlet for her emotions. After releasing her song 'meds,' which candidly discusses her experiences with bipolar medication, she received an overwhelming response from fans who shared their own stories. 'It was really crazy for people to want to open up about such a private thing,' she reflected, feeling deeply moved by their willingness to share. Athena Aperta's journey began when she experienced anxiety and depression at a young age. She faced additional challenges while working in late-night venues in London, where the party culture often led to substance use. She recalled a moment when she was offered drugs in the middle of the day, which made her realize the dangerous environment she was in. The pressure to succeed in the music industry can lead to feelings of low self-worth and depression, causing some artists to turn to alcohol or drugs as a means of escape. Music Minds Matter identified various factors contributing to mental health challenges in the music industry, including job insecurity, performance anxiety, and unstable working conditions. The recent impacts of Brexit, the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis have only intensified these pressures. Lili believes that more needs to be done to support musicians' mental health, particularly encouraging more male artists to speak out about their struggles. For her, music is an essential tool for expressing feelings that are often too painful or uncomfortable to articulate. Grace Meadows encourages anyone in the music industry facing mental health or substance issues to reach out for help through Music Minds Matter's resources. There is support available for those who need it, and it is crucial for artists to know they are not alone in their struggles.