• Music & Mental Health

Your song
is always
worth playing.

Music has long carried the weight of our deepest emotions — the joy, the grief, the uncertainty. It connects us, heals us, and reminds us we are never alone. Meet the artists who are speaking up.

11.4%

of music industry professionals reported suicidal ideation in the past year — more than double the general population rate

(MusiCares 2025 Wellness in Music Survey)

3×

more likely — musicians may be up to three times more likely to experience depression compared to the general population

(MusiCares 2025 Wellness in Music Survey)

741741

Text HOPELINE™ to this number — free, confidential crisis support anytime, anywhere, about any challenge or struggle

Why it matters

Music is a
language of healing.

From humming a melody in a difficult moment to writing lyrics that voice what words alone cannot — music is a powerful tool in the mental health journey.

Music as emotional release

Listening to or creating music provides an outlet for emotions that can be difficult to express — reducing anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation.

Connection through shared experience

A song that describes your exact feeling — heard through headphones at 2 a.m. — is proof you are not alone. Millions have felt it too.

Music therapy as clinical care

Recognized by the American Music Therapy Association, structured music therapy sessions support healing and emotional growth for those navigating mental health challenges.

Project REST™

Like in music and in life, a rest is an interval of silence.

In a piece of music, a rest is marked by a symbol indicating the length of the pause. We all need to take a moment — just rest, pause, and reflect. Life is a symphony and we all make the music. The 'rest' is a place within the string of notes where we pause and breathe, and then keep making music.

I am enough. My song is perfect.

The art of rest

A visual movement

in music and healing.

The artwork of Project REST™ weaves together the language of music and the rhythms of life — reminding us that every pause is part of the song.

Rest. Take a breath...

Musical notes drift like dandelion seeds — a reminder that our song, like nature, finds its way even through the wind. The rest is part of the music.

1, 2, 3... Rest.

On a staff of music, the rest symbol pauses the melody. Life works the same way — count, breathe, rest, and then keep making music.

Continue on.

The heartbeat line and musical notes weave together — life and music inseparable. Through every rest, the pulse continues. Our song continues.

Artist advocates

Musicians speaking up

and speaking out.

These artists have used their music, their platforms, and their personal stories to shine a light on mental health — helping fans feel seen and encouraging millions to seek support.

Billie Eilish

Pop / Alternative

Has spoken openly about depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, and suicidal thoughts — weaving her mental health journey into her music and advocacy, helping millions of young fans feel less alone.

"Thank you for bringing awareness to mental health — and for proving that vulnerability is its own kind of strength."

Selena Gomez

Pop

After her own mental health hospitalizations, Selena founded Wondermind — a mental fitness platform — and has been one of the most consistent celebrity voices calling for destigmatization of therapy.

"Thank you for bringing awareness to mental health — and for turning your own struggle into a lifeline for so many others."

Lady Gaga

Pop / Dance

Co-founded the Born This Way Foundation to support the wellness of young people. Has been candid about living with PTSD, depression, and chronic pain throughout her career.

"Thank you for bringing awareness to mental health — and for building spaces where young people know they are brave enough to ask for help."

Lewis Capaldi

Singer-Songwriter

Shared his Tourette syndrome and anxiety struggles publicly, stepping back from touring to prioritize his mental health — modeling the courage it takes to rest when you need to, even at the height of success.

"Thank you for bringing awareness to mental health — and for showing the world that rest is not giving up; it's how the song continues."

Shawn Mendes

Pop / Rock

Through the Shawn Mendes Foundation, he has amplified mental health nonprofits with Wonder Grants and encouraged fans to participate in Mental Health Action Day.

"Thank you for bringing awareness to mental health — and for using your stage to lift up those doing the quiet, essential work of healing."

Demi Lovato

Pop / R&B

A longtime advocate for mental health, Demi has spoken about bipolar disorder, addiction, and eating disorders — turning their story into a rallying cry for honesty, recovery, and the right to an authentic life.

"Thank you for bringing awareness to mental health — and for living proof that surviving hard things makes your music — and your life — more powerful."

Practice REST

When life feels heavy,

take a rest.

You are Enough. You are Worthy.
Be Authentic. Rest and Continue On.

Just like a musical rest gives the melody room to breathe, these practices give you space to pause, reset, and keep moving forward.

When you feel…

Practice REST

  • Talk to someone you trust
  • Practice breathing and counting
  • Relax and stretch your body
  • Use calming oils or candles
  • Distract with positive images
  • Observe your space mindfully
  • Write a letter or in a journal
  • Volunteer in your community
  • Do a puzzle
  • Make a warm cup of tea
  • Play an instrument
  • Take a hike or walk outside
  • Wear something comforting
  • Go on a photo adventure

You are enough.
Your song continues.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You don't have to face this alone. The Center for Suicide Awareness is here — anytime, about any challenge or struggle.

HOPELINE™ — Text to 741741, anywhere, anytime, about any type of challenge or struggle.

Center for Suicide Awareness

www.centerforsuicideawareness.org

Project REST™ is a program of the Center for Suicide Awareness, a suicide prevention and resource center.
You are Enough. You are Worthy. Be Authentic. Rest and Continue On.