Tuesday, August 29, 2017

1-800-273-8255

If there is one thing I absolutely love is music. And if you know me, you know that my musical taste is wide ranging. Music is my lifeline. I have said more than once, “Music is my salvation.”

When I look back at my early life with bipolar disorder I would experience delusional thoughts associated with the music I listened to. In the clinical world, this is called “ideas of reference,” thinking that a song is about me. This isn’t something I openly talk about. But hey, it’s part of my journey and I cannot deny what I’ve experienced.

Over the years, I’ve prided myself with staying on top of musical trends. When hip hop emerged, I followed such artists as The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, and Public Enemy, among others. Now, rap is an integral part of the musical world.

And with that, art can imitate life. There have been many hip hop artists that have written about mental health, Kendrick Lamar, DMX, and Lil Wayne who says in the song, I FeelLike Dying:

I am a prisoner, locked up behind Xanax bars...
I feel like buying
And if my dealer don’t have no more, then I feel like dying."

This is real.

Most recently, rapper Logic penned a track called 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). This is the telephone number for the National SuicidePrevention Lifeline. The song is on the concept album “Everybody” where he confronts the issues of race, suicide, and mental Illness. He stole the show on this past weekend's MTV Video Music Awards with his soul stirring performance. It culminates with the stage lined with individuals who proudly stand together to declare that they do, in fact, want to live.

The simple fact that Logic takes on such a stigmatizing topic as suicide is a credit to his desire to claim his independence and not be afraid to talk about something that is often perceived by society as a moral weakness.

Logic’s life was riddled with many barriers: a crack addicted father who was not in his life, a mother who lived with bipolar disorder, siblings who were engaged in drug dealing and he lacks a high school diploma.

These are all potential risk factors for mental illness and/or suicide. Literally thousands of youth in the United States face similar obstacles. The way that Logic shares his message of “Peace, Love and Positivity” is a prime example of how one can develop protective factors and withstand all the pressures that society places on us and not fall prey to those same risk factors that so many have succumbed to.

In 1-800-273-8255, Logic expresses his despair:

All this other shit I’m talkin’ ’bout they think they know it
I’ve been praying for somebody to save me, no one’s heroic
And my life don’t even matter
I know it I know it I know I’m hurting deep down but can’t show it
I never had a place to call my own
I never had a home
Ain’t nobody callin’ my phone
Where you been? Where you at? What’s on your mind?
They say every life precious but nobody care about mine

How many of us have felt this way before? I know I have. But help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255, is there to help. No matter where you call from in the United States, you will be directed to the crisis center in your area where you can get help. You’re not alone.

But Logic sums up his feelings in a positive way by concluding:

I finally wanna be alive
I finally wanna be alive
I don’t wanna die today
I finally wanna be alive
I finally wanna be alive
I don’t wanna die
I don’t wanna die

And that, my friends, is what it’s all about. There is hope for the hurting and no matter how bad you may be feeling, it will get better.


Be well.

You can watch Logic's performance featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid here:


15 comments:

  1. So many lovely ideas Helen! I love the necklace, it's beautiful, and such a lovely thing to hold onto for Poppy and give her later on. The personalised Christmas decoration is exactly the kind of thing I'd have on my tree, and I love the Lush Box too. I'd be chuffed if any of these found their way to me on Christmas morning!Gifts Australia

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing websites that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. It is the old what goes around comes around routine.black diamond wedding rings

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have not read any article up till now that tells every little fact about a certain topic.How to maintain weight in Ramadan

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am really thankful to "marketing management assignment help" for providing me with excellent guidance in my assignment. Their help was instrumental in helping me understand the concepts related to marketing management and I was able to complete the assignment successfully. Music was my salvation during the entire assignment writing process and I'm really thankful to this amazing service.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am so grateful for the power of music in my life. It has been my companion through good times, and I have learned to embrace it all. Writing a critical essay about this topic has been an excellent way for me to reflect, and I'm thankful for resources like "critical essay writing help" that provide valuable guidance.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Music has been my salvation, guiding me through life's ups and downs. Amidst my bipolar disorder journey, I've experienced personal connections with songs, a phenomenon known as "ideas of reference." Keeping up with musical trends, I now delve into the world of UK essays writing. Let's celebrate the power of music and words together.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Summer collection 2022 at Shomi Official embodies the essence of 'The Hope Shot' blog perfectly! With vibrant colors, breezy fabrics, and trendy designs, it's a refreshing reminder that fashion can be a source of hope and optimism, uplifting our spirits during these challenging times. Kudos to Shomi for bringing a touch of joy and positivity through their stunning collection!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow, the Summer collection 2022 has injected a much-needed dose of hope and excitement into our lives! Just like the powerful "hope shot" we all received, this collection brings a refreshing wave of vibrant colors and breezy fabrics. It's a celebration of the brighter days ahead, where we can embrace the joy of summer and leave the uncertainties of the past behind. From flowy dresses to trendy swimwear, this collection embodies the spirit of optimism and renewal. So, let's soak up the sun and embrace the Summer collection 2022 as our own personal hope shot for a season filled with warmth, style, and endless possibilities.




    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow, "The Hope Shot" sounds like an exciting initiative! I love how it combines innovative technology and human connection. As a student, I often find myself overwhelmed with assignments. It's comforting to know that platforms like this exist to support us and make our lives easier. I can't wait to explore "The Hope Shot" further and see how it can help me do my assignment for me efficiently. Kudos to the team behind this incredible project!

    ReplyDelete
  10. The Hope Shot is an insightful read, emphasizing resilience and optimism. A refreshing perspective in today's world. Looking forward to brighter days ahead. On a side note, if you're gearing up for a tech upgrade, don't forget to buy PC parts for a seamless experience!

    ReplyDelete
  11. While my passion for music is unwavering, my love for computer hardware runs deep as well. Balancing the harmony of diverse tunes with the intricate symphony of technological components enriches both my auditory and technical senses, making every beat and byte an integral part of my life.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Music is my lifeline, and if you know me, you'll agree my taste is wide-ranging. Just like the harmony in my diverse playlist, I find the perfect blend in selecting PC components, making every tech endeavor as soulful as my favorite tunes.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The 'Hope Shot' embodies a beacon of optimism in the realm of mob protection, symbolizing a renewed faith in safety. Just as this metaphorical shot provides a shield, so do the Buy iPhone 13 MagSafe cases shield your device. Embrace the dual promise of protection – the 'Hope Shot' for communities and the MagSafe cases for your iPhone 13, ensuring safety in both the digital and physical domains

    ReplyDelete

  14. Excited to start on this journey with Hope Shot! Your holistic approach to mental health and addiction recovery, covering the eight dimensions of wellness, is truly inspiring. Let's all take a moment to reflect and grow together. Also, don't forget to treat yourself with some comfort food – perhaps an Online Pizza Order could be a great start!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Welcome to the Hope Shot! Your holistic approach to exploring mental health and addiction recovery through the eight dimensions of wellness is commendable. Recognizing the potential for growth in these areas is crucial, and understanding how to unlock it is key. Consider incorporating Insurance Services into your journey, ensuring comprehensive support for a well-rounded and resilient recovery.

    ReplyDelete