Musician Logic performing at MTV VMA‘s on August 27, 2017’

What Mental Health Professionals Can Learn from the Musician, Logic

Rachel McCrickard
Aug 28, 2017 · 3 min read

Millions tuned in to MTV’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) last night to see performances from popular artists such as Pink, Kendrick Lamar, Fifth Harmony and Miley Cyrus.

But it was another performer who captivated my attention. Logic.

This 27-year-old rapper, singer, songwriter and music producer gave an incredibly moving rendition of his suicide awareness anthem “1–800–273–8255,” titled after the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In case you missed it, see it here:

Logic, Khalid, and Alessia Cara perform “1–800–273–8255” at the 2017 VMA Awards

During the performance, Logic was joined on stage with dozens of suicide survivors, all wearing white t-shirts with the lifeline number on the front and the inspirational message “You Are Not Alone” on the back.

Logic concluded his performance by saying:

“I just want to take a moment right now and thank you all so much for giving me a platform to talk about something that mainstream media doesn’t want to talk about…Mental health, anxiety, suicide, depression and so much more that I talk about on this album. From racism, discrimination, sexism, domestic violence, sexual assault and so much more.”

The message was intentional as Logic has openly expressed his desire to “actually try to save lives” through his 2017 album, Everybody.

In the video below, he explains what led him to incorporate a life-saving message into his music:

And Logic is not alone. There is an increasing number of artists who are using their platforms to bring awareness to mental health struggles — artists like Demi Lavoto, Jay-Z, and Lady Gaga.

In so doing, these artists are sending us a powerful message — there is strength and courage in seeking help.

And these messages could not be more timely. Sadly, we are seeing a rise in youth suicide rates across the country, according to recent studies from the Pediatric Health Information System and the Center for Disease Control.

So, as mental health professionals, what is our role in addressing this crisis? Many of us are already actively engaged in providing mental health care and resources to at-risk youth and their families, but I believe we also have an opportunity to amplify the voice of these prominent artists.

Many youth and adults who struggle with suicidal ideation will never darken the door of a therapist’s office. You likely know well that less than half of adolescents access needed mental health care.

Because of this, we must look for opportunities to reach these youth in ways outside of traditional therapy, such as:

  • Sharing the music, lyrics and advocacy work of prominent public figures through our social media platforms.
  • Blogging about the warning signs of suicidality and mental health conditions.
  • Looking for opportunities to speak about suicide prevention and related resources within our personal and professional circles.

Music has long been utilized as a tool for self-expression and therapy. These artists understand that their lyrics can literally be the deciding factor between someone choosing to end their life or to remain alive.

Kudos to Logic, and other artists, for using their platform and influence in such an impactful and inspiring way.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a fan.

)
Rachel McCrickard

Written by

Founder of @LMFTConnect, online professional development services for Marriage and Family Therapists.

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