Having an outlet such as writing and creating music has become, for so many artists, a way to process and work through emotions, circumstances, and life events that have impacted their mental health in a myriad of ways.
LISTEN NOW: Teddy Swims on the Power of Vulnerability
“I think I've been able to be so lucky to have an outlet like that to put my feelings into,” singer Teddy Swims tells us.
His latest single, “The Door,” Teddy says, came from a place of feeling as though he was “in a toxic relationship… I was kind of stuck there,” he admits. “It was literally killing me in a sense, and I felt once you're in a situation like that, it's very hard to ever see the outside of it.”
“I feel like I'm so grateful to have an outlet to be able to talk about these things that I'm going through, and also for people to listen to them. It always gives me a place of, I guess freedom and healing that I don't ever feel alone -- when somebody responds to it in a way that's like, you know, ‘I understand it.’”
“It feels like I have a safe place to talk about my feelings, and it also does a lot for me when I hear stories about how it's affected people too,” Teddy adds. “Just by speaking on my own circumstances, I feel like I've also been able to be healed and give healing to other people. It's been the coolest thing in the world. I think what's so beautiful about it is that because I was willing to speak openly about and vulnerably and honestly, about what I went through, I think it has in turn helped people that are going through that.”
“It helped me find my tribe,” Teddy continues, “as well as making me feel not so alone. I think it's helped people also not feel alone… I think the biggest thing is when you're going through something, you have to speak because there's no way else to get it out. You can't keep that locked in -- and it's the only way to find your tribe.”
“There you can help somebody from going through that, or you can help somebody through what they're going through,” he says. “Just being vulnerable and honest about your feelings -- we should not be running away from the vulnerability. It's the biggest strength. It's not a weakness at all to me.” Listen to the full clip above.
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Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.