The power of music has never been more evident than this Saturday, as luminaries from the entertainment industry for more than 30 years turned up to support the ninth annual event. order “We can survive” night at hollywood bowl in Los Angeles.
major artist Alanis Morissette, Halsey, garbage, 1 republic, Weezer When Tate McRae took the stage to perform a number of chart-topping hits in front of a large audience of music-loving fans. That benefit has raised more than $750,000 for him, as mental health is the main topic and driving force. American Suicide Prevention Foundation (AFSP).
We asked the CEO of AFSP, founded in 1987 and now the largest suicide prevention organization in the country Robert Gebbia What does it mean for him and his team that platforms like “We Can Survive” reach mass adoption in 2022? continues Gebbia. “Some families who lost a loved one in New York 35 years ago plucked up the courage to say, ‘We must do more. could not [suicide] 35 years ago. “
We then asked Gebbia about the greatest significance and impact of these popular music artists supporting AFSP’s ongoing mission. “It means the world to us because people listen to who they follow, whether they are entertainers or athletes. Got… that’s okay.’ It’s a message that gets across better than we can. Music is a big part of this.”
Shirley Manson, lead singer of 90s rock band Garbage and a longtime advocate for addressing mental health issues, spoke candidly to me about her own struggles. “I’m a fragile, messed up human being,” Manson reveals. “I have not functioned well in society for many periods of my life. I know… it’s often voiced in our society.
After years of producing hits like “Stupid Girl” and “Only Happy When It Rains,” Manson and the members of her Garbage band were asked to balance their many business commitments in the evolving music industry. I asked how I could find time to take care of myself. mental health.
Manson laughs.garbage drummer Butch Vig He continued, “We’re not that balanced. One of the important things about mental health is that when someone is deteriorating, it’s important to talk it out and move the dialogue forward. One of the reasons we’re still together after nearly 30 years is that we love each other, but we communicate and talk and it’s not always easy. It gets involved, but there’s a wholesome side to it, and it’s good for us and in a way it nurtures us.
Susan Larkin, the COO of Audacy, a leading multi-platform audio content company, spoke about the growing need to expand support and mental health services available to the general public today. “Unfortunately, suicide deaths have skyrocketed, and since the end of COVID-19, that number has been very high,” continues Larkin. “So right now, especially for young people, it’s really important. We raised $1.5 million for the show, and hopefully the story saves lives.”
Knowing that Manson continues to face his mental health issues head-on, I may find myself quietly battling my own inner struggles and not knowing where to turn for help. I wondered what kind of advice she would give me.
“Calling someone is the most important thing,” Manson says. “Talk to your friends, talk to your lover, talk to your wife or husband, whatever, talk to your sister, talk to strangers at the helpline. Mental health issues can be incredibly depressing. Then someone talks to you for hours and suddenly you go through 24 hours [hours] And the next day is a little different. You can really get caught in a pool of despair, and I think that’s the kind of catch we really should advocate.
Manson and Garbage concluded their conversation with what it means for them to know that their songs have been a source of comfort for music listeners for nearly three decades. did.
Manson replied: That’s the best thing we can do as a band. ’” concludes Vig. Get out of the abyss and into the light again. It means a lot to us when we hear stories like that. “