As we get everything set for our annual I’m Listening mental health special airing this Wednesday, September 20 at 7PM local time on Audacy stations nationwide, have a listen to just a few of this year's big-time stars joining us for the broadcast this year.
LISTEN NOW: Anitta discusses music as therapy
Singer Anitta tells us one tool that she uses to maintain her mental health is traditional therapy. "I do it every week, also meditation,” she shared in a recent chat. The "Funk Rave" singer noted her therapist has a podcast that she listens to focusing on “different meditations for each problem you might have, like anxiety or fear of everything," she explains. "So, I just play it and I do the different meditations.”
“Music helps me a lot for my mental health,” Anitta also went on to share, “Because I just think music has the power to change our mood. So, every time I feel like I’m falling, I try to be up... Listening to music that’ll make me feel happy, that’ll make me feel soft, good energy, that’s definitely a tool for me to feel better.”
LISTEN NOW: Fall Out Boy on continuing the mental health discussion
Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz also touches on the importance of continuing the difficult discussions surrounding mental health in an open way, adding how music can be used as a tool to feel less alone. “I think anytime you can discuss mental health publicly, it’s destigmatizing it for other people to talk about mental health and their own mental health,” Wentz expressed.
Continuing the conversations publicly, "We will broaden the conversation," Pete adds. "I think it brings more people under the tent... With different opinions and different perspectives… it makes the whole thing more broad.”
LISTEN NOW: Bebe Rexha on keeping up an active lifestyle
For singer Bebe Rexha, keeping active is high on the list of tools that she employs to keep up her mental health. "It doesn’t have to be a crazy workout with a trainer or going to the gym, it could literally just be a walk,” Bebe says. “I feel like walking has helped me so much.” Other tools Bebe uses include “Talking to friends and journaling,” she explains. “I know journaling, a lot of people judge it, but getting your thoughts out of your head… you’re able to look at the thought and make it smaller than it is because when it’s in your head, it seems like it's so much bigger.”
Related
In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), this year’s I’m Listening special will feature numerous artists, athletes, medical experts, and more highlighting why talking about mental health is important and discussing how they manage their own mental health.
Hosted this year once again by Carson Daly, alongside Audacy’s Katie Neal, and psychologist Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble (Dr. Alfiee), our guests this broadcast include Selena Gomez, Adam Lambert, Anitta, Chance the Rapper, Dan + Shay, Ed Sheeran, Gretchen Rubin, Jelly Roll, Jessica Alba, Kelly Clarkson, Lewis Capaldi, Paramore, Richard Sherman, SZA, and more. Additionally, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, AFSP’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Christine Moutier, and VP of Health Equity and Engagement, Victor Armstrong will join the conversation to provide mental health and suicide prevention expertise and resources to listeners.
Listeners are encouraged to call throughout the 2-hour, September 20 special that will span 220 Audacy stations, as well as Audacy.com and the free Audacy app.
Listen to our I’m Listening Mental Health Mix and more on the free Audacy app
Audacy's I’m Listening aims to share valuable resources for those who need to connect, heal, and share their own stories. The 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.