As June is Mental Health Awareness Month, let us take a collective step back to reflect, raise awareness, and encourage open conversations about mental health. It’s a time to honor the struggles so many experience in silence, and more importantly, to remind everyone that it’s ok to not be ok.
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse are on the rise, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite this, stigma and shame still surround mental illness, especially among men, youth, and underrepresented communities. This is why voices like Dax’s matter. His lyrics don’t just entertain, they validate pain, dismantle stigma, and open doors to healing.
Why Mental Health Awareness Matters
Mental health affects how we think, feel, act, and interact. From school to the workplace, relationships to personal growth. Our mental wellness matters. And yet, stigma and shame still surround conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 970 million people live with mental disorders. Many don’t receive help due to fear of judgment or lack of access.
Turning Pain into Purpose
One artist who has become a powerful advocate in this space is Dax, a Nigerian-Canadian rapper and spoken-word poet, who has emerged as a bold voice for mental health awareness. His music doesn’t glorify pain; it honors it, creating space for reflection and healing. Through raw, unapologetic lyrics, Dax gives voice to struggles with depression, anxiety, addiction, and trauma. His music dives deep into the emotional trenches that many are afraid to speak of.
Song 1: Depression – “I can’t find myself, I get lost inside my brain / I think I might need help, but I push all of them away.”
In “Depression”, Dax captures the exhausting isolation of battling with your mind. The song paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to wear a smile while suffering internally. A reality for millions.
The song normalizes the experience of depression and encourages listeners to recognize when they need help.
Song 2: Dear Alcohol – “I got wasted ’cause I didn’t want to deal with myself tonight.”
“Dear Alcohol” is a vulnerable letter to addiction. Dax opens up about using alcohol to cope with unresolved emotional pain. A behavior many fall into when mental health support feels out of reach.
This song sheds light on the connection between substance abuse and mental health, pushing for empathy instead of judgment.
Song 3: To Be a Man – “Nobody knows what it’s like to be a man…”
This song addresses the societal pressures placed on men to remain stoic, strong, and silent, even when they’re hurting. The song resonates deeply, especially during June, which is also recognized as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
This song helps challenge toxic masculinity and encourages emotional expression among men.
“Song 4: PTSD – “Sometimes I question who I am / I look in the mirror and don’t know that man.”
In “PTSD”, Dax articulates the disorientation and emotional numbness that trauma survivors often endure. It’s a stark reminder that trauma doesn’t always look like wounds. It lives quietly in memories and triggers.
This song educates listeners on the reality of trauma and promotes compassion for invisible wounds.
Dax’s music has been acting as a bridge for those suffering in silence, and for those trying to understand what that suffering feels like. The songs highlight that it is ok to be vulnerable, speaking out can save lives, and empathy is more powerful than judgment.
Do you wonder how to support mental health awareness this June and beyond?
- Share music that speaks about mental health.
- Reach out to a friend (especially men and young people) or family member. Sometimes, a “How are you, really?” can mean everything.
- Educate yourself: Learn about common mental illnesses, especially in your local context.
- Seek help: Therapy isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. If you’re struggling, talk to a professional or encourage you know, to reach out
Whether you’re facing your own battles or supporting someone who is, remember: “Even when your back’s against the wall, never give up, give your all.” –Dax, “Searching For a Reason”
This June, let’s replace stigma with support, silence with conversation, and pain with healing.
