Life’s Song Playlist

Article written by: Ross Reilly (SAMH Peer Practitioner)

Summer brings many community events and opportunities for connections. A sense of being part of a community can be an important aspect of an individual’s wellbeing. It can offer a shared identity with others and a network of traditions. Examples include fetes, community fun days, walk n’ talks, concerts, sports events amongst so many other opportunities. For people with children, arranged events can offer a welcome space for children to use up a bit of summer holiday zest.

Songs can take me back to so many poignant moments in my life. Some moments were more awkward than poignant and include many school summer disco evenings. I recall the very first record single that I purchased with my first wages. The single now sits in a cupboard with many of the albums I bought in the proceeding years of musical exploration, that framed my teenage years. A few heartbreaks were accompanied by songs that explored the nature of love lost. Songs that I perceived as empowering quickly followed which brought a wave of encouragement of healing of teenage heart.

So many of the traditional life milestones are framed with music. Weddings, birthdays, College, University, car journeys, big nights out, celebration events amongst a few. Music that can be harder to hear are songs that are based around loss. Although it’s as important as joyful music, the music associated with loss can reach into the very saddest of emotions. Yet, it can be as important to acknowledge sad feelings as much as joyful feelings. Music can be the vehicle that drives forward coping and healing.

For myself songs associated with loss are the most challenging to hear. I take time and space to acknowledge the emotions and then reach out to people for support to chat through.

Sam’s Fife is a space where people can explore what is important to them and explore emotions. A safe, welcoming space to have a conversation of experience with mental health peer workers, who offer understanding from their own journey of mental health issues and a recovery journey. Visit www.samscafe.org.uk for more details.   

SAMH recently hosted our first ‘Garden Sessions’ Concert, bringing popular Scottish artists Nathan Evans & Saint PHNX together in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. The concert is the first of many and aims to bring music together with nature and raise funds for SAMH’s mental health support. www.samh.org.uk/about-us/news-and-blogs/the-garden-sessions

Photo by Blaz Photo on Unsplash