Latin artists have long addressed mental health issues through their music. In 2017, Juanes joined Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid for a bilingual version of “1-800-273-8255”, named after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's phone number. The original song, off the Logic album Allhelped him achieve his highest hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 3. As Juanes said Advertising sign at the time of the release of his cover, “I think these days when it's all about dancing and having fun, it's fresh to find a hit song like this that talks about serious issues.”
The following year, Bad Bunny's 'Estamos Bien' quickly became an upbeat anthem, with the superstar posting on social media upon its release: “A lot of times, we're sad and we don't know why and it's just because we forgot the simple things in life”.
And in early 2020, Puerto Rican rapper Residente released his shocking autobiography “René,” in which he talks candidly about depression and dark moments in his life. Writing the personal piece was “therapeutic,” she said Advertising sign that year.
These artists are just a few of the many who have worked to destigmatize the issue of mental health. For Mental Health Awareness Month — celebrated in May — Advertising signThe editors of Latin have compiled a list of songs in which artists talk about their personal struggles and in doing so help raise awareness of mental health.
From Bad Bunny's “Estamos Bien” to Residente's “René” and more, here are 10 Latin songs that touch on the subject.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorders, reach out to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationnational 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential treatment referrals and information. For those experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or anxiety, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. You can also call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors.
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Bad Bunny, “Estamos Bien”
Image source: Courtesy photo
Bad Bunny released his empowering anthem 'Estamos Bien' with a special message on social media: 'A lot of times we're sad and we don't know why and it's just because we forget the simple things in life. I'm human just like you! And even though I've done a lot of big things, there are smaller ones that I haven't accomplished yet. And it's these smaller things that give happiness,” he said.
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Diego Torres, “Color Esperanza”
Image credit: John Parra/GI for The Latin Recording Academy
“I know the windows can be opened. The change of air is up to you and it will help you and it will be worth it,” sings Diego Torres in his song “Color Esperanza” which has become an anthem of hope and resilience.
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Francisca Valenzuela, “La Fortaleza”
Image source: Jesus Soto
Chilean singer-songwriter Francisca Valenzuela has released a diary-style album featuring “La Fortaleza” as the final track of the set. “Everything that has happened has brought me to where I am now. I look forward and bury the guilt. I leave, pack my bag and take a deep breath. I'm not looking back,” he sings. The song is about knowing self-worth and realizing that you are enough.
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Jarabe de Palo, “Bonito”
Image credit: Miguel Tovar/LatinContent via Getty Images
“Bonita la vida, respira, respira, respira,” is the simple message the late Pau Dones of Jarabe de Palo sends in this 2003 single, reminding fans of the beauty of life and the importance of breathing. The song is an up-tempo, feel-good, alternative track that talks about enjoying the simple things.
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Kany García & Natalia Lafourcade, “stream“
Image source: La Buena Fortuna Music
The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter teams up with Natalia Lafourcade for the beautiful and powerful song “Remamos,” which talks about starting over and leaving behind everything that has brought you down or prevented you from being your true self.
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Karol G, “Mientras Me Curo del Cora”
Image source: Pablo Escudero
On her 2023 album Mañana Sera Bonito, Karol G talks about tough times on opening track 'Mientras Me Curo del Cora'. “Give me time/That I'm not at my best/But I'm slowly getting better, yeah/Today I'm down, but I know tomorrow will be more beautiful,” he sings at the beginning. Backed by upbeat melodies, the Colombian artist reflects on the importance of being surrounded by positive and supportive people on her journey to healing.
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Kendo Kaponi, “Resistencia”
Image credit: Fernando Lugo
Caponis' new song “Resistencia” takes listeners on a journey through his life in prison and the depression he suffered behind bars. “The court did not understand my position and they sentenced me to prison. Christmas in depression and segregation,” he raps.
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KHEA, “Eclipse”
Image source: Ivan Resnik
On a touching comeback track called 'Eclipse', KHEA writes lyrics about losing himself but yearning to find himself again. “Who's that in the mirror?/Every time I look I see him further away/With more complexes since you left/Since that day I've been living in a bloody eclipse,” he wails passionately.
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Logic, Juanes, Alessia Cara & Khalid, “1-800-273-8255”
Image credit: Mario Alzate
Juanes joined Logic for the Spanish remix of his powerful track, for which the song title is the phone number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. “There are people in this world who are trying to overcome difficult situations, and most of them are probably alone — they probably don't know what to do,” Juanes he said Advertising sign. “Music will always be that way to connect with ourselves and the rest of the world, and just find some help through art because art is such a powerful weapon.
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Residente, “René”
Image source: Courtesy photo
The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and rapper has released an introspective song with raw lyrics about depression and dark times in his life. Writing the personal piece was “therapeutic,” he had previously he said Advertising sign. “When I get depressed, I talk my problems out the plane window. The stress is making me sick, I haven't slept in 10 years,” he sings.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/lists/mental-health-awareness-month-latin-songs-list/
